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Foysol Choudhury MSP is backing a health charity’s national No Smoking Day campaign, urging Lothian residents who smoke to make attempts to stop and win through improvements in their physical health, mental wellbeing and finances.
The MSP is supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which is highlighting that giving up smoking increases opportunities to live a healthier life through improving mental health and decreasing the risks of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and some cancers.
The charity advises that an average smoker who gives up tobacco on No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March) would save £3,332 within 12 months, money that could be better spent on a holiday or something special for themselves or their loved ones.
Alan Dalziel, Senior Policy Manager for ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is still the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland but people across Lothian can have a brighter future by quitting smoking, and we’re delighted Foysol Choudhury MSP is backing our campaign to raise awareness of the free help that is available on the NHS.
“Most people in Scotland who give up smoking do so without quit aids but, for those who need support, nicotine replacement patches, gums or lozenges that are backed by established evidence and safety controls can help your chances of success, along with free specialist health advice from Quit Your Way services.
“Reach out to Quit Your Way today as their personalised support to give up smoking could be vital in helping you to improve your physical health, mental wellbeing and personal finances.”
Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP stated:“I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign and encourage my constituents who smoke but want to give up to try for the first time, or try again, to quit smoking and gain a range of health benefits as well as the chance to save your money when you live a tobacco-free life.”
European Movement in Scotland:- Politicians from SNP, Labour, Scottish Greens and Scottish LibDems unite to show support for Ukraine at EMiS AGM
MOVEMENT GROWING IN NUMBERS AND STRENGTH, SAYS CHAIR
Senior figures from across the mainstream Scottish political spectrum united to propose a motion of support for Ukraine to the AGM of the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), held in Edinburgh on 8th March.
The motion, which was passed unanimously by the meeting, reads:
“The European Movement in Scotland unequivocally supports the sovereign right of the people of Ukraine to decide their future and have full enjoyment of their democratic freedoms, system of government, land and assets, free from invasion, intimidation and coercion by foreign powers.
“Ukraine’s freedom and security must include its right to democratically decide if it wishes to join international organisations such as the European Union and NATO.”
MSPs Sarah Boyack (Labour), Patrick Harvie (Scottish Greens) and Willie Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats) joined former SNP MP Alyn Smith in tabling the motion.
David Clarke, who was re-elected chair of EMiS, says: ““Today, leading figures from rival parties have demonstrated political maturity and responsibility by proposing a message of heartfelt support from the membership of the European Movement in Scotland for Ukraine’s wish to live in peace and security and be master of its own future.
“Ukraine has been attacked by Russia, its soldiers killed and injured. Its people scattered. Its economy devastated, but still, it fights on. It is fighting for freedoms that since the end of WW2 we have taken for granted. Their fight is our fight.”
David Clarke told the AGM that EMiS had a successful year in 2024, increasing its membership, income and range of activities: “The Scottish public is firm in its opinion that Scotland is better off in Europe.
“Scotland is leading UK opinion and has been central to delivering the message that our future security and prosperity will be much more certain only if we return to being a full member of the EU family.”
TICKETS REDUCED TO £5 FOR ALL FILMS, ALL DAY, ONLY IN IMAX
OFFER VALID ACROSS ALL IMAX CINEWORLD SITES IN THE UK & IRELAND
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March 2025 with tickets on sale now!
IMAX is the world’s most immersive cinematic experience and the special one-day event will give film fans across the nation the chance to catch some of last year’s best movies in IMAX. Tickets are available for only £5 (or €5 in Ireland) while Cineworld Unlimited members will be able to enjoy these blockbusters for only £3.
The festival will give guests the chance to experience their favourite star-studded blockbusters with the IMAX difference, where crystal clear images and pulse raising audio will make you feel like you’re in the film.
For one day only, Cineworld will bring back some of 2024’s biggest hitters including:
The Wild Robot – A heartwarming tale that’s perfect for the whole family with an all-star cast of voice actors including Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill and Lupita Nyong’o. IMAX captures the lush landscapes and emotional depth of this animated adventure to deliver each frame as a work of art.
Wicked – Let IMAX’s expansive screen sweep you into the magical world of Oz, where every vibrant colour and spellbinding song resonates with breathtaking clarity so you can join the characters on a whirlwind journey.
