North Edinburgh News – Page 803 – The NEN

PM: UK – India partnership ‘brings security and prosperity for our people’

PM will meet Narendra Modi in New Delhi today for high-level talks on defence, diplomacy and trade
UK will work with India to boost security in the Indo-Pacific, including new fighter jet technology, helicopters and collaboration in the undersea battlespace
PM will also discuss new cooperation on clean and renewable energy

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will reiterate the vital importance of the UK-India partnership for global peace and security, as he visits New Delhi today [Friday].

He is expected to discuss next-generation defence and security collaboration across the five domains – land, sea, air, space and cyber – in meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as our nations face complex new threats.

This includes support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft. The UK will also seek to support India’s requirements for new technology to identify and respond to threats in the Indian Ocean.

To support greater defence and security collaboration with India over the coming decade, the UK will issue an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) to India, reducing bureaucracy and shortening delivery times for defence procurement. This is our first OGEL in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.

“The UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas. Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both our countries, from climate change to energy 2security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future.

“I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to deliver a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples.”

The Prime Minister will also discuss new cooperation on clean and renewable energy in his meetings in New Delhi today, aimed at supporting India’s energy transition away from imported oil and increasing its resilience through secure and sustainable energy, and addressing climate change in both the UK and India.

The UK and India are launching a virtual Hydrogen Science and Innovation hub to accelerate affordable green hydrogen, as well as new funding for the Green Grids Initiative announced at COP26, and collaboration on joint work on the electrification of public transport across India.

As well as boosting our domestic energy and economic resilience, the UK and India are collaborating as a force for good globally. The governments are committing up to £75 million to roll out adaptable clean tech innovations from India to the wider Indo-Pacific and Africa, and working together on international development and girls education.

Mr Johnson’s foreign adventures are doubtless a welcome distraction but they have done nothing to reduce the pressure on him to resign following his lies to Parliament over the Partygate scandal.

The Prime Minister is now to be investigated by a Westminster committee over claims he misled Parliament about parties in Downing Street during lockdown.

MPs yesterday approved the Privileges Committee instigating an inquiry as soon as police have finished their investigation into the gatherings.

Johnson’s government had tried to delay the vote, but were forced into making a U-turn following opposition from its own Tory MPs.

And with the full details of the Sue Gray report still to come, Boris Johnson’s political future is very much still in the balance.

West Pilton incident: boy charged

Following the theft of a motorcycle from the North West of Edinburgh, which was reported on Monday (18 April), police were made aware of a linked incident in the West Pilton area later that day involving a group of youths.

This resulted in a 13-year-old boy being identified and charged in connection with attempted robbery and possession of a blade.

Enquiries are ongoing into the theft of the motorbike.

Proposals for new Bill to tackle misogyny

Public to be consulted on laws to criminalise misogynistic conduct

Plans for future legislation are part of the Scottish Government’s official response to the independent working group on misogyny.

A new Bill to tackle misogyny is being considered by Scottish Ministers as part of these proposals.

Chaired by Baroness Kennedy QC, the group’s report recommended a number of new offences to criminalise specific forms of misogynistic conduct – including stirring up hatred against women and public sexual harassment of women.

The Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations are pivotal in challenging misogyny and will develop draft legislative provisions for public consultation.

The timing of a final Bill will be considered as part of the Scottish Government’s future legislative programme.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown said: “The independent report rightly recognises the need to address misogyny and makes a compelling case for creating new laws to tackle this unacceptable conduct.

“The Scottish Government response outlines how we intend to make progress on the blueprint for legislation contained within the report by bringing forward a Bill to the Scottish Parliament.

“With such a substantial and significant report it will take time to work through the recommendations in discussion with key partners, but we are confident the resulting legislation will help send a clear message that male attitudes which emanate from prejudice and misogyny have no place in a modern and equal Scotland.”

Extreme wildfire risk over weekend

The risk of wildfires across many parts of Scotland over the next few days has been declared as ‘extreme’.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning that fires could ignite and spread easily with warm temperatures and strong winds forecast.

The warning applies from tomorrow, Friday 22 April and lasts until Monday 25 April.

• North, Central and West Scotland EXTREME Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th April

• West Scotland EXTREME Monday 25th April

Group Commander Keith Langley, who is one of SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisors, is urging the public to take the utmost care in the countryside. He said: “The key issues over the next few days are sunshine, warm air temperatures, low humidity and moderate to strong winds.

“Dead grass, leaves, twigs and heather on the ground will dry quite quickly in these conditions and when ignited can burn very fast with extreme fire intensity.

