Gaza humanitarian crisis: Hundreds of thousands call for ceasefire

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist issued a statement last night updating on the significant policing operation taking place in London on Saturday:

This operation took place in unique circumstances, against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, on Armistice Day and following a week of intense debate about protest and policing. These all combined to increase community tensions.

The extreme violence from the right wing protestors towards the police today was extraordinary and deeply concerning.

They arrived early, stating they were there to protect monuments, but some were already intoxicated, aggressive and clearly looking for confrontation.

Abuse was directed at officers protecting the Cenotaph, including chants of “you’re not English any more”.

This group were largely football hooligans from across the UK and spent most of the day attacking or threatening officers who were seeking to prevent them being able to confront the main march.

Many in these groups were stopped and searched and weapons including a knife, a baton and knuckleduster were found as well as class A drugs.

Thanks to the considerable efforts of our officers, who put themselves in harm’s way, nobody was able to reach the Cenotaph, which was protected at all times.

Nine officers were injured during the day, two requiring hospital treatment with a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip. Those officers were injured on Whitehall as they prevented a violent crowd getting to the Cenotaph while a remembrance service was taking place.

While the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) march did not see the sort of physical violence carried out by the right wing, we know that for London’s Jewish communities whose fears and concerns we absolutely recognise, the impact of hate crime and in particular anti-Semitic offences is just as significant.

At the end of the PSC march, we once again saw breakaway groups behaving in an intimidating manner.

Officers intercepted a group of 150 who were wearing face coverings and firing fireworks. Arrests were made after some of the fireworks struck officers in the face.

There were also a number of serious offences identified in relation to hate crime and possible support for proscribed organisations during the protest that we are actively investigating.

Locating and intercepting suspects in a crowd of the size we saw today will always be challenging, but we were further limited in our ability to do so due to the number of officers we had to deploy, from early in the day, in response to violence from the right wing groups in central London.

We will soon publish images of some of those we suspect have committed these offences and as we have shown in recent weeks, we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to identify suspects and take action even after the conclusion of protests.

As I write, there are many officers still deployed across central London responding to any outbreaks of disorder and ensuring key sites are protected ahead of tomorrow’s remembrance events.

Many more are working in custody suites dealing with the 126 people who have been arrested so far.

I am extremely proud of what our officers have achieved in challenging circumstances, including the many officers who came from across the country to help us keep London safe.

PM statement on Armistice Day protests: 11 November 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also released a statement last night:

I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine. The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully. 

Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. What we have seen today does not defend the honour of our Armed Forces, but utterly disrespects them. 

That is true for EDL thugs attacking police officers and trespassing on the Cenotaph, and it is true for those singing antisemitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing on today’s protest.

The fear and intimidation the Jewish Community have experienced over the weekend is deplorable. 

All criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law. That is what I told the Met Police Commissioner on Wednesday, that is what they are accountable for and that is what I expect. 

I will be meeting the Met Police Commissioner in the coming days.

EDINBURGH’s tram service was suspended for two hours yesterday afternoon ‘due to a large protest in the city centre affecting trams in both directions’.

Most LGBTQ+ youth feel out of place in rural Scotland

MORE THAN six in 10 (61%) of rurally based LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland feel that their local area is not a welcoming place, according to a new report.

The damning figure has emerged as the largest ever piece of research involving LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland has found rural environments are the least supportive for community members.  

A survey of nearly 1300 LGBTQ+ youth from local authorities nationwide, found that homophobia and transphobia was more prevalent in rural settings than urban.

The stark findings come as part of the latest instalment of the 15-year-long Life in Scotland study created by prominent charity LGBT Youth Scotland.

Dr Mhairi Crawford, LGBT Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “LGBTQ+ young people deserve to flourish and thrive no matter where they live, and this report highlights that there is more to be done across Scotland, especially in rural environments.

“The findings from this report underline the unique challenges isolation presents LGBTQ+ young people living in rural areas.

“This is further intensified by the absence of dedicated support services, which simply isn’t good enough.

“If we want to champion LGBTQ+ equality in every part of Scotland, we must amplify the voices of the young people in rural Scotland who know these communities best.

“Their lived experiences must shape every policy decision, steer each new initiative, and lead the charge for progress.”

The report has called on the Scottish Government as well as local authorities for greater investment in LGBTQ+ awareness and education programmes, as well as long term youth work to help improve inclusivity.

Minister for Equalities, Migration & Refugees, Emma Roddick said: “LGBT Youth Scotland’s Life in Scotland report is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people, understand the challenges that they face, and measure the impact of our work to build a fairer Scotland.

