There has been much posturing, many false dawns and plenty manufactured fury over the last many months concerning the negotiation of a deal (or not) to govern the UK’s trade with the world’s biggest and most integrated market which just happens to be on our doorstep, the EU.
But whether it’s a Deal or No Deal, future trading with what is easily our biggest trading partner will become much more difficult following the end of Transition on 31 January. Even the Bank of England, not known for expressing extreme opinions, has said that the hit to the UK economy over the medium term will be worse than that caused by the Covid pandemic.
The damage has already been done. For some, that is a price worth paying but not for the majority of Scots, and not, if the polls are to be believed, for the majority across the UK either now.
But regardless, the damage is done. That is the real point. The UK is out of the EU. Relationships have been damaged in the process, and not just trading relationships. The locks on the doors are about to be changed. The weather is growing colder while the UK is outside and is no longer trusted by those who might once have given shelter.
So where do we go from here? How do we rebuild? Well a reasonable place to start might be to better understand what others think about us after all the recent sound and fury. Plenty of uninformed opinion is thrown about every night on TV by “spokesmen” who see mainly an opportunity to further their particular agendas.
Is it time to hear from some non-politicians? Real people who live in European cities and who know what is going on in their respective countries?
The European Movement in Scotland certainly thinks so and is organising a webinar on 14th December with experts from Rome, Berlin, Brussels and Edinburgh to explore how Europeans now think about the UK and Scotland.
Curiosity can have a notorious effect on cats, so the advent of tinsel, baubles and seasonal plants can turn a cosy Christmas home into a tempting playground of hazards for our furry friends.
To help keep kitty safe this Christmas and New Year, Cats Protection has shared 12 top tips for feline-friendly festivities to ensure the season can be enjoyed by all.
Christmas trees present a tempting challenge so avoid placing breakable ornaments within reach and discourage climbing. Real trees can seep toxic preservatives so the base should be a no-go area for puss.
Glass baubles, tinsel and decorations with tiny parts can be dangerous to cats and should be avoided. If your tree is real, vacuum often as pine needles are a choking hazard and can hurt feet.
Dressing up your cats will make them stressed. It can be tempting to involve your cat in festivities, but fancy dress can restrict movement, risk injury and prevent grooming or stretching.
Toxic plants like holly, ivy, poinsettia, lilies and mistletoe are potentially dangerous to cats. A full list of harmful plants can be found on Cats Protection’s website here.
Human food is not for cats and rich foods like chocolate can be toxic and should definitely be off the menu. Overfeeding can make a cat overweight and risk health problems such as diabetes.
Christmas can be loud and cats may want a safe place to retreat to when things get noisy. Cats can be startled by bangs such as Christmas crackers, party poppers and general commotion.
Tidy away presents and wrapping after opening gifts. Wrapping paper, elastic bands and ribbons can be a tempting hazard so keep your cat from nibbling at them.
Cat-friendly toys can be a treat at Christmas but pick ones with embroidered features, not plastic or glass ones which can come off. If you buy cat edible gifts, go for special pet treats.
Screen open fires and don’t hang decorations near them. Avoid danger by reducing temptation.
If you’re going away consider a cat sitter over a cattery. Cats like a familiar environment so keeping your cat at home can ensure they feel less stressed. Most of all; make plans early.
Prepare for fireworks especially at New Year, when the loud bangs and bright lights can cause anxiety, so keep your curtains closed and consider a calming pheromone plug-in diffuser.
Do not give cats as presents. Cats are a commitment beyond Christmas and are not to be treated as novelty gifts. Cats Protection does not home cats during the holiday season.
A group of like-minded car enthusiasts are supporting the launch of VOCAL’s Carers Are Stars! campaign with the unveiling of their special modified car.
The members of Lothian Modified unveiled the ‘dressed’ cars at VOCAL’s carers’ hub in Dalkeith to launch a campaign and appeal in support of the vital role played by unpaid carers across Edinburgh and Midlothian communities.
