Damehood for Dr. Jenny Harries

UKHSA Chief Executive, Dr Jenny Harries, has received the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her outstanding service to public health.

Jonathan Turner, Head of Scientific and Technical Services has been awarded an MBE with Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, awarded a CBE.

Dr Harries has worked tirelessly to keep the nation safe during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on providing advice and support to the most vulnerable people in the country. Throughout the pandemic, she has provided health advice to the public at critical times in her role as Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

Dr Harries is now the Chief Executive of the newly formed UK Health Security Agency which brings together Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace, including the Joint Biosecurity Centre, with a remit to plan and prepare for current and future threats to our health.

Dr Harries is uniquely placed to understand the national challenges the nation faces and the importance of working closely with local and regional colleagues to address them, particularly supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Prior to becoming Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harries was the Deputy Medical Director at Public Health England, where she played a leading role in the UK’s response to Ebola in West Africa. She also provided crucial expertise to the Zika epidemic response, helping provide scientific advice and input to early studies to provide reassurance to expectant mothers across the UK at a time of considerable concern.

She also led the successful responses to the detection of MERS in the UK and the first UK cases of Monkeypox, ensuring dangerous infectious diseases were swiftly contained.

Using knowledge from her previous role as PHE Director for the South of England, Dr Harries was instrumental in shaping both the national and local public health response to the Novichok attack in Salisbury. Her public health advice helped contain the risk to the public.

Dame Dr Jenny Harries said: “I am hugely honoured to receive this award. It is accepted on behalf of the countless brilliant and committed colleagues in clinical and scientific communities as well as those who provide such dedicated operational response through every health protection incident and emergency.

“It is they, who have inspired and supported me throughout my career and who continue to work tirelessly to make the UK a safer place, often largely out of sight of the public.

“In the response to COVID-19, and in so much else, the unprecedented speed and diligence of scientific endeavour has saved many thousands of lives and I hope that today’s award will encourage more people, especially women, to pursue careers in science and public service.”

Ian Peters, UKHSA Chair, said: Jenny has made an enormous contribution to protecting the country’s health during an outstanding career. She has repeatedly provided leadership in helping to resolve the most challenging health issues in the UK and overseas, providing expert advice and a reassuring voice during incredibly critical times.

“From the outset in the pandemic firstly as Deputy CMO, and since April as CEO of UKHSA she has combined her public health knowledge and her wide experience, with an integrity and calmness of approach which has led to the saving of many lives. Her honour is thoroughly deserved

Jonathan Turner, Head of Scientific and Technical Services, has worked as a Biomedical Scientist for over 30 years to develop patient-centred and health protection focused public health microbiology services in the South West and across the national network.

Jonathan Turner said: “I am thrilled and honoured to accept this award but do so on behalf of the team in Bristol and the wider diagnostic community. I recognise the efforts of all the team, the support staff, our administrators, warehouse staff, logisticians, and managers as well as our clinicians and scientists.

“I also need to recognise the volunteers that came to our aid, without whom we would not have been able to achieve this response.”

Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, has received a CBE for his 30 years of service and leadership across all domains of public health.

This includes a recognition of his work in improving health outcomes in complex public health programmes including HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, child obesity, mental health, health equity and social regeneration, and leading London’s public health response during COVID-19.

Professor Kevin Fenton said: “I am honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award alongside other outstanding individuals. As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic response I am continually inspired by the professionalism, resilience and contributions of so many amazing colleagues who work relentlessly to keep us all safe and well.

“I am accepting this award on behalf of all the incredible public health and NHS teams I am privileged to lead and work with in London and around the nation, who are committed to improving health, tackling health inequalities, building resilient communities and providing high quality health and care services to all.

“They exemplify the best of public health and should be proud of all they have achieved.”

