Constitution Secretary said Bill threatens vital laws
The UK Government should withdraw the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill after MSPs voted to withhold the consent of the Scottish Parliament, according to the Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson.
Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Robertson said the Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, threatens vital regulations in the environment, food standards and employment sectors and must now be withdrawn.
With MSPs refusing to provide legislative consent, Mr Robertson said the reaction of UK Ministers would be a key test of whether or not it plans to continue to ignore or override the views of the Scottish Parliament.
If the Bill is not withdrawn, the Scottish Government has published updated amendments to lessen the impact of the Bill.
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government and a number of key organisations across a range of sectors have many concerns about the Bill and we have repeatedly called on the UK Government to withdraw it.
“Firstly, it risks deregulation and threatens the high standards the people of Scotland experienced and benefited from as an EU member state for over 47 years. Secondly, the Bill includes powers for UK Ministers to act in areas of devolved responsibility without the consent of Scottish Ministers or this Parliament.
“This is clearly unacceptable and how the UK Government reacts will be a key test of whether or not they intend to continue to ride roughshod over devolution. Thirdly, the Bill includes a ‘cliff-edge’ sunset provision, which could see thousands of laws wiped overnight.
“I am pleased colleagues across the Scottish Parliament have voted to withhold consent for the Bill and I urge the UK Government to scrap it entirely. If the UK Government are intent on a race to the bottom that will impact standards across the UK, we have published a series of updated amendments to the Bill to mitigate the worst of its impacts.”
A statement by The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan
Today marks a year since the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that year, thousands of innocent Ukrainian people have been killed, and millions forced from their homes.
We, the Embassies of Australia, Denmark, Japan and the United Kingdom will tonight light up our shared Embassies’ Complex here in Beirut in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
We do so because our countries share not only a common building, but common values: respect for the principles of the UN charter, for territorial integrity and for human rights.
As such we stand, in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.
The Ukrainians are defending their right, our right, and the right of everyone to live in freedom. We commend and support their bravery in the face of such aggression. Russia cannot and will not succeed.
Russia has consistently underestimated Ukraine. Russia planned to seize Ukraine in three days. 365 days later, Ukraine continues to liberate territory and push back Russian forces. This gives hope for Ukraine’s long-term ability to withstand Russia’s aggression.
It is imperative for a lasting peace that Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and the UN Charter must be respected.
Russia’s invasion has led to global suffering, with impacts felt here in Lebanon and across the world. Food insecurity has hit the poor the hardest. The Lebanese people should not have to bear further hardship because of Russian expansionist ambitions.
One year ago, Lebanon was the first country in the Middle East to speak unequivocally against Russia’s actions and in support of the UN Charter. In doing so Lebanon stood amongst friends, and with the majority of the international community.
We raise the Ukrainian flag today in support of the Ukrainian people and their brave fight against Russian aggression. We, good neighbours in Beirut from four countries and three continents, stand together in support of Ukraine and the values it is defending so bravely and which we, like Lebanon, share.
*The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan.
Government intervention sees tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees’ access banking services in the UK
Basic bank accounts offer fee-free accounts allowing users to send and receive money, helping people to build their lives here
News falls one-year since Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine as UK government confirms its support will not waiver
TENS OF THOUSANDS of Ukrainian refugees have been able to access banking services in the UK thanks to government action, data released today shows.
Basic bank accounts, which the nine largest UK lenders have been required to provide since 2014, allow people with a limited credit history to access and carry out everyday banking, widening people’s access to the financial system and the wider economy. The accounts do not offer overdrafts, ensuring people do not get into unaffordable debt.
A year on since Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, the UK has granted more than 215,000 visas to refugees of the war, under our Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Schemes
Following the invasion, the government brought together UK basic bank account providers, ensuring fast action was taken to remove the barriers to opening UK bank accounts faced by Ukrainian nationals, such as the lack of a conventional ID.
This has already helped more than 70,000 people to build their lives more easily in the UK by enabling them to receive their income, send money, and pay for goods.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said: “We will continue to help as many Ukrainian refugees as possible access the banking services they need to build a life here – and I’d like to thank UK banks and building societies for their support to date.
“A year on from the invasion, Putin should be left in no doubt that the West will not waiver in its support for Ukraine and its people.”
The UK government has been working with its international allies to punish Putin and his cronies for their illegal invasion of Ukraine, while supporting the Ukrainian people and its government.
This includes sanctioning more than 1,200 individuals and 120 entities, including striking the heart of the Kremlin by sanctioning Putin himself, along with his closest associates.
