Millions of older people at risk of abuse unless Helpline receives urgent funding
Millions of older people could be at risk of abuse unless urgent funding is found for the UK’s only helpline dedicated to helping those affected by abuse.
Hourglass, the only charity in the UK dedicated to ending the abuse of older people, has a free 24/7 helpline available to anyone concerned about an older person at harm from abuse, whether that’s at home or within the care industry.
Hourglass is calling on the UK Government to help underpin the helpline and help appoint more Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) who specialise in the abuse of older people.
Shortly before she died, the charity’s founder Baroness Greengross wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging the Government to give adequate financial support so the Hourglass helpline can survive.
There has been no response from the Prime Minister, the Home Office or anyone else in Government, despite calls from various MPs and Peers across the political spectrum for them to do so.
The Hourglass helpline currently receives more than 12,000 calls every year, but the charity will have to start significantly reducing its services to society’s most vulnerable older people, unless the Government approves funding by September. The charity predicts that by October this life changing service will need to downsize dramatically.
A report published by Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) recently found that 67% of directors are seeing the number of domestic abuse and safeguarding cases rising. This is further evidence that abuse of older people is a growing problem and further funding and support is vital to ensure older people age safely.
Every year, a million more new older people experience abuse and the charity’s services provide a vital lifeline for those in need.
To survive, the charity needs £1.2 million a year to continue. Unfortunately, current UK Government funding only covers the helpline from 5pm to 9am. To enable the helpline to be available 24/7, Hourglass has been forced to run on its reserves.
Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said:“Every single year, around 2.5 million older people are effected by abuse. This could be physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse or neglect and discrimination in the UK.
“The services we provide are a real lifeline to those in need, but without urgent funding, it will be impossible to carry on at our current levels.
“The consequences of leaving vulnerable elderly people to fend for themselves are usually too terrifying to contemplate. However, this is becoming a tragic reality as we battle to keep providing the helpline so many of them will come to rely on.
“Out of respect to Baroness Greengross, who championed the rights of older people for so many years, and to the millions of older people at risk of abuse, the government now need to take action and provide adequate funding for this service.”
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donateor Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you would like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
Former England, Manchester city, Liverpool and Tottenham player Paul Stewart has partnered with online learning provider High Speed Training to offer a free Safeguarding in Sport training course to all grassroots sports clubs in the UK.
Abuse in grassroots sports is a topic which is very much in the spotlight, following many high profile sports players such as Paul revealing their own experiences of mistreatment in their club as a child.
Paul, who scored for Tottenham in the 1991 FA Cup Final, has been open about his own experiences of abuse in sports as a child and was one of the first players to come forward in 2016 with details of historical abuse at the hands of a youth team coach.
Working with the education and safeguarding experts at High Speed Training, Paul has helped to create the only survivor-led safeguarding course aimed at sports clubs, which is being offered for free to all grassroots sporting clubs in the UK.
Clubs can register to take the training, which is supported by the English Football League and Kick It Out, by visiting:
Backed by sporting figures such as Gary Lineker, rugby league giant Kevin Sinfield, former England and British Lions great Brian Moore, Olympic medalist Marilyn Okoro and Ryder Cup golfer Ian Poulter, the course provides sports coaches, parents and volunteers with the tools to be able to confidently identify and prevent abusive behaviours in grassroots sports, as well as understanding and implementing the recommended safeguarding procedures.
Paul Stewart said: “I am delighted that, by working with High Speed Training, I have been able to produce a survivor-led safeguarding course that I absolutely believe can make a difference.
“The support we have received has been incredible and I will be forever grateful to the people and organisations involved. It is an emotional subject, both for me and for others who have been affected. I am sure the course will have a lasting impact on those who take it.
“Everyone involved in all sports and physical activity settings with children and young people should have an awareness of these issues. We all know the benefits of playing sports for young people, and making sure that our children are safe whilst enjoying sports has to be the number one priority.
“Now the course is free to grassroots clubs, it is my hope that all adults will take the course and share what they have learned.”
Alexandra Richards, Head of Safeguarding at the English Football League, said: ‘The EFL are delighted to support this Safeguarding in Sport course and it is great to see the free initiative being made available to other organisations.
“We made the training available to all of our 72 member Clubs because it is unique in the fact that it is survivor-led and covers all the essentials needed for any role on the basics of safeguarding.
“The work Paul is doing with High Speed Training to ensure all children are safe at their clubs is outstanding and we will continue to support the wonderful work they are doing.”