Pilton’s Wee Forests to help fight climate change

Three Wee Forests, including two in North Edinburgh, are to provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

The City of Edinburgh Council, Earthwatch Europe, NatureScot and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust kickstarted planting “Wee Forests” in the autumn, creating densely packed native forests – covering the size of a tennis court – built into urban spaces.

Edinburgh’s first three “Wee Forests” were planted over the last couple of months. These forests have been made possible through support from the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation – the charity arm of OVO Energy – and the Scottish Government.

The three Wee (or Tiny) Forests – which were planted at East Pilton Park, West Pilton Park and Mount Vernon supported by local residents and primary school pupils – will not only be attractive locations for wildlife, but for people too, and provide a range of benefits in the fight against climate change.

Wee Forests in Scotland are part of the global family of “Miyawaki Forests” or “Tiny Forests”. Following the method – with its emphasis on community engagement, co-design and careful soil preparation – means that Wee Forests meet a consistent global standard so their benefits can be measured and shared.

A Wee Forest is made up of 600 densely packed native trees in a space the size of a tennis court and is capable of attracting over 500 animal and plant species within the first three years. It also provides rich opportunities for engaging young and old alike with the environment and sustainability.

Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson, said: “These new Wee Forests will allow residents to be directly involved in tackling the nature and climate crises by being involved in the planting, maintaining and development of the forests in their own community.

“The Wee Forests will also help us work towards our goal of being a Million Tree City by 2030 and contribute towards the Queen’s Green Canopy in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

“For each Wee Forest, we look to engage a core group of volunteers called Tree Keepers to act as ambassadors for their local forest. Volunteering as a Tree Keeper is a great chance to get more involved in your Wee Forest’s development and track the amazing environmental impact of the site and I would encourage everyone to find out more by contacting Earthwatch.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “Our green spaces are a hugely important part of our city and I’m delighted that we now have our first Wee Forests and are creating new spaces for people and wildlife.

“A Wee Forest brings the benefits of a forest – connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and supporting urban wildlife – right in the heart of our community within urban spaces in the city.

“I’m delighted that more Wee Forests are planned and encourage our communities to get involved.”

Louise Hartley, Senior Programme Manager said: “Wee (Tiny) Forests provide rich opportunities for connecting young people with the environment and sustainability. It’s vital that we give people the knowledge and skills to protect our natural world and inspire them to take positive action from a young age.

“We are delighted to be working with Edinburgh City Council, the BlackRock Charitable Trust, OVO Foundation and NatureScot to bring these inspiring spaces to Edinburgh and other communities across the UK.”

Gemma Gooch, Co-Head Global Social Impact at BlackRock said: “As more and more people live in urban areas, Wee (Tiny) Forests have the potential to help capture carbon emissions, increase biodiversity and contribute to a more climate resilient society.

“We are very proud to support Earthwatch Europe with this initiative, reminding us that there are ways we can help fight climate change in our own local communities.

Gaby Sethi, Head of OVO Foundation, said: “We’re passionate about educating the younger generation on how to reduce their carbon footprint, protect the physical environment, and limit their impact on the planet.

“Tiny Forests help children learn about the environment and sustainability in a really accessible way. By planting Tiny Forests in urban communities across the UK with Earthwatch, we will help connect children with their local green spaces and show them how they can protect it for future generations.

NatureScot Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said: “The Covid 19 pandemic has shown us just how important it is for people’s health and well-being to have opportunities to connect with nature close to where they live.

“These Wee Forests are not only a great way to make space for nature in our towns and cities, but they’ll also help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, which is particularly important as we look ahead to COP26 and the huge challenges and opportunities facing us.

Charlie Cumming, Chief Executive, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust said: “We are delighted to be a local delivery partner for the Wee Forest project. The creation of the Wee Forest is very important for people and wildlife, particularly with it being in an urban environment.

“It will provide the local community and schools with the opportunity to help tackle nature loss and the current climate emergency as well as contributing to Scotland’s tree planting targets.

