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Britain back open for business, Chancellor to tell G20

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to attend first G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro

Reeves to bang the drum for British business on first international visit since taking office
First female Chancellor to champion the importance of female leadership in economics and finance

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting on her first international visit since taking office.

The Chancellor is meeting with G20 counterparts for the first time, where she will champion British business and declare the country is ‘open for business’ once again after years of uncertainty and instability.

The Chancellor will tell an international audience that the number one priority of the new British government is to deliver economic growth to make every part of the country better off. She will urge business leaders to “take another look at Britain” as she talks to the Government’s plans to boost international investment.

She will outline to leaders of world economies how she will always act in the national interest on major international issues, including climate change and support for Ukraine as Russia’s illegal invasion continues into its third year. The Prime Minister has already recommitted £3 billion per year of military support to the end of the decade or for as long as needed.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Over the coming days my message to international leaders is simple: after years of uncertainty and instability, Britain is open for business once again.

“This new government’s number one mission is to boost economic growth so we can make every part of the country better off. That can only happen by working alongside business from around the world to encourage them to invest in the jobs and industries of the future.

“That is why over the coming two days I will be banging the drum for British business and urging leaders to take another look at us. I’m ready to take my seat at the table alongside fellow finance ministers, steering the world economy and representing our national interests on the major issues of our time, including grasping the growth opportunities of the net zero transition and putting pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.”

Chancellor Reeves will also use her platform as the UK’s first woman Chancellor to champion the importance of female leadership in economics and finance, as she meets with other female leaders while at the G20.

Chancellor Reeves’ visit to Brazil is the latest step in the government’s national mission to grow the economy. Since taking office, she has pursued reform of the economy to fix its foundations and make every part of Britain better off, including announcing changes to the planning system, ending the ban on new onshore wind and launching a National Wealth Fund to catalyse private sector investment.

Brazil holds the presidency for the G20 this year, with a focus on social inclusion and the fight against hunger; energy transition and sustainable development; and reform of global governance. Ministers and governors will discuss the global economy, financial stability, international taxation, climate, and debt and development. The Chancellor will promote collaboration on issues including addressing inequality, driving growth and progressive taxation.

The UK and Brazil’s relationship is particularly strong in green finance, with Brazil raising $2 billion by listing its new sustainable sovereign bond on the London Stock Exchange. The UK government recently renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Development Bank on cooperation on the green transition, in particular on green finance. Britain has also made £5 billion available in UK Export Finance funding to meet Brazil’s needs.

Appeal for further information following serious crash on M8

POLICE are appealing for further information following a serious crash on the M8, near to J13 Provan, in Glasgow on Wednesday (24 July, 2024).

Around 1.10pm, a Mercedes A45 collided with an unmarked Volvo S90 police car and a Mercedes CLS, which were on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway.

Two male police officers and two men from the Mercedes CLS were taken to hospital following the crash.

A 48-year-old police officer and a 43-year-old man remain in a critical condition.

A 38-year-old police officer and a 31-year-old man have both been discharged from hospital following treatment.

Three men, aged 27, 33 and 39, were travelling in the Mercedes A45 at the time of the collision. The 27-year-old and 39-year-old left the scene but were traced nearby following enquiries. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.

The 39-year-old remains in a critical condition. The 33-year-old is still being treated for serious injuries.

The 27-year-old was discharged from hospital and arrested in connection with road traffic offences. He was released pending further enquiries but has since been arrested and charged in connection with an unrelated matter. He is being held in custody and expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 26 July, 2024.

The eastbound carriageway was closed for around 12 hours to allow enquiries to be carried out at the scene.

An online portal has been set up to enable the public to send information directly to the investigation team. Anyone doing so can choose to remain anonymous.

The link can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT24S06-PO1

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts remain with our colleagues and members of the public who were injured in this incident.

“The collision occurred on a busy part of the M8 during the middle of the day. I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or has information, and has not already spoken to officers, to please come forward.

“Additionally, please contact us if you have any dash-cam or CCTV footage relating to this incident that could assist our investigation.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

Information can be passed to Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1672 of 24 July.

As is standard procedure following an incident of this nature, the matter has been referred to Police Investigation & Review Commissioner (PIRC) for review.

