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Neil Lal receives Gandhian Peace Society’s Man of the Decade Award

At the Scottish Parliament on 29 May, Neil Lal received the Gandhian Peace Society’s Man of the Decade Award. Many dignitaries, diplomats, politicians and business and community leaders from all over the world were in attendance.

On behalf of the Gandhian organisation, The Former, Chief Minister of Jersey (Channel Islands) The Honourable John Le Fondre, Ceo of Together UK Foundation, Mr Andrew Grocock presented a Gold plate to Mr Neil Lal and the Counsul General of Hungary Dr Laszlo Kalman.

The Conseller Des Francais de I’Etranger Mr Christian Albussion, along with Foysal Choudhury MSP (Event sponsor), presented a medal to Neil Lal.

All five made speeches and congratulated the achievements of Mr Neil Lal who is also the Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom, the leading organisation representing the Indian community in the country.

Ash Regan MSP spoke of Neil Lal’s achievements and in attendance was Vice Consul General of India Amit Chaudhary and many businesscommunity leaders. Former Rangers Legend Gordon Smith attended and praised Neil Lal’s public service.

The Gandhian peace society is under the leadership of Chairman Anuranjan Jha.

The Prestigious honour recognises individuals who have made significant contributions in promoting peace, harmony and social justice in Scotland and across the United Kingdom.

Gandhian peace society explained: “The award is not only bestowed by the Gandhian Peace Society but also endorsed by a diverse group of stakeholders including members of public, religious leaders, politicians and global advocates of Gandhian values.

“The finalist’s included many senior politicians such as former PMs Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak and the current PM Sir Keir Starmer. Neil Lal’s selection of the award is a testament to his outstanding achievements.

“His tireless efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting cultural understanding and advocating for human rights have inspired countless individuals. Neil Lal work with the Indian community in the UK coupled with his unwavering commitment to religious harmonisation and peace building has profoundly impacted our society.

“We are particularly impressed by Neil Lal integrity, fairness and exemplary leadership. His unbiased approach to all communities, faiths and cultures has been instrumental in nation building and bringing diverse groups together. His transparency and accountability have set a high standard for others to follow.

“During the pandemic, Mr Neil Lal generous donations and efforts to bring UK Trade Investment demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the nation. His ongoing work encouraging Trade & Investment in the UK has significantly contributed to economic growth and cross cultural partnerships.

“As part of the award a presentation of £100,000.00 has been awarded to Mr Neil Lal to which he has kindly declined, and he has asked the Gandhian organisations in India to distribute amongst the poor and needy In India.

“This action by Neil Lal speaks volumes. We are honoured to recognise Neil Lal’s exceptional contributions”

Accepting the Award, Neil Lal said: “I am humbled in receiving the Man of The Decade Award and I thank everyone coming today.

“It is not right for me to accept the £100,000.00 prize award as it would be best served to be given to the poor and needy therefore I have declined the prize money.

“I thank all those who have attended including event convenor Sukhi Bains and especially the dignitaries, John Le Fondre, Andrew Grocock, Dr Laszlo Kalman, Christian Albuisson, Foysal Choudhury MSP, Ash Regan MSP, Gordon Smith and many others.

“It has been a great team effort with support from the Indian community such as Baldev Sood, Pravesh Randev, Sunil Marwaha, Sanjay Sharma, Arun Thapar and their families. Let’s all work together for the betterment of humanity.”

Wardieburn Community Clean Up

Wardieburn Community Clean up

Monday 23rd June – Wednesday 25th June 2025

Skips will be at Wardieburn Road, Wardieburn Street West and Wardieburn Street East

Items you no longer need or excess items that cause your normal bin to overflow

This DOES NOT include bulky waste such as mattresses, sofas or white goods

Tackling fuel poverty in privately rented homes

Proposals for minimum standards of energy efficiency

Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought forward under existing powers requiring privately rented properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.

In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy efficiency improvements.

The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.

Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said: “It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.

“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.

“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year. Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health, by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.

“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”

Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of the property.

Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

D-Day 81 anniversary

The UK Defence Secretary John Healey gave a speech at the International Commemoration at Utah Beach yesterday to mark 81 years since the D-Day Landings.

This year’s event focussed on the US contribution to the Normandy campaign, but paid tribute to all who died in the operation.

Mr Healey said: “Bonjour tout le monde. 81 years ago today, tyranny bowed when the courage of free men forced open the gates of liberation.

Within hours, the people of Sainte-Mère-Église had control of their destiny again.

Within three months, the Tricolor once again flew from the Eiffel Tower.

Within a year the continent of Europe would once again know peace.

It is a rare thing to have changed the course of history, but that is what the veterans of Normandy did.