“Please exercise caution outdoors to avoid fires breaking out and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.”

Wildfire danger assessments are made on behalf of the Scottish Wildfire Forum. They are done on a broad area basis.

The wildfire warning map can be found at https://twitter.com/fire_scot

Tesco launches Mobile Money Saving Tool as cost of living soars

Tesco Mobile launch calculator to help customers save money on mobile phone contracts

With the cost of living surge the worst crisis Brits have faced in 30 years, phone contracts are among one of the many inflated costs that families will face from 1 April.

The big networks will be hitting millions of customers with hikes of up to 11.7%at the worst possible time.

To help customers save money and plan their finances, Tesco Mobile has launched a new calculator which allows consumers to find out just how much they could save over the length of their contract.

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All consumers need to provide is the length of their contract, their network provider, and their monthly cost – the calculator will do the rest!

A spokesperson from Tesco Mobile commented: “This year, mid-contract mobile price hikes are at their highest ever and they couldn’t come at a worse time. We know that phones are a lifeline which is why the price our customers pay when they sign up, is the price they pay for the duration of their contract.

“What’s helpful about our money saving calculator, is that families can find out exactly how much other networks are taking out of their pockets, making it easier for them to plan their finances for the future.”

The calculator can be found at www.tescomobile.com/fixedprices

Third sector hustings: Preventing Poverty for the People of Edinburgh

Be part of a conversation with some of the candidates standing for election in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface (EVOC, Volunteer Edinburgh, Edinburgh Social Enterprise) and the Poverty Alliance invite you to be part of an conversation with some of the candidates standing for election on Thu 5 May.

The main focus of this event is the challenges arising from cost-of-living increases that are impacting people and communities across the City linked to:

the importance of a thriving voluntary sector
the benefits of an enterprising City
the need for wealth building within communities

Welcome & Introduction: Bridie Ashrowan, Claire Pattullo, Paul Wilson.

Panel Q&A:

Claire Miller, Edinburgh Greens candidate for City Centre
Vicky Nicolson, SNP candidate for Inverleith
Ross McKenzie, Labour candidate for Sighthill / Gorgie
Neil Ross, Liberal Democrats candidate for Morningside
Representatives from each of the political parties have been invited.

SUBMIT A QUESTION

Please submit any questions you have in advance, or if you are unable to attend the event to: comms@evoc.org.uk

ZOOM LINK:

The link will be sent out to everyone who has registered by 1pm on the day.

Keeping People Safe: Chief Constable welcomes new probationary constables to Police Scotland

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone welcomed 297 new probationary Constables to Police Scotland and thanked them for their commitment to public service during an oath of office ceremony at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan yesterday.

The recruits made the Police Constable’s declaration to faithfully discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, and promised to uphold fundamental human rights under the authority of Justice of the Peace, Dr Vicki Nash.

Chief Constable Livingstone said: “Our officers come from the diverse communities we serve and from who draw our legitimacy. What unites us in Police Scotland are our values and a shared mission to keep people safe.

“As Chief Constable, I welcome our new Constables and thank them for stepping forward to make what is a significant commitment to public service and to underline the values and behaviours they must uphold and promote.

“Policing is a demanding but rewarding vocation. The oath of office ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasise that Constables who discharge their duties in accordance with our values and their oath have my support as Chief Constable, and the support of the Police Service of Scotland.”

The intake, made up of 56% male recruits and 44% female, ranges in age from 19 to 52, with the majority falling in the 25 – 34 years age bracket.

Of the intake, 10% identified as being from a minority ethnic group, totalling 29 officers, and languages spoken fluently by recruits include Polish, Romanian, Norwegian, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian and Chinese Mandarin.

Six of the recruits were previously serving Special Constables with Police Scotland, two were members of Police Staff, and 17 of the new constables have previous military service.

Chief Constable Livingstone said: “Recruiting officers who share our values and reflect and represent all our communities is vital to maintain and enhance our crucial bond of trust with the public we serve.

“We have a positive moral and legal duty to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. This includes being representative of the communities we serve, making us accessible and approachable. The increasing diversity of our recruits continues to help our organisation to do this.”

The new recruits will undertake 12 weeks of initial training before joining colleagues serving communities across Scotland during a two-year probationary period.

The Chief Constable spoke earlier this year of the measures taken in response to the COVID pandemic as well as the need to provide effective policing during the COP26 climate change summit. This included amending intakes and initial training, meaning overall officer numbers were lower than would otherwise be the case.

Twinkl Scotland partner with MOBIE

Architect and TV presenter, George Clarke, with his charity, MOBIE, have been working with Twinkl Scotland to create a selection of educational resources on housing innovation.

