MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is warning against the potato masher of the brand “modern living” from Mömax due to excessive migration of certain chemical compounds called “primary aromatic amines”. Since a health risk cannot be ruled out, the FSVO recommends that the population not use this product. Mömax has immediately withdrawn the product from sale and ordered a recall.
How can this product be dangerous?
Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) are chemical compounds that are used, for example, in the manufacture of certain dyes. Some of them are considered carcinogenic. An analysis found an excessive migration of PAAs from the aforementioned kitchen utensil.
Which product is affected?
Article, brand: Classic potato masher, modern living Batch number: 4JA99 Points of sale: All Mömax branches
What should affected consumers do?
The FSVO recommends that the population does not use this product.
Information :
Consumers: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Customer communication – Tel. 41 58 463 30 33 – Emailinfo@blv.admin.ch Journalists: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Media Service – Tel. 41 58 463 78 98 – Emailmedia@blv.admin.ch
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French
Federal Council
Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council appointed the current Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) and Head of Sports Policy and Legal Affairs as Director of the FOSPO as of 1 November 2024. She succeeds Matthias Remund, who will leave his position on 31 October 2024 to take up a new challenge.
Sandra Felix, 57, has a degree in business economics from the FES. After obtaining this qualification in 1997, she completed further training in the field of quality management and techniques for economists. She gained experience in management positions and leadership roles in the construction and machinery industry, then, from 2005, in the Grisons public administration in the Department of Finance before holding the position of Secretary of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs of the Canton of Grisons for six years. In July 2017, Sandra Felix joined the OFSPO. On 1 September 2018, she became Deputy Director for Office Management and headed the Sports Policy and Legal Affairs Division. She was appointed Deputy Director of the OFSPO on 1 April 2021.
For the vacant position, Viola Amherd, President of the Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), has set up a selection committee comprising Daniel Büchel, Secretary General of the DDPS, Marc Siegenthaler, Deputy Secretary General of the DDPS, Christelle Luisier Brodard, State Councillor, Head of the Department of Institutions, Spatial Planning and Sport and President of the Vaud State Council and Ruth Wipfli Steinegger, Vice-President of Swiss Olympic.
Sandra Felix clearly stood out during the recruitment process due to her education, professional background and many years of experience. In particular, she has experience in operational and strategic management and is very familiar with the Swiss sports system and the collaboration with private-law sports organisations, the relevant departments of the federal administration, the cantons and other institutions.
The Federal Council thanks Matthias Remund for his valuable service over almost twenty years as Director of OFSPO.
Address for sending questions
Lorenz FrischknechtSuppl. Head of Communications / DDPS spokesperson 41 58 484 26 17
Salford City Council has confirmed the decision to wholly acquire Salford Community Stadium.
The decision was confirmed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 24 September. This was following the call-in process and a scrutiny panel on the evening of Monday 23 September.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This decision has been through all the council’s formal decision-making processes, including pre-decision scrutiny and a further scrutiny panel. We have engaged members from all parties to make the process as open and transparent as possible.
“In the local elections in May, completing the purchase of this Community Stadium, as a key part of our Rugby Strategy, was a clear and significant part of our campaign and manifesto, and was democratic endorsed by our residents.
“Through sole ownership of the stadium, we are able to safeguard the future of both Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils, provide amenities for grassroots clubs and shape the regeneration of a key part of the city.”
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French
Federal Council
Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council decided to allocate CHF 13 million for the final tranche of the “Humanitarian Action” credit for the Middle East to national and international organisations active in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) was tasked with consulting the foreign policy committees on this matter. It also informed the Federal Council of the implementation of the reduction in the “Humanitarian Action” credit decided by Parliament for 2024. The Federal Council continues to call for a diplomatic solution based on international humanitarian law and leading to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.
As decided by Parliament in December 2023, the contributions for the Middle East from the “Humanitarian Actions” credit will be paid in instalments in 2024 and after consultation with the foreign policy committees of the Federal Chambers. For the third and final instalment in 2024, the Federal Council has decided to allocate around 13 million francs to organisations established in Switzerland, the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations organisations and international non-governmental organisations. The aim of these contributions is to provide relief to populations in need in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Syria, particularly in the areas of water, food, health, education, income and social cohesion. This final instalment is submitted to the foreign policy committees for consultation.
In total, contributions to humanitarian actions in the Middle East amount to around CHF 79 million in 2024. On 24 April 2024, the Federal Council set the amount allocated in the first tranche at around CHF 56 million. On 8 May 2024, it decided to grant CHF 10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in response to the agency’s appeal for humanitarian aid. This contribution, intended solely to cover urgent vital needs in Gaza, was approved by the foreign policy committees. It will not be increased in the 2024 budget. On the one hand, this allows for a certain financial flexibility to be maintained until the end of the year, given the global humanitarian situation, which is also dependent on possible natural disasters. On the other hand, this decision takes into account the reduction of 10 million francs in the “Humanitarian Actions” credit decided by the Federal Chambers for 2024 and the ongoing parliamentary debates relating to UNRWA.
The Federal Council stresses that only dialogue, de-escalation and respect for international humanitarian law can lead to peace in the Middle East. For Gaza, it continues to call for a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and unhindered humanitarian access. It reiterates that the two-state solution is the only one likely to lead to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In view of the persistent violence in the border region between Israel and Lebanon and the resulting escalation, a diplomatic solution is essential so that the Lebanese and Israeli populations can live in peace and security.
Address for sending questions
For further information: DFAETel. Press Service 41 58 460 55 55kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration invites anyone with knowledge and experience of Home Office contact management to submit evidence to inform this inspection. Deadline extended to close of play 21 October 2024.
The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has commenced an inspection of the Home Office Migration & Borders System’s contact management processes and practice.
This inspection will focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of Home Office activity aimed at making, maintaining, and re-establishing contact with people, in particular those without leave to enter or remain in the UK. It will also consider the consequences and impact of loss of contact, both on the business of the Home Office and on individuals.
The scope of the inspection will include:
recording of personal and contact details by the Home Office
the promptness and efficiency with which Home Office correspondence (bail notices, casework decisions, notices of asylum support discontinuation, etc.) is served, including any measures to ensure that it has been received
the clarity of Home Office correspondence, including where it requires action on the part of the recipient
migrant awareness of the significance of remaining contactable by the Home Office, the means for doing so, and the possible consequences of loss of contact
the use of reporting conditions as a form of contact management, including the efficiency and effectiveness of reporting – in person, by telephone, and digitally
the efficiency and effectiveness of Home Office efforts to re-establish contact with ‘absconders’ or people who are otherwise ‘out of contact’ with the department
Please note that the following themes are out of scope for this inspection:
the quality and consistency of Home Office decision making
the efficiency and timeliness of Home Office decision making
This call for evidence will remain open until close of play 21 October 2024.
As Independent Chief Inspector, I am inviting anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of Home Office contact management to submit evidence to inform this inspection. I would like to hear about both what is working well and what could be improved.
I would therefore welcome any anonymised case studies from those who have worked with individuals who have experience of Home Office contact management as set out in the list of in-scope activities above.
Please note that the ICIBI’s statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases. This remains a Home Office responsibility. However, the Independent Chief Inspector can take an interest in individual cases to the extent that they illustrate or point to systemic problems.
