The Living Streets Scotland Big Walking Seminar ‘Radical changes for everyday streets: making it happen‘ will explore the gap between the rhetoric around walking and active travel, and the lived reality of walking in Scotland. It will hear from members of the public about their real-life walking experience.
Living Streets’ Vice President, Susan Claris, will come together with keynote speakers from the health and equalities sectors, transport experts and local government leaders to ask hard questions about the big shifts needed to deliver change and make walking a pleasant and viable everyday activity for everyone.
Joining Susan Claris will be Sheila Duffy (Chief Executive, ASH Scotland), Colin Pooley (Emeritus Professor of Social and Historical Geography, Lancaster University) and a representative from Mobility and Access Committee Scotland (MACs), among others.
Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said: “We are looking at a real societal change in terms of getting people out of cars, with pedestrians seeking much more prominence in policy and funding decisions. This level of change is very challenging.
“The Big Walking Seminar aims to provide a reality check by considering, not only how streets can be improved, but the fundamental changes needed to make walking projects successful. It will draw on the power of lived experience and lessons from other deep societal shifts, such as the smoking ban.”
The Big Walking Seminar comprises a virtual morning session hosted on Zoom. Walk and Talks will take place in the afternoon, led by Living Streets Scotland staff and setting off from Edinburgh Waverley, Stirling Railway Station and Inverness Railway Station.
Scotland international rugby player Marshall Sykes joined Edinburgh’s Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross, Culture and Communities Convener Donald Wilson and a team of volunteers to plant a series of Jubilee trees in celebration of Edinburgh becoming a QGC ‘Champion City’.
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.
Marshall Sykes joined volunteers from the local area at the launch event which saw 1,270 new trees planted, including Scots pine surrounded by meadowgrass, on 0.7 hectares of greenspace at Stenhouse on Broomhouse Drive.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is being delivered in partnership with Trees for Cities, a UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. Together they are working to deliver community-led urban greening projects in all four nations of the UK as part of the Platinum Jubilee year.
As part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a “Champion Cities” programme has been launched to celebrate some of the nation’s outstanding cities which have trees and woodland as a central part of their plans for greenspaces. The planting in Stenhouse reflects an extensive tree planting programme in Edinburgh, which has pledged to be both net zero and a Million Tree City by 2030.
Culture and Communities Convener Donald Wilson said: “It is an honour for Edinburgh to be selected as a “Champion City” as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – this is a fantastic initiative that will not only help the environment but be a lasting tribute to the Queen’s legacy.
“We’re very proud that Edinburgh is already one of the UK’s greenest cities, with more trees than people. This is another step as we strive towards our hugely ambitious target of making the city net zero by 2030.
“Through our Million Tree City vision, our dedicated Parks, Greenspace and Cemeteries service are leading a project to increase tree cover to help Edinburgh fulfil its Climate Emergency commitments and become a Million Tree City by 2030. I would encourage everyone who is able to plant a tree for the jubilee.”
Scotland international and Edinburgh Rugby lock, Marshall Sykes said: “As a club, we’re delighted to support The Queen’s Green Canopy’s tree planting in Stenhouse to create a vibrant space for the city’s and local residents to enjoy.
“Rugby is all about togetherness, and this initiative will create a similar sense of community that all those living in the Stenhouse area can enjoy in the years to come. I’m delighted to support this special Jubilee tree planting event to celebrate Edinburgh as a ‘Champion City’.”
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women around the world; but women still face significant discrimination in the workplace and wider society, writesTUC’s NIKKI POUND.
It is critical to raise awareness today on the continued inequality faced by women and to rally calls for action to accelerate equality.
We have seen women at the sharp end of the pandemic, on the frontline as key workers, and taking on an even more disproportionate burden of care and domestic work in the home.
We know that many women face multiple forms of discrimination with racial and gender inequalities intersecting, highlighted by evidence that BME women have had both the highest rate of unemployment (8.8 per cent) and the lowest rate of employment (62.5 per cent) throughout the pandemic.
Disabled women continue to be excluded from the labour market, demonstrated by the 52 per cent employment rate for disabled women workers compared to 85 per cent for white, non-disabled men.
The gender pay gap persists at 15.4 per cent, and the gender pensions gap is more than twice that, at 37.8 per cent.
