Category: North Edinburgh News

The Fringe isn’t over yet! 

Part runs and new shows kicking off at Assembly Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been in town for over two weeks now but there’s still plenty of new acts kicking off the latter half!

Assembly Festival today showcase their line-up of part-run gems, with everything from club bangers to experimental circus and hilarious Aussie comedy – the circus is well and truly still in town. 

‘Yes Person’ from experimental circus company based on kimberley take on radical yes-saying, killing your darlings and allowing discarded ideas to flourish on stage. Premiering in Helsinki, and following a successful run across Sweden, Denmark, Spain and beyond, the Berlin-based company will debut ‘Yes Person’ at Edinburgh Fringe at Assembly Roxy from 25-31 Aug. A circus show that celebrates ideas too peculiar to live…but too fabulous to die.

Elsewhere in the programme, absurd comedy and the rise of right-wing populism takes centre stage in ‘The Terribly Credible Definitely Edible Tale of the Town of Cropshire’, at Assembly Roxy. A farcical town of welly-wearing farmers and perpetually confused politicians deal with a nationwide ban on vegetables in this Shedload of Future Fund winning show.

Aussie Comic, and host of Australian Bake-Off, Claire Hooper is doing what it takes to become fun in ‘Claire Hooper: Fun Show xx’. A rollercoaster of jokes from an adult who hates rollercoasters, the host of Claire Hooper’s House of Games does her best to become fun again, with the show running from 20-30 Aug at Assembly Roxy.

Other comics with short runs at this year’s festival include star of Taskmaster NZ ‘Guy Williams: Rich people are stealing from you and blaming brown people and trans people and some people believe them aaahhhhhh!’and award-winning dancer and comedian Sam Burkett’s improv and experimental dance show ‘GOSS’.

Brian Bilston: How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside sees one of the UK’S most beloved poets take audiences through the hows, whys and whats of enjoying poetry every day.

‘Hot Dub Time Machine Presents House Party’ takes over Assembly Hall for ten days of bangers from 1970-2026, and Australia’s best tribute act dazzle audiences with the ultimate 70s party in ‘70s Jukebox by The 60 Four’. 

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the internationally acclaimed ‘Movin’ Melvin Brown: Hit The Road Jack! The Music and Story of Ray Charles’ is an unforgettable journey through rhythm, blues and soul. 

There’s the BAFTA award winning Kimberley Nixon’s new play about motherhood, postpartum psychosis and stand up in ‘Baby Brain’, immersive Afrofuturism in in ‘Arcana’ from writer-composer Fay Guiffo, and a celebration of Ireland’s national sports in ‘Ham Sandwiches and Discipline’. 

Ariana and The Rose debut ‘The Breakup Variety Hour’ with soaring synth-pop anthems and razor-sharp wit, Primal Scream blends opera and psychodrama, and ‘Divas: From Stage to Screen’ sing everything from Carole King to Cher, Sabrina Carpenter to Shirley Bassey.

The full Assembly Festival programme continues to receive rave reviews across the board. Alaa Shehada’s ‘The Bridge’, which won a Fringe First last week, will return for a special run of extra shows in Assembly George Square Studios from 28-30 Aug.

‘Scaramouche Jones’, Justin Butcher’s timely tragic clown, continues to dazzle audiences at Assembly St Andrew Square, and the lives and legacies of beloved rock musicians are celebrated in ‘27 Club’. 

Tickets for the full Assembly Festival programme are now available at:

www.assemblyfestival.com. 

VIEVE brand coming to The Centre Livingston next month

CENTRE MARKS ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

Nine years after thousands of beauty fans flocked to The Centre, Livingston to see Scottish beauty star Jamie Genevieve at a live make-up masterclass, her beauty brand VIEVE is now coming to the shopping centre, which is a full-circle moment in her incredible journey from a make-up artist to an international beauty entrepreneur. 

Back in 2017, Jamie was already a major name in the beauty world, sharing make-up tutorials in her own relatable, down-to-earth style with around 800,000 Instagram followers, and close to half a million YouTube subscribers.

Since then, she has built an impressive loyal fanbase around the world, with over two million Instagram and YouTube followers and partnered with various global brands, including L’Oréal Paris. 