Please also note that the information you submit may be quoted in the final inspection report. However, it is the ICIBI’s practice not to name sources and to anonymise as much as possible any examples or case studies.
Please click here to email your submission to the Independent Chief Inspector.
Data Protection
Information on how ICIBI will process any personal data provided in response to this call for evidence can be found in the ICIBI privacy information notice.
David Bolt, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
OFSI announces monetary penalty for breaches of UK financial sanctions imposed on Russia linked to its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued a monetary penalty to Integral Concierge Services (ICSL) for breaches of the financial sanctions regime imposed on Russia in response to its illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The monetary penalty relates to the property management service ICSL provided to a designated person subject to an asset freeze. Between 2022 and 2023, ICSL made or received 26 payments in connection with the services they were providing to the designated person, despite knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect these were in breach of financial sanctions in the UK.
As a result of these breaches, ICSL was given a penalty of £15,000. ICSL did not challenge the penalty and paid in full.
This penalty demonstrates OFSI’s clear commitment to pursuing financial sanctions breaches wherever they occur. From the largest institutions to the smallest, everyone has an obligation to comply with the UK’s financial sanctions regime. OFSI is prepared to utilise the full extent of its legislative powers to pursue those who commit serious breaches of financial sanctions.
This case was not reported to OFSI by the subject of the penalty, resulting instead from a proactive investigation.
FCDO Sanctions Minister Doughty said:
We are firmly committed to enforcing the UK’s financial sanctions regime. We promised this government would act – and we are putting those involved in breaches on notice. Let this be a strong warning to those who fail to comply.
The UK is continuously working to proactively identify breaches and strengthen our enforcement powers. We will continue to close loopholes, come down hard on sanctions evaders, and crack down on sanctions circumvention to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions against Putin’s Russia, and in the case of other sanctions regimes.
The monetary penalty highlights key lessons for industry, particularly firms involved in the property management sector. This case demonstrates the importance of understanding and taking appropriate action to address financial sanctions risks arising from your business model and client base, particularly if they present heightened sanctions risks. Firms should seek professional advice on their sanctions obligations wherever necessary.
Russia is desperate to get around our sanctions and we will not hesitate to take action against those involved in supplying and funding Putin’s war machine. The government is committed to significantly strengthening our sanctions enforcement, and will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement at every turn. This includes both public actions, such as monetary penalties, and actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to regulators. Following the introduction of strict civil liability for financial sanctions breaches in June 2022, OFSI is now also able to take action regardless of whether a person knew or had reasonable cause to suspect they would be in breach.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays her respects to fallen soldiers from the Scottish regiments in northern France.
CWGC Vice Chairman Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CBE CB with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during her visit to Loos British Cemetery Extension. Copyright CWGC.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects today (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.
The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.
HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.
The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.
Soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland bear the coffin of an unknown Scottish soldier. Picture by Corporal Daryll Knott Crown Copyright.
The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.
With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.
Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.
Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.
The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.
After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.
Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains. They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”
Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish. It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”
Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.
“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.
“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”
OSLO, Norway (27 September 2024) – TGS ASA, a leading provider of energy data and intelligence is assigned Ba3 rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s.
The USD 450 million backed senior secured notes (originally issued by Petroleum Geo-Services AS, a fully owned subsidiary of TGS) are upgraded two notches from B2 to Ba3 with a stable outlook.
Moody’s press release announcing the rating action is available on their home page https://www.moodys.com/.
For more information, visit TGS.com or contact:
Bård Stenberg IR & Communication Mobile: +47 992 45 235 investor@tgs.com
About TGS TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).
Forward Looking Statement All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland
09/27/2024
The Neuchâtel State Council has adopted its strategy for sustainable development. In line with the vision of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, it formalizes the canton’s commitments and objectives in terms of sustainability for the next 10 years. This document will constitute a reference framework for strengthening the coherence and coordination of cantonal public policies.
Action in favor of sustainable development is a mandate enshrined in the Constitution and the Agenda 21 Law of the canton of Neuchâtel. Adopted on September 18, 2024, the 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Development is the first to concretize this mandate. Through it, the Council of State demonstrates its desire to converge cantonal public policies and the functioning of the State towards greater sustainability. The latter is an important requirement in its decision-making and the projects it deploys to respond to the social, economic and environmental challenges of our time.
Conducted from 15 June to 18 September 2023, the public consultation enabled the government’s project to be consolidated, thanks to the contributions of 60 state stakeholders. The desire to place the strategy in the international framework of the 2030 Agenda and the vision of a more sustainable and prosperous society detailed through the 8 fields of action were confirmed. The ten-year basis for revisions of the strategy was maintained, which guarantees long-term planning security and greater continuity between legislatures. Monitoring of progress made via the federal Cercleindicateurs system remains the reference for the time being, but will be supplemented by cantonal indicators.
Over the next 10 years, the State Council’s commitments will primarily concern the following areas: “climate and biodiversity”, “solidarity”, “prosperity” and “support for change”. The government sees a particular need for action and coordination in these areas. For example, the State Council wants to quadruple the production of renewable energy by 2035. It intends to develop the employability of job seekers, increase the residential and economic attractiveness of the canton and promote the actions of its stakeholders through the Cantonal Day for Sustainable Development.
In order to ensure a legal anchoring for the canton’s sustainability policy, the Council of State is proposing a new Law on public action for sustainable development (LDD) aimed at replacing the current Agenda 21 Law. This proposal is submitted to the Grand Council.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Government reappoints Professor Sir Steve Smith as its International Education Champion, supporting the promotion of UK education excellence around the world.
Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work
His work will promote UK excellence in education around the world
Officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy
Sir Steve Smith has been reappointed as the UK Government’s International Education Champion.
Reappointed by Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas, and the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith, Sir Steve’s tenure as International Education Champion (IEC) has been extended for one year from 1 October..
Under a commitment made in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy, published in 2019, Sir Steve was originally appointed as IEC in June 2020 for a four-year term.
In his role as IEC, Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work, including engaging with governments around the world and promoting UK excellence and partnerships in all education sub-sectors.
More widely, with the change in government, officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy, which will ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and Ministers.
Sir Steve was previously Vice-Chancellor of University of Exeter for 18 years and brings vast experience to the IEC role, where he has played a pivotal role in developing deep relationships, including at Ministerial level internationally.
In his role as IEC, he has already supported significant progress across priority countries including:
Leading over 500 meetings with stakeholders and 22 visits overseas , which has helped open the door for education exports, now amounting to more than £28bn.
Taking forward the relationship with education ministers in particular with Saudi Arabia, to develop the pipeline of opportunities for UK education suppliers relating to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; and Nigeria, where the UK has co-written the country’s guidelines for Transnational Education, opening up opportunities for UK universities to provide their offer in Nigeria.
Leading a delegation of 31 UK higher education institutions to India, where a range of partnership opportunities have been progressed.
On his re-appointment, Prof. Sir Steve Smith said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s International Education Champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector.
“It’s a critical time for the education sector and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”
Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:
“The UK is an international powerhouse when it comes to our education services, and I’m very pleased that Sir Steve will be continuing in his role to champion the country around the world.
“I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services around the world, and promoting our high standards, that’s why Sir Steve’s work is so important.”
Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills, said:
“Sir Steve has a wealth of experience in showcasing our brilliant education sector, and I am thrilled that he will continue in this role for a further year.
