Ukrainian orphanage children who had to flee their homeland when war broke out have enjoyed a fun-filled day at one of the UK’s top tourist destinations.
The 56 children enjoyed the Midsummer Carnival celebrations at Warwick Castle, taking in a host of exciting live shows and attractions.
The group was brought to Scotland by Edinburgh-based Dnipro Kids, which was formed after Hibs played a UEFA Cup game against Dnipro FC in 2005.
The charity was formed by Hibs supporters who, having travelled to Ukraine, were struck by the plight of the children and families.
Dnipro Kids has evacuated more than 50 children, aged between two and 17, from Ukraine in the last few months.
The orphanage children, and accompanying orphanage mothers, care team workers, translators and charity workers, stopped off at the castle, which is gearing up for its biggest ever summer of events, on their way down to visit London.
Steven Carr, chairman of Dnipro Kids, said: “The children have had an amazing time at Warwick Castle.
“Meeting Zog, walking the ramparts and the amazing Falconer’s Quest, all set in the spectacular surroundings of the castle, made for a memorable day out for our little guests from Ukraine.
“A huge thank you to all at Warwick Castle that made this such a special day for them.”
The group took in shows such as the thrilling horse stunt Midsummer show, the UK’s largest birds of prey show The Falconer’s Quest, and Zog Live Show.
The new for 2022 Zog Playland was also a hit with the younger children.
The first cohort of Ukrainian soldiers taking part in a major new UK-led military programme, which will train up to 10,000 Ukrainians over the coming months, have arrived in the UK.
The programme is part of the UK’s enduring commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked invasion, which so far amounts to more than £2.3 billion in military aid and includes more than 5,000 NLAW anti-tank weapons and M270 multiple launch rocket systems.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who visited the training this week, said: “This ambitious new training programme is the next phase in the UK’s support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.
“Using the world-class expertise of the British Army we will help Ukraine to rebuild its forces and scale-up its resistance as they defend their country’s sovereignty and their right to choose their own future.”
Mr Wallace announced yesterday that he will NOT be a candidate in the election to become the next Prime Minister.
Around 1,050 UK service personnel are deploying to run the programme, which will take place at MOD sites across the North West, South West and South East of the UK. Each course will last several weeks and will be conducted by elements from 11 Security Force Assistance Brigade.
The training will give volunteer recruits with little to no military experience the skills to be effective in frontline combat. Based on the UK’s basic soldier training, the course covers weapons handling, battlefield first aid, fieldcraft, patrol tactics and the Law of Armed Conflict.
The Government has rapidly procured AK variant assault rifles for the training programme, meaning Ukrainian soldiers can train on the weapons they will be using on the front line. This effort was supported by the Welsh Guards, who tested more than 2,400 such rifles in 17 days to ensure they were ready for the Ukrainians to commence their training.
The UK has also gifted clothing and equipment to support Ukrainian soldiers in their training and deployment back to Ukraine. Each soldier will be issued with:
Personal protective equipment including helmets, body armour, eye protectors, ear protectors, pelvic protection, and individual first aid kits
Field uniforms and boots
Cold and wet weather clothing
Bergens, day sacks and webbing
Additional equipment required for field conditions including ponchos, sleeping bags, and entrenching tools.
The UK has a long history of supporting Ukrainian service personnel through Operation ORBITAL, which trained 22,000 Ukrainians between 2015 and 2022.
The new programme will build on this success and demonstrate the UK’s continued leadership in responding to Ukraine’s military requirements as the war evolves.
The UK has announced an increased contribution to NATO as the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary attend the NATO summit in Madrid.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP said: “We have always been clear that our strength and security comes from our alliances, and NATO is at the heart of that.
“The New Force Model and our presence in Estonia will ensure that the Alliance is able to respond at pace, helping to determine stability across Europe in the decades to come.”
RAF Typhoon and F-35B Lightning fighter jets, Royal Navy vessels including Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and brigade-sized land forces will all be made available to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) as part of the New Force Model.
NATO has introduced the New Force Model in support of Leaders’ decision to modernise and strengthen the NATO Force Structure for the future. Allies will declare capabilities, equipment and forces available to support SACEUR, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time. This will allow the Alliance’s military command to plan for emerging threats, safe in the knowledge that these assets will be available to take part in the Alliance’s response.
The UK will also contribute to the new Allied Reaction Force: an agile, multi-domain and combat-effective force ready to deploy at very high readiness and to respond to a range of crises.