She has also collaborated with MAC on a special-edition lipstick, which led to her launching her very own product range in 2020, attracting high-profile fans including Claudia Winkleman, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman and opened her own store in Glasgow in 2024.

Her collection is also available in retailers like Space NK and Sephora.

Although Jamie, who has just welcomed the arrival of her second child, won’t be appearing at The Centre, Livingston this time, her team of Pro Makeup Artists will be on hand to give people expert advice to help find their perfect shade and try out their award-winning products. Shoppers who spend £99 will also be invited to take part in a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win lots of beauty treats.

The VIEVE ‘Tour de Face’, which is part of a Scotland-wide tour, will only be in the shopping centre from 10th – 13th September, located in front of New Look.

It also forms part of a 50th anniversary Fashion & Beauty event taking place in the shopping centre on the 12thand 13th, to help raise funds for its Charity Partner CHAS, (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), which provides specialist palliative care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to get a free mini colour analysis and Autumn/Winter style tips from resident stylist Leigh Maybury, located in front of M&S, with donations optional for CHAS, and check out some iconic styles dating back the last five decades. 

There will also be model scouting and live music with tunes from the past 50 years, and some lucky shoppers will be in with a chance of winning prizes in the ‘Guess the Fashion Year’ quiz.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The arrival of the VIEVE beauty brand at The Centre, Livingston feels like a very special full-circle moment, going back to when we welcomed Jamie into the shopping centre nine years ago. 

“Her live make-up masterclass will go down as one of our most incredible and well-attended events of all time, with people travelling as far as Newcastle and Aberdeen to meet her.

“It feels even more extra special for us as we mark our 50th anniversary to have her team join in our 50thanniversary celebrations at our Fashion and Beauty Event.

“Shoppers can not only get beauty tips but also an insight into Autumn/Winter fashion trends with our fantastic resident stylist, Leigh Maybury, and a colour analysis. They can also check out some outfits which were trending over the past 50 years and enjoy live music too with tunes covering each decade.”

The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has over 150 stores and restaurants, spanning one million sq. ft. and welcoming over 15.8 million visitors a year.

These include M&S, Flannels, H&M, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, the country’s largest JD Sports store, Nando’s, Wagamama, Wingstop and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland.

Final Week, Fresh Shows

What’s On at theSpaceUK

You may have made it to the final week of the Fringe, but the curtains haven’t come down just yet. Here at theSpaceUK, we’ve got a whole host of shows about to begin their Fringe runs.

So, as the festival enters its final week, it’s time for Act 3:

Musicals & Operas 

Who We Are Now
(theSpace @ Niddry St, 24-29 August)

Part rock concert, part coming-of-age drama, this gripping new musical follows young musicians haunted by their past. With a bold, genre-blending score, this electrifying show explores ambition, identity and the struggle to move forward.

The Tears of Nerakhis
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
Written, composed and staged from scratch: this original epic fantasy musical brings a modern myth to life, telling the extraordinary love story between a human girl and the daughter of the God of the Night.

Swing Gum 
(theSpace @ Niddry St, 24-29 August)
A true story of love separated by war and reunited 75 years later. Swing Gum blends tap, swing, Lindy hop and archival broadcasts into a toe-tapping, heart-stopping musical. Experience the UK premiere of this unforgettable wartime love story.

Nuns of Fury!
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 
The nuns are back in town! The Nuns of Fury must battle both vice and virtue in this rock-gospel extravaganza. A comedy for fans of sisterhood and having faith in yourself!

Music

To Be Arranged…
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 
University of Exeter’s Illuminations A Cappella presents ‘To Be Arranged…’. Their Fringe show is about to begin, but they are yet to decide on a theme. Come and listen to see if they figure it out!

Cabaret

Judy Garland Is Fat at Carnegie Hall 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) 

Sixty-five years after Judy Garland’s iconic concert, two NYC drag artists resurrect her performance via messy, virtuosic experiment. Through impressions, lip sync, monologue and rainbow cake, this show interrogates societal expectations around fatness.

Comedy 

Got Mushroom For Sketch Comedy?
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 
Got Mushroom for Sketch Comedy? The students of Exeter Comedy Society are back with their latest sketch show!

