Tag: campaign

Women’s Charity Calls Upon Government to Prevent Domestic Abuse as ‘Orange the World’ 2024 Ends

Registered women’s charity, Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland  (SIGBI), is calling upon the government to prioritise prevention against domestic abuse, and other crimes that incite Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), as ‘Orange the World’ 2024 draws to a close.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that approximately 2.1 million women are victims of domestic abuse per year and that between two and three women each week are killed by a current or former partner.

Refuge reports that, in the UK, the police receive a domestic abuse-related phone call every 30 seconds. Yet, it’s estimated that only 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.

Over the past few weeks, SIGBI has been campaigning for the elimination of VAWG and domestic abuse with its annual ‘16 Days of Activism’, a UN Women campaign that highlights gender-based violence worldwide.

Ruth Healey, President of SIGBI, said: “Amounting to a national emergency, violence against women and girls can take so many forms – physical, emotional, financial, and coercive – and much of it is now hidden, especially when it comes to domestic violence, which makes it so much harder to combat.

“It’s terrifying that between 2018 and 2023, there was a 37% increase in violent crimes against women and girls. 

“The issue is growing, and the urgency for collective action is underscored by staggering numbers and reports highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence both nationally and globally.

“Gender-based violence needs to be unacceptable in all parts of our society, and it requires a multi-faceted approach to address it. This includes prevention, protection, and prosecution, but mostly prevention.”

The ‘16 days of Activism’ also commonly referred to as ‘Orange the World’ commenced on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and has recently drawn to a close on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Over the course of the campaign, SIGBI’s members – known as Soroptimists – have turned the UK orange, lighting up key monuments and buildings, to shine a light on these issues.

St Alban’s Museum, Hertfordshire County Hall, Cartmel Priory, The Hoad Monument, Barrow Town Hall, Pembrokeshire County Hall, Cirencester Parish Church, Wigan Town Hall, Wills Hall in Bristol, Bristol City Hall and key buildings in Salisbury are a few locations which turned orange over the past few weeks.

The campaign took place not long after the UK Government announced new measures to combat VAWG, marking the first step in its pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

Ruth said: “As Soroptimists, we believe we need to continue to raise awareness of this issue – empowering communities with the knowledge needed to help prevent violence before it starts.

“This is why – as the campaign ends this year – we’re keen to call on the Government to do more. While reforming police responses, strengthening the justice system, empowering victims and making Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) a mainstream issue is important, it is most important to prioritise the prevention of domestic abuse crimes or VAWG in the first instance.

“By turning the UK orange this 25 November to 10 December, we took action, raised awareness and ignited change, but we don’t want it to stop there. We are committed to creating a world where women and girls can live free from fear, empowered to reach their full potential.”

Soroptimists across the UK undertake a significant amount of work to prevent VAWG and domestic abuse – much of that work involves education around the impact of crimes against women.

The charity’s Lichfield club, for example, has run several Healthy Relationship talks to boys, aged 15 – 17 years old at the Lichfield City Football Academy, emphasising the need for Consent and Respect. Feedback from the Academy is that there has been a definite shift in behaviour.

Programmes are being run across the UK alongside conferences that bring together local agencies, councillors, Police Crime Commissioners and others to discuss local approaches.

Soroptimists have also launched observation studies into the treatment of female domestic abuse victims, watching over 220 sessions of the Special Domestic Violence Courts in the pilot alone. This work has now been replicated in Wiltshire (2018), the Midlands (2020 and now in Wales (2024).

The observations have consistently supplied similar recommendations. These include:

  • Female victims need consistent access to Domestic Abuse Advisors.
  • Technology needs to be used effectively to make a stressful situation less so, and to ensure that trials are not affected by an abuse of technology.
  • Essential training needs to be delivered to all magistrates, judges and Crown prosecutors so they fully understand domestic abuse, and how fear and control affect a victim’s decisions.
  • The voice of the victim must be represented appropriately.

SIGBI is a membership organisation which focuses on empowering women and girls to achieve their full potential and works to eliminate barriers and discriminations that hinder women’s progress.

The charity does this through its 248 clubs throughout the UK, Ireland, Malta, Asia and the Caribbean – over 200 of which are in the UK. It currently has a total of 5,150 members.

