North Edinburgh News – Page 777 – The NEN

King’s Speech reaction

Speaking after the King’s Speech, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is a King’s Speech which will deliver the change our country needs. It will deliver for all four nations of the UK and all four corners of Scotland.

“We have a bold and ambitious legislative programme which will ensure we deliver on our mandate.

“Our plans will deliver growth and jobs for our economy. It will establish GB Energy, a publicly owned energy generation company which will create jobs and cut bills for good, and establish a National Wealth Fund to invest in the industries and jobs of the future.

“The King’s Speech also delivers the biggest transfer of power towards working people in a generation, with new rights on sick pay and redundancy, and better pay. It will ban exploitative zero hour contracts and increase the minimum wage to a real living wage. A better deal for working people, with less insecurity and more money in their pockets, is the first step towards reducing poverty in Scotland and across the UK.

“We have been clear that we want to reset our relationship with the Scottish Government, and to work together to deliver better outcomes for people.

“Our rail ownership bill will ensure that ScotRail is kept in public hands, and we want to work with the Scottish Government to pass laws that will reduce the availability of addictive vapes to young people.

“We promised change. This King’s speech demonstrates we are rolling up our sleeves and delivering that change.”

Bills which will apply in Scotland:

Renters Rights Bill [only in respect of discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children]
National Wealth Fund Bill
Pensions Schemes Bill
Planning and Infrastructure Bill [some measures]
Employment Rights Bill
Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill
Railways Bill
Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill
Product Safety and Metrology Bill
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Armed Forces Commissioner Bill
Digital Information and Smart Data Bill
Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill
Great British Energy Bill
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue support Mechanism) Bill
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill [Reintroduced]
Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill
Tobacco and Vapes Bill [Reintroduced]
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill
Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill
Budget Responsibility Bill
Hillsborough Law [Public Candour] Bill [TBC – territorial extent to be determined]

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has reiterated the Scottish Government’s intention to work collaboratively with the UK Government to deliver on shared ambitions for Scotland.

Ms Forbes commented on the King’s Speech: ““The Prime Minister has said he wants to reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, respect the devolution settlement and work constructively together.

“I am pleased to see this approach reflected in the King’s Speech, and we will support the opportunities it presents to improve the lives of people in Scotland.

“I look forward to early and meaningful engagement on UK Bills, including the New Deal for Working People. We have been clear in our opposition to the inappropriate use of zero hours contracts and other types of employment that offer workers minimal job or financial security.

“We also welcome the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being taken forward. This is an important step forward in public health, and a four-nations approach will offer more certainty for businesses and consistency for consumers.

“The priorities of the Scottish Government for the year ahead will be announced in the First Minister’s Programme for Government, when he will set out how we will deliver for communities right across the country.”

Commenting on the King’s Speech, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer: “Pomp and pageantry aside, this is a more progressive programme for government than we’ve seen after 14 years of Tory mismanagement.

“The New Deal for Working People can be the start of a new chapter for workers. If enacted fully, the New Deal gives rights, security and respect to working people throughout the UK. It must now be delivered in full without delay. It is right this is accompanied by a new industrial strategy council.

“We look forward to working with the UK Government to ensure this body is representative and impactful, creating a minimum floor of working rights across every nation of the UK. It’s further welcome that the UK Government finally seeks to legislate further to end the scourge of race-based pay discrimination – working people of all nationalities deserve nothing less.

“This will, undoubtedly, be aided if the Labour Government sticks true to its pledge and seeks to revitalise the devolution settlement through the Council of the Nations and Regions.

As part of this, we must see further powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament, including powers over employment, migration and more.

The siting of GB Energy in Scotland is very positive. We hope it will become more than an inward investment tool and will develop a strategy for direct public ownership to deliver the infrastructure and supply chain jobs we so desperately need.

“The commitment to bring railways back into public ownership is a long-standing demand of trade unions who have fought against the carnage brought by privatisation.