They fought for a future that they knew they may not live to see.

And through their valour we inherited a free world.

We are humbled to be in your company. We give eternal thanks for your sacrifice.

And I’m also grateful to the Comité du Débarquement, as the stewards of our shared history. With every year that passes, your work becomes more important.

And 81 years on, we return to Normandy to ask:

What principle guided 150,000 souls across that body of water?

What belief compelled the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st to thunder through the skies above us?

What force drove the ‘Ivy’ men to charge these dunes at Utah?

…all to liberate people they had never known in a land they had never seen.

And that is the power of unity, the power of friendship, the faith in democracy and freedom.

And through the sacrifices made on these shores we learn the true strength of alliances.

The strength of our war-fighters standing together as they continue to do on operations today – personnel from Manchester, from Marseilles, from Minnesota.

The strength of our nations standing together in NATO to deter current conflicts and adversaries.

The responsibility to safeguard D-Day’s legacy and freedom rests today with us.

So, let us give everlasting honour to our Normandy veterans… for whom the Longest Day never ended.

And let us find the strength to carry on in their names and to carry forward their cause.

Thank you.”

Illegal working enforcement soars in drive to strengthen border security

Over 6,000 arrests and 9,000 visits carried out across the UK since general election in Labour’s crackdown on illegal working

A major surge in immigration enforcement activity across the UK has led to a 51% rise in the number of arrests since Labour’s general election victory, as part of a Home Office drive to disable the illegal working trade in the UK.

Immigration Enforcement teams have intensified activity in towns, cities and villages to tackle those abusing the UK immigration system and exploiting vulnerable people. It forms part of the government’s efforts to crack down on organised immigration crime at every level under the Plan for Change and end the false promise of jobs used to sell spaces on small boats.

Since 5 July last year to 31 May, 9,000 visits have resulted in 6,410 arrests, marking a 48% and 51% rise respectively compared to the year before under the previous government (5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024).

Particular focus has been on tackling employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the thousands of businesses targeted.

The new measures come alongside a ramp-up of operational activity to restore control of the immigration system, including the return of nearly 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally.

“This will no longer be tolerated on our watch. That’s why we are ramping up our enforcement activity and introducing tougher laws to finally get a grip of our immigration and asylum system.

“Under our Plan for Change, we will continue to root out unscrupulous employers and disrupt illegal workers who undermine our border security.”

It is a legal requirement for employers to carry out Right to Work checks and those who fail to do so face hefty penalties including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement Eddy Montgomery said: “Our work to tackle illegal working is vital in not only bringing the guilty to account, but also in protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.

“I’m incredibly proud of our enforcement teams across the country for their hard work, skill and co-operation on these often challenging but highly important operations.”

During one major co-ordinated operation in March, officers made 36 arrests at a construction site in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter. Offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work.

Elsewhere, 9 arrests were made at a caravan park in Surrey last month following intelligence individuals were working illegally as delivery drivers in the gig economy.

Meanwhile, 9 people were also arrested in Bradford in March as officers intercepted a popular illegal working pick up point in Naples Street.

Ramping up illegal working enforcement activity forms a key part of the Home Office’s drive to restore order to the immigration system under the Labour Government’s Plan for Change.

In many cases, individuals travelling to the UK illegally are sold a lie by smuggling gangs that they will be able to live and work freely in the UK, when in reality they often end up facing squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, with the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught working illegally.

In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government is also introducing tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working by extending Right to Work checks on those hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services.

Another arrest in central belt organised crime gangs feud

A further arrest has been made as detectives continue to investigate a number of linked incidents in the West and East of Scotland, bringing the total to 42.

Officers executed a warrant at an address in Glasgow on the evening of Thursday, 29 May, 2025.

A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with fire-raising at a house on Drumchapel Road, Glasgow, on Tuesday, 13 May. He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, 30 May.

Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and a dedicated team of officers from our Specialist Crime Division, with support from local divisions across the country, continue to work together to gather vital evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.

Over the course of the investigation so far, more than 8,000 homes have been visited and more than 1,600 vehicles have been stopped, as officers continue to gather information.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to be clear that violence will not be tolerated, and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice.

“We are still following positive lines of enquiry, and this arrest highlights our continued resolve to target organised crime.

“The support of our communities remains vital, and I want to again express my sincere thanks to the public for their continued help and information so far.

“If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, please do the right thing and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

826,000 families boost finances with childcare savings

Almost 826,000 UK families shared £632.2 million in government top-ups towards their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year
Working families urged to sign up now to give their summer plans a financial boost
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer plans a financial boost.

Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 4,925 families compared to the previous March.

Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child.

Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that’s nursery for younger children, or for older children – wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you’re planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”

For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards paying for their childcare costs.

