450 jobs to go as BBC News plans to ‘modernise’

BBC News has outlined plans to ‘modernise its newsroom to respond to changing audience needs, ensure it is providing a truly universal service, and complete its £80m savings target’. The National Union of Journalists say the resultant job cuts are ‘part of an existential threat to the BBC’.

The BBC remains the UK’s most trusted and most consumed news service – but audience behaviour is changing rapidly, with audiences for linear TV continuing to decline, especially amongst 16-34 year-olds.

The BBC newsroom will be reorganised along a ‘story-led’ model, focusing on news stories more than on programmes or platforms. This is designed to reduce duplication and to ensure that BBC journalism is making as much impact as possible with a variety of audiences, rather than stories only appearing on one outlet or platform.

The new way of working will mean a changed focus for the news agenda, to ensure it is tailored to subjects that matter most to the audience.

The changes mean there will be a reduction in the overall number of stories covered.

There will be further investment in digital news, with a new version of the BBC News app, which will be more intuitive, more visual, and with increased personalisation.

More BBC journalists will be based outside London in future.

Fran Unsworth, Director of News and Current Affairs, says: “The BBC has to face up to the changing way audiences are using us. We have to adapt and ensure we continue to be the world’s most trusted news organisation, but crucially, one which is also relevant for the people we are not currently reaching.

“We need to reshape BBC News for the next decade in a way which saves substantial amounts of money. We are spending too much of our resources on traditional linear broadcasting and not enough on digital.

“Our duty as a publicly funded broadcaster is to inform, educate, and entertain every citizen. But there are many people in this country that we are not serving well enough.

“I believe that we have a vital role to play locally, nationally and internationally. In fact, we are fundamental to contributing to a healthy democracy in the UK and around the world. If we adapt we can continue to be the most important news organisation in the world.”

As part of the reorganisation, and having carefully considered the audience data, the BBC is also proposing to make the following changes to its output:

  • As confirmed last week, the Victoria Derbyshire programme on television will close later this year. We will continue to produce the kind of journalism the show has been making, but it is no longer cost-effective to produce for TV
  • There will be a reduction in the number of films produced by Newsnight, which will lead to post closures. The programme will stay at the same length and timing and will continue to deliver high quality journalism on the day’s events and beyond
  • There will be post closures at 5 live driven by the changing listening habits of the audience and demand for digital content
  • World Update on World Service English will be closed, alongside other schedule changes. This is in addition to the changes to Asian language services outlined last year
  • There will be a review of the number of presenters we have and how they work

The different changes to how BBC News will work will lead to an estimated 450 job losses.

Firm plans for post closures relating to the new ways of working will be put forward before the summer, following further trials of the new model.

BBC News needs to save £80m by 2022. This is driven by pressures across the BBC, including the last licence fee settlement. BBC News has already saved about half of this amount and the changes announced today should complete the savings.

The BBC will maintain the ring-fenced spending on the BBC World Service and the changes announced today do not directly affect the services being funded by the UK Government.

The latest announcement from the BBC brings the total number of job losses proposed in the World Service, radio and News to more than 500, says the NUJ. This amounts to an ‘existential threat to the BBC at the same time the corporation faces an ideological attack from the heart of government’.

Following the 70 jobs losses at the World Service, announced at Christmas, a further 380 will go from News and 60 from Network Radio.

The proposed impact on programming includes the closure of the Victoria Derbyshire show, with some roles retained to continue similar digital content under the BBC News brand. Newsnight will lose 12 posts, halve production of its four weekly in-depth films and reduce spend on investigative journalism. Twelve posts will go at 5Live. There will be more sharing of radio bulletins across the BBC, with a loss of 12 posts. Five news presenter posts will be cut.