“As a family-friendly group we include carers and people living with disabilities and conditions who need extra support. So we wanted to help carers in whatever way we can” said Linda Lawton, group moderator/administrator and instigator of Lothian Modified’s support for VOCAL. “We want to make sure that our community recognises the role of unpaid carers and let them know that they are stars.
“As a carer for a child with additional needs and as a person with a disability, I know the work that goes into being a carer. VOCAL has been so helpful to me and my family and it is so important that others know they are not alone” added Linda.
“VOCAL has continued to support carers across Edinburgh and Midlothian through the COVID pandemic when many more people have taken on caring roles and caring duties have increased in hours as well as intensity.
“This Christmas, we want to let the carers in our community know that they are stars. They bring light and hope to cared-for people and deserve all the support that VOCAL can provide” said Julie Forster of VOCAL.
VOCAL’s Carer are Stars! appeal asks supporters to make a donation and put another star on the VOCAL’s Christmas tree.
Julie added: “We have been doing so much virtually this year that we wanted to make our tree real. We will be genuinely hanging one of our special stars on our tree when you make a donation.”
More than £1.8 billion of extra funding has been allocated to tackling the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland.
It covers areas including health, transport and business support, accounting for all but £330 million of the latest consequentials generated by UK Government spending. The remainder will be used to meet further urgent demands relating to both COVID-19 and Brexit up to the end of March 2021.
The funding is detailed in a letter from Finance Secretary Kate Forbes to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution Committee.
Ms Forbes said: “From the outset, I have ensured that the money we receive is distributed as quickly as possible to where it is needed most. Our decisions have provided vital additional resources to our NHS, schools and other public services, they have kept our transport system running and provided much needed financial support for businesses impacted by the pandemic.
“To provide full transparency, I detailed earlier allocations in the summer and autumn budget revisions. This latest round will deliver measures such as the COVID-19 vaccination programme, local business support packages and free school meals over the holidays.
“The UK Treasury has indicated that this funding covers the period up to March 2021, so I have allocated £330 million as a contingency to ensure we are in a position to provide further support to health and businesses, including for issues arising from Brexit, as it is required over the coming months.
“Our limited borrowing powers mean we do not have flexibility to increase spending to meet demand and therefore must manage our expenditure – much of which is demand led so cannot be accurately calculated in advance – within the consequentials provided.”
The latest allocations include:
around £600 million for health and social care, wider public health initiatives and welfare support. This includes the COVID-19 vaccination programme, test and trace and the £500 bonus for health and social care workers.
support for business and the wider economy totalling £570 million, including funding for the strategic framework, local business support packages, the newly self-employed hardship fund and local authority discretionary business funding
an estimated £139 million of previously announced funding for government, bringing the overall support package to councils to more than £1 billion
around £500 million to support transport services and cover pandemic-related income shortfalls within organisations such as Police Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
The latest COVID-19 consequentials bring the total received by the Scottish Government to £8.2 billion.
A further update on COVID-19 spending will be provided through the Spring Budget Revision in the New Year.
A copy of Ms Forbes’ letter to the Finance and Constitution Committee Convener Bruce Crawford is below:
Dear Bruce,
I am writing to update the Finance and Constitution Committee on usage and allocations to date of consequential funding received during 2020-21 as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
We have drawn down and allocated this funding over the course of the year in response to what has been an exceptional and dynamic set of circumstances. I have updated Parliament on several occasions and, although a further update will be provided through the Spring Budget Revision in the New Year, I thought it would be helpful to provide further information in advance of that.
Around £6 billion of consequentials were allocated in the unprecedented Summer Budget Revision and as part of the Autumn Budget Revisions. Since then, consequentials provided have been increased to £8.2 billion.
I can confirm that thus far, further allocations have been provided as follows:
Around £600 million has been provided to health and social care, wider public health initiatives and welfare support. This funding supports the public health response to Covid including: vaccinations and test and trace; the £500 non-consolidated payment for health and social care staff; and the Winter Plan for Social Protection, which helps people pay for food, heating, warm clothing and shelter as well as free school meals over the school holidays and the self-isolation support grant.