We know that 54,000 women are forced out of the labour market every year due to pregnancy and maternity discrimination. And 1 million women have been forced to leave their jobs due to the lack of support for them while experiencing menopause.
Globally, increasingly authoritarian governments promote anti-feminist, racist, anti-migrant, and homophobic narratives. This has led to a global crackdown on reproductive, sexual and human rights that disproportionately effect women, girls and LGBT+ communities.
This year alone, we have seen attacks on same sex marriage and LGBT+ freedoms across Europe, legislation restricting abortion and contraception in the US, a new crisis of education in North Africa and the Middle East and yet more violence and harassment of trade unionists across Latin America.
As conflicts continue in Syria, Palestine and Afghanistan and new ones unfold in the Ukraine, we see women and girls have their freedom shattered and safety removed. But we also see our international sisters fighting back.
In Honduras, a female progressive president has been elected, ending the 12 years of right-wing rule which followed the 2009 coup. Today in Pakistan, for the fifth year running, thousands of women will take to the streets for the Aurat March.
This year, they will be protesting this year for increased wages, security and peace for women– incredibly powerful, given it was here that Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for attempting to attend school.
In the U.S, after years of legal battles, the women’s national soccer team have settled a dispute on unequal pay compared to the men’s team to the tune of $24m. And, in February this year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes a collaborative partnership to improve occupational safety and health training and knowledge for women who depend on coffee production for their livelihoods across the globe.
Here in the UK, trade unions led calls for and won the commitment from government to introduce a preventative duty on employers, forcing employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces.
And we finally got the government to commit to ratifying ILO C190, which recognises the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
We also have seen landmark wins on equal pay for work of equal value. We lobbied for guidance on risk assessments make clear that employers must carry out individual risk assessments for pregnant and new mothers in the workplace. And our campaign saw over 7000 responses submitted to the government consultation on flexible working.
So yes, there is always more work to do and some days – when progress feels slow – it is tough. But 57 per cent of trade union members are women, and we continue to lead collective action for women’s equality in the workplace, in our society and across the world.
Here are just a few actions you can take this International Women’s Day
The war in Ukraine is forcing many to flee their homes, putting women and children at heightened risk of violence. Donate to the ITUC emergency fundraising appeal today to help local and neighbouring trade unions provide essential provisions.
This International Women’s Day, we must remember and celebrate our hard fought for wins and continue to organise and agitate. And from our brothers and allies we need not just their solidarity, but their action.
Morrisons is marking International Women’s Day 2022 with a host of activity aimed at supporting women including donations of sanitary products, celebrations of local women and a relaunch of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative which addresses period poverty.
In addition to activities in our stores, sites and surrounding communities, we are also supporting The Prince’s Trust with its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign as well as celebrating women in our business.
Until March 9th, for every Morrisons or TOTM sanitary protection product a customer buys, Morrisons will donate another pack to a local food bank or community group to help tackle the issue of period poverty. The products included in the campaign include tampons, towels, panty liners and menstrual cups.
To further support the cause, we are also reminding customers of our ‘Package for Sandy’ initiative where customers in need can go to any Morrisons customer service desk and ask for a package for ‘Sandy’ or a ‘period product pack’. The customer will then be given a free discreet envelope with sanitary products and no questions asked. The package is made up of a brown paper bag with two single sanitary towels.
Throughout March, the Community Champions in all of our 497 stores will be recognising and celebrating local women in the community who go above and beyond every day to help make a difference.
Rebecca Singleton, Community Director at Morrisons, said:“International Women’s Day is a key moment in the Morrisons calendar and throughout March we are planning a host of initiatives and events to help celebrate it.
“We hope this will help to tackle the issue of period poverty, recognising the outstanding achievements of the women in the communities that we support and thanking and celebrating women in our stores and sites across the country.”
Our colleagues are also attending and speaking at events held by The Prince’s Trust as part of its #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign.
· More Than a Muse launches on Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Exhibition Space in Edinburgh. Launch is free but ticketed.
· Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work that highlights women from art history who have been eclipsed by the title of ‘The Muse’
· The exhibition will run from Tue 8 March – Sun 10 April and is free entry.