There are also plans to fundamentally change the way in which journalism and news programming is created, with further pilots over the next three months planned for a new operational model that the BBC estimates will lead to 300 further job cuts. BBC News division has already made £40m savings and today’s proposals are intended to reach the division’s annual £80 million share of £800million of BBC-wide cuts.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “These damaging cuts are part of an existential threat to the BBC, and a direct consequence of the last disastrous, secret licence fee deal the BBC agreed with the government. This is before the impact of taking over responsibility for the over-75s licences kicks in.

“Against this backdrop, the BBC’s very existence is being threatened with public service broadcasting under unprecedented threat. If the government goes ahead and decriminalises non-payment of the licence fee, we know the impact will be further losses for the BBC of around £200m a year and increased collection costs of £45m.

“Such a politically motivated move – dressed up as concern for the mythical imprisonment of vulnerable members of society – will serve to undermine one of the UK’s strongest success stories, emasculating a brand renowned and respected across the globe.

“The BBC is the single biggest driver of the creative economies, and a vital part of the British economy. If there is a desire to change the licence fee model, then that should be properly considered and consulted upon, with no changes until a credible alternative is found, one that fulfils the BBC’s public service values and the key principle of universality. The government should be supporting and properly resourcing the corporation – an organisation that wields significant soft power across the globe – instead of indulging in ideological retribution.

“That is why the next BBC director general must be a champion for the corporation, someone capable of fighting for this broadcasting powerhouse, someone able to stand up against any future political interference. The BBC’s detractors and competitors in the media are scenting blood – we’ve all seen the headlines and read the opinion pieces with unnamed sources dripping poison. We can all see which way the wind is blowing.

“The corporation faces a truly tough time. The NUJ will do all it can to defend public service broadcasting and protect our members’ jobs from these politically-motivated attacks. And that includes refuting commentary that seeks to link overdue settlements to women who have been discriminated against and unlawfully denied equal pay with job cuts – a crass and ill-informed red herring.”
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said:

“Today’s announcement is just the latest in a decade of cuts made by the BBC. The proposal for more than 500 posts to go in the next 12 months will put those remaining at the BBC under even more strain, with increased workloads and further workplace stress inevitable. The NUJ has requested that the BBC provides an Equality Impact Assessment of these cuts and shares it with the unions as soon as possible.

“We have major concerns that the new ways of working planned across the BBC’s News Division could lead to a fall in quality and would urge the BBC to ensure they are audience-informed and not audience-led. It is the duty of a public service broadcaster to offer something different rather than simply chasing an audience like their commercial rivals.

“The NUJ remains opposed to any compulsory redundancies and urges the BBC to work with the unions in ensuring the staff who are at risk can be redeployed. The BBC’s redeployment policy and processes must be taken seriously and there must be an immediate freeze on external recruitment.”

Tracy Brabin MP, Labour’s shadow digital, culture and media secretary, responding to BBC News jobs cuts, said: “High-quality and investigative journalism is what the public rightfully expect from the BBC and these cuts will send shockwaves around the Corporation and journalism in this country.

“BBC News already faces huge challenges, in particular a low viewership among under-35s and working class communities. That it is now cutting award-winning programming such the Victoria Derbyshire Show and BBC Radio News – both of which bring news to audiences that others can’t reach – raises serious concerns about the impact of the cuts the BBC are having to carry out. My thoughts are with those who work hard to provide public service broadcasting and face uncertain futures today through no fault of their own.”

Barratt East Scotland to recruit seven new apprentices

Leading housebuilder Barratt East Scotland is to recruit seven new apprentices this year as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling the skills shortage in the construction industry.

The new trade apprentice roles, focused on bricklaying (three) and joinery (three), will work across Barratt’s developments in Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Barratt Homes East Scotland will also be recruiting a Level 3 Advanced Apprentice within its technical department.

This year, a total of 158 apprentices will start their careers with Barratt Developments PLC in exciting roles across the UK.

The new apprenticeship announcement comes ahead of the latest National Apprenticeship Week, running from 3 to 7 February, which celebrates the benefits of modern apprenticeships for individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

2020 is seen as a vital year for recruiting new talent into the construction industry as an estimated fifth of the current workforce will have retired by this year; according to data from the 2011 ONS Census which showed that one in five workers were aged over 55.