The UK has also committed £4.6 billion of military support by the end of 2023, supplying 10,000 anti-tank missiles, almost 200 armoured vehicles, 2,600 anti-structure munitions, and almost 100,000 rounds of artillery.
And we are also a leading bilateral humanitarian donor, having committed £220 million in assistance.
Money to be split between three partner organisations
A further £1 million will be provided to organisations to help support people in Ukraine. The Scottish Government funding will enable the organisations to provide generators, heaters and blankets to families and essential facilities such as hospitals and shelters.
It will also support home repairs for households and communities in Ukraine which will help prevent homelessness.
The funding will be allocated between the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).
International Development Minister and Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray updated Parliament during a debate marking one year of the war in Ukraine.
Mr Gray said:“The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“The organisations we have allocated this further funding to today are key in providing much needed humanitarian aid and support to the people of Ukraine. Over the last year, we have provided financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter for those fleeing Ukraine, as well as medical supplies and funding to support the clear-up operation in Ukraine.
“It will also ensure that the most vulnerable people across Ukraine are living in warm and safe accommodation and that essential facilities will be able to continue working to protect the people they serve. it will also enable families to begin to restore their homes and livelihoods following a challenging winter – helping them to repair damage and improve the food and water supply.
“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine and I want to reiterate our continued support for Ukraine and those who have been displaced.”
Since February 2022, the Scottish Government has provided £4 million in financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance which was allocated as below:
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal
£2,000,000
UNICEF
£1,000,000
British Red Cross
£500,000
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)
£500,000
The Scottish Government has also sent five consignments of medical supplies to Poland for onward transport to Ukraine, totalling 156 pallets worth almost £3 million.
The Scottish Government has provided £300,000 to Dumfries based international NGO, The HALO Trust, to support their work in clearing unexploded ordnance in areas around Kyiv that were liberated from Russian control.
The further £1 million funding will be allocated as below:
A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am this morning (Friday 24 February) to mark the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street.
This national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.
The government is encouraging individuals and organisations across the UK to participate.
Since the war began, thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending their freedom from Russia’s appalling onslaught. Millions more have been forced from their homes, with 114,400 Ukrainians finding refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “On the anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.
I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “One year on from Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and remember all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
“This moment of silence is a time to reflect on the human cost of this conflict and show we stand with Ukraine.”
The national minute’s silence comes following the historic visit of President Zelenksyy to the UK this month. During the visit, the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for the long term, ensuring it can secure a lasting peace.
The UN General Assembly yesterday called for ending the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the UN Charter.
At its resumed eleventh emergency special session, the world body adopted a new resolution calling for an end to the war, only hours before the conflict enters its second year on Friday.
The results were 141 Member States in favour and seven against – Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria. Among the 32 abstentions were China, India and Pakistan.
By the terms of the 11-paragraph resolution, the Assembly reiterated its demand that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities”.
The Assembly, through the resolution, urged Member States to cooperate in the spirit of solidarity to address the global impacts of the war on food security, energy, finance, the environment and nuclear security and safety. Underscoring that arrangements for a lasting peace should consider these factors, the Assembly also called upon all nations to support the Secretary-General in his efforts to address these impacts.
The resumed session had met on Wednesday to begin debating the resolution, with the General Assembly President,Csaba Kőrösi, saying that for a full year, the 193-member Assembly, the Secretary-General, and the international community “have been consistent and vocal in our calls to end this war, and to adhere to the UN Charter and international law”.
The resolution reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.
The Assembly also emphasized the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed in Ukraine through independent national or international investigations and prosecutions to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.
The world body on Thursday rejected two amendments proposed by Belarus. The first proposal would have altered several of the resolution’s provisions, and the second would have had the Assembly call on Member States to, among other things, refrain from sending weapons to the zone of conflict.
‘New chapter of history’
At the outset of the resumed session on Wednesday, the Assembly President said that in this “new chapter of history”, the world is facing “stark choices about who we are as an international community. These choices will either set us on a path of solidarity and collective resolve to uphold the tenets of the UN Charter,” he said, “or a path of aggression, war, normalized violations of international law and collapsed global action.”
Days after the 24 February 2022 invasion, UN Security Council members had voted to allow the General Assembly to convene the eleventh emergency special session after Russia had vetoed a resolution that would have condemned the invasion of Ukraine.
In line with resolution 377A(V), adopted in 1950, the Assembly is able to take up international peace and security matters when the Council fails to do.
For more information on the emergency special sessions, visit UN Meetings Coverage.