The organisation has consultancy status at the UN – with members participating in UN meetings, submitting statements and collaborating on global projects which advance gender equality.

The 16 Days of Activism, and the charity’s work on VAWG, are a part of this. Get involved here: https://sigbi.org/

“Women’s safety is not a privilege, it’s a basic human right,” Ruth concluded.

Sharp rise in domestic abuse figures

POLICE SCOTLAND LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN

Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.

Between April and September 2024 there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes according to Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.

The figures have been published as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.

“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.  

“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”

Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.

Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.

Assistant Chief Constable Johnson continued: “Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change. There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.

“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.

“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1866876083930349948

Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.

“Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner. Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking. 

“Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.

“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.” 



Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.

“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.

“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”

Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.

“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.

“Anyone who is concerned about their behaviour can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040, or visit respectphoneline.org.uk/choosetostop.”

A number of cases sentenced during 2024 have seen young men given custodial sentences as a consequence of committing domestic abuse offences towards partners or ex partners:

Christian Schonenberger (aged 22) from Dundee was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to offending against a female and two charges of animal cruelty over a 12-month period. He was given an extended seven-years and six months sentence (four years six months custodial term), a 99 year non harassment order, a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

John Allen (aged 28) from Denny was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of their relationships. He was given an extended 13-year sentence (nine-years custodial term), and indefinite non harassment order and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

 Charles Fyfe Morrison (aged 27) from Paisley was sentenced in July 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of a four-year period. He was given a nine-year extended sentence, (seven years custodial term), a non harassment order for 15 years and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period. 

Robert McGovern (aged 20) from Edinburgh was sentenced in March 2024 in relation to numerous offences against six females over the course of a six-year period. He was given a 15-year extended sentence (nine years six months custodial term), a 999 year non harassment order applying to all the women and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.

More young people helped to spot signs of abuse

Engagement to tackle gendered violence highlighted at start of 16 Days

More than 27,000 young people have benefited from education and awareness-raising sessions on tackling gender-based violence over six months, thanks to 45 grassroots organisations across Scotland.

The latest Delivering Equally Safe impact report, published by Inspiring Scotland, shows that the number of young people accessing sessions on issues including consent and gender equality through these organisations is increasing. The report also includes data on the number of people who have received frontline support, and the type of support provided.

The report publication comes as the global 16 Days of Activism campaign gets underway. To mark the start of the campaign, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart visited Monklands Women’s Aid in Airdrie to hear about their vital work to support women, children and young people.

Ms Stewart said: “Preventing violence against women and girls is key to creating a society where women and girls can live safely. I am proud to be supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls.  

“Thanks to organisations supported by our Delivering Equally Safe fund, workshops supporting young people to understand consent, healthy relationships and the signs of abusive behaviour have reached more than 27,000 young people.

“In the two years since Delivering Equally Safe started, nearly 17,000 children and young people have engaged in frontline funded support.

“Among the organisations providing frontline support is Monklands Women’s Aid, whose work to address both traditional and emerging forms of violence against women and girls is vital and innovative.”

Monklands Women’s Aid Chairperson, Christine Buckel said: “Grassroots organisations like Monkland’s Women’s Aid are the backbone of community support for those facing the trauma of domestic abuse.

“Our integrated approach ensures women, children, and young people receive tailored support when they need it most. Most importantly, we listen to and respond to those we serve, ensuring that their voices shape the services that make a real difference in their lives.

“The Delivering Equally Safe programme fund provides vital funding that enabled the organisation to deliver frontline domestic abuse interventions to 1,571 people since October 2021.”

Delivering Equally Safe impact report

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary ‘in awe’ of Scottish charity as they back school feeding work

‘As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world!’

British presenting duo, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are calling on people across Scotland to give children the gift of hope this Christmas by donating to Mary’s Meals’ appeal, Double The Love. 

For a limited time, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to a total of £1.1 million. Funds raised from the appeal will help the charity, which was founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, keep their promise of a daily nutritious meal to children living in the world’s poorest countries including Lebanon, Haiti and South Sudan as well as striving to reach the next hungry children, who are waiting for Mary’s Meals.  

Dynamic duo Alison and Dermot are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of the campaign and are urging people to make a lasting impact to the lives of even more children this festive period.

