New law to ban zombie-style knives and machetes

Zombie-style knives and machetes will be outlawed under legislation laid today. A surrender and compensation scheme will launch in the summer

Dangerous zombie-style knives and machetes will be banned under new legislation to take these weapons off our streets and keep young people safe.

Under the measures, first announced by the Prime Minister last year and laid before Parliament yestrday, it will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes.

The government is urging anyone with one of these dangerous weapons to voluntarily hand it into a knife surrender bin, before the official surrender and compensation scheme is launched in the summer.

This will get these knives off our streets as soon as possible, while giving people in possession an opportunity to hand them in without legal implications. The full ban will come into in force in September, after which anyone in possession of one of these knives may face time behind bars.

During this time, the government will work with police, communities and partners to ensure there is public awareness of the surrender scheme, which have been implemented in the past to accompany knife bans.

This is just one part of a package of measures being introduced by the government to strengthen existing knife crime laws, which are already among the toughest in the world. It is illegal to carry any knife in public without good purpose, carrying a sentence of 4 years in prison, and, in 2016, the government banned zombie knives, whilst cyclone knives were banned in 2019.

Since 2019, police have taken 120,000 knives off our streets through stop and search and other targeted police action. Knife crime has gone down 5% since 2019 and hospital admissions for under 25s involved in stabbings has fallen by 25%. Violent crime is also down 51% since 2010.

Building on this record, the Criminal Justice Bill will go further by increasing the maximum sentence for the possession of banned weapons from 6 months to 2 years, while anyone caught selling knives to under-18s, including online, will also face 2 years behind bars.

Police will also be given new powers to seize and destroy knives found on private premises if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the blade will be used in a serious crime. Previously, police could not seize knives found during a search on a property, even if they had suspicions of criminal use.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “Knife crime continues to take precious lives away, and I am determined to put an end to this senseless violence.

“We must stop these dangerous knives ending up on our streets and in the hands of criminals. We cannot let them be sold to children, and we must give young people a way out of violence.

“That is why I have expedited the ban on zombie-style machetes and we are increasing the maximum sentence for selling knives to under 18s. We will continue to invest in youth services that have prevented thousands of violent injuries.”

Zombie-style knives are just as dangerous as traditional zombie knives, however, they do not have the same distinct images or threatening wording that incites violence.

The police have identified that zombie-style knives are increasingly used in criminality, emerging on the back of the 2016 ban when some retailers exploited this loophole to keep selling these dangerous weapons but evade the law. The measures being introduced today will put an end to this technicality.

In line with previous knife bans, a surrender and compensation scheme will be introduced from the 26 August, and further guidance on how this will operate will be published in June.

Steel Warriors Head of Operations Christian d’Ippolito said: “Steel Warriors welcome the steps being taken by the government to strengthen its tough knife crime laws to keep dangerous knives off our streets. Weapons like these should not be available to young people, they have no place in modern society and should not be glorified.

“At Steel Warriors we believe that lives should be built by steel, not destroyed by it. We melt down confiscated knives and recycle them into outdoor gyms, we then provide free community classes to transform the lives of young people affected by crime, violence and social exclusion, giving them the confidence they need to create positive futures.”

During a visit to Kent Police yesterday, the Home Secretary saw first-hand how Home Office-funded youth violence prevention projects are helping steer young people away from violent crime.

Recent independent evaluation has shown that the government’s Violence Reduction Units, in combination with hotspot policing patrols, have prevented an estimated 3,220 hospital admissions for violent injury since 2019 in areas where the programme operates.

The Home Secretary also met with Yemi Hughes, the mother of a knife crime victim, Idris Elba and members of his ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’ campaign to discuss action being taken on serious violence and what more can be done to tackle the issue.

The legislation laid in Parliament will amend the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Supporting women out of prostitution

National hub will offer joined-up services 

A national hub is to be created to support women out of prostitution. 

A pilot of the hub will begin in summer followed by a phased national roll out. The hub will bring together specialist services which support women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) – linking them more closely with local mainstream services, such as housing, health and social security.