“Economic growth is a welcome, central tenant of this government’s mission. But that cannot be done through the exploitation of working people. The Prime Minister has a job on his hands to restore standards and investment to public life and public services. With the Scottish Parliament elections just around the corner, we look forward to him delivering on his pledges for workers in Scotland.

Commenting on today’s King’s Speech Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age said: “Today’s King’s Speech outlined the UK Government’s focus on national renewal and it’s important that this renewal reaches the two million older people currently living in poverty across the UK.

“We are pleased to see the UK Government commit to improving private pensions for future older people who are able to save, including better access to small pension pots, but we also need action for the 150,000 pensioners currently living in poverty in Scotland. Ensuring people have enough money to live with dignity in later life is fundamental in a compassionate society and an essential part of social renewal.

“Right now, we need to see action to increase uptake of social security support for older people on a low income. Currently Pension Credit isn’t received by around a third of older people who should be getting it. In the longer term the UK Government should lead a cross-party review to establish what level of income is needed to avoid poverty in later life and ensure everyone is able to reach it. We are also calling on the UK Government to establish a consistent national social tariff for energy.

“The Scottish Government can also act to reduce poverty in later life, a key first step would be announcing a plan to reduce pensioner poverty in the Programme for Government – expected in September.

“Going forward, in both Westminster and Holyrood, it’s essential parliamentarians work towards the aim of making poverty in later life a thing of the past.”

More than 60 leading local government figures and influential academics came together today for the Saving Local Government Finance Summit to reflect on the legislative commitments in the King’s Speech and to deliberate on how the Government plans to carry out its promises for local government, including devolution and planning reform.

Despite optimism in the air, the consensus at the summit was clear: without significant reforms in funding, particularly for social care, local councils cannot maximise their role in delivering the government’s Five Missions. While not in the King’s Speech for immediate legislative attention, reforming local government funding was considered most pressing, particularly to stem the flow of bankruptcies.

Reflecting on the King’s Speech, Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The Government’s early local government commitments are positive, and the sector welcomes multi-year funding settlements, the conclusion of competitive bid funding and a more collaborative approach from the new government.

“However, the elephant in the room is what’s not being said: local government funding reform. WIth half of all councils at risk of going bust in the next parliament, now is the time to provide sustainable funding and stem the flow of bankrupt boroughs.”

In reaction to the devolution commitments, Dr Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The regions must have a say in how devolution is rolled out with bespoke solutions available: what works for Cumbria may not for Chingford.

“And while much attention has been on the role of metro mayors, especially with the introduction of the new council of nations and regions, it is essential that central government listens to other democratically elected local leaders.

“Underpinning any devolution roll-out is trust. Central government needs to trust its local counterpart to do its job. Devolution should also help councils win back the trust of the people they serve so that they can build consensus for difficult and contentious decisions that are increasingly necessary.”

On planning reform, Dr Carr-West said: “The briefings before today have pulled in different directions.

“On the one hand, there were those saying the government will liberate councils, by streamlining the planning process, empowering and working together with local leaders to build new homes where local communities want them.

“On the other hand, there were those who claimed the government aimed to bind councils to unachievable targets imposed by the centre.

“As it is, the details we have now are still limited and we’ll need to see – and contribute to – how the plans develop. There is a huge opportunity here to open up planning and expand local growth.”

Specifically on social care, Dr Carr-West said: “The funding of social care is a perennial thorn in the side for every government, central and local.

“This is an issue that demands a solution, and although there was no mention of legislative reform in the King’s Speech, the proposed Royal Commission leaves a vital opportunity to reconsider how social care is funded with local government, service providers, and service users as central to the consultation.”

‘Our government of service’

STARMER LAYS OUT HIS PLANS TO DELIVER CHANGE FOR THE COUNTRY

This government has been elected to deliver nothing less than national renewal, to stop the chaos of the past fourteen years, to turn the page on the era of politics as performance, to return it to public service and start the work of rebuilding our country.

Because people are crying out for change, and that’s what this government of service will deliver through actions, not words.