Skills shortages continue to be cited as a major risk to the growth and success of the construction sector, both in Scotland and across the UK. The latest construction market survey (Q3 2019) from RICS indicated that two in five respondents (41%) believe that a shortage of skilled labour remains a challenge and an obstacle to growth.

Alison Condie, Managing Director for Barratt East Scotland, said: “The construction industry is continuing to grow so there are exciting roles on offer that aren’t possible in other sectors.

“As the UK’s leading five-star housebuilder, we are committed to developing raw talent and giving young people opportunities to forge exciting new careers.”

The new apprentices, who start in the summer, will be based on a housing designated development site and will learn skills in bricklaying, carpentry, joinery or plumbing from experienced tradespeople.

They will also attend their local college to obtain qualifications and develop their trade skills.

All programmes are well structured and tailored to individual needs. Apprentices will receive encouragement, support and guidance to help them develop, giving the skills and qualifications for a successful career.

For further information about the roles available and to apply visit: www.barrattcareers.co.uk

For more information about Barratt Homes visit: www.barratthomes.co.uk.

 

2500 have their say in Big Climate Conversation

A public engagement programme on how to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change has shown widespread support for home energy efficiency improvements, increased use of public transport and transitioning to a more circular economy.

More than 2,500 people from across Scotland engaged in the Big Climate Conversation, with different audience types reflecting differing views on food, land use and energy.

The Big Climate Conversation findings will directly inform the update to the Scottish Government’s current Climate Change Plan and the development of a new Public Engagement Strategy for climate change.

Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The reduction in emissions we need to achieve to end Scotland’s contribution to climate change within a generation will require action by everybody and must be a truly national endeavour.

“We must also ensure our transformation to net-zero takes place in a just and fair way – no one should be left behind. That’s why the Scottish Government undertook The Big Climate Conversation last year.

“This report shows the breadth and value of the discussions that took place and I look forward to these continuing as Scotland progresses further to a net-zero society during the important years ahead.

“We will soon announce plans for Scotland’s Citizens Assembly on Climate Change which will build on the important insights gained through the Big Climate Conversation. In the meantime, I would like to thank everyone who took part.”

Executive Director of the Raploch Community Partnership Janette Mitchell said: “As a local community regeneration charity, we were delighted to launch the community-led Big Climate Conversation. It was a wonderful focus for our wider Empowering Communities work. 

“By holding our climate conversations, our service users and stakeholders helped us design our employability, training, volunteering and digital services with a new emphasis on tackling the global climate emergency.”

The Big Climate Conversation report is available on the Scottish Government website.

Coronavirus update

JOINT STATEMENT FROM UK’s CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS

We have been working in close collaboration with international colleagues and the World Health Organisation to monitor the situation in China and around the world.

In light of the increasing number of cases in China and using existing and widely tested models, the four UK Chief Medical Officers consider it prudent for our governments to escalate planning and preparation in case of a more widespread outbreak.

For that reason, we are advising an increase of the UK risk level from low to moderate. This does not mean we think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed at this stage, but that government should plan for all eventualities.

As we have previously said, it is likely there will be individual cases and we are confident in the ability of the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales and HSC in Northern Ireland to manage these in a way that protects the public and provides high quality care.

Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Catherine Calderwood

Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride

HEADING HOME

A flight is carrying 83 British nationals and 27 foreign nationals from Wuhan to the UK.

At 0945 (local time), a civilian aircraft chartered by the Foreign Office carrying 83 British and 27 foreign nationals left Wuhan for the UK. The charter flight is estimated to land at RAF Brize Norton at 1330 (UK time).

A small number of medics were on the aircraft to provide support to passengers. The flight will continue on to Spain following the stopover in the UK, at which point EU nationals’ home countries will take responsibility for them.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “It’s welcome news that our evacuation flight has now left Wuhan.