Foreign Secretary urges international support to Ukraine for as long as it takes
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly addresses the UN Security Council in New York, calling on international partners to support Ukraine, ahead of one year on since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Foreign Secretary will address the UN Security Council today urging allies to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, one year on from Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion.
He will also meet with key allies including Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. Dmytro Kuleba and the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
The UK and 140 other countries voted on a UN resolution underscoring the need for Ukraine to secure a sustainable, just peace.
The UK will urge the international community to give the Ukrainian people the tools they need to win at a special session of the UN Security Council today [Friday 24th February], one year on from Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is expected to say: “One year into this terrible war, let us send this clear message: Our support for Ukraine is not, and will never be, time-limited. We will keep the promises we made to the UN Charter and the Ukrainian people. And will give the Ukrainians all the help they need. For as long as it takes. Until Ukraine prevails.“
Russia’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, and key agricultural infrastructure, including grain silos, has significantly disrupted Ukraine’s food exports. This has directly exacerbated the increase in global food prices, hitting the poorest the hardest.
Today’s UNSC meeting follows a vote in the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, in which 141 countries voted in favour of a resolution underscoring “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
The vote highlights how from food and fertiliser shortages to Russia’s escalatory language on nuclear escalation, Putin’s actions have worldwide repercussions beyond Ukraine.
Following the vote, the Foreign Secretary said: “When Putin invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, he expected his brutal assault to succeed and international support to crumble within weeks. He has been proven gravely wrong.
“12 months on, yesterday’s vote is testament to the infinite resolve of the international community that Ukraine will win the war, end Russia’s threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty, and forge a sustainable peace.
“Ukraine is turning the tide and Putin is losing. One year into this terrible war, our support will continue for as long as it takes.”
As Ukraine enters its second year living under a full-scale Russian bombardment, the UK will continue to work with its international allies to secure a just and lasting peace which respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and defends the UN Charter.
While in New York, the Foreign Secretary will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to discuss accelerating UK support to Ukraine, establishing a lasting peace and the road to economic stability.
Later today, a national minute’s silence will take place at 11am today to mark the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, offering the UK public a moment to reflect on the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrating the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.
The Foreign Secretary announced a new package of sanctions, including export bans on every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield to date
New sanctions ban export of every item Ukraine has found Russia using on the battlefield to date.
UK sanctions on Russia top 1,500 as FCDO targets 92 individuals and entities, including those connected to Rosatom.
Putin’s closet allies also sanctioned, including his former Chief of Security and the CEO of Nord Stream 2.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has today (24 February) announced a new package of internationally co-ordinated sanctions and trade measures, including export bans on every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield to date.
Included in the hundreds of goods are aircraft parts, radio equipment, and electronic components that can be used by the Russian military industrial complex, including in the production of UAVs.
Military intelligence has shown that a shortage of components in Russia as a result of sanctions is already likely affecting their ability to produce equipment for export, such as armoured vehicles, attack helicopters and air defence systems.
As a result, it is highly likely that Russia’s role as a reliable arms exporter and their military-industrial complex are being undermined by international sanctions. Today’s measures will damage them further, undermining Putin’s military machine which is already having to mobilise soviet-era tanks and harvest freezers for low-grade chips.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Ukrainians are turning the tide on Russia, but they cannot do it alone. That is why we must do more to help Ukraine win.
“Today we are sanctioning the elites who run Putin’s key industries and committing to prohibit the export to Russia of every item Russia has been found using on the battlefield.”
Also sanctioned today are senior executives at Russian state-owned nuclear power company Rosatom, plus executives from Russia’s two largest defence companies, four banks, and other Russian elites.
Rosatom has deep connections to the Russian military-industrial complex – including through Alexander Novak who is both a member of the supervisory board and the Deputy Prime Minister in Putin’s administration.
The state-owned firm has reportedly been supplying arms manufacturers with the technology and materials needed to resupply Russia’s front line, including to defence firms that are under sanctions.
Four banks, including MTS, are also being sanctioned as part of today’s package. This will further isolate Russia from the international financial system and help the UK and partners to prevent circumvention.
Today’s designations also target the individuals and entities at the heart of Putin’s military-industrial complex, including:
34 executives connected to Russia’s two largest defence companies Rostec, Russia’s multibillion state owned defence conglomerate, and Almaz-Antey Corporation, a state owned Russian company specialising in producing surface to air missiles and firearms for aircrafts.
6 Russian entities involved in the manufacture or repair of military equipment for Russia’s armed forces, including aviation and navy
5 senior Iranian executives in Qods Aviation Industry, the company manufacturing the drones used in Ukraine, which demonstrates our commitment to continue to pressure third countries supplying Russia’s military.
