Severe Flood Warnings issued

Very high river levels forecast along the River Spey with a danger to life

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued three severe Flood Warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas with very high river levels forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey, with a danger to life.

Further warnings are in place over large parts of Scotland with rivers expected to continue to rise, especially across Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside where impacts are most likely.

A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by the First Minister and senior Ministers – was held last night (Monday) to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the severe weather expected.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain that covers parts of the southern Highlands and Moray, valid from midnight until 5pm today. A yellow warning for rain and snow covering much of the rest of Scotland remains in place until midnight tonight. There is also a yellow warning for wind across southern Scotland from 7am to 11pm today.

Police Scotland is encouraging road users in the area covered by the amber warning to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the area.

Travel disruption is expected across Scotland, with Transport Scotland making preparations across the trunk road network. Rail, ferry and airport operators are also working to ensure that people can reach their destination over the remainder of the festive period, when it is safe to do so and once the worst of the conditions have passed or expired.

Ms Constance said: “Severe flood warnings with a danger to life are rarely issued and it’s imperative all those in the affected areas play their part to stay safe. I would urge everyone to take action now by staying away from flood water and not taking any unnecessary risks. Please follow the advice of emergency services and first responders on the ground, and where advised to evacuate please do so.

“I would also recommend to keep updated with Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s live flooding updates and consider now any steps needed to be prepared for flooding impacts. With amber and yellow warnings issued for a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGORR to ensure that we are acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather.

“I know many people will have plans to celebrate Hogmanay with friends and family but with road, rail, air and ferry services all likely to be affected by the conditions, I would urge everyone to please plan ahead to make sure it is safe to travel, and to follow Police and Transport Scotland travel advice on the roads. Anyone planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, should also stay in contact with their operator for the latest service information.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight into Tuesday, and keep Ministers fully updated.

“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”

Cordelia Menmuir, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: “We have issued three severe flood warnings for the Aviemore and Carrbridge areas. As a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall overnight very high river levels are forecast for the early hours of Tuesday morning along the River Spey. There is a danger to life.

“The severe flood warnings are for Sluggan to Dulnain Bridge, Kincraig to Inverdruie, and Aviemore/ Dalfabar. Extensive river flooding is forecast and there will be widespread disruption to transport, infrastructure, and property flooding. Remember to follow the advice of emergency responder and do not walk or drive through flood water.”

Ministers attending last night’s meeting included First Minister John Swinney, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Gillian Martin and Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

For trunk road information visit the Traffic Scotland website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Latest weather advice can be found on the Met Office website.

Travel advice issued for AMBER weather warning on Hogmanay

Road users are being advised to expect disruption in the Highland and Moray areas on Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 due to an AMBER warning for rain.

Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected which has the potential to trigger shallow landslides and will cause extensive surface water that could affect the public transport and road network, making driving conditions challenging.

There are a number of flood warnings and alerts in place already across Scotland and we would advise the public to check their area on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) website.

Visit Ready Scotland for information on how to prepare for rain and flooding. Information about public transport is available via Traveline.

Police are encouraging road users in the affected area to consider whether they need to travel and are advising people to avoid travelling into the affected area and to drive to the road conditions.

Superintendent Andy Barclay, deputy head of Road Policing, said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during the bad weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve.

“Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

“If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”

General advice for road users

Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel
All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather
Consider delaying travel until conditions improve
If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions
Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed
Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety
Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner
Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website

Further details about the weather warning and information on flood alerts are available on the Met Office website.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: OUTDOOR EVENTS CANCELLED

Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for tonight (30th Dec) and tomorrow (Hogmanay, 31st December) are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety.

The cancellation includes tonight’s Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on the 31st December, the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.

We have unfortunately been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events.

We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here at the Home of Hogmanay.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher, said: “I know that, like me, many people will be very disappointed. This decision was not taken lightly, however with the ongoing adverse weather condition, public safety must be our number one priority.

“You’ll see from the programme that there are lots of exciting indoor events taking place. For those coming along to them – I know you’re in for a treat and will have a great time. Please make sure you stay up-to-date with the weather and transport on social media.”

Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticketholders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course.

All indoor events are taking place as planned throughout the festival, including tonight’s performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the 31st December, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.

We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin’ and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Year’s Day – a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is delivered by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council.

