FRIDAY 24 JANUARY 9.30 – 11.30AM
NEW CLASS:
Day lipreading class: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre
11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh EH5 1NF
Day: Friday 24 January 2025
Send an email to: deaflearners@ea.edin.sch.uk
or call on Adult Learning Line 0800 085 7672 to find out more.
Artificial intelligence will be ‘unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal’, under a new plan announced today (13 January 2025).
In a marked move from the previous government’s approach, the Prime Minister is throwing the full weight of Whitehall behind this industry by agreeing to take forward all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford in his game-changing AI Opportunities Action Plan.
AI is already being used across the UK. It is being used in hospitals up and down the country to deliver better, faster, and smarter care: spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker. This is already helping deliver the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
Unveiling details of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan today, the Prime Minister will say AI can transform the lives of working people – it has the potential to speed up planning consultations to get Britain building, help drive down admin for teachers so they can get on with teaching our children, and feed AI through cameras to spot potholes and help improve roads.
Backing AI to the hilt can also lead to more money in the pockets of working people. The IMF estimates that – if AI is fully embraced – it can boost productivity by as much as 1.5 percentage points a year. If fully realised, these gains could be worth up to an average £47 billion to the UK each year over a decade.
Today’s plan mainlines AI into the veins of this enterprising nation – revolutionising our public services and putting more money in people’s back pockets. Because for too long we have allowed blockers to control the public discourse and get in the way of growth in this sector.
The plan puts an end to that by introducing new measures that will create dedicated AI Growth Zones that speed up planning permission and give them the energy connections they need to power up AI.
The UK occupies a unique place in the world. We can learn from the US’s and EU’s approach – delivering the dynamism, flexibility and long-term stability that we know businesses want.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.
“But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side, one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.
“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services.
“That’s the change this government is delivering.”
It comes as three major tech companies – Vantage Data Centres, Nscale and Kyndryl – have committed to £14 billion investment in the UK to build the AI infrastructure the UK needs to harness the potential of this technology and deliver 13,250 jobs across the UK. That’s on top of the £25 billion in AI investment announced at the International Investment Summit.
Vantage Data Centres – which is working to build one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses in Wales – plans to invest over £12 billion in data centres across the UK – creating over 11,500 jobs in the process.
Kyndryl – the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider and a leading IT consultancy – announces plans to create up to 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool over the next three years. This new tech hub will share the Government’s ambition to roll AI out across the country to help grow the economy and foster the next generation of talent.
Nscale – one of the UK’s leading AI companies – has announced a $2.5 billion investment to support the UK’s data centre infrastructure over the next three years. They have also signed a contract to build the largest UK sovereign AI data centre in Loughton, Essex by 2026.
The plan includes initiatives that will help make the UK the number one place for AI firms to invest, which is vital if Britain is to be at the forefront of this industry and be a changemaker rather than a change-taker.
The key changes include:
Taken together, the 50 measures will make the UK irresistible to AI firms looking to start, scale, or grow their business. It builds on recent progress in AI that saw £25 billion of new investment in data centres announced since the government took office last July.
This Action Plan is also at the heart of the government’s Industrial Strategy and the first plank of the upcoming Digital and Technology Sector Plan, to be published in the coming months.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said: ”AI has the potential to change all of our lives but for too long, we have been curious and often cautious bystanders to the change unfolding around us. With this plan, we become agents of that change.
“We already have remarkable strengths we can tap into when it comes to AI – building our status as the cradle of computer science and intelligent machines and establishing ourselves as the third largest AI market in the world.
“This government is determined that the UK is not left behind in the global race for AI, that’s why the actions we commit to will ensure that the benefits are spread throughout the UK so all citizens will reap the rewards of the bet we make today. This is how we’re putting our Plan for Change in motion.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said: “AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.
“This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action. Attracting AI businesses to the UK, binging in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket.”
Matt Clifford CBE said: ”This is a plan which puts us all-in – backing the potential of AI to grow our economy, improve lives for citizens, and make us a global hub for AI investment and innovation.