The national hub is part of a new strategy to support women to safely exit from prostitution and challenge men’s demand for prostitution. The strategy also includes actions to tackle stigma for those with experience of prostitution and challenge the normalisation of men purchasing sex.

Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Prostitution is recognised as a form of violence against women and girls, and is exploitation. By linking mainstream and specialist services, we will make it easier for women to access the support they need so they can sustainably exit from prostitution.

“A key part of our new strategy is the need to tackle the drivers of commercial sexual exploitation, including social and economic inequalities and the need for collective leadership from government, the third sector and beyond to tackle these. A new multi-agency group on commercial sexual exploitation will be established in March to help progress this work.”

Linda Thompson, national co-ordinator of the Women’s Support Project (WSP), said: “The WSP is pleased to see the Scottish Government reiterate that commercial sexual exploitation in all forms is violence against women and that those exploited must have robust comprehensive support and exiting services across the country.

“We hope that national and local leadership, with commitment, partnerships and specific resources, will disrupt this industry and hold to account all those who benefit and profit from the exploitation of inequality and vulnerability.” 

The hub will be rolled out in a phased approach across the following areas:

  • Edinburgh and Borders 
  • Highland, Perth & Kinross, Aberdeen and Dundee 
  • Glasgow and Ayrshire 

Following this roll out, the Hub will provide a network of support where organisations across Scotland can seek advice.

The new strategy has been informed by a range of partners, including those with experience of prostitution.  

Information on support for those affected by commercial sexual exploitation

Police hunt two youths following armed robbery in Murrayburn

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery which took place in Edinburgh last night (Monday, 5 February, 2024).

Around 10.55pm a male delivery driver on a moped was dropping off an order at a property in Murrayburn Gardens.

When he approached the delivery address he noticed a male youth had got onto his moped.

He asked the youth to get off and another male youth appeared and threatened him with what appeared to be a firearm.

The youths took the victim’s phone and moped keys and made off on the vehicle heading along Murrayburn Gardens towards Westside Plaza.

Police were contacted and the moped was recovered two hours later in Morvenside in Wester Hailes.

The first suspect is described as a white male, aged 15 to 16 years old, of skinny build and wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket, black joggers, black shoes and black gloves. He had Scottish accent and was softly spoken.

The second suspect is described as a white male, aged 15 to 16 years old, 5ft9, of skinny build and wearing a black balaclava, a black jacket, black joggers, black shoes and black gloves. He also had a Scottish accent and was softly spoken.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim and it is vital that we trace the two individuals responsible.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in Murrayburn Gardens or the surrounding area on Monday evening who may have noticed anything suspicious to please get in touch.

“We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of two males riding on a moped in the Wester Hailes area to pass this on to officers.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3790 of Monday, 5 February, 2024. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Have you seen Alison?

*** INCIDENT UPDATE ***

POLICE UPDATE: 7 February, 2.53pm:

A woman’s body has been recovered from the sea at Gullane, East Lothian. The woman has been confirmed as Alison Campbell missing from Edinburgh.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Alison Campbell, 50, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Alison was last seen leaving a property in Murrayfield Avenue around 3.10am this morning (Tuesday, 6 February), and drove off in her red Toyota Aygo.

She is described as 5ft3, of very slim build, with straight shoulder length brown hair.

She is believed to be wearing a navy blue puffer jacket, a bright pink knitted scarf and black leather ankle boots. She normally wears a gold ring with a black onyx stone on her right hand.

Officers have traced Alison’s car in the Cramond beach area and a search is ongoing there.

Inspector Dougal Begg said: “Alison’s family are extremely concerned about her wellbeing and we are asking members of the public to keep a look out and report any sightings to police.

“Officers and the Coastguard are carrying out searches in the Cramond beach area and would urge anyone who has been there today to consider whether they may have seen a woman matching Alison’s description.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0535 of Tuesday, 6 February, 2024.”

