Ian Murray welcomes recommendations by Joseph Rowntree Foundation and vows to work with Scottish Government to tackle associated issues and break down barriers
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray spoke at the launch of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) annual report into poverty in Scotland this week [7 October].
The report, summarised here, found that one million people in Scotland are living in poverty and that one in four of them are children. Recommendations were made to overhaul the social security system to tackle the problem and, in particular, for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to make the process smoother in terms of reserved and devolved policy areas.
Ian Murray said: “I want to outline some of the steps that the new UK Government is taking to reduce poverty in Scotland and across the whole of the UK.
“We are committed to working together with the Scottish Government, and to reset the relationship between our two governments. Because, as this latest report highlights, it is vital that we can deliver on behalf of the people of Scotland.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with organisations such as Poverty Alliance to understand fully the complexities of what’s happening.
“Having one million people in poverty – a quarter of those children – is really sobering. But I think the most sobering thing is that none of us are surprised, and that really should be the thing that we need to tackle in terms of policy.
“We are only 95 days into this new government and we’ve already done a lot of engagement to make sure we can develop these policies, whether it be in social security or regarding the underlying parts of poverty.
“With the Budget coming up on 30 October, the Chancellor has been clear on two things. One is the economic inheritance that we’ve got to try and deal with and that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the majority of what needs to be done to grow the economy for all parts of our country.
“Reducing poverty across all sections of society, particularly child poverty, is in our DNA. We did it before. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to do it again.
“We will be publishing our Employment Rights Bill this week to fundamentally transform work and pay. It will ban exploitative zero-hour contracts, outlaw fire and rehire and will make sure that the National Minimum Wage becomes a genuine living wage.
“It’s still sobering that two-thirds of children in poverty are in households where one or both adults are working full time, and that means that there’s a big problem with pay. We hope that our New Deal for Working People will start to resolve some of those issues.
“I think it’s also important to highlight our Universal Credit review, which will look at everything from the two-child cap to housing allowances.
“We’ve also launched our Child Poverty Task Force, chaired jointly by the Secretaries of State for Education and the Department of Work and Pensions. It looks at all the other big issues that are around in terms of poverty.
“Yes, it’s about the social security system, Universal Credit, but it’s also about housing, educational attainment, health inequalities, pay in the workplace, progression and skills. It’s about those underlying causes of poverty that are inherent in our society that we need to find a way to resolve once and for all.
“Having grown up on a council estate, I know that having that security of tenure of a house was the bedrock in which the family was built, and without that it’s difficult to see how you can get yourself out of poverty.
“Housing is devolved, but both governments are working very closely together to make sure that we can resolve the housing emergency that’s been declared across a lot of our local authorities.
“We’ve made a good start over the last 95 days. There will be bumps in the road, because these are fundamental challenges, but the whole culture of the new government is to try and resolve these issues.
“We want to make sure the system can work better, and joint working is really important in this area. There’s no reason why Social Security Scotland and the DWP can’t work jointly in terms of the delivery of social security, to make sure that we get the best out of both systems for the benefit of everyone who needs to access that system.
“Regarding the low update of benefits by ethnic minorities, I think that’s a huge challenge for us. Not just finding those individuals and families, but actually being able to engage with them and get them what they deserve to be claiming. That’s a huge battle for us all to try to work together and resolve.
“We’ve got four big priorities as a new government and as a Scotland Office. Growth is the number one priority, but that also feeds into our green agenda, which is our second priority. Our third one is Brand Scotland to try and increase our exports, to improve our businesses and create more jobs. And the fourth one, which attached the first three, is the eradication of poverty.
“That’s something that myself and Ministerial colleague Kirsty McNeill are fundamentally committed to doing. We can only do that by all of us – devolved governments, the UK Government and organisations like JRF working together. We must find ways we can not only make the system better, but make sure that those who require access to the system, get access to that system and get the funds and support they deserve.
“There’s a huge amount of work to be done and this report gives us that very sobering starting point.”
Victims of crime will receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS).
Under proposed changes to the scheme – which entitles victims or close relatives of victims to certain information about the person responsible for the crime – a new Victim Contact Team will be set up to give personalised support to victims, based on their individual needs.
Victims will automatically be referred to the team for a trauma-informed discussion about their options for registering for the VNS and for an explanation of their rights. The amount of information available to victims about the offender(s), which includes information about their release, will also be expanded.
The Scottish Government will introduce the reforms as part of its response to recommendations in the Independent Review of the Victim Notification Scheme, which heard directly from victims about their experiences of the justice system and the VNS. Recent experiences with how the VNS operated in relation to measures to manage the prison population have also informed the response to the Review.
The Scottish Government has agreed the majority of the Review’s recommendations, including the central proposal of creating a Victim Contact Team, with plans developed following discussions with justice and victim support organisations. Legislation to underpin the creation of the Contact Team will be progressed through the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which is continuing its passage through Parliament.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “These reforms will put the needs of victims firmly at the heart of the Notification Scheme. By increasing the information available to victims, improving communication across justice agencies and making the system more accountable, we can ensure the scheme continues to be as effective and trusted as possible.
“We have already begun work to implement the Independent Review’s recommendations, including to create a Victim Contact Team to provide personalised support for victims. Each victim has different needs that deserve to be handled sensitively and victims will automatically be referred to the team, who will explain their rights and provide support.
“This is a priority for the Scottish Government and we will use the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill already progressing through Parliament to ensure the reforms are taken forward at pace.
“I am grateful to all those who shared their experiences during the Independent Review, particularly victims and their families. We will continue to listen to their voices as we continue strengthening support for them and progress these latest reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme.”
VNS Independent Review Chair Alastair MacDonald and Vice Chair Fiona Young said: “The agreement to establish a Victim Contact Team to help victims understand what information they may receive and to get that information in a way that helps them is welcome.
“It is hoped that implementation of other recommendations will also be prioritised.”
Ann Fehilly, of domestic abuse court advocacy service ASSIST, said: “ASSIST has long advocated for the Victim Notification Scheme to be victim-centred, trauma-informed and responsive to the needs of victims.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s acceptance of almost all of the Review recommendations and look forward to working collaboratively with them to put into effect the plan.
“We are pleased that choice for victims is at the heart of the process, alongside a commitment to work with organisations which support victims to access the right information timeously. It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse are kept informed to ensure they are safe from further harm.”
More families across Scotland will get access to the help they need, where and when they need it – as local projects receive a funding boost from the Scottish Government.
Grants of up to £80,000 have been awarded to 12 projects undertaking a range of work, including:
helping families to access health services
providing money and budgeting advice
supporting employees to work flexibly around their family life
The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund invests in innovative, local projects to tackle child poverty – a commitment in this year’s Programme for Government.
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the announcement on a visit to CentreStage, a performing arts charity in Kilmarnock.
Later today (Tuesday 8 October) the First Minister will also meet people with experience of poverty at Bute House, before leading a Parliamentary debate as part of Challenge Poverty Week.
The First Minister said: “Organisations like CentreStage demonstrate how the government is working closely with communities, local government and the third sector to help families facing challenges right now.
“My national mission to end child poverty is underpinned by the importance of this type of collaboration.
“We want to see this community-focussed approach replicated across Scotland. That’s why our Fairer Future Partnerships are expanding to five new areas across Scotland – joining up local services, offering financial advice and supporting parents into work.
“Engaging people with experience of poverty as we build these services is at the heart of the government’s approach – and we are building on the strong foundations we have laid to end poverty in Scotland.
“The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will kick-start another 12 innovative projects across the country to give even more families the help and support they need.”
List of projects to receive grants from Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund:
Area
Project
West Lothian
Identifying and addressing unmet need among low-income families
Fife
Embedding income maximisation across children’s health services aligning with a preventative and proactive care programme
East Lothian
What Matters? Collecting, measuring and using data that is meaningful to families in East Lothian
Aberdeen City
Evaluation and design of lone parent employability support to inform and direct future provision
East Renfrewshire
Flexible for families employer scheme
South Ayrshire
Exploring interconnection between child poverty and additional support needs: enhancing neurodiverse parenting support in South Ayrshire through preventative family wellbeing approaches
Dumfries & Galloway
Accessible Financial Wellbeing Support for Priority Families Project
Grampian
Health Equity & Learning Project (HELP), identifying and addressing barriers for families accessing NHS services
Scottish Borders
Money advice and budgeting support for families in the Scottish Borders
Edinburgh
Challenging poverty related stigma
Stirling
Early intervention family engagement
Tayside
Dundee Dads Rock
Challenge Poverty Week is a Poverty Alliance initiative which has taken place every year since 2013. This year it will take place from 7–13 Oct, with organisations across Scotland coming together to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland.
‘Waiting Times Will Soar and Patient Care will Suffer’
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urgently seeking answers from NHS Lothian regarding the temporary closure of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh due to emergency repair works.
The sight loss charities are questioning the six-month closure timeline and are warning that it will result in longer waiting times and declining patient care, putting the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at heightened risk.
During a recent round table discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 30th September, Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, along with NHS Lothian’s Interim Chief Executive Jim Crombie, MSPs Sue Webber, Miles Briggs, and Sarah Boyack, and representatives from Visibility Scotland, RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and the KEEP campaign, discussed the implications of the temporary closure.
Key concerns raised included:
Resilience and Contingency Plans: Clarity is needed on how NHS Lothian will handle patient reallocations, especially if moving patients to other locations becomes unviable, and what longer-term contingency plans exist if repairs exceed the 6-month timeframe.
Relocation of Services: NHS Lothian must confirm where outpatient, inpatient, day care, and emergency services will be provided during the closure.
Communication and Patient Support: Will NHS Lothian commit to timely, accessible updates and appointment information (e.g., large print, colour contrast, Braille, telephone calls) and ensure consistent patient support services throughout the disruption?
Transport and Accessibility: What transport options will be available for patients, especially those struggling to reach new locations? Will NHS Lothian seek to secure additional funds from the Scottish Government for taxis and ambulances?
Access to Medication: How will patients access medication from the specialist pharmacy, and will community pharmacies be an alternative?
Patient Data: How will patient data records be secured and shared, and what system will ensure quick transfer of essential paperwork to prevent delays in CVI registration?
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are extremely concerned that the health and wellbeing of eye patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians is being overlooked once again.
“The temporary closure of the eye hospital raises serious questions about patient care, continuity of services, and access to essential treatments.
“This building has been deemed unfit for purpose for over a decade, yet NHS Lothian is set to pour millions into patching up a leaky roof, while the entire facility remains a disaster zone.
“This is a significant blow to patients in a region where ophthalmology services are already severely strained. With waiting times at an all-time high, they are now expected to worsen, causing further delays to vital treatments and placing the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at serious risk.
“Since the building was declared unfit for purpose in 2014, outpatient waiting times have quadrupled. Now, less than a third of patients are seen within 12 weeks, compared to 90% ten years ago. Patients cannot afford to wait this long for critical treatments, and it’s only going to get worse.
“There are so many urgent questions which need answered. What resilience plans are in place if some patient reallocations to alternative sites prove unviable?
“What contingency measures exist if the repairs extend beyond the planned six-month timeframe, will there be increased funding if the £1.8 million allocated for emergency repairs falls short? Where will those needing access to emergency eye care go?
“It is essential NHS Lothian works in partnership with third-sector organisations to support vulnerable patients during this difficult time, as many of them will be severely impacted.”
“The recent roundtable made it clear that concerns are widespread, and there’s still no comprehensive plan to improve eye care in the capital. We must keep pushing NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government for answers, both for immediate solutions and long-term improvements.
“How many more lives must be disrupted before funding for a new eye hospital is finally secured?”
Following discussions with the Scottish Government throughout the Multi-Year process, we have now received confirmation that Creative Scotland’s budget to enable Multi-Year decisions will not be clarified until the overall Scottish Government draft budget announcement, scheduled for 04 December 2024.
As a result, the outcome from the Multi-Year Funding programme is being postponed until the end of January 2025. This is a revision to the published guidance.
281 applications to the programme, with an annual ask of £87.5m, are currently being assessed as part of Stage 2 of the published process. Final decisions on the level of support we will be able to provide to successful organisations will be made once we have budget clarity.
The National Lottery reserves that we hold, currently £11m, remain allocated to support Transition Funding from April 2025 for organisations currently in receipt of ongoing funding from Creative Scotland but are unsuccessful in their application for Multi-Year Funding.
Robert Wilson, Chair of Creative Scotland, said: “While we would have preferred to announce the outcome from this application process in October as planned and have been working collaboratively with Scottish Government to endeavour to do so, we also understand the extreme budget pressures that exist.
“These pressures mean we are required to postpone the outcome until such time as we have budget clarity. This will enable us to make final decisions in a context of budget confidence and to support as many organisations on a multi-year basis as we possibly can.”
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, said: “The cultural sector is an integral part of our identity as a country. This is why we’re working hard to help the sector to fulfil its potential in Scotland by assuring at least £100 million more annually in funding by 2028-29.
“We await the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget announcement on 30 October which has a hugely significant bearing on the Scottish budget. Following that we will be able to set detailed budgets for the coming financial year including for the culture sector.
“I will continue to work in collaboration with Creative Scotland and the sector over the coming months to ensure stability until Creative Scotland have sufficient clarity to be able to announce the recipients of their multi-year funding awards.”
Police Scotland have released images of a male they would like to speak to in connection with a robbery which occurred on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at around 5pm on Princes Street.
Officers believe the male in the images could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for the male himself or anyone who may recognise him, or has information about this incident, to get in touch.
The male (pictured) is described as a white male, aged between 30-40 years old, slim build, brown facial hair and spoke with a Glasgow accent.
The male was wearing a white hooded top, black trousers and a black beanie hat.
Anyone who recognises the male pictured or has any information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2725 of 14 May 2024.
Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
Radio presenter and resident ‘early bird’ Des Clarke took to Buchanan Street to share latest research from the Scottish Government with the people of Glasgow and get their thoughts.
People across Scotland are being urged to ‘Be the Early Bird’ as part of the Scottish Government’s awareness raising campaign to empower people with possible cancer symptoms to contact their GP practice.
In recent research conducted by the Scottish Government*, more than four in five people in Scotland (83%) said they would report an item missing from a delivery order within a day, but nearly a third (32%) of people in Scotland said they would wait days, weeks and even months to contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.
The research, which surveyed over 2,000 people in Scotland, also showed that 87% of people in Scotland say they would respond to an urgent text from a friend within an hour, as opposed to more than 2 in 5 (42%) who would take days, weeks or even months to contact their GP practice as soon as they experienced a persistent hoarse voice.
Another finding showed that nearly nine out of ten people in Scotland (86%) would contact their GP practice within two days if their child / a child in their care was ill, however, if they had a persistent cough that had lasted more than three weeks, just over one in five (21%) said they’d wait at least another week to get in touch with their GP practice.
The Scottish Government wants to tackle these issues with its ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign, which aims to reinforce the benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage when there’s more treatment options available, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment, and better news to tell the family.
Des Clarke, breakfast radio presenter, resident ‘early bird’ and advocate for the campaign, recently took to the streets of Glasgow to share the research with locals who confirmed the research’s findings – many people in Scotland would put off contacting their GP practice and are likely to help someone else before themselves.
Des Clarke, Radio Presenter said: “The Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is so important as cancer is something that affects many of us in some way.This research proves what we all know to be true anecdotally with many people placing greater importance on other things and allowing their health to slip down the priority list.
“I encourage everyone in Scotland to make sure they contact their GP practice if they notice any persistent symptoms or issues that are out of the ordinary – your GP practice wants to know.”
Ross MacDuff, Joint National Clinical Lead for Earlier Cancer Diagnosis at the National Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), said: “Finding cancer in its earliest stages is really key to maximising treatment options.
“That’s why it’s so important that anyone who is experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them contacts their GP practice so they can be assessed as soon as possible and referred, if appropriate, to the correct specialist.
“Whether it is you that has possible symptoms, a family member or friend, please don’t put off making an appointment with your GP practice. If cancer is confirmed earlier, a much wider range of treatment options can be available, and the body can respond better to treatment.”
Health Secretary, Neil Gray said: “Early detection is crucial in cancer care. So, I urge everyone to prioritise their health and make sure you contact your GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.
“The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”
Scotland’s First Minister calls for fastest possible deployment of Scottish carbon capture scheme
New era for the clean energy industry with carbon capture clusters launched – in the week that Britain became the first industrialised nation to end its 150-year usage of coal
UK will be among the first to deploy this game-changing technology at scale in Teesside and Merseyside – capturing CO2 emissions before they reach the atmosphere and storing them away safely
projects will create thousands of jobs, attract £8 billion of private investment, and accelerate the UK towards net zero in 2050
The UK today enters a new era for clean energy investment and jobs, as the government announces it has reached commercial agreement with industry, and funding to launch carbon capture in the UK.
Major funding for 2 carbon capture sites will inject growth into the industrial heartlands of the North West and North East of England – directly creating 4,000 jobs and supporting 50,000 jobs in the long-term while powering up the rest of the country.
This comes 10 days before the government’s set-piece International Investment Summit which is poised to put the UK back at the global table – kickstarting a decade of economic renewal and giving business confidence and opportunity to invest in the United Kingdom.
CCUS technology removes CO2 emissions before it reaches the atmosphere and stores it safely beneath the seabed – using tried and tested technology that has been deployed across the globe for over 20 years.
In a boost for economic growth and protecting the environment, the new carbon capture and CCUS enabled hydrogen projects will create 4,000 new jobs, sustain important British industry, and help remove over 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of taking around 4 million cars off the road.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband are visiting the North West today to confirm the funding for 2 sites in Teesside and Merseyside, which are expected to bring in £8 billion of private investment into these communities.
These projects will set the UK on course to become a global leader in CCUS and hydrogen – delivering good jobs and turbocharged growth for decades to come.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We’re reigniting our industrial heartlands by investing in the industry of the future.
“For the past 14 years, business has been second-guessing a dysfunctional government – which has set us back and caused an economic slump.
“Today’s announcement will give industry the certainty it needs – committing to 25 years of funding in this groundbreaking technology – to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth, and repair this country once and for all.”
Today’s announcement confirms up to £21.7 billion of funding available, over 25 years, to make the UK an early leader in 2 growing global sectors, CCUS and hydrogen, to be allocated between these 2 clusters. The UK’s commitment was first made in 2009, and the confirmation of funding today represents a major success story for British industry.
In the week in which Britain became the first industrialised nation to end its 150-year usage of coal to produce power, the nation now begins a new era of clean energy technology. The UK has enough capacity to store 200 years’ worth of emissions – making CCUS a revolutionary method in tackling the climate crisis and helping industry to decarbonise.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “On Monday, 150 years of coal in this country came to an end. Today, a new era begins.
“By securing this funding, we pave the way for securing the clean energy revolution that will rebuild Britain’s industrial heartlands.
“I was proud to kickstart the industry in 2009, and I am even prouder today to turn it into reality. This funding is a testament to the power of an active government working in partnership with businesses to deliver good jobs for our communities.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, said: “This game-changing technology will bring 4,000 good jobs and billions of private investment into communities across Merseyside and Teesside, igniting growth in these industrial heartlands and powering up the rest of the country.
“Working in partnership with business is at the heart of our plan to deliver strong growth and investment, so we can rebuild Britain and make everyone better off.”
This announcement will also help turbocharge the low carbon hydrogen sector by paving the way for the UK’s first large-scale hydrogen production plant, decarbonising vital industrial sectors.
It also marks a game-changing development in the mission to tackle climate change – protecting the environment from harmful emissions at a time when the UK has seen a year of record-breaking temperatures.
It follows advice from the independent Climate Change Committee, who described CCUS as critical for decarbonising the UK’s heavy industry and a “necessity” for the UK to reach its legally binding target for net zero emissions by 2050.
Similarly, the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have endorsed CCUS as a critical tool in decarbonisation, particularly in heavy industry such as cement and steel.
The carbon capture, usage and storage industry is expected to support 50,000 good, skilled jobs as the sector matures in the 2030s, helping to support the oil and gas sector’s transition away from high emission fossil fuels by using the transferable expertise of their workforce. This supports the UK’s mission for growth, while putting the country at the cutting edge for developing the skills of the future.
An up and running carbon capture industry is expected to add around £5 billion per year to the UK economy by 2050 and the backing of these 2 sites sends a clear signal to investors that the UK is open for business.
As part of the partnership with GB Energy and The Crown Estate, the progress on Track-1 comes as The Crown Estate awarded an Agreement for Lease to Eni to repurpose existing infrastructure to transport and store CO2, reducing cost and environmental impact.
Louise Kingham, SVP Europe and head of country, UK for bp, said: “This announcement represents another step forward for the Northern Endurance Partnership and East Coast Cluster.
“Major projects like these have the potential to help stimulate economic growth – supporting thousands of jobs, helping UK companies prosper through the vast supply chains involved and creating the infrastructure to help major industrial companies with their decarbonisation plans.
“Collaboration is key in helping to progress and deliver the energy transition in the UK, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside the government and our partners to move these innovative projects forward.”
Alex Grant, SVP and head of country, UK for Equinor, said: “We welcome this major milestone in progressing these 2 key projects and applaud the hard work and collaboration that has led us here.
“Equinor has been an energy partner with the UK for over 45 years and today’s announcement is a step for both Equinor and the UK to progress our energy partnership further.
“This will help decarbonise the country’s industrial heartlands and achieve its net zero ambitions whilst providing jobs and value creation.
“The UK will continue to be a key market for Equinor, building on our history of significant energy provision along its East Coast, which is transitioning from traditional oil and gas demand to renewables and low carbon options like CCS and hydrogen.”
Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi, said: “Today’s news is an important step towards the creation of a new business chain linked to the energy transition.
“HyNet will become one of the first low-carbon clusters in the world and the project will decarbonise one of the key energy-intensive industrial districts as well as unlock significant economic growth in this region of the UK.
“This commitment is clear evidence of how governments and industry can work together to implement pragmatic and effective industrial policies, in order to accelerate decarbonisation. On our side, it reaffirms Eni’s role as a key partner with the UK in enabling its journey towards Net Zero.”
James Richardson, Acting Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see funding coming through for these big projects. We can’t hit the country’s targets without CCUS so this commitment to it is very reassuring. It will no doubt provide comfort to investors and business about the direction of travel for the country.
“We know these projects will provide good, reliable jobs in communities that need them. It is important that prosperity for these parts of the country is built into a clean energy future.”
Emma Pinchbeck, Energy UK’s Chief Executive, said: “CCUS is a tool in our armoury of technologies which we need to decarbonise parts of energy that we currently can’t do with clean electricity, such as major industrial processes.
“The energy transition is gathering pace, and the development of CCUS here for industrial processes unlocks inward investment, creates jobs and helps areas with a proud history of engineering and industry pioneer the technologies of the future in the UK.”
Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), said: “The government’s confirmed support for carbon capture and storage and hydrogen demonstrates their commitment to the UK’s journey to net zero.
“Today’s announcement shows that decarbonisation does not mean de-industrialisation, and highlights the UK’s leadership in these important technologies.
“The industry has made significant strides towards deploying carbon capture projects and by establishing the first 2 CCUS clusters in the North West and North East of England, it means that we can deliver thousands of new highly skilled jobs whilst reducing our CO2 emissions and retaining existing jobs in our industrial areas in critical industries like cement and manufacturing across the UK.”
Celia Greaves, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said: “This is a vital step forward, catapulting hydrogen towards long-term certainty we need in the UK.
“Supporting hydrogen at scale in 2 of the biggest UK industrial clusters is the government giving hydrogen another green light as a key component of its green energy ambitions.
“We particularly welcome the news that this will provide thousands of new jobs given the HEA’s solid focus on hydrogen’s role in delivering clean growth.
“Our own project map has built up a blueprint of hydrogen endeavours across all parts of the UK and this significant investment in carbon capture clusters is going to bring forward the first large scale projects we have seen in the country.
“What’s more, it will inject further enthusiasm for wider investment to power-up business confidence which will have a knock-on effect of continuing to position the UK as a global player in hydrogen technology and innovation.”
Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK government’s commitment to advancing Track-1 clusters in partnership with the private sector.
“This initiative is a crucial step forward for regional development, driving economic growth, and creating high-quality jobs across the country.
“The integration of CCUS technology with hydrogen production is pivotal for achieving our net zero targets. CCUS-enabled hydrogen not only provides a low carbon, and scalable energy solution but also ensures the UK remains at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy.
“By moving forward with Track-1, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient energy future for all.”
EVERYBODY HAPPY, THEN? NO, SAYS SCOTLAND’S FIRST MINISTER JOHN SWINNEY
Following the announcement of £21.7bn for two carbon capture and storage projects in the North of England First Minister @JohnSwinney has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarity on timelines, funding and criteria for the Acorn project in Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney has written to the Prime Minister seeking clarity on timelines, funding and criteria for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Track 2 clusters, which includes the Acorn project in Scotland.
The letter was sent on the day the UK Government announced £21.7 billion of funding for the two carbon capture and storage projects in the North East and North West of England.
Views are being sought on a new strategy Palliative Care Matters for All.
Palliative care is holistic care that prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, assessment and management of pain and other problems – whether physical, mental, social or spiritual.
An ageing population that is living longer, with more complex needs, means more people will need access to palliative care in the future. The draft strategy has been developed in collaboration with the palliative care community and people who have experience of palliative care.
The aim is to deliver the best possible standards of palliative care for adults and children, families, and carers wherever and whenever it is needed.
The public are being asked for their views on a palliative care strategy consultation published by Public Health Minister @Jenni_Minto.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Talking more openly about palliative care is the first step to understanding how and when it can benefit us – often at a much earlier stage and for longer than most people realise.
“We want to make sure that everyone who needs it can access well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care along with care around dying and bereavement support.
“This consultation is important as many of us at some point in our lives will need to have conversations with people close to us about serious illness, death and loss. We’re asking the public to share their views with us to help shape our new strategy, because palliative care matters to us all.”
Scottish Government Palliative Care Clinical Lead and Chair of the Palliative Care Strategic Steering Group Dr Kirsty Boyd said: “I have seen first hand how timely, high quality palliative care can really make a difference to people and their families in supporting them to live their life to the full.
“Palliative care focuses on what matters to each adult or child and how we help them live as well as possible for however long that is. What counts when someone is dying is that they are well cared for, comfortable and with the people closest to them wherever they are.”