“It will enable people to engage with nature on their doorstep and inspire young people to take an active interest in their local environment.”

Arise, Sir Gregor!

First Minister congratulates recipients of Queen’s New Year Honours 2022

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the many recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland, in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. 

The recipients include:

Professor Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer, who is awarded a Knighthood for services to public health. 

John-Paul Marks and Elizabeth Ditchburn who are among those who have been awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath.  

Those honoured with a CBE include Dr John Mitchell, Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran, Norman Loch Murray, Dr Elizabeth Kelly Cameron and Grahame Smith.

Those honoured with an OBE include Dr Syed Ahmed, Professor Ailsa Hall, Rohini Sharma Joshi, Paul Robert Reddish and John Scott.

Laura Catherine Baxter, Hilda Campbell, Matthew John Clark, Michaela Collins, John David Vernon Dent, Kathleen Dawson, Owen Miller and Duncan William MacNaughton Scott are among those who will receive MBEs.

While those receiving BEMs include Anne Elizabeth Doherty, Joseph Freedman, Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies, Eileen Ross Haggarty, Mary Elizabeth Kenyon and Josephine Robson.  

Assistant Chief Constable Judith Heaton, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock and Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie will receive The Queen’s Police Medal and Patrick O’Meara, of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Queen’s New Year Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of those across Scotland who have made a difference to their communities throughout the country and beyond.  

“From those who work in the arts and music, community and charity, to those who have excelled in the fields of science and medicine, these Honours highlight truly exceptional service to the people of Scotland. 

“I am particularly delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who excelled at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo so well represented. 

“I’m also pleased to see those individuals who continue to do so much to help us in our fight against Covid receive the recognition they so richly deserve. We are all incredibly grateful for their selfless efforts and actions during a hugely challenging time, and it’s right that their outstanding contributions have been acknowledged in this way. 

“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”  

Recipients of The Queen’s New Year Honours in Scotland include:

A Knighthood for:

  • Professor Gregor Ian Smith for services to public health

Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB) include:

  • Elizabeth Jean Ditchburn for services to the Scottish economy
  • John-Paul Marks for services to welfare reform

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) include:

  • Dr Elizabeth Kelly Cameron for services to the promotion of Scotland and UK international trade
  • Professor Anne Elizabeth Magurran for services to biodiversity
  • Dr John Ruthven Mitchell for services to improving mental health in Scotland
  • Norman Loch Murray for services to the arts

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) include:

  • Dr Syed Ahmed for services to the Covid-19 vaccination programme
  • Helene Alexandra Marshall for services to maternity education in Scotland
  • Paul Robert Reddish for services to the voluntary and community sector during Covid-19
  • John Scott for political and public service

Among those to be made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) are:

  • Hilda Campbell for services to mental health and wellbeing in the community in Scotland during Covid-19
  • Matthew John Clark for services for politics
  • Michaela Collins for services to the community in Glasgow during Covid-19
  • Kathleen Mary Dawson for services to swimming and women in sport
  • John David Vernon Dent for services to veterans, students and people with disabilities
  • Duncan William MacNaughton Scott for services to swimming
  • Owen Miller for services to athletics

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) include:

  • Anne Elizabeth Doherty for services to Yorkhill Children’s Hospital and to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow
  • Joseph Freedman for services to the Jewish community in Glasgow during Covid-19
  • Davina Mary MacInnes Gillies for services to Marie Curie Cancer Care and the community in Inverness and Ross-shire
  • Eileen Ross Haggarty for services to education and to the community in Dundee during Covid-19
  • Mary Elizabeth Kenyon for voluntary service to ex-service personnel and to the community in eastern Scotland
  • Peter Hunter Law for voluntary services to advanced higher physics education in Glasgow
  • Josephine Robson for services to foster care in Tweeddale.