“We know how distressing the situation has been for those waiting to leave. We have been working round the clock to clear the way for a safe departure. The welfare of those trapped and public safety have been our overriding priorities.”

Return of the all-Edinburgh gridiron derby

THE 2020 Capital curtain-raiser for the big Super Bowl match in the USA is once again an all-Edinburgh affair, with Edinburgh Napier Knights hosting cross-town rivals University of Edinburgh Predators.

With the teams playing in different divisions, the Knights had to turn to Glasgow University for opposition in the last two versions of the annual American football Varsity match.

However, Sunday (February 2) will once again see the two Edinburgh clubs compete for the MacKenzie’s Challenge trophy at Meggetland, just hours ahead of the big Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers clash in Florida.

A full programme of family entertainment, including music, a DJ, the Knights’ youth team and the Edinburgh Napier Panthers cheer squad, will accompany the fixture, which habitually draws a big crowd to the Meggetland stadium.

Edinburgh Napier Knights head coach Pete Laird said: “The event has come a long way in the last nine years, and it’s great to have our traditional rivals, the University of Edinburgh Predators, back as our opponents this year.

“The Knights program is currently having a great run of success, with three division titles in the last four years, and we have been outperforming our bigger neighbours in recent seasons.

“But to give our opponents credit, they have been enjoying a good year back in the higher division. As with any derby match, the formbook goes out the window, and it will be a very closely fought game.”

Pete added: “Last year’s Varsity game was postponed due to the weather and had to be shifted away from its traditional home at Meggetland, so we’re very excited to be back under the lights for the game, which is a real spectacle, with all its noise, colour and general craziness.”

The gates will open at 1pm on Sunday ahead of a 3pm kick-off.  Tickets – £5 for adults, £3 for students and free admission for under 16s – are available at the gates or on campus in advance.

Match tickets also include entry to the post-game Super Bowl Party at the Canalside Bar, Meggetland, from 8pm.

James Macsween Addresses the Haggis at Gyle M&S

James Macsween, Managing Director at Macsween and guardian of our national dish, put on a Burns Night performance as he addressed the haggis in M&S’s store at The Gyle shopping centre.

Customers were treated to this one-of-a-kind shopping experience which saw the haggis piped into the foodhall and highland dancers put on a show. Lots of tasters of M&S’s Burns Night range were on offer for all as locals celebrated Scotland’s age-old tradition.

Macsween makes an exclusive recipe of their sensationally popular haggis especially for M&S.

With new delicious additions such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties en Croute, as well as traditional favourites, including the signature haggis especially made by James Macsween, M&S has everything you need for a Burns Night feast to remember.

Macsween has been supplying M&S with phenomenally tasty and succulent Haggis and Vegetarian Haggis products since 2012. As the innovators behind the first ever Vegetarian Haggis 35 years ago, there is now a Haggis for everyone to devour on Burns Night with M&S Food.

M&S serves two million customers a week across Scotland and has served Scottish customers for over 100 years – the first store opened in Dundee in 1918.

M&S has a network of over 40 food suppliers based in Scotland, who work with more than 4,000 farms and supply fantastic products across the while of the UK.

Over 2,500 of their products are made from raw materials sourced from Scottish producers.

M&S first began sourcing from Scottish food producers in the 1930s and the supply base has gone from strength to strength.

DON’T FORGET there’s another opportunity to enjoy a Burns Supper this weekend at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre:

 

Concern over effect of social media on young people’s wellbeing

A national report, carried out every four years, has provided insights into child mental health in Scotland.

The 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Scotland, led by researchers at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow and funded by NHS Health Scotland, provides data on the health and wellbeing of the nation’s young people.

Key findings include the majority (85%) of young people reported high life satisfaction in 2018, while almost one in five adolescents rated their health as excellent.

However, the report also revealed the lowest levels of adolescent confidence seen in 24 years, with only 51% of adolescents in Scotland reporting often or always feeling confident in themselves.