Support for business and the wider economy of £570 million, including grants via the Strategic Framework, funding for local support packages, the newly self-employed hardship fund, digital support, Local Authority Discretionary Business Funding and remaining allocations from the £97 million support for culture and heritage.
Previously announced support for Local Government, relating to the estimated £90 million Lost Income Scheme as well as £49 million of additional funding confirmed to councils in September. Added to additional funding already committed, this brings the value of the overall support package to councils to more than £1 billion.
Around £500 million of funding to support continued provision of transport and funding for income shortfalls within our partner bodies including Police Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council, Registers of Scotland and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service in order to ensure that they can continue to deliver vital services, as well as mitigating shortfalls in devolved tax as a direct result of Covid-19.
Due to the nature of the Covid-19 outbreak, the potential asks for further demand led spend with regards strategic framework support for business in Scotland and additional demands on health, and the requirement that the funding provided to date will cover all costs until the end of March 2021, I have allocated £330 million of funding in order to support these asks. This is consistent with the terms of the funding guarantee provided by HM Treasury to the devolved administrations, which specified the funding was to cover the period until March 2021. This contingency is also required in order to support any additional funding requirements as a result of the end of the EU transition period.
The Scottish Government’s limited borrowing powers means we do not have flexibility to increase spending and therefore must manage demand-led expenditure risks within the consequentials provided.
The figures above remain a snapshot of a dynamic funding position. I will formally advise of final allocations as part of Spring Budget Revision, the last formal opportunity in the financial year to transfer budgets.
KATE FORBES
https://twitter.com/i/status/1337006754421501952
Businesses across Scotland will benefit from a new £185 million package of targeted coronavirus support.
The announcement follows discussions with business groups and sees a wide range of sectors benefiting, from taxi drivers and arts venues to travel agents and hospitality.
In addition, there will be additional one-off payments to hospitality businesses in January to help them deal with the traditional post-Christmas dip in demand. These will be of £2,000 or £3,000, depending on rateable value.
The package was announced by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, who also said she had written to the Treasury calling for Scotland to receive its share of rates relief reimbursed by supermarkets “to ensure this is spent on those areas hardest hit as part of Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19”.
Ms Forbes said: “Today I am pleased to confirm an allocation of £185 million for new and additional business support in the new year. We have listened to businesses and this assistance will be provided on a sector-by-sector basis, targeted at those who need it most.
“We are developing grant schemes for hospitality, for the events sector, live music and cultural venues, for the arts, indoor football centres and for the food and drink sector, including £1.8 million for brewers.
“We will give £1.5 million to travelling show people ineligible for other support, while a new £19 million fund, plus a one-off grant, will help taxi drivers.
“I can also announce that further support of £60 million will be provided to the tourism sector, details of which will be developed in consultation with the industry.
“I am listening to the needs of business and we will continue to review and refine our COVID-19 support offer within the available resources.”
Specific support detailed in Wednesday’s announcement includes:
£15 million for the wedding sector and its supply chain, including photographers
one-off grants totalling £15 million for mobile close contact services, such as hairdressers
a £19 million fund and one-off grants for taxi drivers
£5 million for travel agents
almost £6 million for coach companies and tour operators
£1.5 million for visitor attractions.
More detail on the package will be announced in the coming days and businesses can expect to apply for all the new grant schemes in January.
Home and garden expert Homebase has teamed up with Country Living and House Beautiful magazines, published by Hearst UK, to create an exclusive range of kitchen designs – and Homebase Edinburgh Craigleith is amongst the first stores in the country to be fitted with this new and exciting range.
The collection consists of two Country Living kitchens and four House Beautiful kitchens. It brings together stylish designs, inspirational colours and trends with the practical, functional requirements customers need today in a kitchen that’s often used in a multitude of ways.
Both design ranges are made in Yorkshire, and the units in the Country Living range are hand painted making it easier for the customer to request a more tailored, unique style and design, without compromising on clever storage designs.
