PM announces plans to mark VE Day 75

  • Hundreds of veterans will take part in commemorations across the UK to mark 75 years since VE Day
  • Churchill’s famous victory speech will be broadcast across the country
  • The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a fly past over Buckingham Palace
  • Veterans encouraged to register for The Royal British Legion’s programme of events

On 8 May a day-long series of events will take place across the UK to commemorate the Allied Victory in Europe and give thanks to the Second World War generation and the sacrifices they made securing peace across the continent.

The Prime Minister is also backing The Royal British Legion’s search for those from the Second World War generation who will take centre stage at the commemorations in London, culminating in a procession down the Mall.

Applications are now open for veterans from the UK, Allied Forces and the Commonwealth, descendants, child evacuees and all those who contributed to the war effort – including those who served on the Home Front and in the emergency services – to take part in the events that will celebrate and give thanks for their role.

Other events include a Service of Remembrance and parade in Cardiff, a Veterans’ parade and concert in Edinburgh, and the opportunity for street parties to take place in cities, towns and villages across the country, recreating the national outpouring of thanksgiving that took place 75 years ago.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.

“No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad.

“This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did – both for those alive today, and for future generations.

“And by commemorating these moments, we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace, and the need for us all to collectively uphold this.”

Commemorations will begin at Westminster Abbey with a Service of Thanksgiving attended by hundreds of veterans and representatives of the Second World War generation.

At 3pm, an extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech will be broadcast in public spaces across the UK recreating the iconic moment the Prime Minister announced the end of the war. This will be part of Imperial War Museums’ Voices of War, which includes a series of personal testimonies of people who experienced VE Day taken from the museums’ sound archive.

Second World War veterans and individuals that contributed to the war effort will then take part in a procession down the Mall. Events will conclude in a fly past that will include the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and other modern aircraft, followed by a tea party for veterans in St James’s Park.

Throughout the weekend, part of St James’s Park will be turned into ‘Victory Park’ where veterans and the public can experience themed events based on life in the UK during the Second World War. A nearby ‘Military Village,’ also situated in St James’s Park, will provide an opportunity for the public to meet serving military personnel who will be there with a display of modern military equipment.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The VE Day anniversary events will allow the nation to come together and celebrate the greatest generation which saved our nation from tyranny.

“Our nationwide programme will tell the stories of those who served in the Second World War at home and abroad, and honour their memories as we reflect on 75 years since the Allies restored peace in Europe”.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Members of the Armed Forces will be honoured to lead the nation in marking the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe in May.

“I hope as many veterans as possible can take their rightful place at the heart of the commemorations in London. We will always remember the selflessness and sacrifice of those who served at home and overseas, both in Europe and further afield, and pay our respects to those who gave their lives.

“The anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year will commemorate the end of the war and remind us of the heavy price paid for peace”.

Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance for The Royal British Legion said: “To mark the anniversary of VE Day this year, the Legion is calling on communities across the UK to come together to honour the Second World War generation and recognise the scale of service and sacrifice made by those both at home and overseas.

“We are inviting all those who contributed to victory in Europe who wish to attend these special commemorations to enter the ballot. In addition to events taking place in London it is equally as important for communities of all types across the UK to come together locally and put our Second World War generation at the heart of your events in recognition of their incredible achievements”.

Last year the UK Government announced the early May Bank Holiday would be moved to Friday 8 May so the public can take part in the nationwide commemorations and recreate the moment 75 years ago when the nation stopped to celebrate Victory in Europe.

In addition to a Bank Holiday, pub licensing hours will be extended until 1am on both Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May 2020.

In the coming weeks the Government will announce major plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, 15th August, which marked Victory Over Japan and the final end of the Second World War.

Veterans of the Far East campaign will be at the heart of the commemorations as the nation thanks them for their service and sacrifice. Events will also pay tribute to the tens of thousands of service personnel from across the UK and the Commonwealth who fought and died in the war against Japan, including all those who were held as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

A consultation will also be launched tomorrow (24 February) on extending licensing hours to mark the anniversary of VJ Day.

Fair pay for public sector workers?

Guaranteeing a fair deal for the public sector workforce and protecting lower-paid workers underlines the wellbeing focus of this year’s Scottish Budget, according to new Finance Secretary Kate Forbes – but local government trade union UNISON says care workers are being undervalued. 