Tajean Hutton, Grassroots Manager at Kick It Out says: “This is a great course, which we are proud to support at Kick It Out.
“We hear of several abuse related cases in grassroots sport every year, which is why courses like this are important to help educate those working at clubs, so they can better support young people and participants.
“The more we can do to identify and prevent abuse at a grassroots level, the more inclusive and inviting sport will become.”
In research carried out in September 2021, High Speed Training found that a third (32%) of parents are unsure whether their child’s sports coaches have undertaken safeguarding training.
The study, which was commissioned by the leading online training provider, also revealed that concerningly one in ten (10%) parents stated that they’re unsure whether they’d be confident in identifying the signs of abuse, be that physical, sexual, or emotional, in a child, whilst more than a quarter of parents haven’t discussed safeguarding issues with their children.
The fact that in 2021, 91% of children aged 5-16 particapte in some form of sport highlights the need for this training.2
Further research by the NSPCC3also highlighted the lack of parental knowledge when it comes to safeguarding in sports, with 20% of parents whose children attend sports and leisure clubs admitting that they wouldn’t know who to speak to if they had any worries about a child’s welfare at the club.
● More than a third of women (35%) have changed an aspect of themselves because of negative comments made by an intimate partner, increasing to 39% for 25-34 year olds
● Over a third (36%) of women have insecurities about their self-worth based on negative comments made by a partner
● 81% believe more needs to be done to educate young men on their beliefs and attitudes towards women
● Avon launches campaign to speak out against verbal abuse with resources, training and support for customers, Representatives and associates
● In its 135th year, Avon donates $1.35 million to NGOs around the world to support women who have experienced abuse
New research from beauty company Avon and the NO MORE Foundation reveals that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner.
The research, which surveyed over 8,300 women in eight countries, including the UK, Poland and the Philippines, also found that nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship – the highest amongst the age groups. As a result, over a third (36%) of women around the world have insecurities about their self-worth based on negative comments made by partners.
Commissioned in support of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Avon and NO MORE are launching a campaign to help everyone recognise verbal abuse and its role in coercive control, domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
In the UK, when asked about seeking support for verbal abuse issues, one in 10 (11%) women reported that they did not know where to turn, and a further one in six (17%) were unable to take action due to having a controlling partner or being too scared of the consequences.
These barriers to help-seeking behaviours result in many survivors becoming trapped in abusive relationships.
Common comments
Nearly half (47%) of women have experienced negative comments from an intimate partner about their general appearance, with one in five (19%) facing this within the last month.
Other negative comments reported were about women’s intelligence (43%), job or career (44%), weight (50%) and clothing (50%).
This is most prevalent in those aged 25-34 with nearly a quarter (24%) being subjected to negative remarks about their weight within the last month, compared to 10% of those aged 55+.
Over half of women say an intimate partner has made criticisms towards their friends or family (55%), with nearly a quarter (23%) experiencing this within the last month; this is a common tactic used by abusers to manipulate their victims to alienate them from loved ones.
NO MORE Foundation’s Global Executive Director Pamela Zaballasaid: “Verbal abuse is a serious, prevalent issue that takes a huge and often long-lasting toll on the self-esteem and confidence of those who experience it. It also can be a precursor and escalate to physical violence.
“Therefore, it is critical to increase awareness and ensure that verbal abuse is not overlooked, trivialised nor tolerated. We’re proud to partner with Avon to promote an online portal providing crucial information and tools to learn to recognise the signs of verbal abuse, find help if needed, and become inspired by courageous survivors’ stories.”
From Silence to Speaking Out
Of those subjected to signs of verbal abuse, 16% sought support, with 30% of these women going to a family member and 26% reaching out to a friend.
Despite a relatively small number in this survey, it is interesting that some respondents said they had sought support from the outside sources such as beauty therapists or hairdressers (2%) and their Avon Representatives (2%).
In a controlling relationship, where the abuser has isolated the victim from friends and family, it may be the case that these groups can provide an important lifeline.
With a network of relationships within their communities and peer to peer support available, Avon is offering training to its five million Representatives worldwide. In the UK, Women’s Aid and Avon are piloting a specialist training programme in Bristol for Representatives, offering on-the-ground, community support for those facing abuse in any form.
Training is also being offered to a range of GBV Ambassadors, offering support to associates who may be experiencing domestic abuse through Avon’s global GBV Protocol.
Not only a “Women’s Issue”
There is a strong feeling amongst women around the world that more needs to be done to educate young men on their beliefs and attitudes towards women (81%), with over three quarters believing there are deep-rooted issues within society which need to be addressed in terms of how men treat women.