Mental health support over festive season

The festive season can be difficult for some. It’s important we all take care of our #MentalHealth Support is available

#MindtoMind

http://nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind

@NHS24 Mental Health Hub – call 111

#BreathingSpace – 0800 83 85 87

@samaritans – http://bit.ly/CallSamaritans or… call 116 123

UK to train hundreds more Ukrainian soldiers in mental health first aid for combat

Next year, the UK will offer 180 more Ukrainian soldiers training in mental health first aid for combat

100 Ukrainian commanders received mental health training in 2024
Specialist skills to build morale and resilience in Ukrainian forces
Bespoke course designed by both UK and Ukrainian experts

The UK will train 180 Ukrainian soldiers to be combat mental resilience practitioners on the frontlines in 2025 – nearly double the 100 who were successfully trained this year.

The Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC) has been delivered by British Army specialists to Ukrainian soldiers within positions of command as part of Operation Interflex, the UK-led international training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

As combat mental resilience practitioners– officially termed control stress operators– the Ukrainian commanders will be responsible for helping their soldiers manage the stresses of combat as they defend their nation from Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion.

So far, more than 51,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the UK under Operation Interflex.

Following a rise in recruits reporting trauma exposure and mental health struggles, the CSSC was initiated on the request of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Moral and Psychological Support department.

Developed with input from Ukrainian military psychologists alongside specialist mental resilience and mental health practitioners from UK Defence, the five-week course equips soldiers with battle shock management techniques for before and during combat, as well as trauma risk management and signposting for clinical support following the fight.

Minister of Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “The Ukrainian people are fighting with huge courage to defend their country, and it is our duty to put them in the strongest possible position.

“With hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers receiving mental health first aid training before returning to the frontlines, resilience can be spread throughout the ranks of those fighting Russia’s illegal invasion.

“The UK will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine throughout 2025 as we have done this year.”

Upon completion of the course, the newly equipped Ukrainian Control Stress Operators will have the power to train and support hundreds of their fellow soldiers on the frontlines, ensuring the initial lessons taught by British instructors continue to be spread far beyond the UK.

An example of the battle shock management techniques being taught by British soldiers includes iCover; a six-step technique that can be delivered to a person in acute stress to get them back to a functioning state in less than a minute, as well as mindfulness grounding exercises that help a soldier override their fear or stress in the heat of battle.

Operation Interflex, conducted by the UK Armed Forces and 12 partner nations, has trained 51,000 Ukrainians in essential frontline combat skills since it was established in the summer of 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The training has been extended through to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills.

The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability: with new maritime drones and boats, air defence systems and counter-drone systems.

TODAY: PCHP Festive Winter Warmer

PCHP is a Warm and Welcoming space for you to enjoy.

That’s why today we’ll be opening our doors for our annual #WinterWarmer so ditch the PJ’s (or not!) and join us for some warm soup, hot chocolate, games and a guid auld fashioned blether!

Look forward to seeing you all.

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

Quit for a week and save a day, say health experts

Smokers who choose to quit on the 1 January could save a whole day of their life by 8 January, according to new research

New research finds smokers who choose to quit on New Year’s Day could save a whole day of their life by 8 January
On average, every cigarette smoked steals approximately 20 minutes of life
This equates to nearly seven hours of life lost with every 20 pack of cigarettes smoked, demonstrating the importance of government commitment to a smokefree UK

Smokers who choose to quit on the 1 January could save a whole day of their life by 8 January* according to new research from University College London (UCL), published today (30 December).

The research commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care shows, smoking is more harmful than previously thought, with every cigarette stealing on average approximately 20 minutes of life from smokers.

This equates to nearly seven hours of life lost when smoking an average pack of 20 cigarettes.

If a smoker quits on New Year’s Day, by 20 February, smokers could get a week of their life back and by the end of the year, they could have avoided losing 50 days of life.

Any smoker considering quitting for 2025 can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, which has recently been updated with new information about beating cravings, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan, which tailors its advice to each smoker’s preferences.

The research follows the introduction of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which recently passed Second Reading in the House of Commons.

The world-leading Bill includes measures to create the first smoke-free generation ,  phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone born after 1 January 2009.

The Bill delivers on one of the three key shifts in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, to move from sickness to prevention. Achieving this will help reach a key measurable milestone set out by the Prime Minister in his Plan for Change to cut waiting lists and protect the NHS.

Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit, and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit.

“The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.

“For anyone looking to quit in 2025, the NHS provide a range of services to help break free from the habit.

“This government is going further than ever to protect children and young people from ever becoming hooked on nicotine through our Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”

Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “Smoking has an immediate impact on your lung and heart’s health as well as significantly increasing your chance of getting a chronic illness or disability and of dying young.

“Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your current and future health. This new year – start afresh and leave smoking in the past.”

Separately, new research conducted by Censuswide shows more than half (53%) of smokers are planning on quitting smoking as a new year’s resolution in 2025.

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK. It causes around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and 1-in-4 of all cancer deaths in England and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users.

Just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase. After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and by the time one-year rolls around, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a smoker.

Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy.

“The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately.

“It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.”

Ex-smoker, Kamran, started smoking in university and tried to quit several times without success. With support from his local stop smoking service, Kamran quit smoking as a 2024 New Year’s resolution.

Kamran said: “It wasn’t until I quit smoking that I realised how much it had affected my health; I often felt short of breath and couldn’t keep up with my children.

“I tried to quit a few times without any help, but after a few days I would find myself thinking about it again.

“Quitting can be challenging but keeping busy and using stop smoking products was the best way for me to get through it.

“Now that I’m smoke free, I feel less stressed and am able to play a more active role in my family. I am proud of myself, and I feel great that I’ve managed to control it.”

Using stop smoking services is three times as effective as an unassisted quit attempt. To support current smokers to quit, the government recently confirmed an additional £70 million for stop smoking services in England, for 2025/26, with local authorities having received confirmation of their funding amount.

This is in addition to the NHS recently announcing the roll-out of a pill, Varenicline, that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes.

Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England national speciality advisor for tobacco dependency said: “NHS treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, are helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives and we have seen adult smoking rates drop by more than half in the last three decades.

“But smoking remains a huge public health issue and giving up is one of the best things someone can do for their health, so if you’re looking for support to help you quit, please contact your local NHS stop smoking service.”

NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “As a GP, I see firsthand the devasting effects smoking can have on health. Each cigarette smoked not only shortens life expectancy but also significantly increases the risk of many health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia and COPD.

“I often see patients attempting to quit smoking with no support, but going cold turkey can be tough. Quitting smoking is easier when you have a plan and the right support – you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS offers a range of free quitting support, including the NHS Quit Smoking app and local stop smoking services.”

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill contains powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to certain outdoor settings to reduce the harms of second-hand smoking, particularly around children and the vulnerable. Children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals are being considered in England and will be subject to consultation.

This sits alongside plans to crack down on youth vaping, with the Bill banning vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as giving powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes and nicotine products, subject to consultation.

Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.

The UK government is committed to cutting waiting lists – backed by an additional £22.6 billion for day-to-day spending over two years – as announced by the Chancellor in her first Budget. Protecting children and young people from smoking will free up valuable NHS services and help cut waiting lists.

In October, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched change.nhs.uk to encourage the biggest conversation ever about the NHS to help inform the 10 Year Health Plan for England.

Public transport diversions today as city centre prepares for Hogmanay

LOTHIAN:

Hogmanay Street Party Diversions affecting Princes Street, Frederick Street & Market Street from 7pm today (30 Dec)

Main event closures phased in from 4pm on 31 Dec

Full list of closures: https://tinyurl.com/yvn5rnhs

Info from Lothian Buses: https://tinyurl.com/2undchpe

#edintravel

TRAMS: Split service from 6pm tonight

At 6pm tonight Princes Street will shut for Hogmanay.

Edinburgh Trams will be running a split service during this time with trams running from every 10 mins between Edinburgh Airport – West End and Picardy Place – Newhaven.

Read more here:

https://bit.ly/3ZHQaXi

FLU: What To Do

Having the flu can leave you feeling awful, but there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery:

Do:

Rest and get plenty of sleep

Keep warm

Drink lots of water to stay hydrated

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature and ease aches and pains

Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better

Don’t:

Take paracetamol alongside flu remedies that also contain paracetamol

You can check your symptoms and decide what to do next by visiting

https://nhs24.info/flu

Ukraine: UK Government announces new funding announced to bring war criminals to justice

Britain has continued to step up global leadership on Ukraine during 2024, with billions of pounds worth of military, economic, and humanitarian support pledged and delivered.

As the government’s ironclad support continues into 2025, £4.5m is being announced today (Sunday) to aid Ukraine’s efforts in seeking justice for war crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The funding is designed to support Ukraine’s documentation, investigation and prosecution of war crimes, and complements the UK’s work with US and EU partners via the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.

Since the start of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and our support will continue to reach Ukrainians who need it most. On 4 February 2025, the Home Office will open applications for eligible Ukrainian visa scheme holders to remain in the UK for an additional 18 months under the new Ukraine Permission Extension scheme.