“The UK is rightly regarded as an education powerhouse and Sir Steve’s vital work will continue to strengthen that reputation around the world, driving economic growth and boosting our global prestige.”
Lilongwe – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a US$ 5.2 million contribution from the Government of Norway to support 544,000 Malawians adversely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought.
Norway’s timely contribution will support WFP’s El Niño Response Plan which, in coordination with the Government of Malawi, aims to assist 2.1 million food-insecure people in Malawi. WFP will procure and distribute 3,200 metric tons of maize and ninety-eight metric tons of fortified corn soya blend for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition. In addition, 256,000 learners in some two hundred schools will receive a hot and nutritious meal.
Senior officials from Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), and WFP joined the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, to celebrate this timely collaboration, which is set to bolster Malawi’s efforts in addressing one of its most pressing challenges—widespread hunger.
“The Government of Malawi sincerely appreciates Norway’s generous contribution which comes at a crucial time, as we strive to meet the needs of 5.7 million individuals facing food insecurity” said Reverend Moses Chimphepo, Director of Disaster Response and Recovery, Department of Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi. “Norway’s support will help us address the resource gap to assist food-insecure people as much as we can until the end of the lean season in March.”
While WFP typically prioritises cash-based food assistance, current maize shortages and rising food prices in Malawi have made direct food distributions essential. This approach focuses on alleviating food insecurity, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children through nutrition treatments, and learners benefiting from emergency school meals.
“Norway’s commitment is a significant step toward addressing the urgent food security challenges exacerbated by the dry spell,” said Paul Turnbull, WFP Country Director and Representative in Malawi. “By supporting general food distributions, treatment of malnutrition and emergency school meals, we are alleviating hunger and malnutrition, helping the most vulnerable populations.”
Ambassador Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, reaffirmed Norway’s dedication to assisting Malawi: “Norway is committed to improving food security and nutrition in Malawi. This is particularly important in these challenging times. We are working hand-in-hand with the Government of Malawi and WFP to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive nutritious food now but at the same, we need to think ahead to the next time extreme weather hits. That is why we also support initiatives aimed at increasing local food production in Malawi and making people more resilient to climate change.”
This partnership underscores the vital role that international collaboration plays in addressing food crises brought on by climate extremes. Through this contribution, Norway, WFP, and the Government of Malawi are providing essential relief during a critical time.
About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Over 530 high EPC-rated homes, with 20% designated for affordable housing, seven acres of vibrant green space, and a range of commercial amenities will bring about the transformation of the site, which has lain derelict for 15 years. Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the low-rise development plans emulate the surrounding conservation area and maximise the canalside setting. The scheme will also open up a new pedestrian route to the city core, reducing the previous walk time by 20 minutes, and igniting investment into a commercial corridor.
The waterfront development site sits on the eastern edge of the city centre and is made up of the Canal & River Trust-owned former Crane Foundry site, and the Council’s former British Steel site and land off Qualcast Road.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Wavensmere Homes submitted a quality and comprehensive planning application that will deliver for Wolverhampton. This project is fundamental to our brownfield first strategy, driving investment into the Green Innovation Corridor, and it will also fulfil a key objective of our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust.
“We can now look forward to work starting on site. Bringing life back to the redundant sites along our canal network is critical to boosting footfall into our city centre. As one of the largest new housing developments in the Midlands, Wavensmere’s £150m investment will enable Wolverhampton residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.”
Wavensmere Homes will construct 378 two-and three-bedroom townhouses, designed to target an EPC-A rated specification, together with 145 one-and two-bedroom apartments. A building of 10 co-living units – each containing six bedrooms – will deliver affordable living typologies to young professionals. 54 houses and 80 apartment and co-living bedrooms will benefit from waterside views. The multi-award-winning urban regeneration specialist will also be reanimating the disused railway arches on the site into 1,338sqm (14,400 sq ft) of lettable commercial space.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “The experience of working with this City Council – and in particular the planning department – has been unprecedented. Wolverhampton is a city that is open for business.
“As a timeline, Wavensmere was announced as the new developer for this nationally significant project last December, and we are now in a position to confirm that we will be starting work at Canalside South before the year is out. This scheme will be a catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the Wolverhampton Pound spent locally.
“It’s the level of proactivity and can-do approach that made this happen, which has been brought about through a shared vision, great people, and the Council’s strong leadership team at the helm. As a result of this positive and efficient experience, we are committed to invest a lot more in the City of Wolverhampton.”
Wavensmere Homes will future-proof the new homes by installing electric only heating systems. A range of technologies will be utilised across the development, consisting of air source heat pumps, solar panels and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). There will also be EV charging to each house or parking space, alongside an array of EV chargers for visitors.
The overall vision for the Wolverhampton Canalside masterplan is the delivery of around 1,000 homes to meet both the city and wider region’s housing needs, with sustainability and place-making at its heart.
Andrew Chandler, Development Manager at the Canal & River Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with City of Wolverhampton Council and Wavensmere Homes to bring forward this transformational, high quality canalside residential-led scheme which will deliver generous well-connected walkways and public open spaces. This scheme will transform derelict brownfield land, while connecting more people to the local canal network and its rich biodiversity.
“Canalside South will positively influence the quality of future development around our canals. It will also demonstrate the positive impact that water has on those who live and use the waterways, encouraging more people to engage with their local canal and at the same time help support what we do as a charity and show that life really is better by water.”
Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has 3,500 homes on site, or currently in planning. The firm is in the final phase of the £175m Nightingale Quarter, which is the redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary into 925 energy-efficient houses, apartments, and community amenities. The company is constructing two other major brownfield regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham and Ipswich, and has further projects – including four additional landmark schemes in Derby and Cheltenham – in the immediate pipeline.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills responds to HMICFRS, IPOC and College of Policing’s findings into a super-complaint on stalking.
Today (27 September), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and College of Policing have published their findings into a super-complaint on stalking. The report makes recommendations for policing and wider criminal justice agencies to improve the response to victims of stalking.
In 2022, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium, submitted a super-complaint that raised concerns around the police response to stalking in England and Wales, including identifying and investigating stalking behaviours and ensuring protections for victims.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for stalking, said: “We welcome the recommendations made in the super-complaint and remain committed to doing everything possible to improve the policing response for victims of stalking.
“Stalking and harassment can have a devastating impact on victims. Our criminal justice system must recognise the damage and harm perpetrators cause and protect victims at the earliest opportunity.
“To effectively do this, policing must respond as part of a wider system approach. As the report highlights, police forces that have integrated multi-agency models to respond to reports of stalking have seen the best success at disrupting perpetrator behaviour and safeguarding victims.
“We must continue to drive best practice nationally across forces and ensure that police officers and staff have the right skills and resources to identify and investigate reports and provide support for victims through the criminal justice process.
“We are carefully working through the recommendations made for policing and will work closely with our partners across the criminal justice system and beyond to further improve and standardise the service victims receive.”
Policing is working hard to improve its response to stalking and harassment, which accounts for 40% of all offences related to violence against women and girls.
Each force has a dedicated stalking lead, and many have specialist advisors to support victims through the reporting stage and investigative process.
Updated training and guidance for officers and staff has been implemented nationally, which focuses on better understanding stalking and harassment behaviours, the impact on victims and maximising existing police powers to effectively pursue offenders and safeguard victims.