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.  

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:     

have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11^th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16^th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average  
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum  
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers

Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours subject to eligibility.

New ‘life-changing’ eyecare hospital opens in Edinburgh

A new eyecare hospital offering cataract, glaucoma and eyelid surgery, and a range of specialist ophthalmology services, has opened in Edinburgh offering access to some of Scotland’s leading eye surgeons.

Clarity, located at The Stones at the South Gyle Business Park, provides a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostics tools and testing equipment, allowing for precise evaluations and personalised treatment plans, as well as the latest lens technologies to offer patients tailored solutions.

The hospital, which opened on 2nd June, will be managed by Andrew Gunn, who worked for Aspen Healthcare and Nuffield Health for 10 years and has held senior operational roles at award-winning hospitals, including The Edinburgh Clinic. A passionate and enthusiastic leader, he says he is committed to making a difference in patients’ lives and strives for excellent outcomes by fostering a positive culture and environment for both staff and patients.

The hospital’s team is made up of seven clinical ophthalmic specialists with decades of combined experience in both NHS and independent care settings.

Amongst others, it includes Dr Naing Latt Tint, considered one of Scotland’s top cataract, lens and refractive surgeons; Dr Andrew Tatham, president of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society and clinical lead for ophthalmology with NHS Research Scotland; and Dr Mei-Ling Cheng, a Consultant Ophthalmic and Glaucoma surgeon with advanced specialist training in cataract surgery.

Together, they say Clarity offers excellent clinical standards with clear pricing for precise treatment options, and a complete care pathway, from consultation and diagnosis, through to surgery and aftercare. They estimate wait times for treatment will be as little as two weeks from first consultation.

The Edinburgh hospital is Clarity’s first in Scotland, and there are plans to roll out more sites in the future.

Matt Currall, CEO of Clarity, said: “Being able to see your family and friends smile, absorb the depth of different colours in our world, and take in the feast nature offers, are all things many take for granted. Those who can’t enjoy that, due to eye conditions including cataracts and glaucoma, often feel very isolated.

“At Clarity, we believe optimal eye health is essential for enjoying life to the fullest so we’re dedicated to providing transformative eye treatments which restore patients’ vision so they can feel connected to their surroundings once again.

“We’ve curated a team of specialist ophthalmology experts – true leaders in their field – to ensure the people of Edinburgh suffering with eye conditions have access to timely, high-quality care, so they can get back to full clarity of vision.

“Our doors are now open, and we encourage both patients and referrers, including GPs and opticians, to explore everything we have to offer.”

Andrew added: “Joining Clarity Edinburgh is an incredibly exciting opportunity. It marks my return home to Scotland, but more importantly, means I’m able to lead on this new chapter for the city’s eyecare patients, helping them rediscover the wonders of life through our innovative and compassionate service.

“I look forward to making Clarity the hospital of choice in Edinburgh and beyond for eye treatments and surgery.”

To find out more, visit https://www.clarityhealthcare.uk/.

Man convicted for involvement in last year’s Bonfire Night disorder

A man has been convicted following his involvement in significant disorder within Edinburgh during Bonfire Night 2024.

Jordan McMillan, 24, was found guilty of culpable and reckless conduct after providing fireworks to individuals who then threw these items and other projectiles at police officers and members of the public in Niddrie Mains Road.

He will be sentenced on Monday, 14 July.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “This conviction should send a very clear message that the reckless and dangerous behaviour we witnessed across Edinburgh last year will not be tolerated.

“Further positive court outcomes for those involved in disorder during 2024 are anticipated and we are currently working with key partners ahead of Bonfire Night 2025 to protect our communities from this reckless and dangerous behaviour, which simply has to stop.”

Letters: Urgent action needed to support older Scots

Dear Editor,

Our charity recently released a new Index into the financial wellbeing of older Scots. Across the country, the results were stark, and closer to home they reveal the tough choices many in later life in the Lothian region are being forced to make.

Our data has shown that, shockingly, in the region, 22% of older people have skipped meals in the last year. Just 20% say that the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.

The Scottish Government recently put forward its Programme for Government, and again, despite rising levels of pensioner poverty, there was no proposed plan to tackle this.

At Independent Age, we know urgent action is needed. A pensioner poverty strategy should include a Pension Credit awareness campaign, which is a vital source of support for older people on a low income that a significant number in the region – 18% – do not even know about.

The results of our Index show the unacceptable financial difficulties many older people in the Lothian are experiencing. This must change. Both the UK and Scottish Government must act.

Debbie Horne

Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age

Independent Age is a national charity supporting older people facing financial hardship. You can access advice on money, housing, health and care at independentage.org or through a free helpline on 0800 319 6789.