That is why today I am setting out our plan for change, to turn the page and rebuild our country so that it’s back in the service of working people. That is what our mission-driven government will be about, focused on ambitious goals bringing together the best of our country.

We’re getting on with the job right away. Today we’re setting out new laws that will put manifesto commitments into action – improving living standards for working people and fixing the foundations of the country so that every part of the UK is supported to drive economic growth.

Growth starts with economic stability, which is why we are introducing a budget responsibility bill which will make sure that taxpayers’ money is respected.

From that solid foundation we can release the brakes on growth and wealth creation.

We will reform the planning laws, a choice ignored for fourteen years, to build the homes and infrastructure Britain needs. I know how important this is.

Our pebble-dashed semi provided a secure foundation that my parents were able to build their life on. I want everyone to have that security, including those renting, which is why we are also bringing forward tough new protections for renters.

It’s not just security at home that matters, but security at work. That’s why we will level-up rights at work to deliver security and dignity for working people. It’s what they deserve.

Alongside that, we’ll push forward devolution to the cities, regions and councils of England to deliver quality jobs and opportunities in every corner of this country. We’ll do that by putting local decision-makers in charge, moving power away from Westminster and back to those with skin in the game, who know their communities best.

We’ll also ensure people in those communities feel safe and secure. That means strengthening community policing by giving the police greater powers to deal with antisocial behaviour, strengthen support for victims, and bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.

We won’t stop there. I was the first in my family to go to university, and I remember the pride on my mum and dad’s faces when I graduated. I want every child to have the opportunity I had to succeed.

And no child should feel that they have less of a chance to fulfil their potential because of the circumstances they were born into.

That’s why we will break down the barriers to opportunity that hold so many young people back from living the life they deserve. We’ll also raise standards in schools, with one of our first steps recruiting 6,500 new teachers by ending unfair tax breaks for private schools.

We will also get our health service back on its feet by reducing waiting times, and bring the Mental Health Act into the twenty first century to tackle the mental health crisis.

This is a programme that will deliver the change that so many across the country are crying out for, one that is driven forward by this government of service.

Through this work, we will stop the chaos, fix our foundations, and take the brakes off Britain by returning politics to serious government.

That is the path to national renewal and rebuilding our country, and we take another step forward today.

Because people are crying out for change, and that’s what this government of service will deliver through actions, not words.

Growth starts with economic stability, which is why we are introducing a budget responsibility bill which will make sure that taxpayers’ money is respected.

From that solid foundation we can release the brakes on growth and wealth creation.

We will reform the planning laws, a choice ignored for fourteen years, to build the homes and infrastructure Britain needs. I know how important this is.

It’s not just security at home that matters, but security at work. That’s why we will level-up rights at work to deliver security and dignity for working people. It’s what they deserve.

And no child should feel that they have less of a chance to fulfil their potential because of the circumstances they were born into.

We will also get our health service back on its feet by reducing waiting times, and bring the Mental Health Act into the twenty first century to tackle the mental health crisis.

This is a programme that will deliver the change that so many across the country are crying out for, one that is driven forward by this government of service.

Through this work, we will stop the chaos, fix our foundations, and take the brakes off Britain by returning politics to serious government.

That is the path to national renewal and rebuilding our country, and we take another step forward today.

Published 17 July 2024

The Writing on the Stall

Calling the PEOPLE OF EDINBURGH:

Do you often find yourself reading the graffiti on bathroom walls?

Do you smile at the witty bon mots that adorn the stalls of the public toilets?

Well now is your chance to become part of an artistic project by comedian and songwriter Caitlin Cook!

Comedy infiltrates every corner of the city during the Fringe Festival – and bathroom walls are no exception!

Caitlin’s show The Writing on the Stall explores the humour, beauty and human nature behind the often ignored scrawls of strangers on the inside of the cubicle.

You might have seen her viral instagram videos turning crowdsourced graffiti into songs.