The introduction of a national stalking screening tool for front line officers – following a period of trial in selected forces – this new tool has been designed to support police responders to better identify whether a stalking crime is being presented, as opposed to a harassment, coercive and controlling behaviour, or malicious communications, to initiate urgent investigative action, implement safeguarding measures and safety planning processes, and to ensure referrals to the most appropriate support services are offered.
We have been working with the Home Office to further embed Stalking Protection Orders with updated statutory guidance in relation to the standard of proof thresholds and improve the access to official SPO data on a more regular basis.
Working with Chief Constables and PCC’s to share the learning from multi-agency perpetrator programmes.
Working in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to improve prosecution rates by refreshing the joint protocol on the appropriate handling of stalking or harassment offences between the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the CPS and supporting the development of the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan principles to improve the response to both domestic and non-domestic stalking.
Improving the available data concerning the incidence of stalking, to help target further improvement activity.
We are working closely with stalking charities to better understand the experience of victims and drive improvements in the police response.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, gave a statement during Kazakhstan’s first WTO Trade Policy Review.
Location:
Geneva
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Thank you very much, Chair. First of all, let me offer a really warm welcome to the Minister and all his team from Astana. Great to have you here. Great to have you back, Ambassador Zanar Aitzhan, really lovely to see you. Let me thank you, Chair, as ever, for your introduction, the WTO Secretariat for your report and, of course, our Ambassador Sophia Boza Martinez, Ambassador and, of course, Professor. Thank you for your presentation this morning.
As this is the first Trade Policy Review since Kazakhstan’s accession 10 years ago, obviously, today, this week, indeed offers a really unique opportunity to reflect upon Kazakhstan’s trade policies over the last decade. And thank you, Minister, for your presentation to kick us off this morning, but also for the role that trade policy has played not just in Kazakhstan’s development, which you explained, but also in this organisation and in our work over the last 10 years.
Chair, I think probably is not a surprise to you or to most of the people in this room, but the UK is a great believer in the virtues and benefits of WTO accession. And I think they’re demonstrated by Kazakhstan’s economic performance over the last 10 years: trade growth from 57% of GDP back in 2017 to 62% last year, Most Favoured Nation tariff decrease from almost 8% in 2016 to 6% now.
During that same period, again, as the Minister related at the beginning, Kazakhstan has faced the shock, political, economic shock of the pandemic, but showed significant broad-based economic resilience. And we think that is, in part, the fruit of being a member of this organization. We particularly recognize the success of the ‘Digital Kazakhstan’ programme, which has facilitated the growth of so many Kazakh SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).
The UK is, again, both the Minister and Sophia mentioned, a strong believer in the Kazakhstan’s economy. We are one of Kazakhstan’s top six investors, with an annual trade turnover of almost £ 3 billion, which reflects, in our view, a strategic partnership which we have nurtured since Kazakhstan’s independence back in 1991. And that partnership stretches across many areas, from business and education to climate and biodiversity and all the way from Astana and the Caspian Sea to the shores of Lake Geneva here in Switzerland.
For instance, Kazakhstan’s national airline Air Astana was successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange earlier this year; British universities, including Coventry and De Montfort, have opened campuses in Kazakhstan and offered dual degree programmes; British companies have made significant investments in flagship oil and gas projects and Kazakhstan’s mining sector. And here in Geneva, we are close partners, not just here in this organization, but also in the Human Rights Council, where we are proud to work with Kazakhstan as an elected member of that body.
We welcome Kazakhstan’s commitment to continue broadening and deepening that bilateral relationship. We look forward to hosting our annual Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Investment in London this autumn, and that 11th session of the Commission will provide an important opportunity to discuss how we can further strengthen that relationship for the future, with the first meeting since we signed the UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Our engagement with this Trade Policy Review has been motivated by a desire to build upon that bilateral progress. Kazakhstan’s constructive answers to our Advanced Written Questions, thank you, should provide clarity, and we hope ease trade for UK and Kazakh businesses.
Most of all, Chair, Minister, we’d welcome progress in tackling one key Market Access Barrier that is faced by British businesses, and that is the use of subsidies favouring domestic agricultural machinery over imported “like” machinery. We fully understand the importance of increasing domestic manufacturing for Kazakhstan’s economy, but we do believe that those subsidies negatively impact Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector development, responsible for over 4% of GDP, pricing, we’d argue, the best technology out of the market. We’d also venture to suggest that those subsidies are not compliant with WTO rules. So, going forward, we would really like Kazakhstan to comply with those rules and take steps to modify or eliminate those subsidies.
We would also, I have to say, welcome Kazakhstan’s accession to the Government Procurement Agreement, as it suggested it would do during the WTO accession process. We maintain an offer of bilateral assistance, should you desire to take forward that process of accession.
More generally, let me pay tribute, as so many others have done this morning, to the role that Kazakhstan has played within this organisation since its accession. Minister, you touched on it, as did Sophia, most significantly the pivotal role you played in chairing the MC12 negotiations, even if we were denied the opportunity, sadly, by the Pandemic of a visit to Astana. It was a great privilege to work with Ambassador Aitzhan, who led the charge for the delivery, not just of that Ministerial Conference, but also for the Services paragraph, and it has been a great tribune for services in trade in this organisation as Chair of the Council for Trade in Services in Special Session. Your work is not being left unfinished. We need to push forward with ensuring that we give due recognition in this organization to the rapidly growing global services in trade, which offer such opportunities for countries in both the developed and developing world.
We also welcome Kazakhstan’s participation within a whole range of other plurilateral initiatives, as others have said this morning, including those on Investment Facilitation for Development, E-commerce and Services Domestic Regulation, all really important initiatives which we wish to see brought within the framework of this organisation.
And it would be remiss of me as one of the co-chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, not to mention, as my Ukrainian colleague did, Kazakhstan’s commitment not just to that Working Group, but to the cause of trade and gender equality, particularly through enhancing women’s employment and entrepreneurial skills. So, I would really love Kazakhstan to come to that Working Group to share its experiences in supporting women in trade, including the Business Roadmap 2020-25 initiative, at one of our future meetings.
Finally, let me commend the Minister and is delegation, who had to face the WTO internal deadline of the 30th of August for submitting Advanced Written Questions, coinciding with their most important national holiday, the Constitution Day. I hope that they found time to have their own belated celebrations, if they haven’t done so far. And I hope that, at the end of this week, they will celebrate in style in this fair city.
New Changing Places toilets are opening across Sunderland helping to make sports, leisure, libraries and parks more accessible for people with disabilities.
The venues and work programme for the toilets were backed by the City Council and the full list of more than a dozen Sunderland facilities is at: Changing Places Toilets (changing-places.org)
All the toilets are designed for people with disabilities and complex needs who require extra facilities that are not offered by standard accessible toilets. Changing Places toilets are bigger with room for one or two carers, and include equipment and support that is needed by people who may have limited mobility, such as a hoist, privacy screens and an adult-sized changing bench.
Sunderland City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer said: “Getting the funding, completing the fitting-out work, plus of course opening and registering the toilets has all been very important work.
“The new facilities show how much we as a City Council are determined to have opportunities and access for all. Changing Places aligns to our ongoing plans for a healthier, vibrant city and to make public venues more accessible to all our residents and visitors. I know how these are greatly welcomed and appreciated.”