The Double The Love appeal will support Mary’s Meals in its mission to serve daily meals to more than 2.4 million vulnerable children at school. These daily school meals not only satisfy hungry children but fuel their potential by removing a barrier to education, giving them the opportunity for a brighter future. 

Alison, who presents British daytime show, This Morning, says: “As parents ourselves, Dermot and I are in awe of the work that Mary’s Meals does around the world! By supporting the charity, you’re giving the little ones more than a meal, you’re fuelling their dreams and empowering their futures.  

“During Double The Love, your donation will go further than ever before – just £19.15 feeds a child for an entire school year with Mary’s Meals but this festive season, you can feed two children for the same cost. There’s never been a better time to support this life-changing cause.” 

Co-host Dermot adds: “Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive, and for many, that starts with a simple nutritious meal at school. This Christmas, a small act of generosity can make a big difference to those who need it most.  

“Please support Double The Love and donate to Mary’s Meals, allowing your kindness to go twice as far. Together, we can transform the lives of many more desperately hungry children waiting for Mary’s Meals.”  

Marie Doyle, Interim Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, is delighted that the presenters are backing the charity: “Who better to launch our Double The Love appeal than Britain’s much-loved presenting duo, Alison and Dermot! We are beyond grateful to have their support.  

“Our school meals programme is needed now more than ever, as rising food prices, the impact of climate change, and ongoing conflicts make it even harder for children in the world’s most vulnerable communities to access a basic education.

“We know that 67 million children are out of school because hunger keeps them working or begging for food. Your donation this Christmas will help us ensure that children continue to receive life-changing meals and to grow our work so we can reach those children who are still waiting.” 

Donate today to help Mary’s Meals unlock all the available funds. The gift matching will end once the charity reaches the £1.1 million total.

For more information, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/double.  

Sonia and Babita’s story 

Sonia, a bright-eyed 10-year-old, and her 14-year-old sister, Babita, come from a humble family. Sadly a few years ago, their world was turned upside down when their father tragically passed away from Covid, followed closely by the loss of their grandmother.

Within a short span of time, the family faced a series of hardships.  

Babita recalls: “Before, it was good. Father used to earn money, and I remember him encouraging me to learn and study.” 

Sonia continues: “When he died, there was no rice, no food at home. For days, we did not eat. I felt sad, and the whole family went hungry.” 

Recognising the family’s struggles, nuns at St Theresa School stepped in to offer support. The girls found some relief in the form of Mary’s Meals’ school feeding programme, serving a daily meal to every pupil attending the school. To provide Sonia with a more stable environment, their mother made the decision to send her to live at the convent school, while Babita travels home to help care for her other siblings. 

For Babita, the school meals have become a crucial lifeline, helping to ease the burden food insecurity. At home, she often has only leftovers to eat so the nutritious school meal is vital, especially since she needs the energy to participate in the sports and games she loves.  

While Sonia and Babita’s lives have taken different paths since the death of their father and grandmother – one living at the convent, the other at home – their connection remains strong. The meals they share at school bring them together each day, offering a moment to find comfort in each other’s presence.  

By donating to Mary’s Meals during Double The Love, people can ensure that more young learners, like Sonia and Babita, are given the opportunity to grow up well-nourished and well-educated, equipped with the skills to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty. 

For a limited time only, all donations made to Mary’s Meals will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million. 

Visit marysmeals.org.uk/double to find out more. 

UK is suffering a hidden ‘scandemic’ that’s destroying fraud victims’ lives

Thousands of people’s lives are being ruined every day in the UK by a hidden scam epidemic, according to a law firm that specialises in fraud recovery.

Richardson Hartley Law says that the country is in the grip of a ‘scamdemic’ and is calling for the Government, banks, tech giants and social media companies to do more to prevent fraud which it says is only going to get worse. 

The law firm has set up a new specialist brand and website called NationalFraudHelpline.co.uk which, not only recovers scam victims’ money on a no win, no fee basis, but is developing anti-fraud technology, campaigning for better scam safeguards and raising awareness of the scale of the problem.

The website has the latest scam news and advises the public how they can protect themselves from fraud. 

Calls for better protection comes after new rules  were introduced last week(7.10.24)  that mean that UK banks should reimburse fraud victims within five business days if they paid the scammer via authorised push payment (APP), which is when customers pay via their banking app or through logging in online.