Gladiator II – Feel every clash of swords and thunderous roar of the Colosseum in vivid IMAX detail, where the scale of ancient Rome unfolds before your eyes and the action from the all-star cast of Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington blows you away.
Deadpool & Wolverine – Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool teams up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine for this hilarious superhero blockbuster with IMAX making every scene larger than life so you can feel every explosive moment.
With 26 IMAX cinemas across the UK and Ireland, Cineworld is the biggest IMAX partner in the UK, delivering stunning images and powerful, immersive audio to transport audiences into films like never before.
IMAX’s remastering process fully transforms every frame of a film to produce the best possible version of a filmmaker’s vision while the IMAX auditoriums are equipped with a perfectly tuned integrated sound and speaker system for heart-pounding audio that will truly blow you away.
IMAX’s unique aspect ratio (1.90:1 versus anamorphic widescreen’s 2.39:1) expands the cinematic environment to craft a truly overwhelming experience.
Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld, said: “IMAX is where cinema truly comes alive. We’re thrilled to bring back Cineworld’s IMAX Film Fest for its eighth year, giving audiences the chance to see these epic films the way they were meant to be seen – on the biggest screens possible, with towering visuals, thunderous sound, and unparalleled immersion.”
Tickets for this incredible experience can now be purchased from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.
A man has been jailed for two years at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday, 10 March, 2025), after pleading guilty to possession of indecent images of children.
Brandon Miller (22) was arrested following a search of his home on 20 September, 2024. Electronic equipment was seized and analysed with indecent images of children recovered, which led to his arrest.
On Tuesday, 11 February, 2025, he was convicted of the offences, including sexual assault, the possession, taking and distributing of indecent images of children and inciting another person to commit sexual offences against a child.
Detective Inspector Adrian Ure of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Brandon Miller showed utter contempt for the child victims and the horrific sexual abuse they suffered in the images and videos he was taking, viewing and distributing.
“He may have thought the internet provides anonymity and his appalling offending would go undetected. His arrest and sentence show this is not the case and no matter what steps you have taken to avoid detection, you cannot hide behind a computer.
“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and a priority for Police Scotland. We work with our partners to quickly act against anyone who is involved in these abhorrent crimes. I would urge anyone with any concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact us immediately.”
Over 12 million eligible members will receive £50 each in a one off ‘Big Nationwide Thank You’
Nationwide’s financial strength, which its members helped build, allowed it to acquire Virgin Money
Latest way Nationwide is showing its mutual difference by returning greater value to its members
Nationwide also hopes to announce an additional 2025 Fairer Share Payment in May, depending on financial performance
Nationwide is giving over 12 million members a share of over £600 million to thank them for enabling the successful purchase of Virgin Money. They will each receive £50 and most of the payments will be made next month.
Nationwide’s financial strength, which its members have helped build, allowed it to acquire Virgin Money in 2024. As a result, Nationwide is now even stronger and able to deliver the benefits of mutuality to even more people in the UK.
Over 799,000 in Scotland will receive the Big Nationwide Thank You.
Top areas in the region to benefit, include over 79,000 people in Fife, nearly 73,000 people in Edinburgh, nearly 62,000 people in Glasgow and over 60,000 people in South Lanarkshire.
Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide CEO, said:“Nationwide became even stronger when it bought Virgin Money and we are already improving services for its customers. The Big Nationwide Thank You recognises the role our members played in building the financial strength that made the deal possible.
“It’s another of the very real benefits of being a member of Nationwide and our modern mutual model.”
Nationwide is ranked as the UK’s best high street banking provider for service1. In November it announced record first half growth in mortgages and deposits and an increase in market share.
After its acquisition of Virgin Money, it has continued to invest in improving customer service and recently revealed that it had become the UK’s top lender for first-time buyers2. It is now the country’s second largest provider of mortgages and savings accounts and the only mutual full-service banking provider in the UK.
The ‘Thank You’ payment is the latest demonstration of its mutual difference – a way of delivering even more value back to its members. Since April 2023, Nationwide has provided over £3.5 billion in member value, including £729 million through two Nationwide Fairer Share Payments.