Money came from the national Changing Places funding programme that granted £330,000 for the works. The new facilities are at:
Herrington Country Park
Hetton Community Pool and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
Houghton Sports and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
Raich Carter (Everyone Active)
Roker Park
Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre (Everyone Active)
Washington Library and Customer Service Centre
A facility at the Elemore Park Garden and Visitor Centre was also completed last year.
Everyone Active’s contract manager, Ian Bradgate, said: “We aim to serve people across the local community and want to ensure everyone feels welcome and included at our centres. These accessible toilets will ensure those with disabilities and complex needs who require extra facilities are fully catered for.”
It’s been estimated that there are around quarter of a million people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
Cllr Chequer added: “Changing Places is about opening up more public places for children or adults with complex needs who need carer support, appropriate equipment and more space. Standard accessible toilets cannot meet these needs and were designed for people who can use them independently. As we increase the number of Changing Places toilets, we are living up to its name and bringing very positive change to places all across our city.”
Karen Hoe, MDUK Changing Places Manager, said: “Changing Places toilets are life-changing facilities required by over a quarter of a million people in the UK – not including their family carers. The new Changing Places toilets in Sunderland will make a huge difference to disabled people and their families and will mean that they can enjoy all that the venues and area has to offer.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Environment Agency is investigating the deaths of endangered native white clawed crayfish.
An image of a Crayfish.
Around 70 crayfish from the internationally important River Wansbeck population – one of the last remaining strongholds of the species – have been found dead.
Testing has already ruled out the listed diseases white spot syndrome virus as well as crayfish plague, and water quality testing has ruled out pollution.
Further testing is being carried out by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) on crayfish taken from affected locations to understand if an infectious aquatic animal disease has caused the deaths.
An Environment Agency officer surveying for Crayfish.
All evidence presently points to the mortalities only affecting white clawed crayfish. As such, it is unlikely to cause a risk to humans, pets or other wildlife.
People are now being urged to play their part to help limit the spread of any potential infection to currently unaffected areas.
The Environment Agency – supported by other members of the Northumberland Crayfish Partnership – is working to minimise the impact on the crayfish population.
The public and especially river users are being urged to follow advice to prevent any potential infection from spreading across the catchment, and to other nearby catchments such as the Tyne and Blyth, which also have healthy populations of the native species.
Public urged to check, clean, dry
Sarah Jennings, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager, said:
The Wansbeck is such a great home for the white clawed crayfish, which play a really important role in the river’s ecosystem. It’s one of the most abundant populations of the species in Europe, estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands or more.
Everyone has a part to play to limit the spread of any infection which may be affecting them. Advice includes thoroughly cleaning boots and equipment and anything else that has been in or around the river and its tributaries.
If you see any crayfish, alive or dead, leave it where it is and report it immediately to the Environment Agency.
Over the past five years since its launch, the Northumberland Crayfish Partnership, which includes the Environment Agency, Northumberland Rivers Trust, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumberland Zoo and the National Trust, has already done a significant amount of work to safeguard the future of this population.
This includes creating secure breeding areas and safe ‘ark’ sites across Northumberland to support conservation efforts and ensure the crayfish survives into the future.
Field surveys are currently being carried out by Environment Agency officers to understand the extent of the deaths across the catchment.
The Environment Agency is calling on people to play their part by making sure they Check, Clean and Dry to prevent the spread of any infection.
Check clothing and equipment for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything found and leave it at the site.
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as possible, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access and using hot water if possible.
Dry everything for as long as possible before using elsewhere. Waterbourne diseases can remain on damp footwear and equipment for 48 hours.
Rosie Hails, National Trust Director of Science and Nature said:
We are saddened to hear of the recent deaths of native white clawed crayfish in the River Wansbeck in Northumberland. The river flows through the Wallington estate cared for by the National Trust, where we’ve been undertaking a significant conservation project to protect the species, which has included the creation of two ‘Ark’ sites since 2022.
Whilst we wait to hear the cause of these deaths and the impact on the population, the work that has been undertaken alongside other organisations in the Northumberland Crayfish Partnership has put us in a strong position to react and respond effectively.
We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and partners to help limit the spread of infection and safeguard the future of this vital crayfish population. We ask that anyone visiting the Wallington estate follows the CHECK-CLEAN-DRY set of principles if you have been in water.
MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French
Even though there are still some two years of work and preparation to go, everything will now move very quickly for the Lausanne tramway project, which is expected to transport some 13 million passengers per year between Lausanne-Flon and Renens-Gare on this 4.6-kilometre line.
Small plastic particles are everywhere: in the soil where our food is grown, in the water we drink and in the air we breathe. They got there from the plastic we throw away, which ends up in landfill sites, rivers and seas. There the plastic waste slowly breaks down, releasing tiny particles called microplastics and even tinier nanoplastics into the environment.
Microplastics are also increasingly being found throughout the human body. We are not sure how they got there, though there are three probable routes. We may ingest microplastics when we eat and drink, or breathe them into our lungs, or absorb them through our skin. Another route has recently been suggested, whereby microplastics get up our noses and from there into our brains.
For a long time, it was thought that the human brain existed in splendid isolation from the rest of the body. The so-called blood-brain barrier, a special layer of cells, protects the brain from all manner of pathogens and harmful substances. However, we now know that the blood-brain barrier can be breached because small plastic particles have been found in the human brain.
New research has suggested that the blood-brain barrier has at least one vulnerable spot where microplastics may be able to get into the brain. This potential entry point was suggested by researchers at the Freie Universität Berlin and the University of São Paulo. It is in the nose, where there are special nerves, the olfactory nerves, that detect smells.
The olfactory nerves run from the inside of the nose, through the skull, and then directly into part of the brain called the olfactory bulb. The researchers suggest that microparticles breathed into the nose may somehow get transported along the olfactory nerves and into the brain.
The researchers came to their conclusions by analysing tissue samples from residents of São Paulo who had died and undergone routine coroners’ autopsies. They removed the olfactory bulbs from these brains and analysed them using a variety of techniques.
Eight out of the 15 brains studied had microplastics in their olfactory bulbs. However, these eight samples had only 16 microplastic particles between them, which is perhaps some comfort.
Those 16 plastic particles included fragments, spheres and fibres, and were made of polypropylene, nylon and other plastics. Some of the fibres could have come from clothing. This makes sense because laundering clothes made from synthetic fibres is a significant source of microplastics in the environment.
Some of our small plastic particles are missing
The new study is just one of many that has reported the presence of small plastic particles in the human body. Most of these studies are about microplastics, which are particles up to five millimetres in size. Very few studies have looked for nanoplastics in the human body.
Nanoplastics are less than one-thousandth of a millimetre in size – so tiny that it is difficult to detect them without special equipment, and few scientists have easy access to this equipment.
The reason nanoplastics are important is that, unlike microplastics, they are well-documented to be harmful to living cells. This is because nanoplastics are small enough to get inside cells. Once inside, they can kill the cell.
Fortunately, there is no evidence that humans have suffered any great increase in birth defects in recent years. Maybe the placenta is able to stop microplastics and nanoplastics from reaching the foetus.
We need to know much more about the presence of microplastics – and especially nanoplastics – in the human body. And we need to know how they get there in the first place.
This makes the new Berlin-São Paulo study so interesting. It suggests a potential entry point, from the nose into the brain. This leaves us with the question: what potential risks are posed to our health by microplastics and nanoplastics? The jury is out, but perhaps feeling a little more nervous than before.