Beyond mental health and wellbeing, the HBSC study covers areas such as sleep habits, time spent online, physical activity as well as school and home life. The report presents data collected from surveys with a representable sample of 11, 13 and 15-year-olds in Scotland in 2018. The surveys were conducted in schools, with all pupils in the selected classes asked to fill in the confidential questionnaire anonymously.

This is the 8th consecutive World Health Organisation (WHO) cross-national HBSC survey in which Scotland has participated, providing data on the health of the nation’s young people over the last 28 years. A wider pan global report on the health of young people across the world is due to be published later this year.

Lead author of the study Dr Jo Inchley, from the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, said: “These latest findings from HBSC provide a comprehensive picture of young people’s health across Scotland.

“We’ve seen significant improvements in recent years in areas such as substance use and eating behaviours. But at the same time, new challenges such as social media are increasingly impacting on how young people live their lives and these can have a significant impact on their wellbeing.

“This report helps us to better understand the challenges young people face and the areas where more support and investment is needed.”

Dr Rory Mitchell, Public Health Intelligence Principal, NHS Health Scotland said: “This report highlights some positive trends as well as ongoing challenges. The data shows that children from wealthier families tend to report better health and wellbeing than those from poorer families. This highlights the need for a continued focus on tackling health inequalities in Scotland. 

“The information provided by this long-running study has enormous value in helping to improve health and wellbeing. Using such information to make a real difference requires a collaborative effort that co-ordinates local and national action. The formation of Public Health Scotland in April this year will contribute to this.”

Findings of the report include:

Mental health and wellbeing

  • 22% adolescents rated their health as ‘excellent’ but 15–year-old girls were the least likely to report ‘excellent’ health (12%).
  • The prevalence of multiple health complaints is at its highest for both boys and girls since 1994. Overall 35% of young people experienced multiple health complaints every week. The most common health complaints were sleep difficulties, feeling nervous and feeling irritable.
  • 37% adolescents were classified as having low mood (33% boys, 41% girls) and 14% were at risk of depression (11% boys, 17% girls). Both low mood and risk of depression increased with age.
  • All the mental health and wellbeing indicators were significantly associated with family affluence, with poorer outcomes for those from families with lower affluence.

Sleep

  • The average sleep duration on weekdays was 8.3 hours for 13-year-olds and 7.8 hours for 15 year olds – the recommended sleep for teenagers is 8 to 10 hours each night.
  • The proportion of young people reporting sleep difficulties more than once a week has increased from 23% in 2014 to 30% in 2018.
  • Among 13 and 15-year-olds, sleep difficulties were more common among girls than boys and young people from lower affluence families were more likely to report difficulties in getting to sleep than those from higher affluence families (25% versus 35%).

Social media and online communication

  • Nearly all (95%) young people said they owned a smartphone with connection to the internet.
  • The vast majority (92%) of 15-year-olds kept their smartphones in their bedroom at night.
  • Preference for online (versus face-to-face) communication was higher amongst 15-year-olds than 11 and 13-year-olds.
  • Nearly one in ten (9%) adolescents were categorised as having problematic social media use.

At home and school life

  • Overall 38% of young people reported high teacher support
  • The proportion of girls who find it easy to talk to their father has increased from 48% in 1990 to 67% in 2018.
  • 36% of young people reported eating a meal with their family every day.
  • Vigorous physical activity was higher among boys than girls. 47%) of boys and 41% of girls reported taking part in leisure time vigorous exercise at least four times a week. The gender difference was greatest at age 15 (40% vs 29%)

Jo Inchley added: “Many young people report high life satisfaction and have good support from their families and friends. However, the declines in mental health and increase in sleep difficulties are concerning.

“There’s been a small but steady increase in the proportion of girls taking part in physical activity in their free time but overall levels are still very low and screen time has been increasing at a much faster rate.