The Writing on the Stall sold out its 2023 Off-Broadway debut and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick – the accompanying studio album has over 25M+ streams.

The Writing on the Stall is coming to the Edinburgh Festival in August and Caitlin is calling on anyone with a keen eye for comedy, pathos, or witticisms to snap the best, funniest and most thought-provoking restroom scriptures they can find in public bathrooms across Edinburgh.

Those who think they’ve snapped a winning image should email the submissions to Caitlin at thewritingonthestallshow@gmail.com, or DM her at @TheCaitlinCook on instagram.

The best of the images will then be brought to life as Caitlin creates an original song exclusively using the images collated from the bathrooms of Edinburgh, and records and releases it on social media ahead of the show.

Those who contribute images which are chosen to be used in the song will also be offered free tickets to Caitlin’s show.

The Writing on the Stall will be on at Pleasance Dome, August 14th – 25th at 21:50

https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/caitlin-cook-writing-stall

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George and Edinburgh College of Art unveil winning artwork in tribute to Susan Ferrier

InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel has unveiled a commissioned artwork in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures, Susan Ferrier, on the bicentenary of her novel The Inheritance.

The initiative, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), the University of Edinburgh has culminated in a beautiful piece that will be permanently displayed in the new Ferrier Suite at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel.““

Following a competitive selection process involving numerous talented students from ECA, Ella Williams’ standout piece entitled ‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ was chosen as the winning entry. The piece stood out for its creativity, depth and heartfelt homage to Susan Ferrier’s ‘The Inheritance’ and its contribution to Scottish literature, 200 years after being first published.

The work by Ella Williams, a third-year Fine Art student, features a collection of smaller narrative paintings that portray key elements and scenes from the novel, focusing on Ferrier’s critique of marriage in the novel.

Her work laid bare the realities of the marriage market or the alternative of being an unwed women in 1824, the year of its publication.

The paintings also reference Ferrier’s connection to Edinburgh, specifically the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel townhouse itself, where she once lived. The collected images seek to imply a narrative while remaining ambiguous to inspire curiosity amongst its audience about Ferrier’s work.

Williams’ intention was to illustrate the novel’s protagonist, Getrude St. Clair, and her journey largely through symbolism, representing the strong female character navigating the constraints of the period setting. Leaning into aspects of romantic imagery, Williams was intrigued by Ferrier’s use of the romance genre as a subversive means to comment on the position of women in society.

Williams explained: “Several of the paintings illustrate key settings within the novel, while others represent Gertrude’s journey of self-discovery in pursuit of a suitor that is her equal, symbolised by the clasping of hands and elements of romantic imagery such as roses.”

The figurative paintings are framed to exclude the faces of each subject, avoiding too literal an interpretation of the characters and allowing the viewers imagination to take precedence, deciding if Ferrier or Gertrude in the subject.

Williams continued: “I sought to nod to Ferrier’s residency in the building portraying elements of the hotel that would be recognisable to guests such as Ferrier looking out the window of the suite and a tea set that matches those available to guests.

“I’m delighted to have won this art project and can’t wait to see my piece displayed within the hotel and being enjoyed by visitors to the city.”

Jonathan Dawson, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, said: “We are thrilled to showcase Ella Williams’ stunning piece within the hotel.

“Her work not only honours Susan Ferrier’s literary achievements but adds another piece to our already rich cultural heritage. This partnership with Edinburgh College of Art has been incredibly rewarding, and we looking forward to seeing how Ella’s work will inspire our guests.”

Susan Mowatt, Head of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, said: “Ella Williams’ artwork is a testament to the talent and creativity nurtured at our institution. We are proud to support initiatives that connect our students with the community and celebrate our city’s historical figures.”

As well as becoming part of the hotel’s heritage, Williams also received a purchase price of £3,500 for her artwork, an overnight stay in the Ferrier Suite and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant Le Petit Beefbar.

Artistic runners up from ECA include Chengyi Xu Xu and Amy Sema who each won an overnight stay and dinner in Le Petit Beefbar.

‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ will be displayed in InterContinental Edinburgh The George’s Club InterContinental lounge over the summer, before being put on permanent display in the hotel’s Ferrier Suite in celebration of the author’s unique connection to the hotel.

BBC ALBA celebrates 25 years of Skipinnish with a special broadcast of Edinburgh Castle concert

BBC ALBA is giving viewers the chance to relive a special concert celebrating 25 years of Skipinnish with the broadcast of Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal.

As part of the summertime Castle Concerts series, Scotland’s celebrated Celtic rock band Skipinnish played a stunning set at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Supported by Scottish folk singer Karen Matheson OBE, and with guest appearances from long-time collaborator Rachel Walker, Runrig legend Malcolm Jones and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, the open-air concert paid homage to the band’s journey, emerging from the heart of the Scottish Highlands and Islands to become a household name across the nation.

Recorded at Edinburgh Castle in front of thousands of fans, BBC ALBA is giving audiences across the country the chance to revel in the musical highlights of the momentous concert.

Viewers have the opportunity to watch the band perform some of their best loved songs, including fan favourites Walking on the Waves, Alive and The Island, just a week after the live event, on Friday (19 July.)

Angus MacPhail, founding band member said “This was the gig of a lifetime. The majestic setting, our friends and heroes Malcolm Jones, Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw joining us, the power and presence of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, the sheer number of our amazing fans and the sound of them cheering and singing – even the weather was on our side!

“Our families were there with us to celebrate and importantly it’s been captured for posterity by BBC ALBA.”

Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: “Being at Edinburgh Castle last Friday, basking in the glorious summer sunshine and witnessing an incredible musical performance from Skipinnish was a moment that will live long in the memory.

“Their longstanding success is testament to the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music. It’s great to be able to share such an iconic concert with BBC ALBA viewers – giving both those who were unable to be in attendance, and the fans who made their way to Scotland’s capital, a chance to relive a magical night.”

Alongside the music that made the band famous, an additional programme will broadcast on BBC ALBA later this year, featuring exclusive interviews with members and co-founders Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson.

Don’t miss Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal, premiering on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Friday 19 July at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: BBC ALBA – Skipinnish Aig A’ Chaisteal

Forth Green Freeport appoints Chief Executive

Forth Green Freeport (FGF) has announced that it has appointed Sarah Murray as the first Chief Executive of the public/private consortium.

FGF officially opened for business last month (12 June) with a commitment to deliver an ambitious green growth strategy to re-industrialise Scotland, bringing economic and net zero benefits for the country as a whole and the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Sarah is a highly professional leader who brings to the role considerable relevant experience working with multiple layered organisations (public and private sector) developing skills and infrastructure that drive economic activity. She also has considerable stakeholder engagement experience and collaborative successes which are seen as being particularly relevant.

Sarah is currently the Director of Local London, a sub-regional economic growth partnership of nine London boroughs, and was previously Head of Regulation for the City of London Corporation (2016-2021).

Sarah spent 16 years working in Brussels in various senior roles, including leading the East of England Brussels Office, Lancashire Brussels Office and as Deputy Director at the Channel Islands Brussels Office. Sarah has also been an Executive Director of the Thames Estuary Growth Board (2021-2023) and has recently been included on the Net Zero 50 list for 2024.

Sarah was appointed following an exhaustive recruitment process led by independent recruitment specialists and involving a recruitment panel and a two stage interview process. She will take up her role as CEO on 27 August.

Welcoming Sarah to the role, Dame Susan Rice DBE, Chair of Forth Green Freeport, said: “The position of CEO of Forth Green Freeport is core to our success. We conducted a robust recruitment process to ensure that we got the right person for the job and we’re thrilled to have appointed Sarah.

“She brings with her a host of qualities and professional experience which are vital for the role as CEO of the Forth Green Freeport and we’re looking forward to working with her to deliver this exciting long-term programme for Scotland.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Murray said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me personally and for Scotland to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, both nationally and for local communities.