Spokes public meeting: Thursday 29th February

“Edinburgh’s Future Streets policy, and the place of cycling”

Speakers

  • Cllr Scott Arthur  Edinburgh City Transport Convener – the Council’s ‘Future Streets’ plans, the place of cycling and when/how will the policies lead to action
  • Laura Laker  Cycling, transport and environment journalist – to critique the proposals. Laura researches and writes on cycling issues extensively, including in national/international media such as The Guardian and Bloomberg; and in specifically cycling publications such as Cycling Industry News and Road.CC
  • … followed by our one-hour panel QA, chaired by Ewen Maclean, organiser of Blackford Safe Routes – your chance to interrogate and challenge the speakers.

Arrangements

  • Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
  • Date Thursday 29 Feb, 2024
  • Time Starts 7.30, Ends 9.30. Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat
  • Queries & Questions Queries, or questions for the speakers, can be emailed to spokes@spokes.org.uk, up to a day in advance. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority on the night
  • Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – details nearer the time on Spokes website. We also intend to make the recording available later.

Links

GROW Granton: Getting ready for Opportunities and Work

FREE COURSE STARTS ON THURSDAY AT MADELVIC HOUSE

The Welcoming Edinburgh are providing a free course for parents to prepare New Scots (refugees and migrants) for working in the UK.

In this course, participants will learn how to search for jobs, write job applications and cover letters, improve interview skills, and learn about work culture in Scotland and UK employment rights.

The course takes place weekly every Thursday morning over 6 weeks and subsidies including childcare, and transport can be provided.

Classes start on Thursday 8th February at Granton Hub in Madelvic House and will run from 10:30am – 12:30pm.

Please book on Eventbrite on http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/798461207967

Free Trad Dance sessions at Stockbridge Library

Join us for a new series of 5 FREE world trad dance sessions at Stockbridge Library.

Dance to the tunes & steps of Old Time Scottish, Bollywood, Pizzica, American Line and Lindy Hop – led by our qualified dance teachers + live music!

REGISTER NOW: https://linktr.ee/traddanceforumscotland

£100 million new aid for over three million vulnerable Ethiopians as humanitarian crisis deepens

  • UK Government announces new aid to save the lives of mothers and babies in Ethiopia as UK warns of growing risk of humanitarian catastrophe.
  • The funding comes as the UK’s Development and Africa Minister, Andrew Mitchell, returns from a 2-day visit to the country,  witnessing the humanitarian crisis first hand
  • UK calls on the international community to step up efforts to prevent a major crisis

More than three million Ethiopians, including mothers and babies, will receive lifesaving help from the UK through a new humanitarian aid programme and further support for the Tigray region. The uplift has been announced by UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell following a two-day visit to Ethiopia.

While in Ethiopia, Mr Mitchell set out a series of actions the UK is taking to help stem the worsening tide. He announced a new UK fund worth £100 million for Ending Preventable Deaths that is targeted on children, particularly children under the age of five, and also on pregnant and post-natal women.

The programme will help more than 3 million Ethiopians – mostly women and children – access essential health services. The funding will increase, among other things, access to family planning support, medicines, and childhood vaccinations.

In addition, emergency funding will help 75 health centres tackle malnutrition and other preventable causes of death such as malaria and cholera.

Across northern Ethiopia, millions of people are facing hunger. War and climate change have crippled crop production and driven people off their lands. The conflict in Tigray has left more than 1 million people displaced.

The combination of conflict and failed harvests in northern Ethiopia have plunged over 3 million into a state of critical food security and hunger. Millions more people are in need, with women and young children in particular, severely affected.

The Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said: “The crisis is a wake-up call to the world. Food shortages are at a critical level. War has displaced people and decimated vital infrastructure. Climate change and El Nino have fuelled local exoduses with 400,000 displaced in the Somali region of Ethiopia as of last December. 

“Millions are trapped in displacement, hunger and need.  As ever the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children, are the first to be hit.

“The international community needs to come to Ethiopia’s side and work with our friends in the government and international partners to halt and reverse this crisis. In a region that has experienced the horrors of famine in the past, we must ramp up international efforts to avert a major crisis in the near future. We need to act fast and act now.”

The Government and international donors are responding to the needs of 6.6 million people. But as the Minister has warned, the number of critically food insecure people is growing rapidly and will reach 10.8 million in the coming months. 