Ian Penney, Room Solutions Business Unit Director for Homebase, says:“Kitchens are often at the centre of any home, and even more so today as they can be an office, a school and a zoom-hub as well as somewhere to cook and eat!
” The Country Living and House Beautiful ranges, along with our expert kitchen designers who provide virtual kitchen consultations, can help customers find a style, design and functionality that suits their way of living today without compromise, to deliver them a kitchen of their dreams.”
The Country Living range
The Country Living range comprises of two designs – The Country Living Whitstable which takes its influence from the popular ‘Shaker’ kitchen design, but with subtle modern touches such as adding copper coloured handles to darker units, to create a more modern yet timeless British-inspired design.
Inspired by nature and named after British coastal towns, the range represents a more relaxed and simpler way of living, which embodies the ethos of the Country Living way of life.
The Country Living Whitstable in emerald green with copper coloured handles gives a modern look to a timeless classic design.
The Country Living Hastings kitchen has its design roots firmly in the farmhouse, countryside designs and is the epitome of English country chic. This kitchen mixes traditional styles with modern space saving ideas, offering the customer large larder cupboards and deep pan draws making it a very practical kitchen with a cosy feel
The Country Living Hastings is available in three natural colours: milk, biscuit and clotted cream.
The House Beautiful Kitchen Range
The four House Beautiful kitchens are well suited to today’s modern living. They’re beautifully modern, sleek, on-trend and incorporate a range of smart technology options. They also offer clever storage designs and soft close cupboards and drawers that can cope with the demands of any busy, family household.
The handleless House Beautiful Islington kitchen has a modern and elegant streamlined look, which is especially in the darker shades such as this Cocoa and Gunmetal with Copper Trim.
House Beautiful Islington makes a striking statement with its handleless doors and dark Cocoa cupboards, giving any kitchen a modern, sleek look.
The House Beautiful Camberwell is a contemporary style kitchen, blending high gloss doors with matt wood to create an ultra-modern finish. It’s a versatile design, as it has a wide range of finishes and handles that can be mixed and matched to complete the look. The range is available in six neutral tones that keep the style modern and sophisticated and offers plenty of storage options hidden away behind its sleek exterior.
The House Beautiful Camberwell is available in six different shades: oyster, snow, mist, soft stone, milk and driftwood
The House Beautiful Bermondsey comes in a choice of five, high gloss neutral colours which go towards giving it a more relaxed, easy going look. It’s available in the following shades: chalk, soft ivory, clay, ash and slate.
This kitchen can be easily mixed and matched with its integrated handles and unit colours creating more look options.
The House Beautiful Westbourne has fused together the best of the classic ‘Shaker’ style with some very modern features, including integrated handles. Together with its differing paint options including a matt finish, this is a bespoke kitchen that can truly be tailored to any style and any space of kitchen.
Customers can choose to browse The Country Living and House Beautiful kitchens the instore or online. Customers can book an appointment to visit the store in a safe, socially distanced way, alternately, Homebase kitchen designers are available to host a virtual design consultation, where they can share their screen to create kitchen designs all from the comfort of your own home.
For many, the festive season each year is a difficult and challenging time. More so this year with Covid as many of us face losses arising from the pandemic: loss of employment; loss of financial certainty; loss of connection to others due to social restrictions; and the loss of loved ones whose lives were taken by the virus.
Unitarians in Edinburgh are holding a unique programme of online services acknowledging the challenges of the season.
The programme begins this Sunday 13 December, 11am, with an online gathering entitled ‘Blue December’ where time, space and care is given to honouring what we’re with. There will be candle lighting, readings, music, and an opportunity for your voice to be heard, to share how you are.
Minister of Unitarians in Edinburgh, Rev. Peter Fairbrother says: “So many of us put on a brave face during the festivities, bottling-up how we feel.
“This can be tremendously damaging both to ourselves and to those around us given that the eventual outcome is often meltdown or explosion. Unitarians in Edinburgh seek to create a safe space where individuals are seen and heard on their own terms, not judged nor ‘fixed’.