“Throughout my career I have gained a wealth of experience of working with multilayered partnerships and I understand the importance of good, transparent stakeholder engagement. I am looking forward to getting started in August and to begin building on the excellent start that the consortium has already made.”

The Forth Green Freeport officially “opened for business” on 12 June 2024 following approval from the Scottish and UK Governments of its Outline Business Case and the designation of its three tax sites, located in Grangemouth, Rosyth, Mid-Forth (Leith and Burntisland).

The public / private consortium will attract new businesses and new jobs into the FGF area, aided by a suite of financial incentives to deliver major economic and net zero benefits for Scotland as a whole and for the local communities in Fife, Falkirk, Leith and beyond.

Focusing on the key target sectors of offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, FGF will support the re-industrialisation of Central Scotland and large-scale economic regeneration over the next decade.

The consortium is currently developing its Final Business Case which will be submitted to the Scottish and UK Governments later in the summer.

Young Brits warned of dangers of modern slavery abroad

Young people travelling to popular holiday destinations to work in bars and clubs have been given advice on the dangers of labour exploitation

Thousands of young people travelling to popular holiday destinations including Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca to work in bars and clubs have been given advice on the dangers of labour exploitation.

Border Force officers have been running Operation Karetu at 22 airports across the UK, targeting young people travelling to work in Mediterranean destinations who could be at risk of exploitation, criminality and illegal working.

The month long operation has so far seen officers engage with over 1,000 young Brits, providing them with leaflets and guidance on how to avoid the risks involved as unofficial public relations (PR) reps – work that involves touting people into clubs and bars.

Young holidaymakers who travel abroad every year to work in the hospitality industry risk being forced to work long hours for low wages. Risks include working illegally due to a lack of knowledge about EU employment regulations or being exploited by serious organised criminal gangs. 

Operation Karetu was initially launched in 2018 amid concerns over the welfare of young British nationals being exposed to different types of exploitation particularly labour and sexual exploitation. The Operation has had significant success and since 2022 there have been zero cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearics.

However, many cases of Labour exploitation go undetected, and Border Force continue to run Operation Karetu every year as an important preventative operation to protect young people.

Home Office Minister, Seema Malhotra said: “Travelling abroad for a summer in the sun is an exciting prospect for thousands of young people across the country, but it’s important they’re able to do that safely.

“Operation Karetu is just one example of Border Force’s work to protect the British public, ensuring young people are kept safe from unscrupulous employers.”

This year’s operation was specifically targeting the Balearic Islands, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca.

The operation began on 17 June and is running until 19 July this year, and is carried out in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the modern slavery charity, Unseen, and British embassies abroad.

Border Force carries out Operation Karetu annually as part of its Prevent and Protect strategies, to end involvement in exploitation and strengthen safeguards by protecting individuals, organisations and systems.    

Key advice from Border Force officers to people considering working abroad are:  

Working while a tourist in the EU is illegal. If you are not an EU national or legally resident in the EU, you need a job offer, work permit and visa. More information is available on Travelling to the EU and Schengen area – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Check you have a visa and a contract before starting your job.  
Ask about accommodation and find out the rent/costs. Do this before accepting accommodation as part of a job offer.  
Keep hold of your passport at all times. If it is taken, report it to police. You can contact the local British Consulate for help and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The Border Force operation is supported by modern slavery charity Unseen, who operate the Modern Slavery Helpline. Anyone feeling vulnerable about their work or finances can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline, in confidence, on 08000 121 700. 

The operation is just one part of the work Border Force carries out to address modern slavery and trafficking. All front-line Border Force officers are trained to identify signs of modern slavery and make the necessary referrals. 

National RSV vaccination programme announced

The UK is the first country in the world to offer a national vaccination programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both infants and older adults from RSV
The vaccine will protect infants and older adults, easing winter pressures on the NHS
Eligible people urged to take up offer when rollout begins in September

The UK will become the first country in the world to have a national programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The rollout, which will start from 1 September in England, includes both a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79.