It comes as the Alliance has agreed a new posture of stronger forward defences to reflect the radically changed security context since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK increased its presence in Estonia to include the temporary deployment of a second battlegroup, doubling the total number of deployed personnel to over 1,600.
The lethality of these deployments will be enhanced with advanced capabilities including helicopters and artillery systems. Meanwhile, the UK’s existing HQ in Tallinn will be expanded. Led by a Brigadier, it will support the rapid deployment of high readiness forces at the brigade level.
The UK will also support Estonia with training and logistics, the development of its first divisional-level HQ, as well as developing new ways of fighting through their joint hosting of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic European HQ, and supporting innovative dual use start-ups through the NATO Innovation Fund.
In addition to increasing its deployments to Estonia, since the Russian invasion the UK has also deployed hundreds of troops to Poland and sent more aircraft to conduct air policing in Romania. Meanwhile, HMS Prince of Wales has led the Alliance’s Maritime High Readiness Force since January 2022.
Funding of £65 million has been provided by the Scottish Government as part of UK’s military aid for Ukraine.
It will make up part of the £1 billion being provided for state of the art equipment including sophisticated air defence systems and thousands of pieces of vital kit for Ukrainian soldiers.
This follows £4 million in financial aid provided by the Scottish Government for humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, and a further £3 million worth of medical supplies.
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “Scotland has been clear from the start that we condemn Russia’s unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine. Scotland stands for democracy, human rights and the rule of law at home and abroad.
“We have become a place of refuge and sanctuary for displaced people from Ukraine, and have done all we can to get help those fleeing the country to escape the violence.
“This further funding is to assist Ukrainian armed forces to fight Russian aggression and the unspeakable brutality being perpetrated.
“We have agreed to providing funding on this occasion given the clear need to maximise the international effort to support Ukraine. However, we are clear that this must not be seen as any kind of precedent which leads to devolved budgets being used to help pay for clearly reserved policy areas.”
A total of 3,747 displaced Ukrainians with a sponsor location in Scotland have arrived in the UK since the war in Ukraine began 100 days ago.
There have now been almost 10,901 visas issued with a Scottish sponsor via the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, made up of more than 7,642 visas supplied through the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme, and a further 3,259 visas issued for matches with an individual sponsor in Scotland,
The Scottish Government, local authorities and third sector partners have worked hard and at pace to provide a ‘Warm Scots Welcome’ to those displaced by the war in their country, providing a range of support including meals, accommodation, clothing, healthcare, trauma support and translation. Displaced people also have access to free healthcare and social security benefits.
A national matching service has also been established to help identify longer-term accommodation across the country, including the generous offers made by Scottish hosts as well as from local authority and housing association properties.
Marking 100 days since the Russian invasion on 24 February, the Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine, Neil Gray, restated Scotland’s continuing determination to support the people of Ukraine.
Mr Gray said: “The horrors that have befallen the people of Ukraine since their country was invaded by Russia 100 days ago has shocked everyone in Scotland and around the world, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“As a nation, Scotland has responded and opened its heart and extended the hand of friendship offering support and services for thousands of displaced Ukrainians. I would like to thank the thousands of people who have generously opened their doors to Ukrainian families, volunteered and donated to causes.
“I would also like to thank Scotland’s local authorities and third sector organisations which have risen to the challenge we faced to mobilise a major effort in coordinating help, providing support and services, and to the private sector which has also offered assistance, in such a short space of time.
“Whilst we want peace and for people to be able to return to Ukraine when it is safe and when they wish to do so, Ukrainians who have settled here can be assured Scotland will be their home for as long as they want it, and they will be made welcome and treated with care, dignity and respect.
“The Scottish Government and our partners are here to provide support for as long as it takes and we are sure the people of Scotland feel the same.”
One Scottish Government-funded project that has been helping displaced people is the Edinburgh Community Food project. The organisation normally works to ensure people have access to an affordable, healthy diet and that food is used as a vehicle to promote wellbeing and social cohesion.
However, it turned its attentions to the Ukraine crisis, and has been supporting the Edinburgh Welcome Hub by providing fresh and healthy foods to help families from Ukraine cook and eat meals together.
Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Community Food, said: “Ukrainian people have fled from a country where, before the invasion, grains and fresh vegetables were plentiful and have always been everyday diet staples.
“Edinburgh Community Food is welcoming people by providing quality fresh, healthy familiar foods to help families cook and eat meals together, as well as connecting and nurturing people with our traditional Scottish produce and hospitality when they may feel overwhelmed by trauma.
“The process of preparing, engaging, and sharing food can provide comfort and happier memories of home.