“We are a diverse community of spiritual explorers, drawn from many different backgrounds, and everyone is welcome to come to our free online services. Simply come as you are.”
We are deeply grateful and delighted to announce that Councillor Ellie Bird has proposed a motion in support of our #WardieBay4BathingWater campaign, which will be delivered to Full Council today.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has written to Council Leader Adam McVey to explain Tuesday’s controversial decision to keep Edinburgh in Level 3 of coronavirus restrictions.
The letter comes after Council Leaders reacted with ‘anger and dismay‘ to the news that the Capital would not be moving to Level 2, contrary to what had been anticipated and it follows a meeting between Mr Swinney and Cllr McVey on Tueday evening.
Fiirst Minister Nicola Sturgeon and National Clinical Director Jason Leitch also explained the rationale behind the decision during questions following yesterday’s daily media briefing.
In his letter, Mr Swinney says: ‘A move to Level 2 in Edinburgh would mean opening up significantly more services in our second biggest city in the two weeks before Christmas. So we wanted to have as much confidence as possible that the situation is as stable as possible before we make that move.
‘In that context, the recent rise in cases, while relatively slight, was a cause for concern when seen against the backdrop of a much slower reduction in cases and test positivity for Edinburgh over the last two weeks than for Scotland as a whole.
‘By the same token, while Scotland as a whole has seen declining test positivity, the test positivity for Edinburgh is rising. So, weighing the data in the wider context, we decided it was prudent to keep Edinburgh in Level 3 this week, monitor the position closely, and to review the level again next week.
Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Leader Cammy Day had been pressing the case for Edinburgh’s restrictions to be eased, in recognition of the city’s relatively low COVID case numbers and the care taken by residents and businesses keeping to the rules.
Responding to the First Minister’s announcement on Tuesday, Council Leader Adam McVey said: I’m extremely disappointed. Our numbers are stable and have now been consistently within the rates of level two for some time.
“We know what a dire situation local businesses continue to face and the latest news will be yet another blow in the lead-up to the Christmas period – which should be their busiest time of the year. I’ve been strongly pressing for Edinburgh’s case to move to a lower level of restrictions when safe to do so. The data suggest that time should have been now.
“It’s thanks to everyone following the guidance that our numbers have fallen and it’s why the Capital’s expectation was rightly that we would be moving to level two. I’ve asked to meet the Government as a matter of urgency to ensure they give a full explanation to the people of Edinburgh of the public health advice that they have based their decision on. I’ll also be pressing the case for additional financial support for our businesses who will need additional help following this decision.
“Despite this situation we need to continue to do everything we can over the coming week to continue to make progress – that means following the guidance, maintaining social distancing and washing hands and using sanitiser regularly.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “This is an outrage and slap in the face for the many businesses, individuals and families who have so carefully stuck to restrictions over the winter so far, suffering significant losses and missing out on seeing one another over the festive period.
“It’s down to them that our cases per 100,000 are lower than many areas around the country, including some already in level two, so we completely understand those who are questioning today’s decision to retain the current restrictions in Edinburgh.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure this is recognised by the Scottish Government, and will be calling for them to reconsider and reverse their decision.”
Councillors will debate an Emergency Motion by the ‘Capital Coalition’ at today’s Full Council meeting, calling on Council to agree to continue to lobby the Scottish Government and “insist the government follow scientific evidence and advice” that indicate that Edinburgh has been consistently in Level 2.
It’s expected that Edinburgh will move to Level 2 when restrictions are reviewed next week.
GMB members have put their own lives in danger to keep the country moving and the company afloat during this pandemic
Gas workers are to be balloted for strike action after covid heroes were offered a pin badge to say thank you for their work during the pandemic.
If it goes ahead, the industrial action will affect Air Products sites in Basingstoke, Bardon, Bargeddie, Stoke and Walkden in January.
GMB members are angry that despite huge profits approaching £100 million over the past two years, the Company are imposing a pay increase. [1] rather than negotiate further.
Meanwhile the drivers and bay operators, who have worked throughout the pandemic, have been offered a pin and £240 as a thankyou gesture.