Wee Oscar celebrates the best year of his life

A miserable year for most, but here’s an uplifiting story to bring 2021 to a happier close …

Oscar Edgar might be six, but he has just spent his first year doing the things other little boys do – playing football, going camping and making new friends.
 
A year ago little Oscar left the hospital that had been his home for five years. He had been a patient of the Royal Hospital for Children since his birth in April 2015 with an undiagnosed neurological / muscular / respiratory condition which meant he was ventilated until he was four and a half.
 
Mum Megan, from Glasgow, is now looking back on the 12 months, marvelling at all the ‘firsts’ she has been able to enjoy with her son.
 
Megan said: “Oscar has had the best year ever. We have been camping, had a cabin holiday with a hot tub, he’s met alpacas and had lots of other adventures.
 
“He’s also started playing football in a wee team, which he loves. He’s playing with a younger group of kids but that’s fine and he’s growing in confidence. Ronaldo is his favourite player and Rangers is his team, but no doubt that will change soon!
 
“Oscar and his brother Theo were also ring boys at my friend’s wedding in September – it was a really emotional day as we realised just how far he had come.
 
“Most importantly, he’s made a best friend – Annie. They just love each other and have a very special bond. Annie can understand everything he says, even when I can’t, which is amazing.”
 
Oscar’s journey to here has been a complex one and has involved clinical input from a number of different specialities. Still, over the last year, Oscar has had a number of trips to the Royal Hospital for Children, but for the majority of the time he’s been home with his family.
 
Megan added: “Of course this last year would not have been possible without the incredible support we have had from the amazing hospital staff. Even now, we know we can rely on them.
 
“Oscar is still terminally ill and for the last six months has also developed problems with air in his stomach. He had to have one operation but even then he was in and out in a day, with great care from the staff.
 
“They have also made so many things possible. We were told we might never get Oscar home, but with their help we have had an amazing year at home with him. While there were some lows, there were so many more highs.”
 
Oscar’s doctor is Phil Davies, who has treated him since he was born.
 
Dr Davies said: “It has been wonderful seeing Oscar at home with his family. He’s had a few ups and downs over the year but has done so well off his ventilator and it is a joy to see him living life to the full.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Celebrate safely this Hogmanay

Council Leaders and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health echo Scottish Government guidance:

Ahead of the midnight moment on Friday, 31 December, Council Leader Adam McVey, Depute Leader Cammy Day and NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health Dona Milne are reminding residents to adhere to ongoing public safety guidance and to bring in the bells safely and responsibly.

On Thursday, 30 December a further 16,857 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, by far the highest daily case number of the pandemic so far.

The latest public health guidance, which was effective from 26 December, limits the numbers at outdoor public events to 500, resulting in the cancellation of the live events planned for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay including the Torchlight Procession, Party at the Bells, midnight fireworks and the Loony Dook.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “As we approach Hogmanay, case numbers are continuing to increase significantly and I want to echo the First Minister’s advice to stay at home as much as possible in the coming days in a bid to slow down the spread. And if we do get together with friends and family, please limit this to no more than three households.

“Large gatherings at Hogmanay risk increasing further transmissions in our communities and put further pressure on our NHS staff and other vital services. I can’t stress enough the importance of following the rules around handwashing, mask-wearing and ventilation and testing. Visit our website for details of community testing sites or to order a home testing kit.

“As 2021 comes to an end, and with more people getting vaccinated and boosted, we can look more positively towards 2022. But for now, and this Hogmanay, please keep following the guidance and keep yourself and your family safe and protect our NHS.”

Deputy Leader Cammy Day said: The safety of Edinburgh’s residents remains our priority as we continue the battle against Covid-19 and the latest Omicron variant. This has meant that sadly no live events, including the midnight fireworks, will be taking place this year.

“Following the cancellation, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced the release of a new film, ‘Journey Home’, which pays tribute to the hope, love and optimism that people feel when celebrating Hogmanay with those that matter most after such a challenging year, whilst expressing a positive look forward to the future.