Michael Richardson receives funding from the Netherlands Scientific Organization (NWO) of the Netherlands Government.
Meiru Wang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Addressing his party conference as prime minister for the first time, Keir Starmer made it clear that moving people into work is a priority for his government. He said even the long-term sick should be looking for a job where possible.
In the last fourteen years, progressively more demands have been made on UK benefit claimants to prove that they are looking for a job. This approach is not based on evidence but rather rooted in an ideology with international reach. (Similar approaches have been seen in places like Australia and Ireland).
This involves a simplistic carrot-and-stick model of human motivation to work, and a “work-first” doctrine of getting people into the first available job irrespective of its appropriateness or sustainability.
But as a new report makes clear, looking at people’s lives in a more holistic, long-term way, with a sensitivity to the barriers they face is more likely to get results. Rather than work-first, we need a career-first approach.
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, levels of economic inactivity
in the UK have grown significantly. Fewer workers are entering the labour market and more older people are leaving the workforce early. The number of people not working because of long-term illness has also risen substantially.
This isn’t great news for the new Labour government that is counting on economic growth to get the country into better financial health. It is hard to grow the economy with improved efficiency because that requires investment. A much easier route is to increase the size of the workforce.
Recognising the risks of economic inactivity, the Commission for the Future of Employment Support was launched in December 2022 by the thinktank the Institute for Employment Studies to review the public services that help people to find a job and employers to find staff.
Its newly released report places employment support in the wider context of the challenges in the UK labour market and its effect on economic growth. With the UK government ruling out raising the three main taxes, it must prioritise economic growth. This is why economic inactivity in the workforce really matters.
The commission reserves its strongest criticism for the extent to which employment support has become entangled with welfare conditionality. That is, making behavioural demands on claimants, using surveillance to ensure they comply, and using sanctions – typically withholding benefit payments.
Adults lead complicated lives, and they are unemployed for a reason (or more often, for multiple reasons). This may be to do with skills, confidence, health, local geography, the needs of dependants or many other factors. These issues will not go away if a service fails to address them. So effective career support must consider the whole person and pathways to sustainable work.
A jobs and careers service
The report’s recommendations are aligned with the Labour party promise to create a jobs and careers service, one of its manifesto pledges to kickstart economic growth. Labour has suggested bringing the Jobcentre Plus network together with the National Careers Service.
The commission recommends three modes of delivery: local offices, an online service and outreach for those facing the most significant barriers. It also recommends entitlement-to-employment advice, and drawing a clearer distinction between employment support and welfare benefit administration.
But will it work? It is hard to disagree with the recommendations – the rationale is sound and well argued. It is based on historical experience, international comparison, economic analysis and service evaluation. If a reimagined jobs and career service was provided along the lines described by the commission, then its success will probably depend on sticking closely to this vision.
To make it happen, there are three inter-related problems to overcome. The first is financial pressures on the UK government, which limit its ability to invest.
Second, if service users are seen as a reserve pool of labour that the government can activate in pursuit of economic growth, this may undermine reform.
Third, career development is a professional service involving person-centred counselling and an educational approach. This requires staff trained to a professional level, with a code of ethics, who put the service user first. Previous experience of integrating career guidance in public employment services in Europe suggests that their professionalism can be undermined by the host agency.
Now, the ball will be in the court of the Department for Work and Pensions, specifically work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall and minister Alison McGovern.
The devolved governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland may also have a role, as these matters are at least partially in their remit. The report argues for a more complete and consistent devolution of powers for employment support to the UK nations.
Local labour market partnerships in England are also part of this vision. This means bringing the jobs and career service together with local government, skills agencies, employers, trade unions, voluntary and community organisations and health services. Given the enormous geographical variation in labour markets, it makes sense for local areas to develop their own structures for cooperation between services.
The main issue is that employment support policy has tended to see unemployed people as units that could and should be contributing to the economy. This needs to be flipped so that services become about helping people to get the economy to work for them, and to build a decent life with some dignity in the process. Unless this is deep in the DNA of the new service, it won’t be that new after all.
Pete Robertson is the President of the Career Development Institute (CDI). This is the UK professional body for career development practitioners.
Support for Liz Truss, attacks on Scottish democracy, and the undermining of climate action. The Scottish Conservative’s new leader plays all the old hits.
The election of Russell Findlay as leader of the Scottish Conservatives shows their determination to hold onto the title of the nasty party, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie.
After a contentious leadership contest where his supporters were accused of lying to members about other candidates, Russell Findlay was elected with 61.7% of the vote.
“I’d obviously congratulate Russell Findlay on his election, but it does seem to confirm that the Scottish Tories are determined to hold on to the title of the nasty party, and to lurch ever further to the right.
“Like his colleagues, he was a cheerleader for Liz Truss, urging the Scottish Government to copy her disastrous plans. He backed the undermining of the Scottish Parliament through Section 35 and the new Internal Market Act. He’d rather cut taxes on the rich than fund public services. He’s an enthusiastic supporter of the Tory culture war agenda, punching down against marginalised people at every opportunity. And in the midst of the climate emergency he wants to hand multinational corporations more licences to drill for fossil fuel – something the world’s scientists are screaming at us to stop doing.
“In short, he’s probably a good fit for all the worst instincts of the Conservative Party.
“We’ve all seen the catastrophic consequences of Tory leadership over the last 14 years. Whether it’s Douglas Ross or Russell Findlay, I’m confident Scotland will continue its long and proud history of rejecting them at the ballot box.”
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – What role do the “civilian militias” or “vigilantes” of the Islamist party “Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan” (TLP) play, who roam the streets of Pakistani cities to punish people accused of blasphemy or contempt of Islam? This is the question analysts and representatives of politics and civil society are asking in view of a phenomenon that is shaking Pakistani society. In this context, members of non-governmental organizations, social organizations and religious communities of various faiths are asking the government for clarification in the face of the “extrajudicial” actions of groups that are terrorizing the population and threatening the security of citizens and their right to live freely.Three of the recent cases have sparked a heated debate in the Pakistani media. These are cases related to the accusation of “blasphemy on social media”, an area that TLP members seem to be paying a lot of attention to. One case concerns Shah Nawaz Kumbhar, a doctor from Sindh province, who is accused of sharing blasphemous content on Facebook.Another case concerns 50-year-old Abdul Ali, owner of a hotel in Quetta, in Balochistan province, who was also arrested for allegedly posting derogatory comments about the Prophet Muhammad on social media and killed while in police custody. The third case concerns 40-year-old Christian nurse Shagufta Kiran, mother of four children, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy on WhatsApp (see Fides, 20/9/2024). In these and other cases, the active involvement of TLP members was found, appearing publicly or through intimidation attempts.The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is an Islamist party banned by the government in 2021. In the autumn of the same year, the TLP entered into an agreement with the Pakistani government, pledging to respect the constitution and not support violent protests. In November 2023, it was officially re-recognized by the Pakistani government as a “political party registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan.”The government entered into an agreement with the TLP “with a view to the overriding national interest and long-term perspective to ensure that violence does not recur in the future.” The agreement stipulated that Section 7 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 1997 (charges of terrorist acts) would be applicable to persons accused of blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (defamation of the Prophet Muhammad). In addition, the parties involved agreed to set up a special department called the Counter Blasphemy Wing within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The department was set up with the aim of improving the ability to monitor “desecration of religions,” but because Pakistan’s blasphemy law is designed this way, it actually applies specifically to Islam, especially to content spread online.The agreement also guarantees an impartial and speedy trial for defendants accused of blasphemy, which “should actually protect against extrajudicial actions and lynchings that are still carried out by militants,” notes Farzana Imran of the Christian organization LEAD Pakistan (Legal Evangelical Association Development), calling on the authorities to ensure the rule of law and not allow a para-state militia of “moral or religious police” to obstruct the work of the police or ordinary justice.Muhammad Amir Rana, a Muslim scholar and co-founder of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, who writes as a columnist for the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, recalls that last July the TLP called for violence against the Supreme Court of Pakistan after the acquittal of a member of the Ahmadiyya community (considered “heretical” by Islam). And he asks: “Why does the state compromise and tolerate a group that is responsible for mass violence, vandalism, the killing of innocent citizens and damage to property, and that tarnishes the country’s international image by promoting extremism?” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2024)
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There will be fun for all the family at a series of events across the city, starting with the city centre switch on in Queen Square on Saturday 16 November.