“Since the first arrivals from Ukraine, we have been working together to support third sector partners and businesses to offer people access to services and opportunities in Edinburgh and across the rest of the country. “
Truss: Ukraine has shown the world it will prevail in its battle for freedom
After 100 days of Putin’s war, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said we must be ‘steadfast’ in our support for Ukraine.
The UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine will never waver, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday.
For 100 days Putin’s barbaric and unprovoked war has brought death and destruction to Ukraine on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2, but he has failed to make the headway he expected in the face of heroic resistance.
Tens of thousands have died and more than 6.6 million refugees have fled the country. While 8 million Ukrainians are internally displaced, almost 13 million are stranded in conflict zones and almost 16 million require humanitarian support.
Russia’s theft of grain and its destruction and blockading of key ports has also significantly exacerbated one of the most severe food crises in recent history, which now threatens many countries and is putting the world’s most vulnerable at risk.
The Foreign Secretary said this grim anniversary was a day to honour the resolve of the Ukrainian people, who have shown Putin cannot win as long as they receive the international support they need and deserve.
The Foreign Secretary said the UK would remain steadfast in its support to ensure Ukraine wins its battle for self-determination and Russian forces withdraw.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said yesterday: “Today marks 100 dark days since Putin launched his unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine. He expected the invasion to be over in days, but significantly underestimated the resolve of brave Ukrainians, who have valiantly defended their country.
“Putin’s invasion has brought death and destruction on a scale not seen in Europe since WW2. This war has huge ramifications for global peace, prosperity and food security. It matters to us all.
“Today is a moment to pay our respects to the thousands of innocent civilians murdered since the invasion, and reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine’s heroic defence, to ensure they succeed and Putin fails.”
Since Putin started massing his forces on Ukraine’s borders the UK has played a vital role galvanising and leading the international response:
Sanctions: Together with our allies, we continue to impose crippling economic sanctions, cutting off funding for Putin’s war machine. The UK has sanctioned over 1,000 individuals and 100 entities, including oligarchs with a net worth of more £117 billion. We have targeted Russian trade, with import tariffs covering £1.4 billion worth of goods. Russia’s economy is set to take a £256 billion hit, with its GDP expected to shrink up to 15 per cent this year – the deepest recession since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Military support: We were among the first to provide military support to Ukraine, including 10,000 missiles and training more 22,000 army members, helping to halt Putin’s barbaric onslaught.
Humanitarian aid: We are a leading humanitarian donor, providing £220 million of aid. We have sent more than 11 million medical items to Ukraine, and are donating 42 ambulances, saving thousands of lives.
International engagement: The UK has led international efforts to support Ukraine’s objectives, working with the EU, NATO and likeminded allies. The UK, Ukraine and 44 other countries launched an OSCE mission to investigate Russia’s violations of human rights & international humanitarian law. We are making sure Russia is held to account for war crimes and, providing an additional £1 million to the ICC to support their investigations into war crimes and, with the US and the EU, creating the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA).
Exposing Putin’s lies: We are countering the Kremlin’s blizzard of lies and disinformation by telling the truth about Putin’s war of aggression. We will work with our allies on the urgent need to protect other European countries that are not members of NATO and that could become targets of the Kremlin playbook of subversion and aggression.
Are you hosting someone from Ukraine? Scottish Refugee Council is holding free online info sessions on the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor scheme.
If you have questions about the process, join us on Tuesday, 31 May or Thursday, 9 June to find out more.
We’ve teamed up with the Scottish Government to run online information sessions on the Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme.
When:
Tuesday, 31 May from 12.45 pm-2.15 pm
Thursday, 9 June from 10am-11.30am
These sessions are for anyone who is interested in hosting, or has registered to host people from Ukraine, either privately, or through the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Super Sponsor scheme.
We will:
Introduce the Scottish Government Ukraine Super Sponsor Scheme: Guidance for Hosts
Cover key aspects of hosting such as eligibility criteria to become a host, the role and expectations of hosts
Share information about resources and further support available for hosts
Respond to questions around hosting.
How to join our information session:
The sessions will be held on Zoom and will run for 90 minutes.
latest aid deliveries will double number of medical items donated by the UK
supplies including antibiotics, painkillers, dressings, and specialist medicines will help those injured by Russian attacks
specialist brain and spinal injury equipment will treat severely injured, with further deliveries of ambulances in the coming weeks
Medical aid donations from the UK to Ukraine will reach more than 11 million items in the coming days, helping save tens of thousands of lives.