The ‘Thank You’ payments will be made from 9 April across the country (see regional breakdown in Notes to Editors3). Nationwide will write to members receiving the payment from today, letting them know when and how the money will be paid4.
The payments will go to over 12 million members who had a savings or current account, or mortgage, at the end of last September.
Additionally, they must also have made at least one transaction on their current account or savings or had a balance of at least £100 in their current account, savings or mortgage in the 12 months to the end of September 2024. They must also still have their accounts or mortgage at the time the payment is made.
The Big Nationwide Thank You is separate to the Fairer Share Payment, which Nationwide wants to repeat this year, although this will depend on Nationwide’s financial performance. A decision will be made in May, when it publishes its results for the 2024/25 financial year.
A leading European tobacco control expert is encouraging elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to dismiss tobacco industry attempts to weaken measures in the UK Government’s four-nations Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is progressing through Westminster.
The call comes ahead of Lilia Olefir, Director of the Smoke Free Partnership (a European coalition of tobacco control non-governmental organisations), leading a discussion as part of ASH Scotland’s Learning Week yesterday (10 February) about the importance of regulating emerging addictive and health harming tobacco and nicotine products.
Alarm is being raised by public health experts as tobacco companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Altria have moved into the nicotine pouch market, which is estimated to be worth $2 billion globally, through developing their own products or acquiring companies which produce nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches, which are placed under the top lip, are teabag-like products filled with a fibrous white powder and infused with nicotine and ingredients such as sweeteners and flavourings that are released during use.
A health risk assessment on nicotine pouches by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system, is a health risk. Pouches present high risks for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with cardiovascular disease.
By fighting Big Tobacco, these women are protecting public health and empowering women and girls to stand up for their right to a healthier future. Here are their messages to fellow advocates—urging them to keep exposing Big Tobacco and strengthening global efforts to… pic.twitter.com/T369V747yY
Lilia Olefir, who is also the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control Coordinator for Europe and won the 2024 Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence, said: “The tobacco industry is strategically marketing new nicotine to target young people, claiming that novel products have lower health risks, while simultaneously lobbying to avoid regulation on them for as long as possible.
“The rise in use of novel products by young people is extremely alarming and that’s why updating legislation is vital to address concerns about young people’s access to emerging tobacco and nicotine products.
“Annual tobacco industry spending on lobbying activities in the EU is at an all-time high of €19 million and their interference remains the largest obstacle to the implementation of effective tobacco control policies to protect children and young people.
“It’s not a surprise ASH Scotland’s analysis has found many concerning industry-connected arguments against restrictions that can be enabled by the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which parliamentarians would be wise to ignore for the benefit of younger people’s health.”
In March 2023, Belgium became the first nation in the EU to ban nicotine pouches, followed by the Netherlands a month later, and France decided in February 2025 to introduce a ban.
In Scotland and across the UK, nicotine pouches are currently not covered by tobacco or e-cigarette regulations so are not required to adhere to the same controls on advertising and retail displays as tobacco nor age of sale restrictions that are in place for cigarettes and nicotine containing vapes.
Strong measures to restrict the advertising and promotion of nicotine pouches will be introduced in the event of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being passed.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “The evidence presented by the Smoke Free Partnership and ASH Scotland’s analysis suggests that the tobacco industry is aiming to attract youths to use its new addictive and health harming products such as nicotine pouches to maintain a sizeable customer base in the UK and across Europe to enable the generation of huge profits into the future, at a considerable cost to the health of our young people.
“We have seen a disturbing increase in marketing campaigns promoting nicotine pouches in Scotland in recent months, including the provision of free samples in major train stations and a proliferation of shop window posters which are seen by children and young people.
“We welcome the robust measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which proposes to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.
“We strongly urge elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to reject the destructive interference by the tobacco industry and its profit-motivated business associates who are not public health stakeholders and should never be treated as such.”
We are looking for volunteers to join our next public beach clean at Cramond Beach. Join us for a beach clean plus litter survey to collect vital data which can help us campaign for change.
We find a huge amount of wet wipes and sewage related debris at this beach, help us gather the information needed to see continued legislation change.