Scottish Government policy decisions mean the starting salaries for staff in a range of public sector professions in Scotland are already higher than in England, including:
• a newly-recruited teacher will earn £26,697 in Scotland, compared to £24,373 in England
• a band 5 staff nurse will earn £24,670 in Scotland, compared to £24,214 in England
• a newly-recruited police officer will earn £26,037 in Scotland, compared to £20,880 – £24,177 in England

The 2020-21 Public Sector Pay Policy published alongside the Budget includes a range of measures to further support the public sector workforce:
• a guaranteed 3% pay uplift for public sector workers earning up to £80,000
• a cash uplift of £750 for public sector workers who earn £25,000 or less
• continuing the Scottish Government’s commitment to the real Living Wage, now set at £9.30 per hour
• limiting to £2,000 the basic pay increase for those earning £80,000 or more

Ms Forbes said: “Wellbeing and fairness are at the heart of this year’s Budget, and promoting the wellbeing of our public sector workers by protecting and increasing their pay is an important part of that.

“This pay policy responds to real-life circumstances, with measures to help us tackle inequalities by protecting the salaries of lower-paid employees. And of course investing in our hardworking public sector workforce will also help deliver top-class public services while supporting jobs and the wider economy.

“I am grateful for the engagement Ministers have had with the trades unions and others, and now hope Parliament will work with us to pass this Budget and reward our vital public sector workers.”

However Local government union UNISON says care workers are being treated unfairly and is campaigning to see better pay and conditions for these key public sector workers.

Christina McAnea, UNISON assistant general secretary, said: “For all the things that are wrong with the care system in this country, we have a workforce that are passionate and committed. They care desperately about the people they look after. That’s a fantastic place to start in trying to build a care system that works.”

But care workers are not treated fairly. Care is in crisis, thanks to a system that has been underfunded and ignored by governments for years. Care workers and the people that they look after are paying the price.

UNISON is campaigning for change and urges councils across the country to sign up to their Ethical Care Charter. The union is fighting to win:

  1. Decent jobs, including:
    • A real living wage
    • Full pay for sleep-in’s and travel time
    • Fair contracts, no zero hours
    • Enough time to care
    • A safe working environment
  2. Quality standards: A national framework for care, with pay and training linked to standards.
  3. Fair funding: We are building political alliances and public support to get the right solutions for care workers and care users.

Local government umbrella body COSLA says the Scottish Government draft budget falls far short of what it considers a fair settlement for the country’s councils. 

COSLA says the draft budget results in a £95m (£300m real terms) cut to revenue and £117m (£130m real terms) cut to capital budgets.  The impact of these cuts will continue to be felt.  This budget does not recognise the vital role Local Government plays in the economy across Scotland.

COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said:  “Councils campaigned strongly for an increase in funding so that we can continue to develop local economies that provide fair and accessible work opportunities for everyone.

“Regretfully, the Government has again ignored these warnings and failed to recognise the unique role councils play in growing local economies.

“We are the main employer in almost every local authority in Scotland providing a tenth of Scotland’s workforce. If any other part of the economy was facing the risks we are, the Government would step in.

“When councils have the money to invest in capital projects, the benefits are felt across communities – from training and apprenticeships to support for local supply chains – this year’s Capital Budget will mean these benefits will all be lost.

“Less core revenue funding for economic development support, planning and regulation will also hit communities hard.

“We are calling on the Government and the Parliament to address these concerns, listen to our asks and prevent the loss of essential council services which communities rely upon.”

Don’t ditch those resolutions – 7 Days for £7

Over-indulged this half-term? Why not resolve to get summer fit by taking advantage of Edinburgh Leisure’s offering of a 7-day fitness pass for only £7, giving customers all the benefits of their ‘Full Fitness’ membership.

With 14 gyms, 9 swimming pools and over 800+ fitness classes per week, customers can take advantage of all the benefits of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Full Fitness membership at the biggest club in town.

Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms feature some of the latest equipment with on-hand instructors who are happy to show customers ‘the ropes’ and how to use the equipment; have a range of swimming pools from five historic ‘baths’ to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool, plus a selection of saunas and steam rooms.