“AI offers opportunities we can’t let slip through our fingers, and these steps put us on the strongest possible footing to ensure AI delivers in all corners of the country, from building skills and talent to revolutionising our infrastructure and compute power.”
It has been revealed that in the UK, people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. This is particularly significant during January, when shorter days and gloomy weather can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Spending so much time inside can take a toll on mental health, but there are ways to counteract these effects. According to research, spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (nature.com) – and there’s no need to feel excluded if you’re indoors a lot, as simply looking at greenery within the home can provide similar benefits.
Research has linked houseplants to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and an improved state of mind. In light of this, the house plant experts, Beards & Daisies have provided expert advice on the benefits of indoor plants:
The Benefits of Plants
They’re purifying
You might not think of pollution as a problem in your home, but toxins at home are caused by factors like home heating and chemicals in household products.
Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of the houseplant guide ‘The Unkillables’, notes that “common household toxins include formaldehyde, ammonia, and carbon monoxide.
Fortunately, houseplants can remove these toxins, increase oxygen levels, and reduce airborne dust for healthier air”. Some of these plants include The Kentia Palm (our favourite) or the Peace Lily.
They boost your mood
The presence of plants can enhance the visual appeal of a space, making it more inviting and comforting. This can create a more positive environment, contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation. Research has shown that interacting with plants can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety, and increase feelings of calmness and satisfaction.
They’re calming
Benefits of plants include lower blood pressure, heart rate and a reduction of that dreaded stress hormone, cortisol. Caring for plants is a calming process too which requires attention and patience, which can encourage mindfulness.
The act of watering, pruning, and nurturing plants can be meditative, helping to slow down the mind and reduce anxiety.
They make you more productive
Beat procrastination with a plant!
Adding colour and greenery to your desk space can increase your productivity and creativity by serving you with a source of inspiration. This is because plants are proven to enhance focus. Impressive studies have shown that attentiveness is increased by 70% when houseplants are present in a room.
They boost your immune system
Jo reveals that plants contribute to a stronger immune system in several ways:
“By improving air quality, they reduce respiratory issues and help maintain overall health. Many plants release antimicrobial compounds that can support immune function. Additionally, their ability to lower stress levels indirectly strengthens immunity.”
For those that bear edible fruits or vegetables, they also provide nutrient-rich foods that further boost your immune system.
They promote healing
Studies have shown that houseplants can aid in the recovery of sick individuals. Research from Kansas State University suggests that plants serve as a “non-invasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients.” The findings revealed that when patients recovering from surgery have plants in view, they experience less anxiety and fatigue compared to those in rooms without plants.
“What does a Trump presidency mean for Europe?”
Thursday 16th January 7pm
President-elect Donald Trump will become the 47th leader of the United States on 20th January. He has already sent shock waves across the world with his proposals to bring Greenland and Panama under US control. Mr Trump is reshaping the world. How will his second term in the White House affect Europe?
Lord John Kerr is one of the UK’s most experienced and skilled analysts of the political workings of the USA and the EU.
He will join former MEP and MP Alyn Smith for an online conversation to look at what the near future might hold for Europe. The event, which is part of a European Movement in Scotland webinar series, is on Thursday 16th January at 7pm.
The Trump presidency is likely to have a broad impact on Europe and EU policies, including trade relations with the US, competition policy, product standards and consumer protections, climate change strategies, energy security and the regulation of internet and social media companies.
To register and book free tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-does-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-europe-tickets-1113603109879
Lord Kerr, who was born in Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, and schooled in Glasgow, has held the highest offices in the British foreign service.
He brings unparalleled insight into transatlantic relations and the complexities of European and US diplomacy. He served as British ambassador to the US while Tony Blair was prime minister. During John Major’s premiership he was the UK’s ambassador to the EU.
As Sir John Kerr he rose to become head of the Foreign Office and of the head of the Diplomatic Service. On retiring from the UK government, he was a member of the European Convention, which first drafted what became Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which describes the process to be followed by a country leaving the EU.