Breaking the silence around gender-based violence, Avon and NO MORE have launched an online portal to provide people with crucial information about the signs of verbal abuse, what to do if someone you know is in an abusive relationship and where to go for help, including a collection of inspiring stories from survivors.
To support women who have experienced abuse, Avon is also donating $1.35 million in grants to NGOs around the world to fund support projects for life after abuse, in its 135th anniversary year.
In the UK, funding will support charities such as Women’s Aid and their Live Chat service which gives survivors a discreet and safe way to chat to an expert, as well as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Live Chat, ran by Refuge.
In addition, the beauty brand and charity are encouraging people to sign a pledge to end verbal abuse. This can be signed by saying ‘Alexa, open the NO MORE skill’ to an Alexa device or online via the Avon Worldwide website.
Angela Cretu, Avon CEO comments: “Our research highlights how crucial it is that we continue to stimulate conversation about all forms of gender-based abuse, be that verbal, emotional or physical.
“Over the last 15 years Avon has made it our mission to end violence against women and break down the wall of silence.
“With five million Representatives around the world, all with their own unique networks, we are committed to training in recognising the signs, having safe conversations, and signposting to local NGO support.
“We have also introduced a GBV Protocol and Ambassadors to support every associate who may be experiencing domestic abuse, for example offering them access to leave or facilitating conversations with managers.
“This 16 Days of Activism we are calling for people unsure of what verbal abuse is, to get to know the signs; for victims feeling isolated, to know they are not alone; and for those experiencing abuse, to seek necessary help.
This is why this year, on its 135th year of championing women, Avon will donate $1.35 million to NGOs around the world to help more women overcome abuse and help change lives.”
For more information and if you need support, visit:
To highlight the annual Respect for Shopworkers week, taking place from 15 – 21 November, retail trade union Usdaw has launched shocking statistics from their annual UK-wide survey.
Interim results from nearly 3,500 retail staff show that in the last twelve months:
89% have experienced verbal abuse,
64% were threatened by a customer,
11% were assaulted.
46% said they were not confident that reporting abuse, threats and violence will make a difference.
7% of those who had been assaulted did not report the incident.
Scottish voices from the frontline:These are some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “Abusive because they are having to wait in a queue or at self-scan to get alcohol or security tags taken off.”- “Have been threatened by violence once I finish work, will wait on me outside and kick my head in.”
Glasgow: “Had a bottle held over my head for my till. Been called a rat and been warned to watch myself walking home at night.” – “Customer tried to punch me, had threats of physical violence and called several demeaning names by customers.”
Highlands and Islands: “Social distancing and mask wearing have resulted in confrontations that have got particularly aggressive.”- “I have had someone throw their shopping at me when I have asked to stay 2m away.”
Lothian: “Lack of respect for requesting social distancing.” – “Multiple times I’ve had stuff thrown at me and once was kicked into a machine.” – “People insulting me or raising their voices when asked to follow basic covid regulations.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “We have been verbally abused regarding the safe system in place with regards to reopening our cafe.” – “Mainly shoplifters, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse.”
North East Scotland: “Mainly verbal aggressive abuse from customers. Rudeness, insults and shouting.” – “Customers argue when you explain the licensing regulations.”
South Scotland: “Sworn at, spat at, kicked at, punched at, eggs thrown at me.”- “Customer would not social distance, I got an absolute mouthful, said he knew better as he was a doctor.”
West Scotland: “Staff being grabbed by customers, threatened with knives, racially abused and received degrading comments calling us stupid little girls, worthless, and idiots.” – “Customers really think they can say whatever they want to us.”
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis says:“It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers.
“It is shocking that 9 in 10 of our members working in retail are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. So it is extremely worrying that over half are not confident that reporting these issues will make any difference and 7% of those assaulted did not report the incident.
“The new protection of workers law in Scotland is welcome and we continue to campaign for the UK Government to follow MSPs’ lead by extending similar protections to retail staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.
“It is also clear that the new law needs to be enforced right across Scotland with the police and judiciary prioritising retail crime. Usdaw is urging retail workers across Scotland and employers to help make that happen by recording incidents and reporting them to the police. Our message is ‘report it to sort it’.”
Abuse directed at retail and bar staff who ask customers to comply with the law and wear face coverings will not be tolerated, Justice Secretary Keith Brown said yesterday.
It continues to be a legal requirement to wear face coverings in places such as shops and pubs and on public transport unless exempt – and Mr Brown said any form of abuse, threats or violence faced by workers as a result of simply doing their job is “completely unacceptable”.