“I would encourage you all to tune in as we bid farewell to 2021 – and look forward to a better and more positive 2022.”

Full details of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay film can be found at:  www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: We know that everyone wants to welcome in 2022 and enjoy the festivities, however we would ask people to do so responsibly following public health guidance.

“Please do not mix in groups of more than three households and take a Lateral Flow Test before you go out or have people round. If you have not already done so, please make getting your booster your first priority of 2022.

“By taking these small steps, you can help stop the spread of Omicron.

“Remember, the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. Although a smaller percentage of infected people may need hospital care, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people, so still a lot of people.

So, even if the admission rate is a third of what we have seen with previous strains, it is expected that the scale of Omicron could still be higher than we have seen before. “

Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.

One jab every second as Scotland ‘boosts by the bells’

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to the people of Scotland for their collective effort and success in getting almost 2.98 million people “boosted by the bells”.

Thanks to the dedication of vaccinators and frontline staff across the country, the Scottish Government has met its target of offering every eligible young person and adult over 18 an appointment by the end of the year. 

And the unprecedented response to the call to get a booster or third COVID-19 vaccination to accelerate the country’s response to the new Omicron variant means nearly 77% of eligible adults had received a booster or third dose by 30 December.

The Scottish Government aimed to vaccinate as close to 80% of eligible adults with boosters by midnight on Hogmanay and had capacity to vaccinate more than 80% of eligible adults. However, high infection levels have meant thousands of people who were eligible to come forward for their booster had to delay their appointment.

Scotland leads the rest of the UK on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and booster doses, and continues to deliver one of the fastest and most successful vaccination programmes in the world. 

The rapid expansion of the booster programme and other vaccine doses will continue into the New Year and young people aged 12-15 who are still to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will now be invited to reschedule existing appointments or attend drop-in centres from Monday 3rd January 2022.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been an heroic and monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible – my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.

“In the week ending 26 December – with staff quite rightly taking a break on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – and with many areas suffering high infection rates, we achieved record-breaking numbers of vaccinations, with 77,927 jabbed on the busiest day – that’s more than one every second during vaccine centre opening hours.

“We know that many people have been unable to attend their appointments due to the virus. This has been the most common reason for people cancelling their appointment via the helpline.  Anyone who has had to delay their booster due to a COVID-19 infection or isolation period can arrange a new appointment, 28 days after their positive PCR test.

“To deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. It is everyone’s duty to get a jab if you haven’t already – vaccination could literally save your life as well as keeping family, friends and loved ones safe.

“And it is never too late to receive your booster – or even a first or second dose – so please come forward as soon as possible, as there is capacity available to get you vaccinated.”

Police: Hogmanay Safety Message

We will have dedicated teams of officers deployed on foot across the city centre to prevent disorder and provide reassurance to the public to make sure everyone can enjoy Hogmanay safely.

Superintendent Mark Rennie from St Leonard’s Police Station said: “Although planned events in Scotland’s capital have been cancelled this year as a result of the Coronavirus, we will have a significant police resource available to ensure everyone keeps safe during the night.

“Our officers will be joined by volunteers from Street Assist Edinburgh and other outreach services who will be on hand to offer help and support.

“We will also be supported by The City of Edinburgh Council who will have staff out including taxi marshals, environmental wardens, night time teams and CCTV operators to prevent incidents from escalating and to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

“If you are intending on visiting the city centre please ensure you plan your night, as licensed premises are operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with some operating a booking system.

“It is also important that you have a plan for getting home before you go out, keep your mobile phone charged, look after your valuables and keep an eye on how much alcohol you drink as overindulgence can impact on your behaviour.”