The UK is also announcing new major trade measures, undermining Russia’s military machine and cutting at Putin’s finances. Alongside banning exports of products found used by Russia on the battlefield, the UK will also ban the import of 140 goods including iron and steel products processed in third countries.
Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch said: “Trade sanctions are working. UK goods imports from Russia have fallen by 99%, since before the invasion, and goods exports to Russia have fallen by nearly 80%.
“Working together with our G7 international partners, the Department for Business and Trade is delivering sanctions to further erode Putin’s capabilities to wage war against Ukraine. We will back Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The UK has also announced that it will be extending existing measures against Crimea, and non-government controlled territory in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, to target Russian controlled areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, restricting their access to UK trade and finance.
Today’s measures also increase pressure on the Russian elite. This includes sanctions on:
Mattias Warnig – a close friend of Putin’s, the CEO of Nord Stream 2, and previously a member of the boards of Russian energy companies Transneft and Rosneft
Lyubov Kabaeva – mother of former Russian gymnast and Duma Deputy Alina Kabaeva who allegedly has a close personal relationship with Putin. The Kabaeva family reportedly own millions of pounds’ worth of property in Russia
Alexei Dyumin – formerly Putin’s chief security guard who played a key role in the annexation of Crimea. Dyumin has been actively involved in supporting the Russian military in Ukraine, including launching and facilitating a drone training school for Russian troops
Alexei Kozak, son of the former Deputy PM and Putin ally Dmitry Kozak
20 executives of Gazprom and Aeroflot, including Gazprom Chairman and former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and two current Russian Ministers.
Today’s new measures come as the Foreign Secretary travels to the UN, where he will urge the international community to support Ukraine as long as it takes, one year on from the start of Russia’s illegal full scale invasion.
G7 increases funding for Ukraine to £39 billion in 2023
UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and other G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors have committed to continued financial support for the Ukrainian government in 2023 to a total of US$39 billion at their latest meeting in Bengaluru, India.
The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met and were joined by Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, where they condemned Russia’s war of aggression.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:“We heard first-hand from Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko how additional funding is helping protect the lives of ordinary Ukrainians. This really hammers home the importance of the UK and our allies continuing to back Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.
“This additional support will save lives in Ukraine, help the government carry out critical repairs of damaged infrastructure, deliver basic services like healthcare and stabilise the economy.”
First ever hybrid car makes Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table as Lexus becomes a target for thieves
Key 2022 Tracker Recovery Data
42% of stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2022 were Range Rover and Land Rover models
The Range Rover Sport takes the number one spot for the fourth consecutive year
Luxury brand Lexus enters Tracker’s top ten league table for the first time with its Lexus RX 450h, which takes sixth place
The Volkswagen Golf re-enters Tracker’s league table, last appearing in 2017
32 chop shops were uncovered by police in 2022 as a result of a Tracker activated stolen vehicle recovery – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021
Keyless car theft remained on par year-on-year with 93% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker stolen without the key present
New data analysis from stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR), Tracker Network UK Limited confirms that the Range Rover Sport continues to be its most commonly stolen and recovered car.
However, Tracker’s 2022 data has also revealed that not only has another premium SUV model become favourable among thieves, but hybrid vehicles are now rich pickings for criminals. The Lexus RX 450h enters Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table, which is the first time a Lexus vehicle has ever appeared in its annual review of stolen and recovered vehicles. A sharp rise in thefts of the Lexus RX450h in the second half of the year indicates it’s likely to remain a target for thieves.
The Volkswagen Golf has re-entered Tracker’s top ten with an average value of £10k; it last appeared in 2017.
The highest value stolen car recovered by Tracker in 2022 was a Mercedes-Benz AMG with a retail price of £182,000 and the lowest value car recovered was an Audi A4, priced at £1,000.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “As the U.K. accelerates towards its ambition of achieving zero emissions, so too has the take up of hybrid and electric vehicles by private and company car drivers. And with increasing demand comes a greater risk of these vehicles being targeted by thieves.
“Crucially however, our 2022 data highlights that it’s not just premium and nearly new cars being targeted by thieves. An ongoing lack of parts for new car manufacturing – primarily microchips – has boosted demand in the second-hand car market and in turn, created an opportunity professional criminals have been quick to take advantage of.
“Furthermore, a shortfall in vehicle parts supply has also hit the service, maintenance and repair sector, creating another lucrative opportunity for professional car thieves. 2022 saw a U.K. boom in ‘chop-shops’ – buildings containing stolen vehicles to be stripped down for their expensive parts to be sold on, on the black market.