It comes as new powers came into force in Scotland last month, making assaulting, threating or abusing certain staff a new standalone offence. Previously such conduct would be dealt with under more general offences.
Face coverings are a hugely important mitigation in the fight against COVID-19 as they create a physical barrier that helps stop the virus spreading from an infected person, while providing a degree of protection to the wearer against exposure to the virus.
Mr Brown urged people to follow the rules and treat staff with respect as Scotland continued to face high infection levels.
He said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who continue to wear face coverings and urge people to please follow the rules and guidelines still in place. It is still a requirement to wear face coverings in indoor public places, such as shops, public transport and when entering and moving about in hospitality settings.
“Everyone who can should wear a face covering because it is a simple and vital measure we can take to protect others and stem the spread of this deadly virus.
“Retail workers and those working in hospitality play a vital role serving our communities which has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic and it’s extremely important they know they have the protection of the law when carrying out their duties.
“Any form of abuse, threats or violence faced by such workers as a result of simply doing their job is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Parliament recently introduced a standalone law with penalties of up to 12 months in prison and fines up to £10,000 for this type of behaviour and staff serving communities across Scotland can be assured the police and prosecution services stand ready to respond to any instances as necessary.”
DCC Malcolm Graham of Police Scotland said: “Everyone has the right to go to their work without being threatened or assaulted.
“Retail workers now have added protection in law and the police will act on reports we receive about this kind of unacceptable behaviour.
“I would also continue to encourage people to follow the regulations and guidance that remain in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”
Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris QC said: “People in any walk of life should expect to go about their business without the fear of threats or abuse.
“This is true of shop workers who are protected in law and deserve our thanks and appreciation for the work they have done throughout the pandemic.”
By law, you must wear a face covering in certain indoor public places, including public transport, in Scotland unless an exemption applies.
Scottish shopworkers speak out about violence, threats and abuse
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed a new law to protect Scottish shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today, 24 August 2021. The union is urging shopworkers to report incidents to ensure the legislation is able to have an effect on ever increasing incidents.
The ground-breaking legislation was supported by MSPs after Usdaw’s long-running campaign led to the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern).
Usdaw has launched a Freedom from Fear summer campaign week from 22-29 August, with shocking statistics from their annual survey. Preliminary results from nearly 2,000 retail staff across the UK show that in the last twelve months:
92% have experienced verbal abuse,
70% were threatened by a customer,
14% were assaulted.
One in five victims have never reported an incident to their employer, including 5% who had been assaulted.
Scottish voices from the frontline
These are some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
Central Scotland: “Abusive because they are having to wait in a queue or at self-scan to get alcohol or security tags taken off.”- “Have been threatened by violence once I finish work, will wait on me outside and kick my head in.”
Glasgow: “Had a bottle held over my head for my till. Been called a rat and been warned to watch myself walking home at night.” – “Customer tried to punch me, had threats of physical violence and called several demeaning names by customers.”
Highlands and Islands: “Social distancing and mask wearing have resulted in confrontations that have got particularly aggressive.”- “I have had someone throw their shopping at me when I have asked to stay 2m away.”
Lothian: “Lack of respect for requesting social distancing.” – “Multiple times I’ve had stuff thrown at me and once was kicked into a machine.” – “People insulting me or raising their voices when asked to follow basic covid regulations.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife: “We have been verbally abused regarding the safe system in place with regards to reopening our cafe.” – “Mainly shoplifters, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse.”
North East Scotland: “Mainly verbal aggressive abuse from customers. Rudeness, insults and shouting.” – “Customers argue when you explain the licensing regulations.”
South Scotland: “Sworn at, spat at, kicked at, punched at, eggs thrown at me.”- “Customer would not social distance, I got an absolute mouthful, said he knew better as he was a doctor.”
West Scotland: “Staff being grabbed by customers, threatened with knives, racially abused and received degrading comments calling us stupid little girls, worthless, and idiots.” – “Customers really think they can say whatever they want to us.”
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says:“It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.
“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers and demonstrate why the Scottish Parliament was right to pass a ‘protection of shopworkers’ law.
“It has been a terrible year for our members, with over 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, more than two-thirds threatened and one in seven assaulted. We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job.
“We continue to campaign for the UK Government to follow MSPs’ lead by extending similar protections to retail staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Retail staff across the UK have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.”