Outlaugh: Edinburgh
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
A comedy and social strategy competition show using the rules of the reality show Survivor. Twelve comedians compete in comedic challenges for immunity, while the losers have to vote each other out at tribal council.

Silly Goose!
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 
We’re on the hunt for the Silliest Goose in town! Join us and three comics as we discuss your silliest stories, whether it’s saucy scandals, funny first dates or office outrages.

Theatre

Dust: The Sixth Sense 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)

A baptism in the blood of life. Salty stains of prayer and memory. You are complicit in a sensory-led, psyche-bending world where all the angels on Earth have fallen because their mother couldn’t fall with them.

My Beautiful Brain!
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 

Winner of Creative Corner Festival 2026! If you can read this, you’re ahead of Hannah! With a mix of humour and heart, this autobiographical play sheds light on the misunderstood world of dyslexia.

The Last Days of Liz Truss?
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August) 

Join Liz, on her last morning at Number 10, in an exploration, comic and tragic, of the tensions in politics: between ambition and ability, vision and reality, going short and playing it long.

Dregs
(theSpace @ Niddry Street, 24-29 August) 

Fisch and Neck are two lost souls picking for what’s left in the Trashcan of Spirit. Dregs is a dark, absurdist comedy exploring the ugly underbelly of capitalism and greed through a series of hilarious clownish hijinks.

SQUAT!
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)
Join the Squat as they stumble through loss with too much alcohol, too many bad decisions, and absolutely no filter. SQUAT! is a dark comedy about masculine vulnerability, friendship and the f*cking weird ways men say “I love you”!

Is This Your First Crime?
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August) A new comedy set within a police interrogation, showcasing the corruption and ineptitude of the force. When Tim’s brought in for questioning nothing can prepare him for what the desperate detectives have in store!

Come As You Are
(theSpace Triplex, 24-29 August)
Katherine turns 45 today! A warm, joyful celebratory dinner with all the family awaits her – until an uninvited guest sours the festivities.

It Couldn’t Get Worse; or, The Margarita Boat Tour Incident
(theSpace @ Venue 45, 24-29 August) Locked in a lighthouse, Claire and Judy form a reluctant alliance to save Maggie, Judy’s daughter and Claire’s fiancée. It couldn’t get worse. Probably.

What’s Rotting in the Office Fridge? 
(theSpace on the Mile, 24-29 August)
A seemingly regular office prepares for a retirement party, but something’s amiss. As characters unravel, they find themselves trapped by capitalism, the stages of grief and their own ambition.

I Killed My Father
(theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 24-29 August)
This darkly comedic excavation dissects a lineage of absentee fathers, explores what we inherit, and reveals the high cost of a graceful exit. A bitingly funny autopsy on masculinity.

Can You Teach Me How To Breathe?
(theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 24-29 August) Four people wake up on a sinking submarine with no idea what’s going on. There’s nothing to do but wait. And the empty feelings they’ve long ignored creep in.

Britain is 100% behind you: Andy Burnham visits Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister

  • Prime Minister in Kyiv for first international visit to reiterate UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine
  • Comes as the Prime Minister announces the UK has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine
  • Burnham expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, alongside other world leaders in the city to mark Independence Day

Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today (Monday 24 August) for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.

Just weeks after welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK in July as his first international guest, the Prime Minister has travelled to Kyiv to reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

Visiting on Independence Day, the Prime Minister will tell the Ukrainian people that the UK is four-square behind Ukraine’s independence, and Russia’s threats only strengthen the UK’s resolve.

To underline the strength of this commitment, the Prime Minister is set to announce that the Government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.

The missile is the French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow, with both using shared French and British technology.

The move follows the UK being the first to gift long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes to Ukraine in 2023 and will allow the French and Ukrainians to move forward with the Ukrainian assembly of the missile.

It also complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.

“I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security.

“The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.

“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss how the UK can continue to support Ukraine as it courageously defends itself against Russia’s illegal invasion. 

He will tell international partners that the UK’s leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his Government.

While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to be presented with an award on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the United Kingdom’s support.

The UK has been one of Ukraine’s foremost partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing a range of military, economic, and diplomatic support, underpinned by the UK and Ukraine’s 100 Year Partnership.