The festivities start at 3pm with a funfair, real reindeer, face painting, food and drink and much more! Get set for a full afternoon of entertainment that you won’t want to miss with the lights switch on as the finale.
The Grinch and Cindy Lou will be there entertaining the crowds throughout the event before X Factor and musical theatre star Niki Colwell and Jake Nelson Music take to the stage performing an array of songs.
They will then be joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, and Father Christmas to switch on the lights at 6pm.
The city centre fun is not the only festive celebration in Wolverhampton – Christmas lights will also be switched on at Wednesfield, Tettenhall, Bilston and Bantock House with Father Christmas and the Mayor of Wolverhampton doing the honours, plus entertainment from local artists and Wolverhampton’s very own Dicky Dodd.
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills said: “It’s been another fantastic year of events in the city, and the Christmas lights is a great way to end what has been a busy events season.
“Thousands of families year on year attend our light switch ons to mark the start of the countdown to Christmas – they are great free events for all the family.”
Wolverhampton based not for profit Health Cash Plan provider Paycare –which gives policy holders the chance to claim back up to 100% of what they spend on healthcare, as well as access to an online GP app, support helpline and discounts on everyday spending – have been announced as headline sponsor for the five events.
Anna Bamford, Paycare Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to support such a wonderful set of festive events, bringing together our wonderful communities to share in the light and cheer of the holiday season!
“Paycare are on a mission to make our communities happier and healthier, so we are delighted to be sponsoring the Christmas lights that bring so much pleasure and joy to the city and surrounding areas.”
The full list of switch on events is as follows:
Saturday 16 November: Wolverhampton City Centre, Queen Square – event 3pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6pm
Thursday 21 November: Wednesfield, High Street – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm
Friday 22 November: Bilston, Church Street – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm
Saturday 23 November: Tettenhall, Upper Green – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm
Sunday 24 November: Bantock House, Finchfield Road – event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on at 6.30pm
To find out more about Christmas in the City of Wolverhampton, including details on local artists performing at each of the switch on events, visit Christmas in Wolverhampton.
Beijing – The proliferation of initiatives in which Chinese priests walk their spiritual journey together is an eloquent sign of a new normality in pastoral and spiritual life in many dioceses, following the ordination of bishops appointed according to the procedures of the Provisional Agreement in force between the Holy See and the Chinese government. The example of the dioceses of Henan Province is a clear example of this return to normality in the pastoral life of Chinese Catholic communities.According to information received by Fides, about fifty priests from the four dioceses of Henan Province took part in the spiritual retreat held for a week in September between the liturgical feast of the Nativity of Mary and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Bishop Thaddeus Wang Yuesheng, appointed by Pope Francis on December 16, 2023 and consecrated on January 25, 2024, and Joseph Zhang Yinlin, Bishop of the Diocese of Anyang, consecrated with a papal mandate in 2015, accompanied the retreat under the direction of Fr. John Baptist Zhang, founder of the charitable institution and church information organization “Xinde” in Hebei Province.In an atmosphere of exchange and community, the priests prayed and meditated together on biblical and missionary themes and the teaching of the Church. In this context, the priests were also able to exchange their experiences as pastors of grassroots communities.After the resumption of church life in the late 1970s, the Diocese of Zhengzhou no longer had bishops, only diocesan administrators. The consecration and installation of a new bishop in communion with the Bishop of Rome, more than seventy years after the expulsion of his predecessor, was an objective sign of the restoration of normality to ecclesial life and diocesan community, and promoted a missionary flourishing.In recent months, Bishop Thaddeus Wang has visited the parishes of his diocese and reorganized the diocesan structure with various commissions according to pastoral needs. The bishop focuses great importance on communion and reconciliation, as well as the spiritual growth of priests and lay people.In September, similar spiritual retreats for priests and lay people dedicated to the priestly vocation and the personal encounter with Jesus were also held in the dioceses of Weinan, Hanzhou and the diocese of Beijing.
On September 26, a meeting of the HSE management with a delegation from Azerbaijan took place in the historic building of the National Research University Higher School of Economics on Pokrovsky Boulevard — the Durasov House. Representatives of higher education institutions discussed possible areas of cooperation. An agreement was also signed between the Higher School of Economics and Baku State University.
Before the official part, the guests were given a tour of the Pokrovka building and the Durasov House. Nikita Anisimov, Rector of the HSE, gave a welcoming speech and spoke in detail about the HSE. In particular, he noted the multidisciplinary nature of the university, drawing attention to the fact that, in addition to economic departments, the HSE has departments of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, computer science and creative industries, as well as engineering training areas. He emphasized that the Higher School of Economics is the first choice university for talented applicants from both Russia and other countries. Nikita Anisimov expressed confidence that cooperation with Azerbaijani universities will allow for the creation of high-quality academic exchange and student mobility programs.
Adalat Jalal oglu Muradov, Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, greeted those present and thanked them for the warm welcome. He introduced his university: “We have more than 20 thousand students. We conduct training in the main educational programs in several languages. We also have 10 training programs within the framework of two diplomas.”
He also noted that the Azerbaijan State University of Economics sees demand for education in Russian and the creation of new joint programs, including online, which could lead to increased attractiveness of education.
“We can think about creating a joint faculty, if you are interested. I am ready to transfer all powers to the HSE within the framework of this faculty. Our students will be happy to come to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities,” Adalat Jalal ogly Muradov is confident.
Elchin Safarali oglu Babayev, rector of Baku State University, noted that HSE is famous not only for the quality of education and research, but also for its infrastructure. “We are interested in cooperation, we need to move forward and expand the horizons of interaction. We are interested in your scientists and professors to teach here,” he said.
At the same time, the rector of Baku State University emphasized that the name “Higher School of Economics” does not reflect the entire spectrum of areas of study and the diversity of levels of education that are represented at the university. “The university could be called the Higher School of All Sciences,” said Elchin Safarali oglu Babayev.
Rector of the Azerbaijan Technological University Yashar Adil oglu Omarov, in turn, expressed a desire to create dual degree programs with Russian universities, including the Higher School of Economics. “We have a faculty of economics and management, where we could establish cooperation, and there are also programs in design and IT,” he noted.
The Azerbaijani delegation expressed interest not only in opening dual degree programs, but also in joint publications.