“Police uncovered 32 illegal chop shops in 2022 as a result of us locating stolen vehicles belonging to our customers being hidden there. What’s more, these recoveries resulted in the police also uncovering 100s of non-Tracker fitted vehicles, as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.”
Keyless car theft and ‘relay attack’ continues to challenge manufacturers, as Tracker’s latest data confirms. The level of vehicle theft carried out through this method has significantly increased over the years. In 2017, 80% of all vehicles stolen and recovered were stolen without using the owner’s keys, it now stands at 93% in 2022.
Clive Wain added: “It remains a difficult time for car owners but a multi-layer approach to vehicle security will go a long way in protecting vehicles. Criminals continue to find ways around new security technology, which is why we always encourage motorists to use traditional security deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their vehicles.
“An investment in smart doorbells or a CCTV system are also increasingly popular amongst those keen to guard against unwanted visitors. Indeed, they have become a valuable means to helping police solve vehicle crime. However, in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly locate the vehicle and return it to its rightful owner before it is sold on, broken down for parts or shipped abroad.”
Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Its detection units are fitted in over 2000 police patrol vehicles and throughout the national fleet of Police helicopters that comprise the National Police Air Service (NPAS).
SATCoL (the trading arm of The Salvation Army) is delighted to announce the launch of their new automated, advanced Fibersort clothing and textiles by fibre type, blend and colour for recycling back into the circular textiles supply chain.
Fibersort is a textiles revolution. The automated Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) reprocesses clothing and other items no longer in a condition that can be reused. The innovative approach identifies and classifies non-wearable textile items into grades. It uses an infra-red camera and blows items from a conveyor belt into bins using air jets. The process separates them into fibres such as, cotton, polyester and wool.
Simultaneously, Fibersort recognises the fibre content percentage of each item and sorts specified blends such as polycotton and wool mixes at a higher level of accuracy than manual sorting.
Fibersort also sorts fibres by specific or mixed colours categories.
This fashion forward technology closes the loop for fibre-to-fibre circular textiles. With the ground-breaking technology and environmental credentials of the Fibresort project supported by the Government’s Resource Action Fund, managed by climate action NGO WRAP.
SATCoL is the largest charity-owned textiles collector in the UK working to support organisations reduce their carbon footprint. Fibersort, maximises the potential of charitable textile donations by creating more opportunities for garments to be repurposed and diverted from landfill in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of textiles.
The profits received from the resale of the donations is given to The Salvation Army to support the great work they do throughout the country.
Kirk Bradley, SATCoL’s Head of Corporate Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to be working with this new ground-breaking technology.
“It helps to reduce waste and more donated garments can be repurposed, resold and raise more money for vital charity work.”
Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation, WRAP, said: “Donations of unwanted clothing are essential to keep the cycle of clothing turning and move us towards a more sustainable model of clothing.
“WRAP is delighted to have been involved in the funding of this brilliant development. By working with retail partners to providing raw materials from the Fibersort process for recycling, SATCoL is helping to ‘close the loop’ at a key stage in the circle economy.”
To learn more about SATCoL and the work we do visit www.satcol.org
First Minister says “Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be”
Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday 24 February, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has issued an open letter to Ukrainians in Scotland and across the world.
The letter reads:
It is with great sadness that the world will mark the first anniversary of Russia’s latest illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Friday.
On this day, we will all pause to reflect on the many impacts of the war on the people of Ukraine. In particular, we will mourn those who have lost their lives.
Every day in Ukraine, lives are disrupted and in danger. There are almost daily reports of atrocities, including Russia’s barbaric missile attacks against civilians.
Our hearts go out to all Ukrainians, including those who have settled here in Scotland and in other countries. I know how much you fear for the safety of loved ones back home, and yearn to return to your own country and way of life.
All of us wish a speedy victory for Ukraine and a resolution which restores peace and ensures Ukrainian sovereignty, democracy, independence and territorial integrity. We also hope that those displaced by the war can return and be reunited with their families, friends, communities and country.
I hope all of you, amidst your anxiety and suffering, have been heartened by the scale of the international humanitarian response since the invasion.
Scotland has so far welcomed more than 23,000 Ukrainians into our communities, the majority of which arrived through our super sponsor scheme. The national response is unprecedented and we have worked closely with partners, local authorities and community groups to offer our Ukrainian friends a ‘Warm Scottish Welcome’.
It is vital that we continue to support displaced people from Ukraine for as long as they need help. While I hope those of you who want to return to Ukraine can do so safely when you can, my message to those seeking sanctuary remains clear: Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.
