Emergency funding to support people affected by severe flooding in Kenya
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has pledged funding of £250,000 to aid charities responding to those affected by the severe flooding in Kenya through the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF).
Oxfam and Islamic Relief will receive £125,000 each to support thousands of families affected by the flooding with their immediate basic needs, including food, shelter and clean water. The funding will also support services to raise awareness and prevent gender-based violence.
Nearly 1.6 million people across East Africa have been affected by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. In Kenya, 315 deaths have been reported and more than 58,000 families are estimated to have been displaced.
Mr Robertson said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones and the thousands of families whose homes have been substantially damaged by the severe flooding across Kenya.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing essential assistance to people in need.
“This funding will play an important role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the flooding, including helping to provide access to food, shelter and clean water.”
Oxfam in Kenya’s Humanitarian Lead Mat Cousins said: “The Scottish Government’s contribution is a lifeline for many families in Nairobi’s informal settlements who have lost everything to the floods.
“This funding will not only address immediate needs such as clean water and shelter but also provide crucial support for women and girls facing heightened risks of gender-based violence. We are grateful for this solidarity in such challenging times and hope it inspires other governments to provide similar life-saving support.”
Islamic Relief Regional Community Fundraising Manager Nadeem Baqir added: “This funding will serve as a vital lifeline for the many families impacted by Kenya’s flood crisis, aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives and livelihoods.
“The world’s most vulnerable communities are often the first to suffer from climate-related natural disasters, and we are thankful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting those in greatest need.”
This election could be the most unequal in 60 years, with people on low incomes being shut out of our democracy.
The #VoteYourValues campaign gives our members access to tools that can help people in their communities get vote-ready.
In a democracy, everyone’s voice matters equally.
So it’s completely unjust that so many people on lower incomes get shut out from using their vote. This General Election looks set to be the most unequal for more than six decades, due to a ballooning turnout gap at elections and the growing role of money in British politics, according to a recent report from IPPR.
Douglas Ross has announced he will resign as leader of the Scottish Tories.
He says he will carry on in the role until after the general election and will also resign as an MSP if he is re-elected to Westminster.
It follows a row over Mr Ross standing as a candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East instead of David Duguid, who has been in hospital and was in effect de-selected.
Mr Ross was also hit with Sunday newspaper allegations of irregularities over his expenses claims.
Mr Ross has denied any wrongdoing and says he would welcome any inquiry.
Today footage and a report from a huge investigation into the state of RSPCA Assured farms has been released, with 45 UK farms featured. The RSPCA Assured scheme is one of the largest, so-called, animal welfare programs in the UK.
RSPCA President, Chris Packham, was sent the footage and has today called the footage “indefensible.” He also called for the suspension of the scheme. Peter Egan, former RSPCA Vice-President condemned the footage too.
The scheme has been described as “effectively fraud” by a Crown Court Judge.
Animal Rising is calling on the RSPCA to drop the assurance scheme entirely, saying “This is definitive proof that farming animals can never be done nicely.”
Today, amidst an utter scandal for the RSPCA, Animal Rising has released footage from over 40 UK farms that the charity’s animal welfare scheme assures as, supposedly, ‘high welfare’.
The footage shows scenes including baby chickens dying in factory farms and pigs left dead for days in filthy sheds.
Rose Patterson, Animal Rising Co-Director said: “This investigation has blown the lid off the RSPCA’s dirty secret; it is happy to rubber stamp cruelty on factory farms and industrial animal abuse.
“I’ve personally spent months investigating and cataloguing a litany of suffering across farms that the public is told to trust. Some of the scenes we’ve seen in the sheds endorsed by the RSPCA are beyond barbaric.
“The world’s oldest and most respected animal charity has clearly lost its way. The work they do for cats, dogs, and other animals is evidently not making its way to others like chickens and pigs. As the charity nears its 200th birthday it has a choice to make; will it step up, protect animals, and drop the Assured Scheme?”