At the end of the official part, the Higher School of Economics and Baku State University signed a cooperation agreement.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/edu/967246868.html
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
The authority has accepted an invitation from the Playing Out initiative to become a Play Streets Beacon.
Playing Out is a resident led organisation allowing people to apply for temporary road closures with help from their local councils, so that neighbours and children can come together as a community.
Through working with the city council, many Wolverhampton streets have successfully held Playing Out days allowing children to play outside their homes in a safe and inclusive environment.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for digital and community, said: “I have seen the positive impact that Playing Out can have on an area.
“It is not just brilliant for children; it can have a positive impact on the entire community.
“Many residents have noted how Play Streets have brought their streets together, strengthening relationships and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
“We are delighted to accept the invitation to become a Play Streets Beacon and look forward to sharing our expertise in this field with others.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: “This is a fantastic way of supporting our physical activity strategy by inspiring young people to move more in fun events right on their doorstep
“We have an ambition to increase physical activity participation rates across the city and initiatives such as Playing Out days will help us to realise that.”
The Beacon recognition highlights City of Wolverhampton Council as an example of best practice, and it will now share its experience and knowledge of Playing Out events with other organisations and residents.
As a Play Streets Beacon, the council will:
Residents organising an event receive a free promotional pack containing hi-vis vests, guidance on organising a Play Street, a giant skipping rope and chalks.
Applications for a road closure must be made at least 8 weeks before the date of the event.
Some roads within Wolverhampton, such as main roads or roads which are on a bus route, may not be suitable.
More information about Playing Out can be found at Playing Out.
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Certain realities of life can only be seen with eyes washed by tears”. These words of Pope Francis during the meeting with young people in Manila are the key to understanding the documentary entitled “Risurrection” which will be screened on Saturday 28 September 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Pius XI Hall of the Pontifical Lateran University at the end of the Week of Korean Culture, a series of events organized by the Embassy of Korea to the Holy See to celebrate the “Day of the Foundation of Korea” which falls every year on October 3.The documentary shows the spiritual legacy of Father John Lee Tae-seok, a Korean Salesian who worked as a missionary and doctor in the community of Tonj in what is now South Sudan for almost a decade, from 2001 to 2009 (he was already a doctor when he became a Salesian, ed.). In Africa, he had a profound impact on the lives of the people he accompanied. At the time, these people were children or teenagers. Today they are adults, and some have followed his example and wanted to follow in his footsteps, not only in their profession as doctors, but also in their medical training, some even studying medicine at his university in Korea.And it is precisely these students from the Faculty of Medicine at Busan University in South Korea who are the protagonists of the film by Korean director Goo Soo Hwan, who also directed the famous film “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”, also dedicated to Father Lee and which was an extraordinary success in his own country (it was also shown at the Vatican in December 2011).”Risurrection” can be described as a sequel to “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”. Goo Soo Hwan’s new work begins after the death of Father Lee in 2010. These sad moments are narrated by his students, young people who were plunged into despair by the news of his death. A despair that did not last long, however: they soon realized that their task was to continue his mission, albeit in different ways.This is the key to the whole film: in South Sudanese culture, it is embarrassing to cry in public, but the students cannot hold back their tears when they think of their teacher. And it is precisely by sharing with him the love he gave them that tears soon give way to joy, and today gratitude towards Father Lee shines through in the gestures of his students. “Certain realities of life can only be seen with eyes washed clean by tears.”The director is keen to stress that the film does not only show the path of the missionary’s students to the profession of doctor: “They have become people who give: it is about how they live their lives. And they live exactly the life of their ‘spiritual father’. They showed me what happiness is and what authority really means.” “I wanted to know if the tears had changed the students. Well, their lives have changed a lot,” adds the director, who also has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2024)
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Various civil society groups in Nigeria have declared a “National Day for Survival” for October 1. The date has a high symbolic value as it coincides with the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.The initiative was presented to the press on September 26 at the “International Press Center” in Ogba, in Lagos, by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, coordinator of the “Education Rights Campaign (ERC)”, one of the organizations opposing the economic policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu, which were already the subject of a ten-day protest in August organized through social media under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance (see Fides, 1/8/2024).The organizers of the day of action are calling on the government to “say no to the neoliberal policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), restore fuel prices and electricity tariffs to pre-29 May 2023 levels, operate state-owned refineries to ensure affordable petroleum products, reduce food prices and support farmers to ensure sustainable food production.”The organizers are also calling for the unconditional release of protesters and journalists arrested during the August protests, tackling insecurity, including by providing adequate support to soldiers and police officers, introducing a minimum wage and cutting the high salaries of senior officials.“We call on the Nigerian people, progressive organizations, groups, unions, student associations and youth movements to take to the streets on October 1 and protest and demonstrate peacefully,” said Hassan Taiwo Soweto. The October 1st action is an urgent warning and a call to the Tinubu government to “meet our demands immediately. If our demands are not met, further protests will follow on National Survival Day.” He added: “We need a different way of governing our country, one that ensures that national wealth benefits the needs of all and not the greed of a few.”The demands of the organizers of the “National Survival Day” are also to be seen in the context of widespread corruption in the country, which is one of the richest countries in Africa thanks to oil production. A wealth that seeps into countless channels, which in turn has fueled the country’s foreign debt. In the face of the demands of international creditors, President Tinubu has initiated an economic policy focused on higher taxes and cutting state subsidies, which has severely worsened the living conditions of the majority of Nigerians.In his speech to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, President Bola Tinubu called on world leaders to consider “comprehensive debt relief” for Nigeria and other developing countries to enable them to progress economically.”We must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief to enable sustainable development financing. Countries in the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden,” warned Tinubu. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2024)
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Congratulations and best wishes for the job to Massimiliano Giansanti, elected President of the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organizations of the European Community. Giansanti’s recognized experience and the cohesion demonstrated by the Italian System and all Italian agricultural organizations – starting with those with the right to vote such as Coldiretti, Confagricoltura and CIA – were decisive in the choice.
This is a very important result that allows Italy to return after thirty years to express the leadership of Copa, an organization that brings together the main entities of the sector and represents tens of millions of European farmers. I thank the Minister of Agriculture Lollobrigida and the agricultural organizations for the great work they have carried out, and that have allowed us to reach this goal.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
On 27–29 September, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is taking part in a Canada-Nordic strategic dialogue.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly will host a strategic dialogue between Canada and the Nordic countries (the Canada-Nordic Strategic Dialogue). The aim is to strengthen the dialogue between Canada and the five Nordic countries on issues of mutual interest in the new international situation.
“Relations between Sweden and Canada have become increasingly significant. Canada is an important strategic partner to Sweden with regard to NATO and Ukraine, security in our neighbourhood, and bilateral investment in green transition, new technologies, AI and innovation,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard.
Transatlantic security is one of the main items on the agenda as the meeting begins in New York on 27 September. The ministers will then undertake a joint visit to the city of Iqaluit on Baffin Island. Iqaluit is the capital of the Nunavut Territory, the easternmost part of the Canadian Arctic.
Sweden and Canada have long enjoyed excellent relations, which are now being further enhanced with Sweden as a NATO member. Canada is an important country for Sweden, the Nordic region and the EU, and one with which we share values with regard to democracy, human rights, gender equality, sustainability and the rules-based international order.