“It’s important that young people have opportunities to be active and spend time outdoors as these can have substantial benefits for both their physical and mental wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented: “As a coalition whose members provide support to vulnerable children and young people we are deeply concerned by a lowering in confidence levels as outlined in this report, which indicates that just over half of adolescents report often or always feeling confident in themselves.

“In addition to this, one in ten adolescents are categorised as having problematic social media use and screentime use has been increasing.

“Clearly social media is having a major impact on young people and their wellbeing, as they often try to meet unrealistic standards as seen on social media, leading to anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant to girls.

“The fact that over 90 per cent of 15-year olds keep their smartphones in the bedroom at night, with a potential impact on sleep patterns is worrying. It is notable that the proportion of young people reporting sleep difficulties more than once a week has increased from 23 per cent in 2014 to 30 per cent in 2018.

“Now we have a greater awareness of the challenges it is vital that there is greater research to gain a clearer understanding of the link between social media and wellbeing, which is also impacting on confidence.

“There is a desperate need to educate young people on how to use social media healthily and how social media promotes unrealistic expectations.”

Communities get creative with Awards for All

Communities across Scotland will be supported to explore and share their creativity through a diverse range of arts activities thanks to Awards for All funding.

217 community groups and projects across Scotland will share over £1,551,849 of National Lottery Community Funding under the Awards for All scheme, over £120,000 of which is awarded through Creative Scotland.

Awards for All is a joint awards programme from the National Lottery Community Fund, Creative Scotland and sportscotland.

Projects ranging from community cinema to a book festival have been supported in this latest round of funding including: Crofting Environment Improvement Association, Intercultural Youth Scotland, Birnam Book Festival, Shire Housing Association and Kelty Community Cinema.

Creative Scotland’s Graham Reid said: “From celebrations of traditional Scottish culture to a community cinema, these projects demonstrate the diverse creativity of communities across the breadth of Scotland, from Fife to Uist. These awards are testament to the fantastic work that National Lottery funding makes possible.”

Birnam Book Festival will be supported to run community engagement activities to complement its core Festival programme. Activities will include public readings and creative writing workshops and will aim to provide people living in rural areas the opportunity to engage with literary arts, and to create a sense of community ownership in the Festival.

Tabitha Hilliard, Chair, Birnam Book Festival said: “The funding from Awards for All will enable us to appoint a writer in residence who will work with the community before, during and after the festival, delivering sessions to rural and isolated communities in their own settings and helping to draw in a more diverse range of people into reading and to participate in the events.”

Kelty Community Cinema has been awarded funding to continue running their community organised cinema, and its associated programme. The Cinema aims to offer a creative leisure activity that is affordable and accessible for the community.

Wayne Hayles, Chairman, Kelty Community Cinema said: “The funding will make such a difference to the experience at our cinema for the people of Kelty. The support that our visitors have shown us already has been phenomenal, and our visitors will now enjoy a higher quality of picture and sound.”

The Crofting Environment Improvement Association has been awarded funding towards The Land Sings, a project which will celebrate the crofting and fishing histories of the Uists through music, story and traditional skills. Its programme will include three mini-festivals throughout the year: the first around the opening of the new Grimsay Boat Haven in April, an August event for local people and visitors, and a week of activity in October aimed at local primary schools.

Intercultural Youth Scotland have received funding to provide opportunities for black and minority ethnic young people to come together through music production. As well as collective practice, participants will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2020.

Shire Housing Association has been awarded funding towards a roving arts project to take place in and around East Ayrshire’s Netherthird Community. In partnership with Netherthird Community Council, Impact Arts and other local groups, a bespoke mobile mosaic plaque will be created to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Netherthird Community. The project aims to encourage creativity in residents, as well as to strengthen community cohesion.

Photograph courtesy of Birnam Book Festival 2019.

Men Get Breast Cancer Too

Ahead of World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4th February, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce a partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition in the United States.

The two charities are uniting in their mission to raise awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too.

Every year, 370* men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK and 81* men die of the disease. In the United States, 2,620** men are diagnosed annually, and 520** will die. Men face a higher mortality rate from breast cancer than women, due to a lack of awareness.