Prime Minister celebrates success of vaccine programme in New Year’s message

  • Prime Minister hails success of vaccine programme and heroic public response to booster campaign in New Year’s message
  • Comes as every eligible adult in England aged 18 and over has now had the chance to get a COVID-19 booster jab
  • Prime Minister reflects on global achievements of UK over the last year including fastest economic growth in the G7 and record investments in tech sector

The Prime Minister will deliver his New Year’s message today (Friday 31 December) where he will celebrate the achievements of the vaccination programme over the last year with over 7 in 10 eligible adults in England boosted so far – an increase of 8 million top up jabs (45%) since the target was brought forward on 12 December.

In his New Year’s message, he will announce we’ve met the target to offer the chance to get a COVID-19 booster to every eligible adult and urge those who haven’t yet been jabbed to take up the offer of a booster, or their first or second dose.

The Prime Minister will also reflect on the achievements of the UK throughout the past year. The UK has had the fastest economic growth in the G7, record employment levels and massive global investments in the British tech sector this year.

The Prime Minister will also urge people who are celebrating to exercise caution by taking a test, practicing good hygiene, and letting fresh air in, and to follow the COVID-19 guidance if they’re living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will say: “Happy New Year. 2022 is almost upon us. And whatever the challenges that fate continues to throw in our way and whatever the anxieties we may have about the weeks and months ahead, particularly about omicron and the growing numbers in hospitals…we can say one thing with certainty – our position this December the 31st is incomparably better than last year.

“This country has the fastest economic growth in the G7. We have more people in work now than there were before the pandemic began. And if you want a sign of future growth – look at the massive global investment in British high tech. Almost £30 billion into the UK tech sector this year – twice as much tech investment as Germany, three times as much as France.

“And there is one reason – one overriding reason – why the UK has been able to maintain the most open economy and society of any major European economy. And that is because the British people have responded heroically, voluntarily, and in almost incredible numbers to the call to get vaccinated.

“And as I speak tonight on New Year’s Eve, we’ve met our target, we’ve doubled the speed of the booster roll out. And it’s precisely because of that huge national effort that we can celebrate tonight at all. Though I must of course urge everyone to be cautious and to take a test if you are going out and to remember the importance of ventilation. Follow the rules if you are in Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland.

“And I want to speak directly to all those who have yet to get fully vaccinated. The people who think the disease can’t hurt them – look at the people going into hospital now, that could be you. Look at the intensive care units and the miserable, needless suffering of those who did not get their booster, that could be you.

“So, make it your New Year’s resolution – far easier than losing weight or keeping a diary – find a walk-in centre or make an online appointment. Get that jab and do something that will make 2022 a happy New Year for us all.”

On 30 November, the government set out its ambition to offer all eligible adults the chance to get their booster by the end of January. This target was brought forward by the Prime Minister earlier this month in response to the emerging threat of the Omicron variant in order to protect the public as quickly as possible.

Some eligible people may not yet have been able to receive their booster yet due to catching COVID-19. The vaccination programme requires the majority of people infected with COVID-19 to wait 28 days following infection before receiving a vaccine.

After the 28 days have passed, people are encouraged to book their booster as soon as they can. Those eligible for a booster vaccine who have delayed making an appointment because of other acute illnesses are also encouraged to book as soon as they are fully recovered.

It is vital to get a first and second jab, in order to be eligible for a booster to get the vital protection against Omicron. Recent UKHSA data shows people who are unvaccinated are up to eight times more likely to be hospitalised than those who are fully vaccinated.

SUCCESS? UK daily Covid cases reached another record high of 189,846 on Friday with 203 deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test …

Happy New Year from Castle of Light

In the absence of the roar of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, Rex, the lovable lion rampant, has taken centre stage to wish everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of Castle of Light.

Rex is on the decks playing a short set from the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures’ finale scene, including samples from some of the recent treasured music acts that have played at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, such as Blondie, Simply Red and The Proclaimers, in a megamix fit for bringing in the bells.

With just a few dates remaining to experience the outdoor illuminated trail, find out more and get your tickets at CastleofLight.scot.