 Mr Mitchell stressed that while the UK is taking positive action which will save lives on the ground, its efforts alone will not be sufficient to contain the crisis, and that urgent cooperation with international partners and agencies and government will be necessary to prevent the worst.

Meeting with the Government of Ethiopia, he also discussed the UK’s humanitarian commitment to Ethiopia, to women and girls, ending internal conflict, and issues affecting regional stability, including the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland authorities on access to the Red Sea.

Scotland’s future female investment leaders reach final of Investment Competition

FUTURE ASSET UNVEILS SHORTLIST OF SCOTLAND’S FINEST YOUNG MINDS IN INVESTMENT

Teams from East and West Lothian have made it to the finals of this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition which encourages young women to consider a career in the world of investment management.

During the contest, the pupils must prove their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing, and pitching a company they think will be a lucrative long-term asset.

They are assisted in the process by mentoring delivered by investment management professionals, who share their experience and provide career insights, advice and inspiration, and the support of teachers. The Edinburgh finalist teams of Broxburn Academy, North Berwick High School and Preston Lodge High School were supported by coaches from Lothian Pension Fund, Artemis, and Nikko respectively.

This year more than 100 Competition Coaches from 33 firms, including Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors and Martin Currie volunteered to counsel the youngsters, with such success that the charity has created a Coach of the Year Award this year to celebrate their input.

Demonstrating the growing popularity of the competition, this year has seen a remarkable 25% surge in registered participants, covering 30 out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Additionally, there is a 17% increase in the total number of schools registering for the contest.

Competition organisers and educators, Future Asset, believe that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment, showing how working in the sector can change the world for the better and give young women valuable, transferable skills.

With more girls than ever before taking part, the judges faced the tough task of whittling the shortlist down to nine teams who will battle it out in the competition’s first-ever live final to be crowned winners in junior and senior contests in March.

Dorothy Hamilton, Scottish President CISI and Senior category Judge for the Growing Future Assets competition commented: “Judging the Future Assets Competition for the first time was immensely rewarding.

“The entries’ high quality reflected the effort invested by all those involved. My favourite aspect was evaluating the video submissions, where the enthusiasm not only showcased learning but also the fun the participants had.”

This year’s candidates from the Lothians competing for top spot in the competition are from Broxburn Academy, North Berwick High School and Preston Lodge High School.

North Berwick High School chose Hologic as their top prospect and the company were delighted to be included with Ryan Simon, Vice President of Hologic’s Investor Relations saying: “Since our founding, Hologic has innovated for the sake of doing lifesaving and life-changing good for others.

“We’re proud that a group of students has chosen to tap into that spirit of purpose-driven innovation through the Future Asset competition. We’re thankful to have them share our passion for championing the health and well-being of women, who are the foundation of the world’s families, communities, and societies.”

Broxburn Academy pitched Greggs, whose team said: “Greggs were delighted to be involved in the Future Assets investment pitch competition.

“We’re dedicated to doing good and at Greggs everyone is welcome, so we are delighted to support an initiative that encourages new talent to enter this industry and inspires the next generation of investment management superstars.”

Now in its fourth year, the teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch. 

On the morning of the 1st of March in their first ever live final, teams from the junior and senior categories will compete for the prize of being the winner of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition 23/24 plus £1,000 for their school for the senior winners and £800 for the juniors. 

Afterwards, all the finalists will be invited for lunch at the Edinburgh City Chambers, where they will announce the winners and award prizes to the different categories including overall Winners for Juniors and Seniors, runners-up, Best ESG case and Best Elevator pitch plus the new award for 2023/24 for the Coach of the Year. 

Helen Bradley, Future Asset CEO, says: “This year’s competition has reached unprecedented levels of quality, with a remarkable surge in enthusiasm from the younger participants and unwavering dedication from their teachers and coaches.

“Witnessing the growing interest, especially in state schools, underscores the profound impact of this contest, connecting aspiring individuals with the vast opportunities that a career in investment management can offer. It is truly inspiring to witness the doors opening for youngsters who may not have had prior exposure to the industry, showcasing the boundless potential that awaits them.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/