He was elevated to the peerage in 20024, taking the title Lord Kerr of Kinlochard. He served on House of Lords committees on European affairs. Lord Kerr was a vocal critic of the Conservative Party’s Brexit strategies and negotiating stances.
Coming soon! Our 11th Annual Burns Night Community Ceilidh!
Saturday 25th January 5-8.30 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
Tickets on sale from tomorrow – Monday 13th January.
With Pilton Community Health Project
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre
Tinderbox Collective and many more..
The Big House Multibank in Fife is calling on local residents to support its drive to combat hygiene poverty in the region and help to ensure children can return to school this week feeling comfortable in their own skin.
To kick-start the campaign, Amazon has joined forces with its suppliers of well-known household brands including Unilever, L’Oréal, and Colgate-Palmolive to deliver thousands of hygiene products to families in need acrossFife via The Multibank charity.
From today until 28 January, for every two purchases on Amazon.co.uk from a selection of over 800 personal hygiene, household and baby products, Amazon and its suppliers will donate a third item to the network of Multibanks across the UK, including The Big House Multibank, Fife.
According to a recent survey for The Hygiene Bank, teachers are spending £40 million out of their own pockets to combat the effects hygiene poverty in the classroom as 1 in 4 children (28%) are reported to be regularly missing school because they or their clothes or kit are not clean.
Former UK Prime Minister Rt Hon Gordon Brown, said: “I’m delighted Amazon, whose surplus stocks are already a mainstay of Multibank goods, are launching a multi-business collaboration amongst hygiene companies to increase the amount of hygiene goods supplied to our Multibanks. I thank all the companies involved.
“We know The Multibanks are making a real difference keeping hard-pressed families facing the future with some hope of better days ahead. We must now keep innovating how we do charitable work in our communities because too many children need the help right now and teachers tell us that keeping kids clean and smelling fresh is for them a priority issue.”
Kirsty Thomson, CEO of The Big House Multibank, said: “Rising living costs are forcing people into impossible situations where they’re having to choose between feeding their families, and keeping them clean.
“Family finances are under even more pressure during the winter months so we are grateful to Amazon and its suppliers for their commitment to unlock more hygiene products which will provide life-changing support to the most vulnerable in our communities.”
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported the foundation and growth of The Big HouseMultibank.
“We want to support their drive to combat hygiene poverty across the region helping as many families in need as possible. By working together with our suppliers and our customers, we hope to generate hundreds of thousands more donations.”
Chris Barron, General Manager for Personal Care UK&I at Unilever, said: “The support that The Multibank provides is so important, helping households that are facing hygiene poverty to access the daily products that help people to feel clean and confident.
“We know that together we can do more, so we’re really pleased to be partnering with Amazon with a shared commitment to get more products to the charities and people that need them most.”
Brands participating in You Buy. We Donateare Amazon brands by Amazon, and Mama Bear, as well as, Dove, Elvive, Colgate, Garnier, L’Oréal Paris, Lynx, Men Expert, Nivea, Palmolive, Radox, Revitalift, Sanex, SheaMoisture, Simple, Sure, Tommee, Tippee TRESemme, and Vaseline.
Transport logistics specialists, Palletline is providing logistics support for the campaign free of charge, handling the storage and onward distribution of all donations to The Multibank’s network of regional hubs.
A second Multibank in Wigan opened in 2023, followed by Swansea, London and Middlesbrough in 2024.
Working people and businesses across the UK will feel the benefits of agreements worth £600 million to the British economy, as agreed in the 2025 UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD).
Chancellor Rachel Reeves was hosted by Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing today, in support of a stable and balanced UK-China relationship. Both sides agreed to deeper cooperation across areas such as financial services, trade, investment, and the climate to support secure growth, while being frank and open on areas of disagreement.
Overall, this government’s reengagement with China sets us on course to deliver up to £1 billion of value for the UK economy.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “The agreements we’ve reached show that pragmatic cooperation between the world’s largest economies can help us boost economic growth for the benefit of working people – a priority of our Plan for Change.
“More widely, today is a platform for respectful and consistent future relations with China. One where we can be frank and open on areas where we disagree, protecting our values and security interests, and finding opportunities for safe trade and investment.