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures continues on 7, 8 and 9 January 2022.

HMRC fraud squad takes back £1 BILLION from offenders

More than £1 billion has been recovered from the proceeds of crime and tax offenders since the formation of a specialist HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) fraud squad five years ago.

Launched in April 2016, the department’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) has now recovered assets equivalent to funding around 20,000 NHS nurses for an entire year.

FIS has been proactively pursuing the suspected proceeds of crime using enforcement powers, both criminal and civil, to disrupt the movement of cash and assets. Since 2016, more than 1,200 seizures of cash and assets have been made while on operational duty, including gold bars worth £750,000 from a passenger at Manchester Airport and £48,000 found in a freezer drawer, hidden among chicken nuggets at a house in Blackpool.

Simon York, Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “To reach this £1 billion milestone in five years speaks volumes to the dedication, hard work and skill of FIS to recover the proceeds of crime from those who try to cheat the system.

“Whether it’s cash seizures, confiscation orders or account freezing orders, recovering these assets stops criminals bankrolling their lavish lifestyles and funding further crimes that harm our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking. Crucially, this money goes back into the public purse, helping fund our vital services such as schools and hospitals.

“HMRC deploys cutting-edge technology to investigate unexplained wealth and uncover hidden assets. Last year alone, we recouped more than £218 million from proceeds of crime.

“We are committed to recovering criminal assets and today the message is clear – crime doesn’t pay.”

Some of the bigger and varied seizures and confiscations include:

·              £750,000 of gold bars seized from a lunchbox at Manchester Airport, which were auctioned off with proceeds going back into the public purse.

·              A £1.7 million confiscation order imposed on a payroll fraudster who had to stump up the cash or face having four years added to his nine-and-a-half year sentence.

·              Gold jewellery and £180,000 cash seized from a safety deposit box in Birmingham as part of a £194,280 tax fraud.

·              More than £840,000 in cash was seized at a residential garage in Sydenham, south-east London, after FIS helped dismantle a gang responsible for a £9.5 million tobacco fraud.

·              £48,000 found in a freezer drawer, hidden among chicken nuggets at a house in Blackpool, as part of a £16m tobacco fraud.

·              A convicted fraudster was ordered to hand over poker winnings twice in 2018 and 2019 totalling £99,030 to satisfy an outstanding confiscation order.

The formation of FIS in 2016 brought together HMRC’s criminal and civil investigators – a world-first for tax enforcement. This partnership allows HMRC’s investigators to unlock the most complex financial crimes.

Criminal cash is seized by HMRC officers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). If the courts are satisfied the cash is from a crime, or was going to be used in a crime, they can order a forfeiture. In uncontested cases, HMRC can administratively order forfeiture of the cash.

HMRC also obtains Account Freezing Orders to freeze balances in bank accounts where it is suspected they contain criminal money. A financial investigator uses a range of tools at their disposal to investigate the cash or account and any criminality. This may involve interviewing the suspect, obtaining production orders on identified bank accounts and assessing whether the cash was seized alongside illegal items such as non-duty paid alcohol or tobacco. Uncontested cases can be administratively dealt with by HMRC, while others would be determined in a court.

Confiscation Orders can be imposed on tax fraudsters after conviction. Investigators will assess the criminal benefit from their crimes and evaluate any assets they hold.  If the assets held by the convicted criminal at the time of the order are less than the benefit derived from the fraud, then any future assets can be confiscated up to the value of the benefit of the fraud.

The courts make the final decision on a Confiscation Order. Failure to pay leads to default sentences and many more months or years in jail and they will still owe the money when released. The recovered money is returned to the public purse.

The Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) is another tool for FIS to deal with serious fraud cases. The CDF allows tax evaders to admit their fraud and agree to pay the tax in full, along with interest and penalties due.

However, if FIS discover that individuals have not made a full and frank disclosure via the CDF, they can and do criminally investigate and prosecute.