More than a Muse, a new exhibition launching tomorrow, Tue 8 March (International Women’s Day) at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh will celebrate the lesser-known narratives of women from art history whilst simultaneously showcasing new work from current women artists.
Eight contemporary artists will showcase new work in celebration of women from art history who have been eclipsed by their title of ‘The Muse’. Artists whose stories deserve to be told and who deserve to have their work celebrated. Who didn’t just inspire great art, but also created it, yet are rarely seen as a creative force in their own right. Not just a face on another artist’s canvas, they are more than that, more than a muse.
This exhibition is an opportunity to tell and reclaim these lesser-known narratives and will spotlight the lives of women such as Stella Cartwright known as ‘The Muse of Rose Street’. Stella was the lover and muse of many Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. Although her poetry was unpublished, she was an artist and poet in her own right. Stella’s life will be reimagined in a monologue by playwright and performer, Jo Clifford.
Dora Maar was a French photographer, painter, and poet. She is often referred to as lover and muse of Pablo Picasso and is depicted in several of Picasso’s paintings. She was a rising star in the surrealist circle of the 1930s and a great commercial and fashion photographer, but under Picasso’s influence she gave up photography and withdrew from the art scene altogether.
By some accounts, the beginning of Dora Maar’s relationship with Pablo Picasso marked the end of her own artistic career. It wasn’t until her death in 1997 that art historians were finally able to examine Maar’s masterful body of work in full. Maar’s work will be creatively interpreted by photographer, Monchromemaud.
Kitty Garman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right. Their five-year relationship was turbulent and became increasingly unstable due to Freud’s alleged infidelities and womanising, which took their toll on Garman’s health. Her life will be celebrated in a new series of acrylics by artist Harry Mould.
Others in the series are as follows:
The Muse
Backstory
Contemporary Artist and art form
Stella (‘Muse of Rose Street’) Cartwright
Cartwright was a Scottish muse and lover to a number of Scottish poets including George Mackay Brown. She was a poet and painter in her own right.
Jo Clifford, poetry
Dora Maar
Maar was muse to Picasso but was a photographer and painter in her own right.
Monochromemaud, Photography
Kitty Garman
Garman was muse to Lucian Freud but was an artist in her own right.
Harry Mould, acrylic and oil
Julia Warhola
Muse and mother of Andy Warhol but was an artist in her own right
Emma Macleod, sculpture
Lee Miller
Muse to Man Ray but was a photographer in her own right
Maria Poyato, sculpture
Elizabeth Siddal
Pre-Raphaelite muse but poet and artist in her own right.
Geraldine Brennan, illustration
Hannah Höch
Muse to Raul Haussman but artist and photomontagist in her own right.
Lada Wilson,Photomontage
Georgia O’Keeffe
Muse to Alfred Stieglitz, celebrated artist in her own right
Misia-O, photography
The launch is supported by a performance organised by the Scottish Storytelling Forum. Performance poet Imogen Stirling will share spoken word poetry whilst storyteller, Ailsa Dixon will tell inspirational tales of women from folklore to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the exhibition launch.
More Than A Muse will be displayed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from Tue 8 Mar – Sun 10 April. No tickets required. (Please note in March 2022 the Centre is closed on Wednesdays).
Tickets for the launch on Tue 8 March are free or by donation and can be found on the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s website. https://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com/ 0131 556 9579
Top Trumps have rounded up 30 of the most powerful, successful and influential figures in the world to celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March 2022)
Top Trumps has been an iconic card game for almost 50 years and over this time has launched hundreds of titles across the world in many different languages. From cars to football and Star Wars to Harry Potter and now Great Women.
Great Women Top Trumps features 30 Great Women over time. From politicians to scientists and Hollywood icons, you’ll be amazed and inspired by everything these women have accomplished.
Learn about some of the most brilliant and daring women from throughout history including Marie Currie, Harriet Tubman and Katherine Johnson, as well as contemporary icons like Greta Thunberg and J.K. Rowling.
The categories on the cards include, Year of Birth, Fame, Impact and Courage. Each card includes a biog about the person, explaining exactly why these famous faces will be remembered forever.
Explore some of the defining moments from the worlds of science, music, fashion, politics, mathematics and more.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America Until 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed, £0-£10
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Until 27 Mar 2022 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Spotlight On: Audubon’s Birds of America 8 Mar 2022 14:00-15:00 Auditorium, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Free, advance booking required. Suitable for those aged 12 and over.