Chris Packham, President of the RSPCA, has called on the charity to suspend the scheme and take a bolder stance to protect animals.
This exposé comes after several other investigations into RSPCA Assured farms by groups such as Animal Justice Project and VIVA!
Peter Egan, former RSPCA Vice-President said: ““The findings on RSPCA Assured farms across the UK are deeply troubling and call the entire scheme into question. The RSPCA has been failing animals across the UK.
“In the past, I worked extensively with the charity because I believed – and still do believe – that the RSPCA must lead the way in protecting animals. I now see that cannot happen without dropping the RSPCA Assured scheme entirely”
There is more to come on this story, with Animal Rising promising a sustained campaign of action until the RSPCA drops its assured scheme.
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future.
The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
On Saturday (8/6/24), local supporters of Animal Rising put up posters across the city centre of Edinburgh, exposing the vast differences between the public advertising and hidden reality of RSPCA Assured farms.
Areas the posters could be seen were Princes Street, Royal Mile and Lothian Road.
Other cities and towns in the UK targeted include Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Sheffield, Southampton, Newcastle and York.
In a coordinated mass action, individuals from the climate and animal group Animal Rising covered many UK towns and cities, including Edinburgh on 8/6/24, with posters exposing the vast differences between RSPCA Assured marketing and RSPCA Assured farms for pigs, chickens, salmon and cows.
This action follows extensive investigations by Animal Rising that have been compiled into a comprehensive and expert-backed report which exposes the RSPCA Assured scheme for endorsing factory farming and extensive animal suffering.
Investigations on 45 farms revealed animal suffering on every single farm and resulted in the scheme being described as ‘effectively fraud’ by legal expert Ayesha Smart. Animal Rising is calling for the RSPCA to drop the scheme and throw their support behind a transition to a plant-based food system and helping farmers to produce food sustainably.
This is their 200th anniversary year, and making this change will help remove avoidable animal suffering from our food system, create space for rewilding and nature in the UK to thrive, and allow them to extend care and compassion ‘for every kind’ in line with their recent rebrand.
Pamela Waite, 26, a local Clerical Assistant said: “I am absolutely disgusted that the RSPCA, an animal welfare charity, is making money from the exploitation and suffering of animals.
“They pretend that something humane happens in a slaughter house by labeling animal products as RSPCA assured. But, as evident from Animal Risings investigations, RSPCA Assured farms do not protect animals from harm.
“RSPCA please drop your RSPCA Assured scheme!”
In 2018, comprehensive research from the University of Oxford showed that 76% of the land currently used for food production would be freed-up by a global transition to plant-based production [3]. This land could be rewilded and begin carbon drawdown, mitigating the worst impacts of climate breakdown. A 2019 Harvard University report on UK farmland and food production from Helen Harwatt and Matthew N. Hayek also concluded that the UK would be carbon-negative if it completely transitioned to a plant-based food system [4].
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
RSPCA celebrates it’s 200th anniversary this weekend with a series of ‘One Fun Day’ events.
Council leader says ‘thank you’ for success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Edinburgh
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh truly has given Taylor Swift and her hundreds of thousands of fans visiting the Capital from across the globe this weekend a spectacular welcome.
“From everything I have seen so far the atmosphere across the city has been one of fun and celebration as ‘Swifties’ travelled around having ‘The Best Day’ until it was ‘Time to Go’ home. And the event is expected to have injected tens of millions of pounds into our city’s economy.
“Whilst we’re rightly proud to attract the biggest and best events such as these concerts to the Capital I’m also conscious of the impact on our residents. And so I’d like to thank them as well as our partners including Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams and our staff for extending such a warm welcome to everyone who attended the concerts this weekend.
“Our staff have been working round the clock keeping their ‘Eyes Open’ making sure the area in and around the stadium is clean and our marshals have been on hand to help guide ‘Swifties’ to their destination and make sure everyone is safe and well.