“It is clear that many LGBTQI+ young people in rural areas face unique challenges, simply because of where they live. This is unacceptable.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders, including funding LGBT Youth Scotland to continue their research, to improve the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people no matter where they live.”

The study highlights a profound sense of isolation due to limited resources, sparse social support, and transportation difficulties.

Alarmingly, only 37 per cent of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas felt that there were safe spaces available for socialising and expressing their identities, in contrast to 48 per cent in non-rural regions.

Additionally, the report acknowledges that despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ education across Scotland, many young people in rural areas have yet to benefit from inclusive education initiatives.

Moreover, people experiencing LGBTQ+ hate crimes have expressed a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to handle such incidents, prompting calls for Police Scotland to enhance support for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and improve the reporting process for hate crimes.

Speaking on the actions required to provide greater support, Dr Crawford said: “It’s crucial for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and funders to invest sustainably in youth services for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas.

“While digital tools are vital, physical gatherings are needed to combat isolation and build community and improved wellbeing.

“Inclusive services, workplaces, and education, supported by programs like the LGBT Charter, are essential for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and welcomed in their communities.

“Every LGBTQ+ young person should have the chance to flourish, irrespective of their geographical location.

“If Scotland is to become a place where personal young people can thrive, it is imperative that decision-makers and service providers really listen to the insights of LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and engage in collaborative efforts with local communities to craft effective solutions.”

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25. LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential and LGBT Youth Scotland works alongside young people to remove those barriers; working with young people individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.

The charity was recently awarded the Participation and Youth Voice award at the National Youth Work Awards for its work with the Trans Rights Youth Commission, and a judge’s commendation at the Proud Scotland Awards for the Charity Initiative award.

For more information on LGBT Youth Scotland visit: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/

Edinburgh residents urged to take advantage of 2023 Will Writing campaign

Residents in Edinburgh are being urged to secure their spot this month to have a Will written to protect their families’ assets and inheritance during this year’s Will Aid campaign.  

During the current cost-of-living crisis, the Will Aid scheme, which sees solicitors across the UK volunteering their time to write Wills throughout November, represents a great opportunity to tick writing your Will off your to-do-list, and ensure your family’s future is protected. 

The annual nationwide fundraising campaign shares its proceeds between nine of the UK’s leading charities: ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland). 

Will Aid is open and appointments are now available with MHD Law and McEwan Fraser Legal. There are also several firms that can take your instruction remotely, so wherever you are you can get your Will written through Will Aid this year. 

Visit www.willaid.org.uk to find your solicitor, but hurry as bookings will close at the end of November. 

Like previous years there is expected to be a high demand, so people are encouraged to book an appointment now with a participating solicitor, which they can find via the Will Aid website.  

Will Aid has been running since 1988 and is open to all adults. The campaign has encouraged more than 350,000 people to write their Will with a regulated and insured solicitor and, in so doing has raised over £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies. The suggested voluntary donation is £100 for a single Will and £180 for a pair of mirror Wills. 

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “The money raised each year is incredibly important for each of our partner charities. It was inspiring to see our committed solicitors, continue to volunteer their time to raise vital funds last year. 

“I encourage anyone who does not yet have a Will to use this opportunity to protect loved ones and causes close to them, while supporting nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.” 

Jonathan Chase, Chair of Will Aid, added: “We are very grateful to all the solicitors, new and returning, who selflessly volunteer their time to write thousands of Wills without their normal fee each year. 

Not only does their philanthropy help thousands of local people protect their loved ones and causes close to them with a professionally written Will, but it also helps the Will Aid partner charities continue their life-changing work.” 

Class of 2023 honoured at Edinburgh College Graduation

More than 600 students celebrated in style as they graduated as part of Edinburgh College’s class of 2023 at the McEwan Hall last week (2 November).

Students were joined by over 1,800 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.

Graduates from across the College’s curriculum areas were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Construction; and Creative Industries.

Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence. 

Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey. 

In addition, around 14 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year. 

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is a special time of year, providing an occasion to celebrate all of our students’ hard work and determination shown throughout their time at College. 

“The class of 2023 have shown a great commitment and dedication to their studies which will stand them in good stead for whatever they decide to do next. Armed with a college education, I have no doubt that they will go on to achieve great things.

“On behalf of the College’s governing body, management team, tutors, and support staff, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them. I wish them the very best as they move forward in their further studies and chosen careers.

“Here’s to you, class of 2023!”

Culture: ‘Perfect storm’ has not abated, says Holyrood committee

The ‘perfect storm’ of financial pressures facing Scotland’s culture sector “has not abated” over the last year, according to a new report from the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.