Those eligible can apply online, and the scheme will provide the same rights and entitlements as the existing Ukraine Schemes, to access work, benefits, healthcare and education.

It comes after the Defence Secretary visited Kyiv to announce a new £225m package of military support and meet with his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, to set out the five priority areas for UK defence support in 2025, underlining the UK’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Since the government took office, the UK has continued to step up support and international leadership on Ukraine, including a commitment to provide £3bn of military support to Ukraine every year for as long as it takes.

The government has accelerated the delivery of critical military support, provided crucial funding to help meet the Ukrainian people’s most urgent needs, trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, and boosted international capability coalitions to provide equipment to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion.

The UK has now provided Ukraine with more than 400 different types of military capabilities. These include the delivery of the first 100 of a package of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (announced in September) in recent days, as well as advanced maritime equipment through the UK-Norway co-led Maritime Capability Coalition to bolster Ukraine’s naval capabilities, which have proved critical in denying the Russian navy access to the western Black Sea and enabling Ukraine to restart grain exports.

Through the UK-Latvia-led drone capability coalition, the UK has enhanced Ukraine’s uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities, with work ongoing to provide more drones enabled by a further £7.5m investment announced in November for the latest drone technology.

During a visit to Kyiv on 19 December, the Defence Secretary announced a new £225M military package with a mix of funding from the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine and the UK’s own funding. The new package will increase Ukraine’s military capability with air defence systems, new maritime drones and boats, counter-drone technology, and munitions.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Throughout 2024, the fierce courage of the Ukrainian people has continued to inspire the world. As we enter 2025, the UK’s resolve to reinforce support for Ukraine is unwavering.

“I’m proud of UK leadership on Ukraine. From delivering cutting-edge equipment to training tens of thousands of troops, we have shown the UK stands with the Ukrainian people in the face of Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion. Because the defence of the UK starts in Ukraine.

“This is underpinned by our £3 billion funding promise for Ukraine, next year and every year, for as long as it takes to enable the Ukrainians to defend themselves and restore their sovereignty, security and freedom.”

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: “While in Kyiv, I saw first-hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people. I’m immensely proud of the support this government is providing them as they resist Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.

“The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable – there can be no lasting peace without accountability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes.  

“As we look ahead to 2025, our message is clear: we will stand with you in war, we will stand with you in peace, and we will stand with you as you fight for your security and that of all of Europe.”

In the final week before the Christmas recess, the House of Commons passed the Third Reading of the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, which will enable the delivery of a further £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine, to be paid back by profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets.

The UK’s £2.26 billion loan is earmarked as budgetary support for Ukraine’s military spending, enabling the Ukrainians to invest in key equipment to support their efforts against Russia. It comes on top of the UK’s existing £3 billion a year military aid for Ukraine.

In July, the UK and Ukraine signed the Defence Industrial Support Treaty, expanding cooperation and enabling military equipment procurement through £3.5 billion in UK Export Finance-guaranteed loans.

Additionally, the UK administers the International Fund for Ukraine, which has seen over £1.3 billion pledged by international partners to date. This funding has enabled the rapid procurement of military equipment, including a £300 million artillery ammunition order.

The UK-led Operation Interflex also passed the milestone last month of having trained over 50,000 Ukrainian recruits since its launch in 2022. The programme, supported by 12 nations, has been extended throughout 2025, ensuring Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills before being deployed to the front line.

Alongside military aid, the UK Government has responded to the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian people and committed over £282m in bilateral funding to support humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction programmes over the 2024-25 financial year.

This includes £70m allocated for the Ukrainian energy sector as it endures relentless Russian strikes and at least £120m in humanitarian assistance through to the end of the financial year, complementing the UK’s facilitation of a further $1bn in World Bank lending for Ukraine.

The FCDO funding will provide Ukrainian authorities with Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) training, helping to ensure investigations and prosecutions take a survivor-centred approach. UK funding will also equip Ukrainian prosecutors and law enforcement officials with vital open-source information gathering skills, allowing them to more effectively collect evidence and build comprehensive legal cases.

This new funding will build on a range of existing UK-backed initiatives designed to support accountability efforts in Ukraine. To date, UK support has enabled hundreds of police officers, investigators, prosecutors and judges to work more confidently and effectively on complex investigations and forensic responses.