Free-to-access learning materials for pupils by MOBIE and Twinkl Scotland will be available from today (21st April). MOBIE, (the Ministry of Building, Innovation + Education) was created to engage children with innovative housing designs, and give younger generations exposure to the housing industry.

Through collaborating with Twinkl Scotland, the George Clarke founded organisation hopes to attract more young people to the world of home, architecture and the built environment. The arrival of these resources is appropriately on the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day on the 21st of April.

The freely available learning materials are suitable for ages four to 12. The theme of the resources is ‘Building our Future’, inspiring learners to apply their knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics through a combined approach referred to as STEM.

George Clarke and three young engineers and architects guide classes through each design challenge and provide advice for learners. The resources have a particular focus on constructing homes sustainably.

George Clarke is a TV presenter and architect, best known from appearing on his Channel 4 programmes including The Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. His passion for housing and design is evident in his programmes.

Because of this, creating educational resources for children is a great way of making these technical topics accessible.

George says: “I am so thrilled that the MOBIE team collaborated with Twinkl to create this inspirational ‘Building our Future’ programme, enabling our youngest learners to explore environmental design ideas for our homes.

“I am amazed at the incredible range of challenges for each class, from nursery under five-year-olds to those about to go on to high school.

“I would like to wish good luck to all the pupils and their teachers. We sincerely hope that our resources will ignite passions for innovative housing and inspire the next generation of architects and designers.”

Michele McGarvey, the Country Manager for Twinkl Scotland, adds: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with George and his MOBIE team to create these materials. Children really are our future, and to provide them with resources that will inspire them to build innovative sustainable housing is wonderful.”

Twinkl was founded in 2010 with a mission to ‘help those who teach’. For further information about Twinkl Scotland’s Partnerships, please visit their website.

Junior Dodgeball coming to Granton

Thursdays at WARDIE RESIDENTS CLUB from 6.30 – 8pm

Starts 5th MAY

Hey folks!

Junior #Dodgeball is coming to #Granton

First session will be completely free for anyone to come along and give it a go!

#ChooseDodgeball #Parents #Kids

National Trust for Scotland launches recruitment drive with positions available in Edinburgh and Lothians

The National Trust for Scotland is offering people from across Edinburgh and the Lothians the opportunity to play a part in the future of Scotland’s heritage.

By joining Scotland’s leading conservation charity at one of seven Trust sites across Edinburgh and the Lothians individuals can make the most of the health and wellbeing benefits of working in Scotland’s beautiful nature, while telling the stories of Scotland’s history and preserving important sites, such as Gladstone’s Land and House of the Binns for generations to come.

Last month the National Trust for Scotland launched its new 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, which outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead – from becoming carbon negative through to speaking up for Scotland’s heritage that doesn’t have a voice and increasing visitor numbers to more than 6 million per year. To support its ambitions, the charity is recruiting for 300 roles across Scotland.

Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, the Trust is recruiting for a variety of roles, including several of which are brand new positions for 2022. Together, these roles will contribute directly to the charity’s ambitious objectives across conservation, engagement and sustainability.

There are opportunities to be part of the team working hard behind the scenes with roles such as Nature and Landscape Data Officer and Maintenance Surveyor, among others available at the Trust’s Headquarters in Edinburgh. if you want to work in one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Gladstone’s Land is recruiting for Visitor Service Assistants to share their enthusiasm and passion with visitors.

In East Lothian, an exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the bustling kitchen within Newhailes Estate where every scone baked and sold helps save Scotland’s heritage.

Other Lothian roles available include Visitor Services Assistants, Supervisors, and Manager positions at House of the Binns and Preston Mill.

With sites such as The Georgian House and Preston Mill known for their links to TV, fans of Outlander, Landward and The Secret Agent can walk in the footsteps of their heroes every day as they take on the role of Visitor Service Assistant.

Stuart Maxwell, General Manager, Edinburgh and East, National Trust for Scotland said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to join the Trust, particularly following the launch of Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone and the big ambitions we have for the next ten years. With a range of vacancies at our properties, there is always something new to uncover and no two days are ever the same.

“With opportunities ranging from Gardener to Catering roles, there are so many different ways to play a part in sharing the stories of our rich heritage with visitors from all over the world, all while preserving it to ensure it’s there for future generations to discover.

“We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of others through access to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, and who want to get up and head to a job they love every day with a team who share their enthusiasm.”

For more information on the National Trust for Scotland and the vacancies available across Edinburgh and the Lothians, visit www.nts.org.uk/careers.