Boots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment

Boots on Princes Street unveils fresh, new and updated look for customers
It incorporates a renewed beauty hall packed with new premium beauty and haircare brands
Reinvented healthcare area includes new private consultation rooms to offer more services
Scotland’s very first World of Hearing area opens within the store
A celebratory event is taking place this weekend, with giveaways, sampling, DJ and refreshments

Boots is today unveiling a new look, fully refurbished store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. Packed with a host of new brands, the store has been completely transformed and redesigned to create the very best shopping experience for customers.

The store refit, which was completed earlier this month, features an extensive beauty hall with new and updated beauty counters. It is also now home to 12 exciting new Premium Beauty and Haircare brands including Kylie Cosmetics, Sol de Janerio, Caudalie, Philip Kingsley, Fenty Beauty and many more, as well as all of the much-loved beauty brands that customers enjoy shopping for at Boots, such as No7, Liz Earle, Soap & Glory and Boots own brand. The store also offers five Boots Beauty Specialists that are on hand to offer beauty advice and guidance to customers.

The healthcare space in the store has also been reinvented, with a new look pharmacy. Located on the first floor, the new healthcare area includes a new dispensary and two new private consultation rooms, that will allow the store to offer more healthcare services than ever before, including covid vaccinations, chickenpox vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, NHS Pharmacy First services and Blood Pressure Checks.

Kirsten Darling, Store Manager said: “We are delighted to unveil our new and refurbished store to the local community.

“The store really is a one stop shop for health and beauty at the heart of Edinburgh, and we are so proud to continue serving the community on such an iconic and well-known street. The store has a lot of history, having originally being built in 1912, and now this refit will see us fit to serve into the future.

“We have lots of exciting new beauty brands, revamped health and beauty areas, as well as expert advice and services available. I’d like to say a huge thank you to my store team who have been amazing throughout the whole refit process and we hope customers love the new look store as much as we do.”

The store is now also home to Scotland’s first World of Hearing area, which offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings; by impersonating what it would sound like if they were in a busy restaurant or at a concert. This helps people living with hearing loss to experience the benefits of having a hearing aid fitted in real life situations.

The store is holding a celebration event this weekend with customers invited to visit the store throughout Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th July. They can enjoy product sampling, a DJ, plus cupcakes and refreshments. The weekend event kick-starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am on Friday.

The first 200 customers to visit the store from 9am will receive an exclusive tote bag from Scottish beauty brand BYOMA, including minis of its best-sellers; the Creamy Jelly Cleanser and Moisturising Gel Cream.

£30 million to reduce waiting times in Scotland

Significant activity is underway to clear the longest NHS waits following the allocation of £30 million of targeted funding.

The funding has been allocated to specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

It is estimated the £30 million, initially announced in April, will help boards across the country deliver around; 12,000 additional procedures, 40,000 extra diagnostic procedures and 12,000 new outpatient appointments.

Activity levels will increase over the coming weeks and the Scottish Government will work closely with Boards to support delivery.

Speaking on a visit to Ninewells Hospital’s ophthalmology ward in Dundee, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This initial investment of £30 million will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic. This is all part of our programme to tackle waiting times, including waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment and diagnostics for cancer.

“Together, our actions will help Scotland’s NHS maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment. The number people waiting over two years for a new outpatient appointment is down by more than half in the last two years, and we want to build on that progress.

“As part of the £30 million, we have invested close to £2 million in ophthalmology helping to increase activity in the short term as we aim to deliver one cataract procedure every 30 minutes on standard lists. This will allow a more resilient and sustainable service for the future.”

Michael Kors debuts new store concept in Edinburgh

Michael Kors is pleased to announce a new, expanded Michael Kors Lifestyle store location on the renowned Multrees Walk in Edinburgh, this July. The store’s transformation reflects the brand’s new store design concept, with a focus on pared-down luxury and sophisticated glamour.

The 3,380 -square-foot store will carry a luxe selection of MICHAEL Michael Kors fashion and accessories, including handbags, ready-to-wear, small leather goods and footwear, as well as watches, jewellery and eyewear.

The store will also carry a broad assortment of leather goods, ready-to-wear, footwear and small leather goods from the Michael Kors Mens label, available on Multrees Walk for the first time.

The new Michael Kors store concept reflects the brand’s commitment to laid-back luxury, with an emphasis on ease and sophistication. Customers are welcomed into an atmosphere warmed by soft neutral tones, residential décor cues and an open, airy ambience enhanced by floating shelves and vivid light.