Join exhibition Curator Mark Glancy and Paper Conservator Lisa Cumming as they discuss how our upcoming exhibition Audubon’s Birds of America took flight. Discover how Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books, was made, and learn about the ongoing conservation work to preserve these life-size, hand-coloured prints for future generations.
Relaxed Opening Hour 27 Mar 2022 10:00-11:00 Free entry
These monthly Relaxed Opening Hours are for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.
Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.
The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum gets hands-on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease Detectives.
Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups.
Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00
*NEW* National Lottery Open Week
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 10:00 – 16:00 Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply)
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit.
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.
In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books.
31 Mar 2022 19:30-20:30 Online Free, with optional donation
Join David Lindo and Paul Walton for an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Paul Walton is Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Edinburgh Association of Community Councils appeals to members for financial support
The Edinburgh Association of Community Councils (EACC) is making a one-time appeal for funds.
Like community councils, we need to pay for a website, video-conferencing and meeting facilities, and help with documenting meetings etc.
Unlike community councils, we are not receiving financial support from either the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) or the Edinburgh Partnership, the higher level body to which both CEC and EACC belong.
Why is this? Community councils are statutory bodies and EACC is officially recognised by CEC as representing them in Edinburgh. Until a few years ago, EACC were getting a grant, similar to those given to individual community councils. This was authorised by Edinburgh Partnership, but paid by CEC from its community services budget.
Paul Lawrence, CEC Director of Place, has told us that funding hasn’t been provided to EACC since 2017-8. Inevitably there are conflicting explanations of why. We asked Paula McLeay, CEC Head of Policy and Insight, if the grant could be reinstated, but the answer was no.
EACC is unique among Edinburgh Partnership members in being totally voluntary and unfunded. This is unsustainable and we will continue to negotiate for the grant to be restored.
In the meantime we have no money, so we are launching this appeal for funds from Edinburgh’s community councils. (As a guide we are hoping to raise about £500 to maintain basic services.)
If you are willing to support EACC, we would be very grateful if you could send us funds by bank transfer:
Account number 30120430 Sort code 82 68 00 Account name Edinburgh Association of Community Councils
Entries are now open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, and companies across Scotland of all sizes with a green ethos that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice are being encouraged to enter.
The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.
This year’s award categories include: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland, Small Business Scotland.
Businesses in Scotland have already felt the impact of the risks associated with climate change, and food producers and whisky distillers were faced with water scarcity last summer furthering the drive for positive and radical environmental action.
Organisations are being encouraged to follow the example of firms such as Vegware and Paterson Arran Ltd. who have shown that environmental best practice can also bring economic benefits including financial savings, an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.
Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources.
This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.
Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Scotland is a leader in climate change action and successful businesses recognise the economic benefit from driving environmental innovation and best practice.
“Every business in the country has a role to play in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are developing sustainable solutions and helping to achieve net zero of all greenhouse gases by 2045.
“We are looking for entries from businesses who are taking the lead in the transition to a net zero emissions economy through innovation, partnerships, circular economy, adaptation and a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.
“These creative and pioneering organisations will be those who champion best practice and create sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition, making a positive environmental impact protecting our plant for future generations.”
Scotland’s premier pro-European campaign is urging the UK government to follow the lead of the EU and allow Ukrainian refugees from Russia’s horrendous war to settle here for up to three years without being forced to apply for asylum.
With more than one million Ukrainians forced to flee their country, the EU has said it will offer “temporary protection” for 36 months – a decision hailed by UNHCR as “unprecedented”.
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) says today the UK Government must drop its restrictive migration policy and allow thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians fleeing the most savage war in Europe for over 75 years to live and work here.
EMiS also calls upon the five main political parties represented in Holyrood to endorse this stance and put pressure on the UK Government to join forces with the EU-27 in welcoming Ukrainian refugees on the scale required.
Mark Lazarowicz, EMiS vice-chair, said: “This is no time for a self-styled world leading country to impose cruel barriers to Ukrainian refugees seeking protection in our own country as in other European nations. We urge Home Secretary Priti Patel to change course and show generous compassion.”