The new support package announced by the Defence Secretary John Healey on 19th December includes:

£39m to provide more than 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems and for joint-procurement of respirators and equipment to enhance the protective capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Explosive charges to propel more than 90,000 155mm artillery rounds, which can be used by the dozens of AS-90 self-propelled artillery guns the UK has previously provided.
A £186m package of key military equipment through the International Fund for Ukraine, including:

£92m for equipment to bolster Ukraine’s navy, including small boats, reconnaissance drones, uncrewed surface vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones, directly supporting the maritime coalition co-led by the UK and Norway.
£68m for air defence equipment including radars, decoy land equipment, and counter-drone electronic warfare systems.
£26m to provide support and spare parts for critical systems previously delivered to Ukraine.

The Defence Secretary has also set out the five priority areas for UK defence support in 2025, underlining the government’s commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The UK’s continued leadership on the war in Ukraine throughout 2025 will see an increase to Ukraine’s military capability; build on the success of Operation Interflex by enhancing the training offered to Ukraine; strengthen defence industrial cooperation; increase cooperation with our allies to support Ukraine; and increase pressure on Russia.

The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary have all been clear that the UK’s defence starts in Ukraine, and that providing military support is essential to promote both the UK’s national security and stability in Europe.

The Prime Minister has stressed that defending the country is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change.

Drivers frustrated at five-year wait for parking code of practice

Only 2% feel private parking companies enforce rules fairly

Two-thirds of drivers believe private parking ‘fines’ are excessive

Nine-in-10 don’t believe the private parking industry’s own code is fair to drivers

Drivers are frustrated that the Private Parking Code of Practice is still not in force five years after an act of parliament was passed to clamp down on rogue operators.

Eight-in-10 drivers (84%) questioned by the RAC* say it’s not right that, due to legal challenges from private parking operators and debt recovery companies, the official code still hasn’t been introduced.

Asked if private parking firms treat those who contravene parking rules fairly, only 2% of respondents agreed. Similarly, just 3% agreed with the statement ‘private parking companies charge a fair price and operate reasonably’.

More than half (55%) of those surveyed felt private parking companies’ enforcement policies were too heavy-handed, with 40% saying there is no justification whatsoever for the way they enforce their rules. This is undoubtedly why almost eight-in-10 (78%) believe private parking companies are only interested in making money from drivers. A fifth (18%), however, felt private parking operators were necessary to stop a parking free-for-all.

When questioned about the costs of parking charge notices issued by operators, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they understand fines were necessary but that they are excessive or disproportionate to the parking contraventions.

While the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is working to finally introduce the government-backed Private Parking Code of Practice, the two major private parking trade bodies – the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community – launched their own code on 1 October.

Not backed by law, the private parking industry’s own code differs substantially from the proposed official government code. In its survey of 1,847 drivers, the RAC discovered that nine-in-10 (87%) don’t trust the private parking industry’s code to be fair to drivers.

When introduced, the official Private Parking Code of Practice should put a cap on parking charge notice ‘fine’ amounts, a cap on debt recovery fees and provide a single independent appeals service for drivers to use should they feel a private parking company has wrongly rejected an appeal.

It will also force operators to follow a code of conduct, with those that don’t potentially losing the right to operate. The rules firms will have to follow include a robust appeals process, a means of identifying vulnerable customers, issuing parking charge notices lawfully and not misleading drivers, providing photographic evidence of contraventions, not engaging debt recovery companies too soon, providing clear signage and terms and conditions that are easy to understand.

When asked about the visibility of private parking signage – that which explains the charges drivers must pay when parking on private land, along with terms and conditions – a quarter (27%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they didn’t see the signage indicating charges. Just over a third (35%) said they saw and read it while almost four-in-10 (38%) admitted they saw it but didn’t read it.

Among those who read the signs, nearly eight-in-10 (76%) had issues with seeing or understanding it, with only a fifth (20%) saying the terms and conditions were both clear to see and easy to understand.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s blatantly apparent from our research that drivers continue to have severe misgivings about the way private parking companies operate and are therefore very frustrated that the official government-backed code of practice has still not been introduced more than five years after it became law.

“While this lack of trust may be partly addressed by the launch of the industry’s own code of practice, we suspect it’s unlikely to be enough as it’s not worded to be in the interest of drivers and, crucially, isn’t backed by law.

“We feel only the introduction of the real, government-backed code will bring much-needed fairness to the entire private parking sector. We badly need an acceptable cap on parking charge notices, along with a cap on debt recovery fees as, in our opinion, both are disproportionate to most parking contraventions.

“Finally, a truly independent single appeals system is needed for those who feel their initial appeal to the company concerned has not been listened to.”