Solicitor Martin Richardson, senior partner, at NationalFraudHelpline.co.uk, welcomed the new fraud regulations imposed by the Payment Services Regulator but said he was disappointed that the banks had recently pressured it to reduce the maximum that they had to pay out from £415,000 to £85,000.

Mr Richardson said: ‘There’s a hidden fraud pandemic in the UK that’s being hugely under-estimated. We’re describing it as a “scamdemic” and the impact is devastating. Many victims of fraud are having their lives ruined. We deal with people who have been left homeless, split up with their partners, been plunged into depression and forced to take on extra jobs.

‘Fraud is a multi-billion pound global business. Many victims in this country are falling victim to frauds that are perpetrated by people held in slave camps in South East Asia. where an estimated 200,000 people have been human trafficked and are forced to commit scams.

‘International criminals are harnessing the power of technology to commit increasingly sophisticated scams. With the advent of AI this is only going to get worse, and quickly.

‘We worry that reducing the maximum reimbursement threshold from £415,000 to £85,000 gives the banks less motivation to put in proper fraud prevention measures. There’s also a danger that this means some banks will cap the amount of compensation at £85,000 rather than compensate the full amount.

‘We’re determined, not just to get victims’ money back, but to create proper fraud prevention measures and raise awareness of how big this issue is. Millions of people are scammed in the UK each year. 

‘Technology and the internet is in everyone’s lives and it’s been a gift to fraudsters. It’s unlocked the doors for scammers who use every opportunity to steal people’s money.

‘The Government, big tech giants and social media companies all need to do much more. So many of the scams we see come through Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp as well as emails.’  

NationalFraudHelpline.co.uk has joined forces with leading UK Artificial Intelligence company, Time Machine Capital Squared, to create innovative anti-fraud technology solutions.

A spokesperson for Time Machine Capital Squared said: ‘We are confident that Machine Learning and AI are vital tools in the fight against fraud. AI will be particularly effective in helping to quickly thwart new frauds as scammers change their tactics and targets.’

The law firm is also campaigning at a national level for better fraud prevention and is sponsoring a report into ‘Banks and APP fraud’ commissioned by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Banking. The report will look at how the new APP fraud measure are working and what more can be done.

Mr Richardson said: ‘It is estimated that in 2024 one in ten people will fall victim to a scam which will total £7.5bn. That is an incredible number. The banks are suggesting people are being defrauded of around £400m a year through APP fraud alone. We believe that the true figure is between £3b to £4b.

‘The issue of fraud needs to be high up on everyone’s agenda

 ‘Fraud is particularly cruel. For victims of romance fraud, for example, they not only lose huge amounts of money but are simultaneously left heartbroken. The stories we hear each day are heartbreaking.’

One in 4 people are unaware of main signs of disease set to be fifth biggest global killer

New data released today by the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity, highlights an alarming lack of knowledge of the main signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with 1 in 4 (29%) unable to identify the seven main signs of a loss of kidney function – compared to a UK average of 27%.

In response, charity Kidney Care UK is urging people to take their five minute online Kidney Health Checker to understand their level of risk and take action to prolong their kidney health as part of their #BloodyAmazingKidneys campaign.

The campaign has the backing of 51-year old Lois Denham, a kidney transplant recipient from Paisley:  “Most of us probably haven’t really heard of Chronic kidney disease but I had symptoms – I was exhausted, and I mean really exhausted, not just tired, but constantly.

“Along with this I also had brain fog. Before I had my transplant I was vomiting up to four times a day including through the night. It was horrendous.  However, I continued to work almost full time right up to the day before my transplant.  But it wasn’t until I had my transplant in January 2023 that I realised just how awful it had been before that. I had just got used to it, it had been so long.” 

“Now, thanks to the most wonderful and precious gift from the most incredible person, Josh, I now not only more energy, but I’m also well.  I’m able to do and experience so much more. I actually get to live a full and happy life thanks to the selfless generosity of my big hearted friend.  I will forever be grateful to him.

“But the point is, that I didn’t know I was at such risk, or how kidney disease could develop itself, what the repercussions would be not just to me health wise but on my family, on my ability to just do everyday things.  

“I have polycystic kidneys and I was being monitored. So if you have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes or an underlying kidney condition then please, take it seriously. Get yourself checked out and take the advice that doctors give you so you can try and live a healthier, fuller life for longer.  