Their range of fitness classes have something for everyone, no matter what your fitness level is, including gym, water-based and virtual sessions, meaning you can work out at a time that suits you.

The 7 Days for £7 pass is available to buy online only from Sunday 23rd February until Saturday 29th February. Terms and conditions apply.

For further information:

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/passes/7-days-for-7-pounds

Blue passports return next month

Britons will be able to travel with a blue passport when the traditional colour returns for the first time in almost 30 years.

The distinctive blue cover will be re-introduced now the UK has left the EU, and will replace burgundy passports which were gradually rolled out from 1988.

The first new passports will be issued and delivered early next month. Full introduction will be phased in and from mid-2020 all new passports will be blue.

The colour is not the only change, in a first for the British passport, the back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales embossed.

The blue passport will also be the greenest British passport ever. The carbon footprint produced through manufacture will be reduced to net zero, through projects such as planting trees.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world.

“By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”

The new passport will also be the most technologically advanced British passport ever, with a raft of new and updated security features, including a hard-wearing, super-strength polycarbonate data page, which contains innovative technologies embedded into the document, to keep personal data secure.

It also includes the latest and most secure printing and design techniques, which means it offers better protection against identity theft and fraud and will be even harder to forge.

The blue cover is a return to the original appearance of the British passport, with the colour first used in 1921.

It remained the colour of choice until the UK joined the EU when a change to burgundy was agreed and adopted.

All British passports will continue to be personalised with the holder’s personal details and photograph in the United Kingdom, ensuring no personal data leaves the country.

Standard passports will continue to contain 34 pages. Frequent traveller ‘Jumbo’ passports will now contain 54 pages.

Those with valid, burgundy passports can continue to use their passport for travel until it expires.

Rejoice … !

Tollcross attack: man to appear in court

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Tollcross. The incident happened on Panmure Place, close to the junction with Brougham Street, at around 11.50pm on Friday.

A 58-year-old man was approached by a man who was walking his dog along Panmure Place. The man struck the victim to the head with a glass bottle before pinning him to the ground, causing further serious injury to his face.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment by the Scottish Ambulance Service with serious facial injuries.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, aged between 30 and 40-years-old, and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark jacket and was walking a small brown coloured terrier-type dog.

Detective Constable Oliver Healy, of Gayfield CID, said: “There were a number of people around the area when this incident happened and we are appealing for them to get in touch if they saw what happened.

“As part of our enquiries we are reviewing CCTV footage in the area and would ask anyone with private or business systems to check their footage for the incident.

“We would also appeal to anyone who saw the suspect walking his dog prior to, or after the incident last night, or who can identify him, to come forward and contact officers as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4790 of 21st February, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 47 year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with this serious assault and he is due before Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Monday, 24 February.

A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Volunteers needed for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal

Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness and their families, is urgently calling for volunteers in Edinburgh to give just two hours of their time to hand out the charity’s iconic daffodil pins, in return for donations.

Volunteers like Stephanie Wint (above), from Edinburgh, will be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal – Marie Curie’s biggest fundraising campaign, held every March.

This will be Stephanie’s 29th year volunteering, in that time raising around £20,000 for the charity. Incredibly, Stephanie spends her two-week annual leave collecting and even does it on her two days off!

Stephanie said: “I’ll do it until I drop! I get great satisfaction out of raising money and find that dressing up is a great way to get attention, my mantra is ‘just to look a little funny, raises a lot of money’.”

Heather Campbell, who has been a Healthcare Assistant at the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh for 25 years, will also be out collecting with her two twin grandsons Sonny and Ollie, age 5 (above).

Heather said: “I love doing the Great Daffodil Appeal because it’s your chance to get out and meet people and tell them about the hospice. People don’t realise that we’re very dependent on charity. They think that we’re fully funded by the NHS. It’s always a shock to them, so I always say pop in an extra pound!”

In the next 10 years, more than half a million people will die in Scotland and of this number at least 75% will need end of life care.

The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh provide much-needed expert care to people with terminal illnesses, as well as support for their loved ones.

Marie Curie is hoping to raise £700,000 in Scotland this Great Daffodil Appeal.

Last year donations helped Marie Curie provide care to over 7,500 people living with terminal illness across Scotland. Marie Curie support isn’t just for people with cancer, other terminal conditions include heart and circulatory, Alzheimer’s (including dementia) and chronic respiratory disease.