These are the groups at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Scotland will begin its rollout first, from 12 August, while Wales and Northern Ireland will also start their schemes in September.

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under five and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. It also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75. The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand. I am thrilled to see the UK leading in the way in tackling this devastating disease.

“My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care, and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through.

“Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter.”

People aged 75-79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible.

Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to get the vaccine to protect their baby.

These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “RSV is a very serious illness, infecting up to 90% of children by the age of two and causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter – so this rollout is a huge step forward and will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk.

“We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September and for women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected.”

Professor Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said: “This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS. UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV immunisation programme and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health.

“Having successfully procured an effective vaccine and designed a programme to protect both babies and older people, we are already working rapidly with our NHS and Local Authority colleagues to be ready to provide vaccinations from September – please do come forward if you are eligible.”

The vaccine has been developed and produced by Pfizer. The programme follows the advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published in September 2023.

Over £22 million worth of drugs seized from Scotland’s streets this year

More than £22 million worth of drugs have been removed from Scotland’s streets so far this year.

This follows a number of significant seizures across the country.

In January, officers recovered cannabis valued at £3,600,000 in Greenock and £2,250,000 in Dundee.

Cannabis worth £1,700,000 was recovered in Falkirk in February, and £2,300,000 worth was located in Galashiels in March.

In Glasgow, cocaine worth £1,800,000 was seized in June.

There were also large recoveries in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.

Arrests have been made in connection with the majority and enquiries remain ongoing into the other cases.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “These seizures highlight our dedication to tackling drug crime in Scotland.

“Controlled substances are dangerous and cause real harm to individuals, families and communities. They are illegal for that very reason.

“Working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting individuals and organised crime groups, who selfishly exploit vulnerable people solely for their own financial gain.

“This shows our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Results like these rely on the public and anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Building a sustainable future for Ferguson Marine

Business plan to improve productivity at the shipyard

Ministers have agreed to support new proposals aimed at enabling Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) to improve productivity and build a sustainable future.

As Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa approach completion, the Scottish Government has been working with the company on a long term business plan which positions the shipyard to bid for and secure new work.

Up to £14.2 million will be invested over two years subject to the plan passing detailed legal analysis and independent financial and commercial assessments, which should be complete by the Autumn.

Separately, talks are at final stages with BAE Systems about FMPG securing further work on the Type 26 Frigate programme.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes stressed that delivering productivity improvements and securing commercial contracts were vital components in ensuring the shipyard’s long term future.

Ms Forbes said: “Now that Glen Sannox is approaching handover, our focus is on the next phase for FMPG’s future. That requires change and investment to target new opportunities.

“The Board has developed a business plan that it believes has the potential to secure a competitive future. Subject to independent legal and commercial analysis, the Scottish Government will provide significant new funding to support the yard’s modernisation and improve productivity.

“Additional funding goes hand in hand with winning new commercial contracts, and it is extremely good news that talks with BAE Systems to secure further work have reached this advanced stage.

“Extensive analysis and legal advice confirm that a direct award of the small vessels phase one contract to FMPG introduces substantial risks and uncertainties for the shipyard and the communities which rely on the lifeline vessels, due to the strict conditions imposed by the UK Subsidy Control Act.

“Instead, we will do everything which is legally possible to support the yard and the workforce to secure a long-term future, which is why we have come to an agreement on initiatives and funding to improve productivity.

“When the Scottish Government stepped in to save FMPG in 2019 we did so to preserve jobs and develop the next generation of shipbuilders on the River Clyde. That commitment remains unwavering. The company will of course be able to consider a bid, either individually or in partnership with other yards, but its long term future depends on winning work on a competitive basis.”

A spokesperson for BAE Systems said: “BAE Systems has a good working relationship with Ferguson Marine, which is a key local supplier of structural steelwork and has built two units for the Type 26 programme.

“We are in advanced negotiations with the company regarding further strengthening our partnership, the placement of additional work subject to agreement of terms and its continued involvement in the programme.”