Walk the Walk has been working with a group of men for more than two years, highlighting that while the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is much higher, it is a disease which can affect men as well.

The UK charity recently launched a downloadable awareness poster, encouraging men to “Check your Chest”, to spot the signs of breast cancer. Men taking part in Walk the Walk’s fundraising challenges wear a special pink t-shirt with a blue bra printed on it.

The Male Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is based in the United States and shares the stories of men from all over the world, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The aim of the MBCC is to provide resources for men and their families, navigating their way through what is usually a women’s only club. The charity visits high schools and colleges across the United States spreading the word and educating audiences.

Uniting together, Walk the Walk and the MBCC hope to reach millions more people across the globe with their awareness message.

Roy Collins (above) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and has been working with Walk the Walk to raise awareness for the last couple of years.

He said: “I was really pleased to hear that Walk the Walk, who I have worked with for a few years helping to raise awareness of breast cancer in men, are going into partnership with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition.

“Anything that can help men feel less alone by sharing their stories and experiences is a great move forward in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new partnership also encourages more men to check themselves for symptoms”.

Cheri Ambrose, Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition said: “We are honoured to be joining forces with Walk the Walk to help promote awareness of breast cancer in men.  

“It is through education that we will be able to break the gender stigma that breast cancer holds and give men a fighting chance against the disease”.

If you’re a man who has had breast cancer, Walk the Walk and the MBCC would love to hear from you. Please email pr@walkthewalk.org 

Missing EU already?

Pro EU group in Scotland marks Brexit Day with commitment to EU

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland’s oldest dedicated pro-European campaigning organization, and Edinburgh4Europe are organizing/participating in two key events in Edinburgh to mark the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union tomorrow (Friday 31st January).

Events

2:30 PM — conference and gathering – How can Scotland keep her rightful place within Europe and the European Union? (NO CAMERAS) 

Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

This event will provide media with access to a key discussion on how pro-European Scotland can proceed now. There will be opportunities to speak with interested members of the public including those from other EU states alongside better-known speakers.

Speakers to include:

  • Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations
  • Mark Lazarowicz, Chair, European Movement in Scotland
  • Mhairi Snowden, Human Rights Consortium, Scotland
  • Mark Diffley, Consultant, Analysing Public Opinion
  • Dr Benjamin Martill, Brexit and Security, Centre on Constitutional Change
  • Dr Kirsty Hughes, Director, Scottish Centre on European Relations.

From 6 PM – Gathering to protest against withdrawal from EU, as part of Missing EU Already event 

Location: Scottish Parliament forecourt and green space (opposite Holyrood Palace), Edinburgh.

This event, in conjunction with the Missing EU Already event, will include speakers chosen by Edinburgh4Europe alongside a lights’ ceremony at 11 PM to show Scotland’s continued commitment to the EU.

The event will provide media with a visual manifestation of Scotland’s commitment to Europe in front of the home of Scottish democracy, a thoughtful, reflective and defiant programme in contrast to the triumphalism that may be on display elsewhere.

There will be opportunities to speak with members of the crowd who have come from far and wide, including other European countries, to show support for Scotland as we recommit to our European future.

Speakers to include:

  • David Clarke, EMiS Vice Chairman
  • Lorna Slater, Co-convenor Green Party
  • Andrew Wilson, EUSA President)
  • Richard Milne, activist, Fringe performer, senior lecturer at Edinburgh University
  • Dominic McGinley, EMiS, Fife4Europe
  • Ailie Ross-Oliver, Our Future Our Choice

Further events by EMiS will also take place in Glasgow, Perth, Dumfries and Stirling.

Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland, said: “Leaving the European Union is an incredibly sad event and this series of activities provides an opportunity to not only celebrate our membership and the great benefits it has given us, but also to look to the future.

“While we may have left, the fight now begins for us to rejoin the EU, and that fight starts now.”