The setting invites customers to browse, shop and enjoy the brand’s exceptional personal styling and service.

Interior design elements include hand-troweled plaster finishes and a refined spectrum of material choices including warm oak wood flooring, glossed black and white marble, and brushed nickel fixtures. A palette of warm whites and soft beiges is paired with textural accents and tactile fabrics that complement Michael Kors’ luxurious take on glamour.

Commenting on the newly expanded store, Adam Stone, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at Nuveen said: “Multrees Walk has been home to Michael Kors since 2012, and we are delighted to see them thrive and flourish so successfully to the point where a larger store was required.

“The expansion will also see new lines and product offerings in Edinburgh which is fantastic news for our shoppers to Multrees Walk. 2024 is a very exciting year for Multrees Walk as we grow and evolve the retail offering by welcoming a number of high-end luxury brands.”

Letters: Volunteering with British Heart Foundation

Dear Editor,

Summer is the perfect time to try something new, so why not lend a hand in your local charity shop? The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering ‘taster’ sessions for anyone who wants to see what volunteering is all about.

So, whether you’re passionate about preloved, looking to meet new people, or keen to support the charity, we offer flexible volunteering roles for as little as an hour or two, without any long-term commitment.

Our volunteers are changing the way they gift their time to us. Fitting around life commitments like studying, family or work, we’re seeing an increasing number of people opting for ad hoc shifts. And that works for us!

With plenty of roles in store, through our Action Team, or remotely – yes you can volunteer from the comfort of your own sofa – give it a try for an hour or two. We will welcome you with open arms, and of course drinks and snacks too! Please do pop in for a cuppa or get in touch to find out more.

Every hour makes a difference, and no matter how much time you spend with us, you will be helping to fund lifesaving research.

Find a role to suit you by popping into your local shop or visiting

bhf.org.uk/volunteer.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Boardman

Retail Volunteering Operations Manager at the British Heart Foundation

Edinburgh International Book Festival announces James Crawford as new Chair of Board of Directors

The Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces celebrated writer, broadcaster, and publisher James Crawford as the Festival’s new Chair of the Board of Directors.

The author of ten books including The Edge of the Plain: How Borders Make and Break Our World, which investigates the shifting geopolitics of a world beset by climate change, James joins a number of new faces on the board as the Festival enters a new era under director Jenny Niven and in its new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

Bringing a nuanced understanding on topics ranging from law, history and technology, to globalisation and mass migration, James brings practical expertise on both the media and publishing landscapes thanks to his current roles as Editor-at-Large for the celebrated independent Scottish publisher Birlinn/Polygon, and as writer and presenter of landmark BBC One series Scotland from the Sky; and from previous experience, including asChair of the Board at industry body Publishing Scotland.

James joins recent Board appointees, disability advocate Tomas Gerrard, award-winning writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied, fundraising and sponsorship expert Hannah Hyde, and Anna Frame, Communications Director at publishing house Canongate, all of whom have been elected to the Board in the past 12 months.

James will take up his role in September after the current chair, Alan Little, steps down at the end of this year’s Festival.

James Crawford, incoming Chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival Board of Directors said: “I was just seventeen when I first travelled to Edinburgh to visit the Book Festival, and I have been coming back ever since – first as an audience member, then as a publisher and author.

“The strength of the Festival has always been the melting pot of ideas, discourse, argument, imagination and inspiration that it offers. It is embarking on a new chapter now – with a new director and a new home – and it is a privilege to support Jenny and her team as they shape their vision for the Festival’s future.

“While challenges lie ahead, the importance of book festivals – both what they are and what they represent – should never be underestimated.”

Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are delighted to welcome James as Chair of the Board.

“As well as being a highly experienced writer, editor, broadcaster and chairperson, Jamie is hugely respected in literature and publishing, and understands the festival and the wider sector from a range of perspectives.

“He’s extremely well placed to help us achieve our goals to make the Book Festival as widely relevant as possible, to create opportunities for writers and the creative community and to champion good information and the exchange of ideas.

“Myself, the Board, and the wider Festival team are looking forward enormously to the energy he’ll bring as we open a new chapter for the Book Festival, and to working with James in the years to come.”

Jenny took up the role of Director in September 2023, taking over from Nick Barley who had been in post since 2010. A leading cultural producer and director, she has worked in literature for 20 years.