“With our world famous summer of festivals just around the corner these highly successful concerts mark a fantastic start to an incredible summer of culture in the Capital.
“This is all another reason why I think Edinburgh is the best city in the world.”
Millions of unpaid carers across the UK provide support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a disability, illness or frailty due to old age. Yet a majority of unpaid carers have no choice but to take on a caring role.While providing unpaid care can be rewarding, it also comes with significant negative impacts on carers’ lives.
The No choice but to care report, published on the first day of Carers Week 2024 found that:
62% of those who are currently providing or those who have previously provided unpaid care said that they had no choice in taking on the role because no other care options were available – this is around 10 million people. [1]
The impact of caring has been more negative than positive for all areas current and former unpaid carers were asked about, particularly for mental health (63%), physical health (53%), Job and ability to work (48%) and finances and savings (47%).
The negative impacts as a result of caring were also felt most strongly by those who had no choice but to take on an unpaid caring role as well as women and those aged 45-54.
The research also found that 73% of members of the public surveyed for the research think that unpaid carers should receive more support from the next Government, particularly financial support and investment in social care.
The report recommends the establishment of a National Carers Strategy, review and reform of social security benefits for carers and better workplace protections and workplace support for unpaid carers.
To ensure carers’ health and wellbeing is better supported, the report recommends a new duty on the NHS to have regard to unpaid carers as well as further investment in social care and carers’ breaks.
The report also makes recommendations aimed at employers, public bodies and specific recommendations for the UK nations.
First Minister to attend opening match between Scotland and Germany
First Minister John Swinney will join fans in Germany and at home cheering on the Scotland Men’s National Football Team in their first match of the tournament.
Scottish Ministers will attend Scotland’s three group stage matches of the UEFA European Football Championship.
The First Minister will attend the opening game with hosts Germany in Munich on Friday and attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA Fan Zone in the Olympic Park stadium in Munich alongside the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Mayor of Munich.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts.
“The tournament has an even more profound meaning for Scots this year as not only has our national team made it to the finals, but this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.
“Celebrating the diversity within our democracies through sport strengthens our societies and improves our resilience as nations.
“I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will also attend Scotland matches with Switzerland and Hungary respectively.
They will each undertake a series of engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focussing on culture and sport, sports diplomacy and Scottish-German relations as well as discussing opportunities for Scotland and Germany to collaborate more closely on energy research.
On Thursday, (6th June), the Scottish Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan, visited Longniddry Village, an award-winning development from Places for People and Cruden Homes in association with Wemyss and March Estates.
Located on the East Lothian coast, the development’s current success represents the value and positive influence of multi-tenure communities in Scotland.
During the Minister’s visit, he met representatives from the development and discussed how working together on mixed-tenure developments like Longniddry Village enables the creation of thriving communities and provides solutions to Scotland’s housing crisis, where 110,000 households are currently on the waitlist for social housing.
In research recently commissioned by Places for People, three-quarters of Scotland respondents believe new developments should be multi-tenure and over 80% believe they should offer community facilities, such as cafes, restaurants, and shared social spaces.*
Named ‘Large Development of the Year’ at the Homes for Scotland Awards 2023, Longniddry Village comprises affordable housing as well as homes for private sale. This not only appeals to a range of prospective buyers, from first-time buyers to downsizers but also helps to support Scotland’s vision for everyone across the country to have a safe, warm, and affordable home that meets their needs.
The Minister’s visit involved a tour of Longniddry Village, where he saw the first phase of the development, which showed the delivery of outright sale, affordable rented housing, and older living properties.
This was followed by a tour of the ambitious conversion of the historic Longniddry Steading where a number of the commercial space are nearing completion, followed by the second phase of residential development, where he could see Longniddry Village’s mid-market rent offering and plans for other sales tenures.
Places for People understand placemaking and have successfully delivered mixed-tenure communities of blended development before, such as Tornagrain in the Scottish Highlands. The organisation understands that by focusing on this way of building it can remove the stigma of social housing and act as another way to address the housing crisis.