Britain is a leading financial services partner for China. A range of financial services companies with a substantial presence in the market – HSBC, Standard Chartered, Prudential, Schroders, abdrn, Fidelity International and London Stock Exchange Group – accompanied the Chancellor as a business delegation on the trip. The granting of new licences and quota allocations for UK firms such as HSBC, Schroders, abrdn and Aspect Capital to enhance their business in China will further strengthen these ties.
Alongside this are initiatives to improve capital market connectivity – including a commitment to further enhance the UK-China Stock Connect and welcoming the launch of UK-China over-the-counter bond business – as well as initiatives on pensions, countering illicit finance and sustainable finance cooperation.
As part of this, China announced plans to issue an inaugural overseas sovereign green bond – to be used to finance environmentally sustainable projects – in London during 2025. The UK and China will also explore a Wealth Connect programme in recognition of the role asset management has to play in supporting growth. The agreements today in financial services will provide significant value to the UK economy over the next five years.
Both sides have committed to improving existing channels to discuss more sensitive issues, including the need to speak candidly about national and economic security. In her engagement, the Chancellor made clear UK concerns about imbalances in the Chinese economy, and both sides agreed to discuss industrial policy in support of a global level playing field.
The UK and China have agreed to further cooperation including through strengthening the existing UK-China clean energy partnership and committing to a dialogue on international development – to work together in tackling shared global challenges.
The lifting of barriers that restricted export to China across a range of goods and services will support UK exports and innovation, particularly in the agri-food sector where a package headlined by pork, wool, poultry, and pet food stands to boost UK trade with China and support new jobs. China has also agreed to continue to liberalise sectors that restrict foreign investment, such as education and culture, and support a level playing field and fair competition.
The EFD is also part of a wider programme making substantive progress in improving arrangements for UK exports and investors. This is reflected in new agreements on vaccine approvals, fertilizer, whisky labelling, legal services, automotives and accountancy which set course for the EFD to unlock £1 billion of value for the UK economy.
In her meetings with Chinese government counterparts yesterday the Chancellor was clear on the importance of open channels on areas where we disagree. She urged China to cease its support for Russia’s defence industrial base, which is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war against Ukraine.
In recognition that upholding national security is this government’s first duty, the Chancellor raised this government’s deep concerns over cases involving interference in our democracy and malicious cyber activity emanating from China. Reeves also raised the case of British National Jimmy Lai and raised UK concerns around the respect of protected rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.
She raised human rights, including in Xinjiang, and forced labour. The Chancellor made clear that China’s sanctions against Parliamentarians are completely unwarranted and unacceptable.
Looking ahead, regular dialogues and technical exchanges to progress pragmatic cooperation have been established. This includes further engagement at Ministerial and official level on trade, science and tech, intellectual property, customs, sports and creative industries.
A full list of outcomes from the 2025 UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue can be found here.
Tickets are on sale for Scotland’s National event to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe:
Scotland’s Salute – A Tribute to VE-Day 80th Anniversary Concert
Organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, this exciting May event follows on from last June’s hugely successful Scotland Salutes: D-Day 80 concert.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Usher Hall Website on:
BREATHING SPACE
9.30AM tomorrow (MONDAY)
PILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT
Welcome in the New Year with a fresh breath! Join Jules on Monday morning for Breathing Space; a 30 minute deeply relaxing class that honours the #Seasons and helps you cultivate DEEP REST.
Winter is not the time for strenuous exercise or diets, give your body and mind what it wants… R E S T.
Learn to be in tune with #Nature and enjoy the stillness, the quiet, giving yourself permission to be present for each and every breath.
Women Only. Comfortable clothing, just bring yourself and breathe with me.
Due to the nature of this class, late arrivals will not be able to attend.
WE’RE BACK!
We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to our groups next week!
All our groups are back from Monday 13th of January – remember if you are new to us or have not completed a consent form since before September 2024 then you need to collect one to come along!
Also please pay attention to the age of the groups as some of them have changed! Any questions, give us a call or pop by and we are happy to help