The report follows pre-budget scrutiny of the Scottish Government culture portfolio spend ahead of the Scottish Budget for 2024-25, which is expected to be announced to Parliament in December.

Last year, the Committee found that the existing budgetary challenges facing the culture sector had become “much more acute”, contributed to by a “perfect storm” of long-term budget pressures, reduced income generation, and increased operating costs.

Twelve months on from that initial warning, the Committee have concluded that “this ‘perfect storm’ has not abated, with external and public funding pressures maintaining, and the culture sector remaining under significant financial strain and the risks to its future becoming more severe.”

At the same time, the Committee recognised that the Scottish Government continues to face a “challenging fiscal environment”.

A key finding by the Committee was that there was an “urgent need” for the Scottish Government to restore the confidence of the culture sector as it continues to face significant budgetary pressures.

It therefore noted the recent commitment by the First Minister in response, to increase the Scottish Government’s investment in arts and culture by £100 million over the next five years. The Committee is now awaiting the detail of this funding commitment, with further information expected to be provided in the upcoming budget.

The Committee also found that both the initial cut to Creative Scotland’s grant-in-aid for 2023-24 in the draft Budget and, after it had been reversed, the reinstatement of that cut in the Autumn Budget Revision had “damaged an already fragile confidence” within the culture sector.

While it acknowledged that the organisations receiving regular funding from Creative Scotland would not receive a budget reduction during 2023-24 as a result of this cut, with some of Creative Scotland’s National Lottery reserves having been allocated to offset it, it sought further clarity on the extent to which the use of these reserves will have impacted the level of funding available to manage the transition to Creative Scotland’s new Multi-Year Funding Programme.

The report also considered what progress the Scottish Government had made in the last 12 months on taking forward innovative funding solutions in response to the challenges facing the culture sector, including government commitments on multi-year funding and cross-portfolio funding models.

The Committee highlighted that “very limited progress” had been made and called for “much greater urgency and a clear pathway to make tangible progress” on implementing these funding models.

Commenting on the report, Committee Convener Clare Adamson said: “The First Minister’s recent commitment to increase the Scottish Government’s investment in arts and culture by £100 million over the next five years comes as the Committee has been hearing from stakeholders across the culture sector of the significant financial challenges it continues to face.

“We heard that the ‘perfect storm’ facing the operating environment of the sector has not abated over the last 12 months, with external and public funding pressures maintaining; and that there has been very limited progress made on implementing innovative funding solutions to support the sector.

“Given this context, there was an urgent need for the Scottish Government to restore the confidence of Scotland’s culture sector.

“We look forward to receiving further details of the First Minister’s commitment to provide additional funding for arts and culture.”

PreBudget-Scrutiny-202425-Funding-for-CultureDownload

Man given Order for Lifelong Restriction for sexual abuse and online offences

A 52-year-old man has been given an Order for Lifelong Restriction, along with a custodial sentence of two years and three months, in connection with online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Mark Fordham pled guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, 9 November, 2023, in connection with the offences. He was arrested following an intelligence-led police operation.

Detective Inspector Bruce Ward said: “Mark Fordham is a dangerous and predatory individual who will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“Online offenders may think they are anonymous. They are not. No matter what steps they take to avoid detection, you cannot hide behind a computer screen. We will find you.

“We remain fully committed to protecting children and bringing anyone involved in these abhorrent crimes to justice.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and a priority for officers. I would urge anyone with any concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact us immediately.”

Police Scotland’s current #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending online, and provides signposts to available support.

Appeal for information following M90 crash

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a crash on the M90, Edinburgh.

The incident happened close to Junction 1A, near Kirkliston, around 3pm on Wednesday, 8 November, 2023, and involved three cars.

Four children, aged nine-months to 15-years, were taken by ambulance to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People as a precaution.

The other occupants of the vehicles – a black Nissan Qashqai, a black Vauxhall Zafira and a blue Volkswagean Sharan – sustained minor injuries.

Enquiries remain ongoing into the circumstances of the crash and officers are appealing for witnesses.

Road Policing Constable Chris Currie said: “While there were no serious injuries, this was a terrifying experience for the children involved.

“We’re looking to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened or saw the vehicles before the crash.

“I’m also keen to hear from anyone with dash cam or any other footage of the area shortly before 3pm on Wednesday.”

Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2180 of Wednesday, 8 November, 2023.

Ceasefire NOW! Rally in city centre

WAVERLEY BRIDGE at 12 NOON

📢📢📢TODAY! Please note Edinburgh will meet at the earlier time of 12pm at Waverley Bridge. Please double check your nearest demonstrations time AND location.

Ceasefire now. Stop the genocide!

As with previous weeks, there haven’t been applications to march – though people may want to on the day.