Fiona Bushby Marie Curie Community Fundraiser said: “Whether you wear a daffodil pin in celebration, in solidarity or in memory of a loved one, you are joining with millions of others to help make sure all dying people get the care and support they deserve.

“Volunteering just two hours at a local collection is a great way to show your support to your local Marie Curie hospice and help us raise money to help make sure that we can be there for more people at the end of their lives.

“Collecting can be a lot of fun too.  You can do it on your own or with family and friends, and we will support you every step of the way. Volunteering is also an easy way to get involved in your local community and meet new people.”

To volunteer for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal and give out the charity’s daffodil pins in return for donations, visit mariecurie.org.uk/collect or call free on 0800 304 7025.

Hollywood thriller will launch capital debate on ‘forever chemicals’

Edinburgh Napier Dean to lead panel discussion

EXPERTS will debate controversial ‘forever chemicals’ and the threat they pose to human health and the environment following a special preview screening of a powerful new Hollywood blockbuster.

Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, is to be shown at The Cameo in Edinburgh’s Home Street on Tuesday February 25, three days ahead of its official UK opening.

The screening will be followed by a 45-minute panel discussion, hosted by Professor Gary Hutchison, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University.

He will be joined by academics, environmental activists and business representatives for a discussion of the issues raised by the thought-provoking film, based on a notorious toxic chemical scandal in the USA.

In Dark Waters, directed by Todd Haynes, Ruffalo plays lawyer Rob Bilott, who became involved in a lengthy crusade against the DuPont chemical company over the pollution of West Virginia’s water supply with PFAS or per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances used to make Teflon.

In 2017, DuPont and spinoff Chemours agreed to pay $671million to settle thousands of lawsuits. They included claims linked to thyroid disease, and kidney or testicular cancer.

Critics have hailed the new film as “a dense, angry drama” and “A David vs Goliath legal thriller for our times”.

Joining Professor Hutchison at the panel discussion and Q & A session, which follows a 6pm screening in Cameo 3, will be Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute, and Dr Fiona Stainsby a senior lecturer in microbiology at Edinburgh Napier.

Environmental charity Fidra, who are leading on a petition asking UK supermarkets to stop packing products in PFAS, and the Arcadis consultancy will be represented by Dr Kerry Dinsmore and Ian Ross respectively.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals which don’t occur naturally and are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down in the environment.

Professor Hutchison said: “I am very much looking forward to seeing Dark Waters and feel sure that the screening will provoke a lively discussion afterwards.

“PFAS chemicals are found in food, food packaging and other everyday products, and the panel will provide expert input into the ongoing debate surrounding how they should be regulated and the need to protect human health and the environment.”

Register for Tuesday night’s event here

The event is jointly hosted by the University, Think-Film Impact Production , who believe the presence of forever chemicals in air, water, food and food packaging should be a pressing concern for Scottish audiences, and eOne.

Mobile screen exposure can lead to poor sleep

Mobile phone use at night time is having a negative impact on young people’s sleep and mental wellbeing, according to a new report.

The Glasgow University report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, summarises the findings from a systematic review of the evidence on adolescent mobile device screen time and the impact on sleep.

It found that:

  • sleep quality is negatively influenced by mobile phone use in general and social media in particular
  • night time mobile use and problematic social media use were linked to depressed mood through experiences of poor quality sleep
  • experiencing online bullying is directly linked to shorter sleep as a result of obsessing about distressing thoughts and emotions

Welcoming publication of the report on a visit to a sleep awareness session run by Sleep Scotland at Montessori Arts School in Edinburgh, Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “There are many positive things about technology, screens and social media.

“However in a society where so many young people have access to a mobile device and social media platforms, it is important that we get an accurate picture of the impact that can have on their sense of emotional wellbeing and their ability to get a proper and uninterrupted sleep.

“Of course it’s not just young people who have a phone or tablet by the side of their bed every night but this research shows the potentially negative impact on children and young people.

“This review is a significant piece of work that gives us a much better insight into the connections between screen time, particularly social media use, and disrupted sleep. While the evidence base is still developing, the findings demonstrate why, in February last year, we announced that we would be providing advice, specific to Scotland, on the healthy use of social media and screen time.