A fourth tranche of aid left from across the UK during the last week, carrying:
4.2 million doses of medicines – including painkillers and antibiotics that are critical for treating infections caused by battlefield trauma and limited hygiene facilities
1.5 million items of other supplies – including PPE and respirators
The 5.78 million items in the latest deliveries more than double the 5.29 million items donated in the first 3 tranches, taking the total to 11.07 million.
Nearly 16 million people are reported to be in need of humanitarian assistance within Ukraine, with access to care badly needed for those in cities worst hit by Russian attacks like Mariupol and Irpin.
The latest supplies are being sent in direct response to a request from the government of Ukraine. They will provide treatment for people injured in the brutal and intentional Russian attacks on civilians across Ukraine, as well as help the government prepare for potential future threats.
The UK government will continue to work closely with Ukrainian government officials to tailor our support and target supplies to reach those most in need. This will include further donations of both new and NHS ambulances in the coming weeks to bolster frontline life-saving efforts in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends. As the medical emergency inflicted by Russia escalates, we have responded with life-saving medical supplies where they are needed most.
“As one of the largest humanitarian donors, Britain will continue to help care for those bravely resisting Putin’s vile aggression until Ukraine succeeds.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Russia’s unprovoked and illegal attacks on Ukraine have created a medical emergency, with Putin targeting healthcare facilities like maternity units, hospitals, and ambulances.
“The UK’s support for our friends in Ukraine is unwavering, giving medicines and equipment they desperately need, which has saved tens of thousands of lives.
“Thank you to the NHS in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland for stepping up and donating vital medical supplies.
From the outset of the crisis the UK has helped Ukraine deal with its intensifying medical emergency. Earlier tranches of aid included items such as medical equipment, drugs for surgery, wound care packs and bandages.
The UK is also donating specialist equipment to treat spinal cord and brain injuries and help provide rehabilitation. This is donated from the UK Emergency Medical Team, which is on standby to deliver medical aid in global emergencies. It will help boost the capacity of a national rehabilitation centre in Ukraine, freeing up bed space in hospitals to accommodate other critical cases.
The additional shipments of medical aid have been drawn from donations from across the UK, including NHS England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with NHS Wales contributing more than 1 million items to the latest tranche of aid.
Health and Social Services Minister, Eluned Morgan for the Welsh government said: “Wales stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and we will continue to offer any practical support and humanitarian assistance that we can.
“In addition to the funding we have given to the Disaster Emergency Committee and medical supplies we previously sent to Ukraine, this latest tranche of medical supplies includes a further 49 pallets from Wales of respirators, gloves and dressings to directly help the medical response and life-saving efforts in Ukraine.”
Chancellor confirms that the UK stands ready to guarantee up to $50 million for further financing to Ukraine to continue electricity provision during latest G7 meeting in Germany.
Rishi Sunak also discussed how global partners can continue to work together to soften the war’s impact on the global economy
He will also urge G7 counterparts to maintain momentum behind and deliver the historic agreement on global tax reform – ensuring companies pay their fair share of tax in the countries in which they operate.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the UK stands ready to guarantee up to $50 million for further financing to Ukraine, to help ensure the continued provision of electricity to its citizens.
The Chancellor attended meetings with G7 partners yesterday and will continue to do so today, alongside the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.
They discussed efforts to support Ukraine and the ways in which the war is adding to pressures on the global economy, including impacts on the cost of living in the UK.
Yesterday Rishi Sunak announced the UK’s commitment to guarantee $50million, of further financing to Ukraine from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, which is headquartered in London.
This comes on top of the $950m in loan guarantees that the UK has already committed to significantly scale up World Bank lending to the Government of Ukraine to help meet urgent fiscal needs.
This guarantee will be used by the EBRD to provide further financing to the Ukrainian electricity grid operator, Ukrenergo to support continued provision of electricity to the brave Ukrainian people, subject to approval by Parliament.
This funding forms part of the significant economic, humanitarian and military support the UK has committed to Ukraine, totalling well over $3 billion.
The Chancellor also discussed the shared challenges facing the global economy, including the rising cost of living globally, and the acute challenges faced by developing economies including heightened food insecurity.
He pushed his partners in the G7 to ensure that the sanctions announced so far are being urgently implemented and strongly enforced to exert maximum cost on Putin and his regime.
Ahead of the meetings, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “I remain steadfast with my G7 partners in standing with Ukraine. I am pleased to confirm up to $50million in UK guarantees for EBRD critical support in Ukraine. This will help Ukraine continue to provide electricity to its citizens as they fight for their freedom.