Colin Jack, Production Director for Places for People comments:“It was wonderful to show the Scottish Minister for Housing around Longniddry Village, where he could see our progress and witness the growing and friendly mixed-tenure community, who are enjoying their new homes in this idyllic setting.
“However, our main topic of discussion remained on the current housing crisis, and how we can work collaboratively to deliver the new homes required. With an overwhelming number of households on the waiting list for social housing, we need to find solutions that can support developers to build at the scale and pace required to address our housing shortages.
“At Places for People, we are committed to building new homes as we see it as our responsibility and will look to deliver 2,500 new affordable homes across Scotland in the next five years. As a social enterprise, all our profits are recycled back into the organisation, so we can focus on helping those struggling the most to meet their living needs.”
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The new mid rent homes at Longniddry Village will play a valuable role in boosting Scotland’s affordable housing supply.
“Everyone deserves a warm and safe place to call home and these high-quality, energy efficient properties will help to meet the needs of the local community for generations to come.”
PICTURED: L-R: Martin Andrews, Factor at Wemyss & March Estates; Housing Minister, Paul McLennan; Colin Jack, Production Director at Places for People; Fraser Lynes, Managing Director at Cruden Homes; Edward Taylor, Taylor Urbanism)
The kits of essential items will be donated to ‘The Big Hoose’ Multibank co-founded by Gordon Brown and Amazon
Employees from Amazon’s corporate office in Edinburgh have come together to pack 5,000 hygiene kits filled with essential items worth more than £25,000 for a charity initiative supporting families in need across Fife.
The Hygiene kits which contain essential items such as soap, shampoo, and shower gel packed in a cloth bag, were donated to The Big Hoose, Fife’s Multibank, co-founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Amazon UK in 2022.
The Fife Multibank is a community donations hub, offering support for families experiencing poverty across the region. It provides surplus essentials, such as warm clothes, hygiene products, school uniforms, and bedding donated by businesses, like Amazon, directly to those in need.
The products are redistributed via the lead charity partner, The Cottage Family Centre, to charity groups and care professionals who give them directly to people in need, when they need them.
Kitting events also took place in Amazon’s offices in London, Swansea, Cambridge and Manchester with the aim of packing and donating 30,000 essential kits to the Multibank network across the UK.
The events are part of Amazon’s Global Month of Volunteering, an initiative that aims to help the communities where Amazon employees live and work.
During May, thousands of Amazon employees volunteered alongside their peers, adding to the company’s efforts to support its local communities throughout the year.
The volunteer initiatives helped address a range of issues, including STEM education and food insecurity.
Jane Poojari is an employee at Amazon’s corporate office in Edinburgh and took part in the packing event. She said: “I’m proud that my colleagues were able to come together to offer a helping hand to The Big Hoose through this volunteering.
“Amazon already donates thousands of products to the Multibank but it was great to play our part and support the incredible work that The Cottage Family Centre does to help those impacted by poverty in Fife.”
Pauline Buchan, Strategic Manager at The Cottage Family Centre, added: “Too many people in our local community are experiencing poverty and unable to afford the basic essentials so many of us take for granted.
“These kits will make a very real difference to families in our community who need support during difficult times. Thank you to the Amazon team for their ongoing support in helping us ensure The Big Hoose is here to help those who need it most.”
The Big Hoose Multibank has supported more than one hundred thousand of families in Fife with the donation of over a million surplus goods since it began operating in 2022.
Community support organisations, schools and colleges, homeless shelters, and elderly support services in the area have taken delivery of essential supplies from The Big Hoose.
The Big Hoose was the first Multibank established in the UK, an initiative co-founded by Gordon Brown and Amazon. It was followed by a second site in Wigan, Greater Manchester in 2023, then a third in Swansea, South Wales in 2024.
The initiative has now donated more than 2 million surplus essential items to over 200,000 families in need.