“That advice – being co-produced by young people and for young people – will be published in spring and will add to the help and guidance available to help ensure young people can lead heathier lives.”

Sleep Scotland Interim Chief Executive Karen Jenkinson said: “Poor sleep is a huge problem in our society, and excessive screen time is a contributing factor, leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression. It’s time to wake up to the importance of sleep for our health and wellbeing.”

systematic-literature-review-relationship-between-adolescents-screen-time-sleep-mental-health

Scottish football clubs urged to follow Hibernian in green pledge

Football clubs in Scotland have been urged to follow the lead of Hibernian in setting out bold plans to lower their emissions and tackle the climate emergency by Lothians MSP Alison Johnstone.

Already ranked third in the UK for environmental issues after Forest Green Rovers and Manchester United, Hibs have pledged to build on being “the greenest club in Scotland” by the end of the year, by removing all single use plastics from its catering, switching its car fleet to electric vehicles and introducing vegan food to its matchday kiosks.

Responding, Scottish Greens sports spokesperson Alison Johnstone said: “This is impressive leadership shown by Hibs. Tackling the climate emergency cannot be the responsibility of individuals alone, it needs leadership by government and big businesses to make it easier for us all to play our part.

“That’s why football clubs, with their position in the hearts of our communities, can play such a vital role.

“Hibernian already use renewable electricity and take a lead on recycling, but I congratulate Hibs chairman Ronald Gordon and chief executive Leanne Dempster for showing this leadership and understanding that we need to go further if we are to provide an emergency response. I strongly urge clubs across the country to take inspiration from them.”

The Leith club announced their environmental intentions on Thursday.

Club chairman Ronald Gordon said: “Today we are very proud to announce that Hibernian FC pledged to be “The Greenest Club in Scotland” in support of action to combat climate change.

“Hibernian is a major Scottish football club and a leading Scottish sports brand, and as such we have a responsibility to use that amazing platform to lead by example, to serve our community and our city.

“It seems nowadays that on almost any evening the news has stark images of how our climate is changing and impacting on our lives, our wildlife and our planet. There is almost a danger that the incredible changes we are witnessing – wildfires and famine caused by prolonged droughts, catastrophic flooding, the devastation of our forests and the melting of our ice caps – begin to seem normal.

“So how can a football club make a difference to this global challenge? We do it by stepping up, by taking a lead, and by harnessing the power that football undoubtedly has in order to raise awareness and influence people in our community. By taking a leadership role.

“So what have we done? We are the first Club in Scotland to participate in the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

This means the Club will strive to:

– Promote greater environmental responsibility

– Reduce the overall climate impact from sports

– Use our platforms to educate for climate action

– Promote sustainable and responsible consumption

– Advocate for climate change through our communications

“We already buy 100 per cent renewable electricity, and our waste management recycling efforts are ranked first in Scotland and third in British football behind Forest Green and Manchester United. But we want to move beyond that, so we are working with Circular Edinburgh on engaging in the circular economy. The City of Edinburgh Council has declared its aim of making Scotland’s Capital carbon neutral by 2030, and we will work to support that.

“Every aspect of the Club’s activities will be reviewed, with a determination to achieve overall carbon neutrality. We are looking at how we use power better, how we might generate power, how to reduce our use of water, how we create partnerships with other like-minded organisations determined to reduce our impact on the planet.

“It’s the right thing to do, but it’s also the smart thing to do. Customers and partners of almost every business are now looking to patronise those organisations which show they run their business in a sustainable way that addresses the challenges we all face.

“Hibernian has a long tradition of innovation and firsts. This may be our biggest one yet.”

You can find out more about Hibs’ pledge here. 

First Aid Workshop for Men

Come along to a First Aid workshop specifically for Dads and Men, facilitated by First Stop Safety Training, on Monday 24th February at Granton Parish Church.

The session runs from 7 – 9pm and will cover the fundamentals of First Aid, with a particular focus on First Aid for children and Babies.

Previous First Aid sessions have proved popular, so please sign up as soon as possible.

You can read more about ‘First Stop Safety Training’ on their website: http://firststopsafetytraining.co.uk/

Whilst our workshops are free, we ask that attendees consider making a suggested donation of £10 to help cover costs.

You can pay on the night, or here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/DRWorkshops?utm_term=RPNWp8BEy