“Like the campaign says, your kidneys are amazing – but you could be losing kidney function without even knowing.”  

The most common signs of CKD are: cramps, itchy skin, dietary changes (food tasting different to how it does normally), nausea and/or vomiting, exhaustion, changes to your wee and swelling of your ankles/legs or face.

Our research also showed that:

  • Just over a third of people (36%) do not recognise that changes to your wee can be linked to kidney disease.
  • Around three quarters (73%) do not realise that itchy skin is a sign of kidney disease.
  • Three quarters (76%) do not realise that muscle cramps are a sign that your kidneys may not be working properly.
  • Over half (64%) of people in Scotland do not know that puffy face, or swollen ankles/legs is a sign.
  • Only 47% of people recognise that exhaustion is a sign.

CKD currently affects 1 in 10 people – equivalent to more than 7 million people in the UK – but 1 million of those are not even aware they have CKD. 

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes, but more than 70% of people with high blood pressure do not have an annual urine test for CKD; furthermore  45% of people with Type 1 diabetes and 32% of people with Type 2 diabetes do not have their annual urine test for CKD. Unless urgent preventative action is taken to improve diagnosis and treatment rates, CKD is predicted to be the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040..

Fiona Loud, Director of Policy at Kidney Care UK, said: “We want to see at risk groups in Scotland screened for CKD as early as possible. Delay in the diagnosis of moderate to advanced CKD by just one year results in a 63% higher likelihood of kidney failure requiring costly and burdensome treatment to stay alive, such as dialysis or a transplant.

“This also has a significant effect on people’s mental health and on their ability to work.  Whether people are identified early or late, there will always be a cost to the NHS; but by identifying people sooner more can be done to prolong their kidney health, improve their quality of life and reduce the impact on health and other services.”

Whilst age-based screening is offered for people aged 40 to 75 via the NHS Health Check, only half of all people invited for the NHS Health Check take up the offer. Innovations such as the new digital health check programme may make it easier for people to engage with their health. However, it’s important to note that people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes aren’t included in the health check programme.

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, added: “We are concerned that a lack of symptom awareness amongst the general public in Scotland, combined with a fear of not wanting to burden their GP, means that some are at risk of losing as much as 90% of their kidney function without realising or taking simple steps to look after their kidney health.

“We hope that our #BloodyAmazingKidneys campaign will help raise awareness of the Bloody Amazing role they play. By empowering individuals to take control of their kidney health, we want to ensure that more people are diagnosed sooner and ultimately never reach kidney failure.”

Take 5 minutes to protect your kidneys today: 

www.kidneycareuk.org/KidneyHealthChecker

Age Scotland: Sign our Winter Fuel Payment Petition

We strongly oppose the decision to restrict #WinterFuelPayment eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit as it means 89% of Scottish pensioners will go without this vital support to stay warm this winter.

Support our ongoing campaign at http://age.scot/saveWFP.

Campaigners call on Scottish Government to back world-leading legislation

A broad group of campaigners have united to call for wellbeing and sustainable development to be at the heart of policy making in Scotland

Over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, faith groups, service providers, funders, economists, academics, think tanks and business leaders have again joined forces in an open letter to the First Minister.

The group is united in their support of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill proposed by Sarah Boyack MSP.

The letter, led by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll Scotland), is signed by One Parent Families Scotland, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, The Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s International Development Alliance, Independent Food Aid Network, Quakers in Scotland and many others.

The group, who previously wrote to the First Minister in June, express their disappointment and concern that the Scottish Government failed to deliver on their long-promised Bill in the Programme for Government.

In the letter campaigners proclaim: “We believe this Bill is a vital step towards building a Wellbeing Economy by ending short term, sticking plaster solutions that fail to tackle today’s challenges at their source.”

WEAll Scotland Director, Aileen McLeod, said: “In a just and compassionate Scotland, everyone should have the opportunity to live a good and dignified life. We know that people are struggling as we face multiple crises for people and planet.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Right now, the Scottish Government is not utilising the full extent of their devolved powers. The recent Programme for Government was a missed opportunity to deliver lasting change.”

The letter, sent to the First Minister John Swinney today, sets out how a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill would create a step change in policy making: “It would create a clear and shared narrative of progress for Scotland; establish wellbeing and sustainable development as the drivers of policy and practice; help tackle the nature and climate crises; and contribute to global justice.”

Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, said: “New wellbeing legislation could help Scotland make headway with the biggest challenges of our time by forcing more long-term thinking.

“The Scottish Parliament should get behind Sarah Boyack’s Bill because the only way we’re going to tackle issues like climate change or child poverty is through thoughtful action, co-ordinated across government and the wider public sector.”

Tejesh Mistry, Chief Executive of Voluntary Health Scotland, said: “This Bill should provide a vital pathway for addressing the increasing poverty and inequality in Scotland at a time when a forward-thinking Wellbeing Economy driven vision is key to providing hope for people and services that are suffering.”

David Kelly, Head of Scotland for Community Transport Association, said: “Too many of Scotland’s cities, towns and villages have been designed with car dependency built in.

“Bigger roads, more drive-thrus and new neighbourhoods without buses, cycle lanes or even pavements have only driven up congestion, emissions and ill-health. We need a clear and rigorous definition of sustainable development in law to prevent bad planning decisions, build more accessible places and end transport poverty.

“We hope that the Scottish Parliament can unite behind Sarah Boyack’s Members Bill to help develop a sustainable transport system which works for everyone.”

Aileen McLeod continues: “Now is the time for action, it is essential that the First Minister gives his full support to Sarah Boyack’s Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.

“There is already cross party support and our letter demonstrates the breadth and depth of support across Scotland. This is a key opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to work together to pass world leading legislation that delivers for the people of Scotland.”

The letter reads:

WEAll Scotland WSD Bill follow up letter (2)Download

Campaign urges drivers in Edinburgh to slow down as 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads caused by speeding

The Scottish Government, including the Scottish Safety Camera Programme, is tackling speeding on Scotland’s roads with a new road safety campaign, asking drivers in Edinburgh to slow down to help reduce collisions and casualties.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan launched the campaign at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry.

With speeding contributing to 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads1, safety cameras play a crucial role in reducing speed and casualties, ultimately saving lives.

Global research shows that camera sites led to 42% less fatal or serious injuries over a four-year period, while fixed camera sites reduced the number of speeders by 70% in the same time period.2

Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of collisions and casualties. In 2022, there were 615 fatalities or casualties on roads in Edinburgh.

Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “This is a really important campaign to ensure drivers here in Edinburgh and across the country properly consider their driving behaviour. By slowing down and driving more carefully we can reduce collisions and casualties on our roads.

“All drivers need to respect speed limits and always consider how weather and road conditions can impact their driving. 

“We want Edinburgh to be as safe a city as possible for all road users and pedestrians and this campaign is a good step forward.”

Nearly half (44%) of reported casualties on Scotland’s roads take place on rural roads, however because speeds are higher on these roads, they account for almost three-quarters (74%) of road deaths.3 

Research shows fatal collisions caused by drivers travelling at 65mph could be halved if the drivers slowed down by just 5mph.4

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “No matter how experienced you are as a driver, collisions can happen to anyone, and the consequences could be devastating – for you, for other road users, and for loved ones. 

“We’re urging drivers to consider their driving behaviour and reduce their speed, making our roads safer for everyone.”

There are more than 300 safety camera locations across Scotland, placed where there is evidence of injury collisions and speeding and where they have the greatest potential to reduce casualties.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing, said: “Speeding is always a risk. It only takes a split second to lose control and it only has to happen once.

“A collision affects more than just you and your vehicle – it impacts your family, the victim’s family, emergency services and people who witness it.

“Everyone has to take responsibility to save lives on Scotland’s roads.”

Running across TV, radio and digital channels, the campaign delivers a strong message to drivers – You only have to lose control once. The message is brought to life in a thought-provoking TV ad highlighting the split-second moment before a collision from a driver’s point of view.

For more information about the campaign, go to roadsafety.scot.

Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.

Operation Summer City nets drugs haul

POLICE Summer City officers continue both uniformed and plain clothed patrols, so far reporting 16 individuals for drugs offences.

Yesterday we searched a male in Edinburgh City Centre and recovered over 300 diazepam concealed in two small tubs. He was arrested and reported.

#SummerCity2024