This includes leading efforts to secure Ukraine’s long-term security alongside France as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, and committing £25 billion in funding, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.

SNP Government must do more to protect shop workers, says Usdaw

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTLAND’S PROTECTION OF WORKERS LAW

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect shop workers in light of an epidemic of retail crime. The call comes on the fifth anniversary of the Scottish protection of workers’ law, which the union says makes a big difference if backed up by investment in policing.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), came into force on 24 August 2021.

It provides a specific offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing any retail worker and a harsher sentence if they were enforcing a statutory age restriction, resulting in a fine with penalties escalating to a prison sentence.

The legislation was a direct result of Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, working with Scottish politicians, retail employers and other organisations.

Police recorded retail crime figures in Scotland, released in June, show that:

  • Shoplifting increased from 20,557 incidents during the pandemic to 53,269 last year (2025/6), which is a 159% increase and includes a 19% rise on the previous year (2024/5).
  • The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 50.6% in 2025/6, an overall decrease of nearly one-third, although there was a slight improvement last year of 1.6%.
  • Since the Protection of Workers Act came into effect, the number of times the legislation has been used has increased every year. There have been 11,023 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker over 5 years.

Voice from the frontline: Scottish supermarket worker Rhianna talks about how the Act has made a difference when used: “A customer was refused alcohol because they were drunk and they smacked another customer over the head with a bottle of vodka <which also injured the shop worker>.

“The staff called the police and they got there within five minutes…beforehand, it would have been ignored. So, to see that type of improvement is huge and it’s thanks to the protection of workers’ law.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scotland’s protection of retail workers’ law has made a difference, as Rhianna explains, and has been used to punish over 11,000 offenders, but much more needs to be done in Scotland’s epidemic of retail crime.

“We are continuing to work with retailers and Police Scotland to help ensure that the legislation is fully utilised. However, we have been concerned by a lack of urgency to tackle retail crime from the Scottish Government, who have overseen a record-breaking more than doubling in shoplifting, with a 19% increase last year.

“In contrast, Labour’s actions have seen retail crime reduce over the last two quarters in England and Wales. Northern Ireland rates of theft from shops have also been trending downwards.

“Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats – over two-thirds of which are triggered by theft from shops and armed robbery.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers do. Usdaw’s own survey shows that over three-quarters of our Scottish members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community.

“They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law, along with the full backing of the Government.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Scottish shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. The groundbreaking protection of workers’ legislation that came into force in Scotland was an important step forward and has inspired similar legislation in Westminster for England and Wales, and Stormont for Northern Ireland.

“However, passing the legislation is not enough on its own and it must be backed up with investment in policing and a priority being given to retail crime, which is spiralling out of control. Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and too many shop workers suffer all too often.

“We still need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need.”

Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern) says: “Having worked in retail before entering Parliament, I know first-hand the growing impact of retail crime faced by shop workers in our communities.

“I’m proud of the impact made by the legislation I introduced 5 years ago to make it a specific offence to threaten, abuse or assault retail staff, with over 10,000 offences recorded since it came into force.

“The law has strengthened protections, improved reporting and sent a clear message that abuse of shop workers is unacceptable. Now we need urgent action from the Scottish Government to go further in tackling the epidemic of retail crime through stronger policing and closer partnership with retailers.”

Walker’s Shortbread’s “Magic Taxi” brings touch of Speyside magic to Edinburgh Fringe

Fringe magician Elliot Bibby took to the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday in a bespoke Walker’s Shortbread ‘Magic Taxi’ to surprise festival-goers with free rides, close-up magic, and buttery shortbread.

Serving as an on-the-move venue with a difference, the tartan-clad cab – which features brand ambassador Sir Andy Murray – transported busy Fringe-goers across the city between venues while keeping them entertained and fuelled with shortbread.

Amazon employees donate back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland

Employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline have packed and donated 700 back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland, helping families prepare for the new school year.

The kits were packed by 60 Amazon employees during a dedicated volunteering event at the Dunfermline fulfilment centre. Containing essential school supplies for both primary and secondary school pupils, the kits will be distributed by Multibank Scotland to families across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh ahead of the new academic year.