Founder and Director of the award-winning Push the Boat Out, a festival of poetry, spoken word and language she was also formerly Executive Producer of Dandelion 2022, of the Edinburgh International Culture Summit, and was Head of Literature at Creative Scotland from 2014-2018. She has extensive international experience; Jenny co-founded Beijing’s first Book Festival, and was Associate Director at the Wheeler Centre for Books Writing and Ideas in Melbourne.

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The 2024 Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from 10 – 25 August, and takes place for the first time at the new Edinburgh Futures Institute on Lauriston Place.

For more information on Edinburgh International Book Festival visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

Council leaders meet to discuss ongoing pay negotiations

Council leaders reconvened from recess yesterday (24^th July) for a special meeting to discuss the ongoing pay negotiations with Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Unions.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann, commented following the meeting: “We are disappointed that the Scottish Joint Council (SJC) Trade Unions have chosen to reject the revised pay offer made on 18^th July.

“We have been consistently clear that this offer of 3.2% over 12 months is at the absolute limit of affordability for councils, given the extremely challenging financial situation Local Government is facing. We believe this offer, which is above inflation, is fair, strong and credible. There is no more money available within existing council budgets to fund an increased offer without unacceptable and damaging cuts to jobs and services.

“COSLA remains committed to continuing our negotiations towards finding a solution as quickly as possible, seeking to do all we can to avoid industrial action and its damaging impact on our communities.

“In response to calls from Trade Unions, COSLA Leaders agreed today (24^th July) to raise the matter of local government finance and local government pay with the Scottish Government. As no decisions can be taken until these discussions have taken place, we request that the trade unions pause their industrial action.

“COSLA are in the process of contacting the Trade Unions and Scottish Government on this. Council Leaders value the Local Government workforce and their essential work across our communities and remain committed to reaching an agreeable solution as quickly as possible.”

Fire at Gorgie Farm: Statement

Following a fire at the Gorgie Farm site last night, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) have issued a joint statement:

Joint statement from Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker and EVOC’s Convenor, Diarmaid Lawlor:

‘We’d like to sincerely thank the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for attending the fire at the Gorgie Farm site yesterday evening and making the area safe.

‘This must have been a distressing incident for local residents. We’re glad that no injuries have been reported and that the fire crews were able to contain the fire to the stable block.

‘We’ll now assess the damage at the site and work to determine the best way forward for this much loved community farm.’

Scottish Connections Fund applications now open

£50,000 available for projects to support Scotland’s diaspora

A fund to help strengthen Scotland’s international diaspora has opened for applications.

The £50,000 Scottish Connections Fund is open to bids from any individual or organisation with a Scottish connection, whether that link is through heritage, education, business, culture, or a broader affinity.

Grants ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 will be awarded to support at least 10 new innovative projects that will help bring together Scotland’s diaspora and promote Scottish connections worldwide.

This year’s funding follows a successful pilot last year, which supported four projects, including work by the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society to help descendants of enslaved Americans document their Scottish connections.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “This is a fund that I’m extremely passionate about. We’ve long believed that better engaging our diaspora – family and friends of Scotland globally – can benefit Scotland economically and enrich our culture. It can also improve Scotland’s connections and reputation and we want our efforts to benefit our diaspora too.

“The Scottish Connections Framework, which was launched in 2023, laid out our commitments to support and expand this global community. These connections raise Scotland’s profile and reputation and encourage individuals and companies to visit, study, live, work and do business here.”

The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society was one of the beneficiaries of the pilot fund, using the funding to engage expert researchers in compiling a guide and resource for those researching the Scottish ancestry of enslaved individuals or enslavers in North America.

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society President Joshua Taylor said: “With a generous grant from the Scottish Connections Fund, our organisation had the singular opportunity to explore and share an important but unexamined part of the Scottish diaspora— descendants of enslaved Americans and their connections to Scotland.

“We engaged two genealogists to conduct comprehensive research in Scotland and the United States, compiling a list of resources that will serve as a primary reference for individuals tracing biographical and genealogical connections to those enslaved ancestors with ties to Scotland.

“We are grateful for programmes like the Scottish Connections Fund, which enabled us to develop an important tool that empowers more people to discover and learn more about their family history as part of the Scottish diaspora.

“We encourage any organisation engaging in Scottish culture and heritage to explore this vital resource.”

Scottish Connections Fund: guidance