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw’s Scottish Regional Secretary, says:“We welcome this ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse coming into force today. We again thank Daniel Johnson MSP and all MSPs for listening to the pleas of our members and giving them the legislative support they so desperately need.
“For this new legislation to have a real impact, we need to make sure staff report incidents of violence, threats or abuse to their manager. We are aware that some retail workers may feel it won’t make a difference, but my message to shopworkers is absolutely clear: report it to sort it.
“We are working with the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote the new law. We want criminals to understand that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is unacceptable and will land them with a stiffer sentence. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the respect they deserve.”
More than 120 projects across Scotland will share £38 million to support survivors of gender-based violence and focus on prevention.
The Delivering Equally Safe Fund (DES) is a new two-year funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies contribute to the objectives, priorities, and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy.
The Fund includes more than £28 million for frontline services which provide direct support to women and girls, prioritising services that maximise their safety and wellbeing.
The two-year fund has also been increased by an additional £1 million per year to support projects which focus on early intervention and preventative measures.
Funding will be distributed to 121 projects, including Respect, which provides helpline services for perpetrators of domestic abuse, Kingdom Abuse Survivors project and Moray Women’s Aid.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Violence against women and girls is appalling and unacceptable which is why we are funding organisations that are tackling the issue head on, including frontline services that support survivors and get to the root of abusive behaviour.
“These organisations are offering new and innovative ways to aid recovery, encourage education, and increase prevention awareness.
“I am also pleased that we have been able to increase our funding by more than £1 million a year more than our original fund to increase our support to these important initiatives.
“I look forward to seeing the results of the important the work that Equally Safe Fund will deliver.”
Melanie Wood, from Moray Women’s Aid said: “We are delighted to receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe fund. It will allow us to continue to deliver essential services to vulnerable women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse when they most needed it.
“The funding will support the work of our Community Outreach Project and the Children and Young Person’s Service.”
Three quarters (75%) of Scotland-based paramedics who took part in a major UK-wide survey by their professional body, the College of Paramedics, said they had feared for their safety or felt threatened while carrying out their duties.
This is higher than the UK-wide figure of 70% which has been revealed by the College of Paramedics today. The survey, which was completed by 2,345 UK paramedics including 148 based in the Scotland, also revealed that almost half (49%) of all respondents had suffered physical abuse while 80% said they had been verbally abused during the course of their work.
These findings come one month after new NHS England figures revealed that paramedics have suffered a 32 per cent rise in assaults over the past five years, with 3,569 incidents taking place in 2020-21 alone.
Tracy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, said: “We have long been aware of the physical and verbal abuse that paramedics suffer and the toll it takes on their health and wellbeing – but this is the first time that a large-scale survey of this kind has revealed the extent of the problem.
“It’s absolutely outrageous to think that so many paramedics have been abused whilst carrying out their duties, going above and beyond to help people when they are at their most vulnerable, and often in the most challenging of circumstances. Worryingly, the abuse appears to have increased during the pandemic when paramedics are already exposing themselves to greater personal risk.
“Enough is enough! It is time for us all to take a stand and find new ways of working together to prevent abuse from happening, as well as demanding zero-tolerance when it does occur.
“We welcome the steps that the Government has taken to mitigate some of the risks by announcing that funding will be made available for body worn cameras and by introducing harsher custodial sentences for perpetrators of violence against paramedics – but more needs to be done.
“After years of lobbying, the legislation is now in place to ensure that the worst offenders are severely and appropriately dealt with. The problem is that the law is not being used to full effect and sentences are still far too lenient. We are calling today on the courts to step up and impose the harshest penalties available to them.”
The College of Paramedics has warned that the abuse paramedics are experiencing is having a direct impact on their health and wellbeing. Most paramedics surveyed (89%) said their jobs were taking a toll on their mental health and 69% said this had intensified since the start of the covid pandemic.
Tracy Nicholls continued: “One of the most worrying aspects is that paramedics are continuing to soldier on, despite in some cases being pushed to breaking point.
“It’s a disgrace that paramedics are having to work under these conditions – whether they are part of our NHS ambulance service, in a military or prison environment, working in private practice or wherever they are. These issues deserve much greater attention and we will be working hard to bring about change.”
The College of Paramedics will form part of the NHS Health & Wellbeing team and will focus dedicated resources on the prevention of abuse and the provision of support to paramedics who have been affected.
As part of its five-year strategy, the College of Paramedics will engage with national initiatives which promote the health and wellbeing of its members and will include it within its Continuous Professional Development programmes so that members can access up-to-date information and guidance on how to keep themselves safe.