A recent consultative ballot saw an 82% of drivers and 90% of bay operators say they would take industrial action.
The strike ballot opens on December 14 and closes on December 29.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: “Our members are angry, and rightly so. They’ve put their own lives in danger to keep the country moving and the company afloat during this pandemic.
“These members also deliver more profit, and cost less, than anyone else in the Company. Now they’ve been offered a thank you badge, a couple of hundred quid and a paltry pay rise for their efforts. It’s insulting.
“We urge the company to get round the table, renegotiate and avoid this damaging industrial action.”
Win a royal tea with Emma Corrin & Josh O’Connor from ‘The Crown’ alongside items and experiences donated by Vanessa Kirby, Taylor Swift & many more
War Child UK have launched a series of exclusive prize draws with a range of unique celebrity items & experiences up for grabs to support their Torn From Home appeal, aimed at helping children affected by war in Afghanistan.
For just a £5 donation to War Child, the public will be able to enter a prize draw to win one of the many incredible items and experiences including:
The chance for you and a friend to have high tea with Emma Corrin and Josh O’Connor who play Prince Charles and Princess Diana in The Crown
Once in a lifetime chance for you and up to 3 friends to have lunch with Vanessa Kirby, as well as a private screening of her highly anticipated upcoming film, Pieces of a Woman
A signed t-shirt and vinyl copy of chart-topper Mabel’s incredible debut album ‘High Expectations’
A vinyl copy of War Child’s landmark record Help! Recently re-issued on special edition vinyl in celebration of the album’s 25th Anniversary – signed by the legendary, Paul Weller
A Tom Misch signed vinyl bundle featuring the ever popular ‘What Kinda Music’, ‘Geography’ and ‘Beat Tape 2’
A poster signed by critically acclaimed singer songwriter Celeste, from her very first headline show at Mirth, Marvel & Maud
A signed 12×12” test press by British rock band Enter Shikari of their album The Last Spark: Live At Ancienne Belgique, Brussels – one of only 20 copies made for the public
A signed ‘The Vaccines Make Me Feel Good’ T-shirt originally worn on stage by Justin Young
A signed double LP of Taylor Swift’s more recent album, Folklore.
Prize draws runs until 17th December2020 at warchildwintershop.com, where for every three entries you will get a fourth free.
In addition to the prize draws, the War Child Winter Shop is also offering a range of bespoke creations from their friends across the arts and creative industries, meaning that the public can also get their hands on the likes of a specially designed jumper by designer Bella Freud, an Anthony Burrill shopper bag, and limited prints by renowned artists Rose Stallard, Adam Bridgland, Joe Cruz, Fee Greening and Supermundane.
Every prize draw entry, charity gift and donation made via the War Child Winter Shop website, is eligible for UK Aid match funding, meaning that for every £1 raised before 18 February 2021, the UK government will double this and help raise vital funds for the charity’s work in reuniting Children in Afghanistan with their families.
In Afghanistan, thousands of children, some as young as eight, are forced to leave home in search of work after decades of war have destroyed their family’s livelihoods.
War Child is on hand at the border working to provide emotional and psychosocial support from children before safely getting them home. The funds from this appeal will help reunite families and provide solutions to those problems that drove families and their children to embark on this perilous journey in the first place.
Vanessa Kirby,War Child UK ambassador said “I am really excited about being able to offer this prize to support this truly worthy appeal for this amazing charity.
“Until the 18th February, all your entries and all your donations will be matched by the UK government, helping keep families in Afghanistan together, and giving children real hope for a safer and more secure future”
Rob Williams, CEO of War Child UKsaid: “We are truly grateful to all of our incredible supporters for their generosity – we have some remarkable prizes available and feel very fortunate to be able to share those with the public.
“We are also very fortunate to have the support of the UK government through Aid Match, which will help funds raised from our Torn From Home appeal have an even greater impact on our work in Afghanistan, and to the lives of the children and families we are supporting there”
For more information, to enter a prize draw, or purchase gifts visit warchildwintershop.com/