“It’s clear that Putin’s barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine has not only had a devastating humanitarian impact on Ukraine; it is also causing significant disruption to the global economy, the impacts of which are being felt across the G7, including here at home in the UK.”
“I am determined to work with my G7 partners to confront these shared challenges.”
Today, the Chancellor will also call for progress on the implementation of the international tax agreement that was struck last year during the UK’s presidency of the G7.
This historic global tax reform will ensure companies pay their fair share of tax in the countries in which they operate. In Bonn, the Chancellor will encourage his partners to maintain momentum and collaborate to deliver on the agreement as swiftly as possible.
The Attorney General led a delegation of war crimes experts in Poland yesterday as part of the UK’s support for Ukraine’s investigations into Russian atrocities
The Attorney General, Suella Braverman QC MP, visited Ukraine yesterday and met with Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova. She also led a delegation of war crimes experts in Poland as part of the UK’s support for Ukraine’s investigations into Russian atrocities.
The delegation included Sir Howard Morrison QC, who the Attorney appointed as an independent adviser to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office in March. This follows the Foreign Secretary’s announcement (29 April) that the UK would deploy a team of war crimes experts to support Ukraine’s investigations.
As part of the visit, the Attorney met the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova, to discuss what more the UK can do to support her work to bring war criminals to justice.
At the meeting, the Attorney heard first-hand about Ukrainian evidence-gathering processes, their plans to prosecute individuals for war crimes in their national courts, and their collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Commenting on the visit, the Attorney General, Suella Braverman QC MP, said: “Russia has brought barbarity to Ukraine and committed vile atrocities, including against women.
“I am pleased to have led the UK delegation of war crimes experts to Ukraine and to have met those leading Ukraine’s journey to justice, including the indefatigable Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.
“I am determined that British expertise will help Iryna and her team to uncover the truth and hold Putin’s regime to account for its actions. Justice will be done.
Commenting on the Attorney General’s visit, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said: “While courts around the world are working to hold Russia accountable, the bulk of the investigation – and the largest number of prosecutions – will be done by Ukraine itself.
“I am grateful for the UK’s help and to Attorney General Braverman for visiting Ukraine to show her personal support for bringing every perpetrator to justice.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will underline Scotland’s key interests in global issues when she visits the United States next week.
The visit follows the launch of Scotland’s Global Affairs Framework, which sets out the values, principles and priorities underpinning the Scottish Government’s work to become more active internationally.
Reflecting on the impacts of Brexit, COVID-19, the climate crisis and the invasion of Ukraine, the Framework outlines key areas of focus such as global citizenship, maintaining close relations with the EU, gender equality, and respect for human rights.
The First Minister will take part in a range of engagements focused on the interlinked issues of climate, energy security and the war in Ukraine, including a keynote speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC.
She will also meet with key congressional groups and discuss ways to create a greener, fairer and more equitable economy with executives of companies operating across the Atlantic.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The COVID-19 pandemic and the climate and biodiversity emergencies prove in the starkest possible way that we live in an interconnected world and it is more important than ever that Scotland plays its part.
“The crisis in Ukraine underlines how interconnected these challenges are, and all countries have a role to play in meeting them.
“We are determined that Scotland continues to be a good global citizen, making a constructive contribution to addressing global challenges such as climate change.
“Our international activity creates opportunities at home, broadens our horizons, attracts high-quality investment and ultimately benefits our people – no more evident than in Scotland’s longstanding relationship and strong trade ties with the USA, which this visit will build upon further.
“By being open and connected and making a positive contribution internationally, we give ourselves the greatest possible chance of building a successful country. In this way we can make a contribution to the world that is welcomed, valued and helps us all.”
“I was HOOKED after the third page! Literally even text my better half to say I wasn’t going to be able to put it down!” Review MorellisReads
In 1971, Nan Douglas and her toddler twins arrived on the remote island of Inniscuiilin, the long-lost family of the eccentric Miss Campbell.
For fifteen years, they all live quietly up at the Big House until the twins start planning their future – forcing Nan to confront their past.Because someone somewhere believes that the twins aren’t twins.
That they’re not even Nan’s children. And that Nan isn’t Nan.Only Nan herself can prove them wrong – but it’s a gamble. Win or lose, she’s still at risk of losing her beloved family …
Gill Merton is the collective pen name for five local writers, based at Gilmerton Community Centre on Drum Street in Edinburgh.
Please come along to hear readings from the novel and hear what it has been like to write collaboratively … copies of the book witll be available by donation, all proceeds to Ukraine.
Publication generously funded by the National Lottery Awards For All.