Tracy Nicholls added: “With the results of this survey, we are well placed to push forward collaboratively to make a difference in this area which is vital for the safeguarding of paramedics and the patients they are trying to assist.”
DCMS Secretary of State writes about the importance of a free and diverse media
What makes a healthy democracy? The strongest and most progressive countries share lots of qualities, but they have two vital things in common: a free and diverse media and the right to dissent. This week, a vocal Twitter minority went after both (writes Department of Culture Media and Sport Secretary of State OLIVER DOWDEN) .
GB News had barely begun broadcasting when pressure group “Stop Funding Hate” tried to stifle it, piling the pressure on advertisers to boycott Britain’s newest current affairs channel for spreading “hate and division”. It came in a week when we had already witnessed free journalism under assault with the despicable harassment of BBC journalist Nick Watt.
It seems GB News’ biggest crime – or rather “pre-crime”, as it’s called in the dystopian Minority Report when people are proactively punished for wrongs they haven’t committed yet – was to signal that it might not always agree with the media consensus. When he launched the channel, veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil vowed that GB News would not be “an echo chamber for the metropolitan mindset”, and that it would “empower those who feel their concerns have been unheard”.
Rightly so. A free media is one that has a diverse range of opinions and voices – and as I said earlier this week, GB News is a welcome addition to that diversity. We need outlets and commentators who cover the range of the political spectrum; who can speak truth to power; and who are willing to challenge dogma or orthodoxy.
I’ve no doubt plenty of people will disagree with some of the things GB News commentators have to say – just as plenty of people disagree with the things they see and hear on the BBC, Sky News or any other media outlet. But if you don’t like those ideas, switch over – don’t silence. We shouldn’t be blocking people from the conversation simply because we disagree with them.
That is exactly why, when we were developing legislation to boost online safety and tackle social media abuse, I was determined to make sure it couldn’t be used to stifle debate. Every country is grappling with this – but I believe the UK has struck the right balance and carved a path for the rest of the world to follow with our Online Safety bill, which we published in draft form last month.
That bill will protect children online and help stamp out the vile social media abuse, including racism and misogyny. Crucially, though, it also includes strong safeguards for free speech and the freedom of the media.
There will be a new requirement for social media companies to protect freedom of expression. The largest social media platforms will need to be clear to users about what they allow on their sites, and enforce it consistently.
That means they won’t be able to arbitrarily remove content – and if a user feels they have, they’ll have a new right to appeal. Right now if content is removed there is no recourse to review or in many cases even get an explanation as to why material has been taken down. Our bill will enhance the protections in place.
We’ve also got special safeguards for journalistic and “democratically important” content. News publishers’ content won’t be in scope – whether it’s on their own sites or on other online services. Journalists will also benefit from increased protections when they post on social media. The largest platforms will also have to protect political opinions on their sites, even if certain activists or campaign groups don’t agree with them.
Those are the grounds of a functioning democracy. Sadly we can no longer take them for granted. Across the West, our values of tolerance and freedom of expression, for which previous generations have fought and died, increasingly risk being undermined by a small but vocal minority. For them, these are not absolute, but relative, concepts, ready to be bent to silence dissent from their world view.
Since April last year, our trained Childline counsellors have delivered more than 73,000 counselling sessions with young people who were struggling with their mental and emotional health. And more than 5,000 of these counselling sessions were with children aged 11 or under, an increase of nearly a third when compared to the year before.
However, as a charity that receives 90% of our income from the public, we know this is something we have not achieved alone, and we are hugely grateful for the dedication and commitment of our supporters, which allow us to continue this work.
One way that the public can support us is through the People’s Postcode Lottery, and since 2018, players have provided crucial funding to the sum of almost £6 million to the NSPCC to help the charity keep children safe and well.
The funds have been used to support our vital services across Scotland. This includes our schools service programme, helping primary school children speak out and stay safe from abuse, and our service centre in Govan, Glasgow, providing therapeutic services to families. And, of course, Childline, which provides free and confidential counselling to children and young people in need of support.
Childline is a lifeline for many children and over the past year thousands of young people have needed it more than ever due to the challenges they have faced during the pandemic. Local lockdowns, school closures, isolation and the impact of being separated from family and friends led many children to get in touch with the service over the phone or online.
The money raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery has been invaluable in helping our frontline staff be here for children during their darkest hours.
Moving forward, as lockdown restrictions continue to ease, it remains vital that children and young people know where they can access help and support.
We can only make a difference for children together, and we simply couldn’t continue to run services like Childline without the public’s support.