Multibank Scotland provides essential items to people experiencing financial hardship by working with charities, schools and community organisations across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh. The partnership helps ensure families can access everyday essentials when they need them most.

Natasha Blyth, an employee at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “We’re pleased to support Multibank Scotland with this donation ahead of the new school year.

“Preparing children for a new term can be a significant expense for many families and we hope these back-to-school kits will provide practical support where it’s needed most.”

Grant Barnes, from Multibank Scotland said: “Thank you to Amazon and its employees for this donation of back-to-school kits.

“The cost of school supplies can be a real challenge for many families, and these kits will help ensure hundreds of children have the essentials they need to start the new school year ready to learn.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded Multibank Scotland in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. 

This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK. 

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

International visitors drive summer boost at Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has recorded a year-on-year increase in summer visits, as Edinburgh welcomed visitors from around the world during another busy festival season.

The attraction, located at the top of the Royal Mile, saw overall visits rise in July 2026 compared with the same month last year, alongside significant growth from several international markets.

Spanish visitors recorded the largest increase, rising by 88% compared with July 2025. Visits from the United Arab Emirates increased by 43%, while visitors from Austria and Canada rose by 41% and 23% respectively.

The figures come as Edinburgh’s summer tourism season reaches its peak, with the city welcoming millions of visitors for its festivals and the school summer holidays.

Visitors still have time to make the most of Camera Obscura’s reduced summer ticket prices, available until 1 September as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative. The attraction is passing on the full VAT reduction across advance and walk-up tickets, meaning a family of four can save more than £10 compared with standard admission prices.

Located just moments from Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura features more than 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, alongside panoramic views of the capital from its rooftop. A seasonal rooftop bar is also open throughout the summer, offering soft drinks, snacks and ice cream away from the busiest festival streets.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions also welcomes families of all needs. Visitors with sensory needs can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys. A sensory map of the building is also available to help families plan their visit.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said: “Edinburgh has an incredible international appeal, particularly during the summer, and it has been fantastic to welcome even more visitors through our doors this July.

“The growth in visitors from countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Austria and Canada demonstrates just how far that appeal reaches. The city is at its liveliest during the festivals, and we are proud to play our part in the experience people have while they are here.

“We also recognise that visiting Edinburgh during the summer can be expensive, particularly for families. With reduced ticket prices still available until 1 September, we hope even more people can enjoy everything the attraction has to offer before the summer comes to a close.”

Discounted tickets are available through Camera Obscura’s website and for walk-up admission until 1 September.

To book your tickets, please visit: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

Exploitative zero-hours contracts are endemic, says TUC

  • ONS data shows near record levels of zero hours contracts – 1.2 million, an increase of 55,000 over the year 
  • The data continues to suggest the jobs market held steady in June, with the employment rate up from 75.0% to 75.1% and the unemployment rate down from 5.0% to 4.9%.
  • Redundancies fell by 20,000 to 106,000 in the latest three-month period. 
  • Youth unemployment remains high at 14.6 % – unchanged over the quarter. 
  • Vacancies fell by 6,000 over the quarter to 707,000
  • Real pay growth was 0.7% against CPI inflation, down from 1.4% in the same period last year. Private sector real pay increased by just 0.1%

Responding to the latest labour market statistics, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Exploitative zero-hours contracts are endemic in this country, with more than 1.2 million people stuck not knowing how much they’re going to earn each week. That’s why the government must deliver on its promise of a right to guaranteed hours for everyone.

“Employers are addicted to this one-sided flexibility. But the vast majority of insecure workers have struggled to meet their basic living costs because they haven’t been offered enough hours – and one in three face a financial hit of at least £3000 a year from cancelled shifts and incurred costs.

“We need to get young people into work – but it isn’t good enough to push them from unemployment into rampant insecurity. No young person benefits from a race to the bottom – they deserve good, secure employment like anyone else.

“It’s time for the government to double down on its plans to make work pay, expand the youth jobs guarantee, and stamp out exploitative zero-hours contracts once and for all.”

More words but no action on Israeli illegal incursion in Palestine

Joint Statement from the Leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus on the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan:

The Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable.

The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly. 

The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories.

International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This is the position of the international community reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.

At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning.

We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing.

Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.

We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest.