David Cameron will travel to Paris and Rome for talks with French President Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and foreign minister counterparts
He will call for increased coordination between allies to address the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as maintaining support for Ukraine
Discussions will also focus on working together to tackle illegal migration
At a time of volatile international crises, Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit the French and Italian capitals today (19 December) to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as well as maintaining support for Ukraine over the winter period.
During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will reiterate his call for a sustainable ceasefire, leading to a sustainable peace, and for increased coordination across European allies to ensure life-saving aid can get into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Foreign Secretary will also urge continued support for Ukraine to defend itself through military, humanitarian and economic means.
Tackling illegal migration is also high on the agenda, with the UK working alongside France and Italy to stop the criminal gangs. This follows the UK signing landmark deals with the two countries that have seen small boat channel crossings drop by a third.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: “As we face some of the greatest challenges to international security in a lifetime, our response must be one of strength and resilience with our European allies.
“From the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza, to Putin’s brutality in Ukraine, it is more important than ever to strengthen our alliances and make sure our voice is heard.”
In Paris, the Foreign Secretary will meet French President Emmanuel Macron, and Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to discuss maintaining support for Ukraine and finding a long-term political solution that supports Israel’s security and the rights of Palestinians to live in peace. They will also discuss how the UK and France can continue to coordinate their humanitarian responses in Gaza.
The visit will also look ahead to a milestone year for UK-France relations in 2024, which will mark 120 years since the signing of the Entente Cordiale and 80 years since the D-Day landings, two watershed moments for the two countries.
Following the Prime Minister’s visit over the weekend, the Foreign Secretary will then travel to Rome for talks with the Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and to address Italian ambassadors gathered at the Italian foreign ministry for their annual Heads of Mission conference.
The Foreign Secretary will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s meeting with PM Meloni this weekend. Top of the agenda for the Rome programme will be boosting the two countries’ close cooperation on illegal migration.
They will welcome a new agreement between the two countries to contribute £4 million to the International Organization for Migration’s assisted voluntary returns project in Tunisia.
The joint funding will go towards providing humanitarian assistance and support for vulnerable and stranded migrants to return home safely.
Nursing trade union Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland has paused a formal announcement of strike action in response to further talks with the Scottish government.
The decision follows a meeting with the First Minister and RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen today and talks this week between Scottish government, the RCN and the other trade unions currently in dispute regarding NHS pay (the GMB and Royal College of Midwives) to consider a roadmap to resolving the dispute. The Scottish government was fully aware that an announcement on RCN strike dates was imminent.
The overwhelming mandate for strike action from RCN members in Scotland has been instrumental in securing these further negotiations.
The proposal from Scottish government includes:
Negotiations for the 2023/24 NHS Agenda for Change pay offer to commence on an accelerated timetable starting next week with an aim of concluding by the end of February
A commitment to an additional payment equivalent to three calendar months value of the difference between the 2022/23 and the agreed 2023/24 pay rates
A firm commitment from Scottish government to a full review of the Agenda for Change framework in Scotland to ensure nursing is recognised and rewarded with a clear route for career progression
A commitment to match any NHS pay increase in England for 2023/24 if it is higher than that agreed in Scotland
A commitment to invest any additional consequentials for NHS pay in England for 2022/23 in NHS pay in Scotland for 2022/23.
Scottish government would also support NHS employers to agree an extension of the RCN’s ballot mandate for strike action beyond early May if required.
Pat Cullen, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive said: “The Scottish government has shown a willingness to return to the negotiating table and to act to address the nursing workforce crisis. The pressure from you, our members, has been key to these negotiations moving forward. We need to see this process through in good faith.
“Our members in Scotland are being listened to and the First Minister is in no doubt that we will take strike action if the proposals being outlined do not deliver a significant improvement by the end of February.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director told union members: “You have said enough is enough and that was before the current pressures trying to care for patients and keep services running.
“We know it is frustrating that things are not moving more quickly but things are moving. While the Scottish government repeated their assertion that there is no more money for NHS pay in 2022/23, it was my strong mandate from you that led to the positive discussions this week and the commitment to keep negotiating.
“The Scottish government needs to do more and to take this opportunity to do the right thing, for nursing and for patients. These new pay negotiations must acknowledge the safety critical role of nursing.”
Museums & Galleries Edinburgh are preparing to mark Robert Louis Stevenson Day 2022 with special talks, workshops and live music.
Sunday 13 November is an annual date in our literary calendar when the life and works of one of the most famous writers born in our City of Literature is celebrated. This weekend will see drop-in sessions taking place in both our Writers’ Museum and City Art Centre.
As well as these events, visitors will be able to explore the Writers’ Museum which features rare works and artefacts celebrating the lives of three seminal Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and of course, Robert Louis Stevenson.
A chance to explore the rare collection of writers’ portraits, first edition books and personal belongings including Stevenson’s riding boots and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, engraved with the name ‘Tusitala’, meaning ‘teller of tales’.
They can also see Stevenson’s wardrobe made by the infamous Deacon Brodie whose double life may have inspired the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting these special events to celebrate Robert Louis Stevenson Day.
“One of Edinburgh’s favourite sons, this represents a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this important figure in our literary history and the fun family drop-in sessions will hopefully inspire younger generations to read his work.
“Writers such as Stevenson underpin the cultural fabric of our city and their words continue to influence, excite and teach hundreds of years later.
“Our Stevenson collections speak to the life and experiences of this great writer, both as a young boy and his later days spent in the South Seas and I hope they can be enjoyed by many this weekend.”
Jeremy Hodges, RLS Day co-ordinator for the Robert Louis Stevenson Club, said: “Once again we are delighted by the City of Edinburgh Council’s strong support for this annual celebration of the life and work of one of Scotland’s best-loved authors in the city of his birth.
“The events on offer at the Writers’ Museum and the City Art Centre are central to the wider programme and reflect Stevenson’s enduring popularity today.
Margaret Findlay, Learning and Public Programmes Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It is always a great pleasure for me to develop activities annually for RLS Day and work with the Robert Louis Stevenson Club and other partners in the city.
“Stevenson remains such a pivotal Scottish writer, and his influence lives on today through contemporary Scottish writers.
“This year we are thrilled that Katelyn Lothian who is currently on a Promising Young People Placement funded by the Young Person’s Guarantee is developing and delivering the family activities at the City Art Centre as part of her experience.
“We are also pleased to be showcasing new research by Edinburgh and Chester Universities focused on adaptations of Stevenson’s Pacific fiction in consultation with Hawaiian, Samoan and Scottish communities.”
Join members and friends of the Robert Louis Stevenson Club for an hour of romance set in the turbulent times of Scotland in the wake of Culloden. The group will read from his works and bring to life one of Stevenson’s most romantic figures.
When a fresh story by Robert Louis Stevenson first appeared 130 years ago, it marked a new development in the work of the great Scottish novelist.
The tale that began serialisation in Atalanta magazine for young women was his first true love story.
Following on the Boy’s Own adventure success of ‘Kidnapped’, he now allowed his hero David Balfour to fall in love – with the beautiful and brave Catriona Drummond. The result was the work he regarded as his finest, yet ‘Catriona’ is still less well-known than the ever-popular ‘Treasure Island’.
Come and join us at the City Art Centre with Katelyn our Learning and Programmes Assistant for a new and exciting workshop looking at the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson.
We will be sharing the story of Robert Louis Stevenson and how he become one of Scotland’s best-known writers. Create fun, colourful illustrations inspired by his poems for you take home and treasure.
This workshop is open to anyone who is looking to learn more about one of Scotland’s much-loved writers. This workshop is designed for families working together to reflect on his life and writings.
Join us for a fun free afternoon of music & words also inviting audience members to participate with reading a short poem/literary extract by their favourite writer, marking the birthday of Robert Louis Stevenson, the 400th anniversary of Lady Stair’s House, and Remembrance Sunday.
Performances will feature ‘The Poets’ Fiddle’ made by local nature conservationist /luthier Steve Burnett to mark Robert Louis Stevenson’s 170th anniversary in 2020, along with the ‘Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon violins’, endorsed as Envoys for Peace, Reconciliation and Respect made from a living Edinburgh sycamore that still grows in Craiglockhart, the former shell shock hospital where famously in 1917, the two WW1 anti-war poets met.
Music by award-winning musicians, Scottish fiddler Alastair Savage and cellist Alice Allen, along with brother & sister violinists 14 year old Viktor and 12 year old Klara Seifert.
A new research team from Edinburgh and Chester universities will introduce a major project with partners in Hawai’i, Samoa and Scotland. The project will produce the first ever multilingual graphic adaptation of the three stories from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Island Nights’ Entertainments (1893), commission new poetry by indigenous Pacific authors, and develop a set of accompanying teaching resources for use in Samoa, Hawai’i and Scotland. In addition, it will produce the first ever documentary film exploring contemporary Samoan perspectives on Stevenson. Be among the first to hear how the team fared in their recent field work in Hawai’i, Tahiti and the Tuamotu Archipelago, this July.
EDINBURGH’s bin collections will restart when the strike ends on Tuesday 30 August,the city council has announced.
In a tweet posted last night, a city council spokesperson said: ‘Bin collections will restart when the strike ends on Tuesday 30 August. We’ve developed a recovery plan and will shortly be updating our website with advice on what to do with your bins next week – watch this space.
‘Thanks for your patience.’
Talks to resolve the national bin strike will continue this week.
PM hails £10 billion Qatari ‘vote of confidence’ in the UK
The PM hosted the Amir of Qatar yesterday to develop our historic partnership and agree new joint work on trade, energy and defence
Strategic Investment Partnership will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion in key industries across the UK, creating jobs and growth
UK and Qatar agreed to work together improve the stability of energy supply chains and support security at the 2022 World Cup
It was all smiles when The Prime Minister welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, to Downing Street yesterday for discussions on driving economic growth and addressing global challenges together.
The meeting was surely a welcome distraction from the latest Partygate revelations and the imminent publication of the Sue Gray report into Downing Street lockdown parties, which is expected to be extremely critical of Boris Johnson’s conduct.
The UK and Qatar signed a new Strategic Investment Partnership (SIP) which will see Qatar invest up to £10 billion over the next five years in key sectors of the UK economy, including fintech, zero emissions vehicles, life sciences and cyber security. The investment is expected to create high-quality jobs in new industries across the country.
The Prime Minister and the Amir also had a wide-ranging discussion on geopolitical issues. They were united in their condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and discussed issues of regional security, including relations with Iran.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today’s announcement of up to £10bn in new investment from our Qatari friends is another vote of confidence in the UK’s brilliant businesses and cutting-edge industry.
“The new UK-Qatar Strategic Investment Partnership will create quality job opportunities across the country in key sectors, delivering on our vision of economic growth through trade and investment.
“Qatar is a valued partner for the UK, supported by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad’s leadership. We had a rich discussion on the issues that matter to both of our countries, including boosting the economy, ensuring regional stability and improving energy security following Russia’s appalling invasion of Ukraine.”
UK-Qatar trade was worth £4.8 billion last year and Qatari investment in the UK economy is already estimated to be worth over £40 billion, supporting jobs and growth across the country.
Minister for Investment Lord Grimstone said: “It is excellent news that Qatar is targeting up to £10 billion investment into the UK through our new Strategic Investment Partnership.
“Not only will it boost local economies and support jobs, but it supports our green economy and decarbonisation – crucial in meeting our Net Zero targets. It also strengthens our relationship with Qatar ahead of our UK-Gulf Cooperation Council trade negotiations.”
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also signed an MoU on energy cooperation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs at Downing Street. Qatar is a major energy supplier for the UK, providing 40% of our liquefied natural gas – the new MoU commits us to work together to boost innovation and collaboration, supporting the security of global energy supplies.
UK Secretary of State for Business and Energy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “I am delighted to further the UK’s energy cooperation with the State of Qatar as we work to stabilise international energy markets and boost energy security in the context of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Qatar is already a valued trading partner, recently investing in the future of British low-carbon nuclear technology through the Rolls Royce consortium developing small modular reactors. Today’s meeting will deepen our relationship even further, reinforcing the UK’s energy security and delivering cleaner and affordable energy in the years ahead.”
The Prime Minister and Amir discussed the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup this winter, and the UK committed significant new military and counter-terrorism support for the safe running of the event.
A joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron will provide additional air security, and the Ministry of Defence with advanced venue search training and operational planning support.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the UK will ensure Qatari nationals can access the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation system from early 2023, facilitating easier travel for business visitors and tourists.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, made a statement following a series of meetings with party leaders:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis MP, yesterday met with the leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties; Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin; Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP; Naomi Long, Alliance; Doug Beattie, UUP; and Colum Eastwood, SDLP.
In all his meetings, the Secretary of State reiterated the need to respect the electoral outcome of Thursday’s election and restore the full functioning of the devolved institutions as soon as possible – both the Executive and the Assembly.
All parties agreed on the importance of maintaining political stability. The Secretary of State encouraged all party leaders to come together to form an Executive as soon as possible, starting with the nomination of an Assembly Speaker.
The Secretary of State acknowledged that the Northern Ireland Protocol remains a clear barrier to political stability and re-confirmed that the Government will do whatever it takes to protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, in all of its dimensions.
He reiterated the Government’s desire to address the outstanding issues by agreement with the EU, but confirmed that the Government stood ready to take further steps to rectify those issues, should that be necessary.
He noted that negotiations with the European Commission related to the Protocol were the responsibility of the UK Government and that they should not stand in the way of restoring the Stormont institutions and enabling the Executive to deliver for all the people of Northern Ireland.
He reiterated the importance of taking advantage of the new provisions in the NI (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act passed earlier this year to enable continuity in decision-making during the Executive formation process. This will ensure existing Northern Ireland ministers can remain in place to oversee NI departments, allow legislation to progress and support the delivery of vital public services.
Speaking after his meetings, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis MP, said: “Northern Ireland’s party leaders must come together to agree a way forward to deliver a stable and accountable devolved government.
“The UK Government’s overriding priority remains the preservation of peace and stability in Northern Ireland and the protection of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its strands.
“The current situation with the Protocol is fundamentally undermining the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and creating an unacceptable situation in Northern Ireland. We will continue to press the EU to agree the crucial changes that are urgently needed but will take nothing off the table in our pursuit of those solutions.
“As I conveyed to party leaders today, our collective focus must be on the restoration of the Stormont institutions so that those newly elected representatives can come together and deliver in the best interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.
“I will remain in close contact with the party leaders over the coming days.”
The Fire Brigades Union has called for the Scottish Government to convene immediate multi-agency talks to try to find a solution to fire safety concerns in schools and the home.
The union has raised its concerns about the proposal to improve school classroom ventilation by undercutting school classroom doors which, in turn, could compromise the fire safety of classrooms putting students, staff and firefighters in danger.
The union also wants clarity over the newly rolled out Scottish Government legislation on interlinked fire alarms in the home, which became law on 1st February.
Ian Sim, FBU Scotland Regional Secretary said: “The safety of school students and staff, our members and the general public is paramount.
“At the moment there is too much uncertainty and mixed messaging over these two very important fire safety issues, in particular, the potential fire risk that comes from undercutting doors. The doors affected could potentially include fire doors.
“We need clarity and certainty over these plans and the Scottish government must now convene immediate multi-agency talks to establish the safest way forward.”
In just two weeks leaders from almost every country on earth will gather in Glasgow for COP26 to negotiate how the world can come together to tackle the threat of climate change.
Alongside, the COP26 Green Zone will shine a light on the amazing and diverse world of climate action from 1st November.
From all over the globe, youth activists, Indigenous Peoples, small and large businesses and grass roots communities will be bringing COP26 to life with cultural performances, exhibitions, talks, film screenings and technical demonstrations.
Over 200 events will take place in the Green Zone over the 12 days of the summit. Hosted in the iconic Glasgow Science Centre, it will welcome visitors from 9am – 6pm each day.
Tickets are available free of charge, and most of the events will also be streamed live on the COP26 YouTube channel where people can access content for free and from anywhere in the UK or around the world.
UK and Scottish governments agree first stage of the Fiscal Framework Review
The UK Government and Scottish Government today agreed in principle the scope of the independent report that will inform the subsequent review of the Scottish Government’s Fiscal Framework.
During an in-person meeting in Westminster, Chief Secretary to HM Treasury Simon Clarke and the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes agreed to commission an independent report on the Block Grant Adjustment arrangements, including a call for stakeholder input, prior to a broader review of the Fiscal Framework. The Ministers will confirm these arrangements in writing.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said: “After our first in-person meeting it’s great that we’ve been able to get an agreement and can now get on with the Fiscal Framework Review and ensure fair and sustainable funding for Scotland’s future.
“We’re continuing to work together to tackle the big issues we face as a United Kingdom, including climate change, levelling up opportunities and supporting jobs.”
Scottish Finance Minister Kate Forbes said: “Today’s meeting was positive and I am glad that we are finally making some progress on the fiscal framework.
“I have reached an agreement in principle with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which enables us to move without further delay towards commissioning the independent report, with the Fiscal Framework review itself beginning as close to the beginning of 2022 as possible.
“While the report will look only at the Block Grant Adjustments, we agreed that the review should have a wider scope, and involve input from parliamentary committees and wider stakeholders.”
The Chief Secretary also chaired a quadrilateral meeting that included Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes, and finance ministers from Wales and Northern Ireland where they discussed Net Zero, creating jobs across the UK and recovering from the pandemic.
