Lancaster City Council has welcomed the recent decision to extend the operating lifespan of Heysham’s two nuclear power stations.
Heysham One
At a recent meeting of Full Council, the following motion was passed:
This Council welcomes last month’s announcement that following a detailed technical review of the power stations, EDF’s licensee board has decided to extend generation dates for Heysham 1 by one year to 2027 and Heysham 2 by two years to 2030.
This decision is great news for Heysham and the wider local community. The power stations are a provider of high skill, high wage jobs, and the extension of the generating life of the power stations secures employment for more than 1,500 staff and contractors. The power stations are anchor institutions, with supply chains and spending power boosting the local economy. They are also a major source of business rate revenue for the Council, whose significant contributions help secure a higher standard of local services and protect more Council jobs than would otherwise be possible.
This decision is also excellent news nationally. Extending the generating lives of the Heysham stations will bolster the UK’s security of supply and support plans for the rapid expansion of renewables by helping to maintain grid stability. Nuclear power is a low carbon source of energy, and a key element of the Government’s strategy to provide clean power by 2030. Ensuring the baseload with nuclear power also helps limit the UK’s dependence on imported gas, a regrettable situation which has caused an energy crisis and led to inflated household bills.
Council has confidence in the safety considerations underpinning this decision. We note that ongoing generation from the stations will ultimately depend not on decisions by EDF, but on the outcome of future inspections, the results of which are reviewed by the independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
Looking to the future, Council notes that Heysham is a location earmarked by the Government for the potential siting of one or more Small Modular Reactors (SMR), that EDF is an approved development partner for these new technologies, and that the first reactors of this type are intended to be delivered by 2029. Council supports bringing ‘New Nuclear’ to Heysham and welcomes the continuation of the benefits this would bring to both our residents and the rest of the UK.
Council resolves that:
The Chief Executive will write to the Secretary” of State for Energy and Climate Change, Cat Smith MP and Lizzi Collinge MP, welcoming the generating life extensions to Heysham 1 & 2, and conveying our support for bringing New Nuclear to Heysham and a timeline for this project to achieve, so we can plan for the future engineers and the stability of the Council.
That we publicise these views via our various communications channels.
That a full response to any consultation on New Nuclear is prepared on behalf of the Council by Business Committee at the appropriate time.
Following Friday’s announcement regarding Vintage by the Sea 2025, Lancaster City Council has released the following statement.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the announcement about Vintage by the Sea and know this was not an easy decision for the organisers, who have put so much into the event over the years to make it a success.
“From a city council perspective we were once again looking forward to supporting the festival, but we are just one of the festival’s funders and recognise that the landscape is tough and other organisations may have had to alter their priorities due to the current state of the economy.
“Although it is disappointing that the event will not take place in 2025, the door is still open for the future and the council will provide both Deco Publique and Hemingway Design with every encouragement and help they need to return in the future.
“We are also looking forward to working with Deco on other projects separate from Vintage by the Sea and together we are exploring a number of exciting opportunities.
“The council also remains committed to supporting other festival and event organisers and only recently agreed to fund Baylight to the tune of £15,000 in direct funding as well as ‘in-kind’ support equal to £15,000, which will cover costs associated with public safety such as road closure and barriers.
“Without this support the event may not have taken place in 2025 and is an example of how the city council is supporting the arts and events sector.”
LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alchemy Markets has been recognized with the “Best Emerging Broker MEA 2025” award at the UF Awards MEA. This accolade, regarded as a significant benchmark within the financial industry, reflects the company’s focus on innovation, client-oriented services, and trading solutions tailored to the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
The recognition highlights Alchemy Markets’ continued growth in the global Forex and CFD trading landscape, as well as its emphasis on utilizing advanced technology, promoting operational transparency, and supporting its clients effectively.
A Recognition of Innovation and Client Focus The “Best Emerging Broker MEA 2025” award reflects Alchemy Markets’ role as a transformative force in the trading industry. This recognition highlights the company’s focus on enhancing the trading experience for a wide range of investors by offering advanced trading tools, a broad selection of financial instruments, and an intuitive, user-friendly platform.
“Our mission has always been to empower traders by providing them with the resources, tools, and market access they need to succeed,” said Bobby Winters, COO of Alchemy Markets. “This award is not just a milestone for us; it is a celebration of the trust and loyalty of our clients and the dedication of our team. We are honored to be recognized as a driving force in the MEA region’s financial ecosystem.”
Driving Growth Across the MEA Region The Middle East and Africa have emerged as pivotal markets for global financial services, and Alchemy Markets has established itself as a reliable partner for traders in this region. By integrating local market insights with a global perspective, the company offers clients a strategic edge in navigating the complexities of today’s financial markets.
Key highlights that contributed to this recognition include:
Advanced Trading Technology: Alchemy Markets offers a next-generation trading platform designed for speed, reliability, and accessibility, enabling traders to execute strategies with precision.
High Yield Accounts: Providing interest-bearing, flexible, instant-access solutions to keep uninvested funds working alongside our innovative trading accounts and technology.
Tailored Services for MEA Traders: By focusing on localized solutions, multilingual support, and market-relevant products, the company aims to resonate with the diverse needs of the region.
TIER-ONE Liquidity: Access to competitive prices and superior trading conditions sourced from over 20 leading banks and non-bank liquidity providers.
Future Growth Plans Following this recognition, Alchemy Markets aims to further expand its presence across the MEA region and beyond. Plans include the introduction of new financial products, advanced trading tools, and innovative features that align with its mission to empower traders globally.
The team at Alchemy Markets attributes this achievement to their unwavering commitment to excellence. “This award inspires us to aim even higher,” said Achilleas Achilleos, CMO. “We remain dedicated to setting new standards in the industry and ensuring our clients are at the center of everything we do.”
Acknowledgment to the Community Alchemy Markets expresses its gratitude to its clients, partners, and employees, whose support and collaboration have been instrumental in the company’s achievements. The contributions of its community continue to play a key role in driving the company’s growth and shaping its journey forward.
About Alchemy Markets Alchemy Markets is a leading forex and CFD broker providing clients with access to a wide range of financial instruments, including currencies, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. With a focus on transparency, advanced technology, and exceptional customer support, the company has rapidly established itself as a trusted name in the trading industry.
For more information about Alchemy Markets and its award-winning services, users can visit www.alchemymarkets.com.
A new Cabinet champion has been appointed to support work to address poverty and raise the living standards of people in Plymouth.
Councillor Maria Lawson, who represents Plymstock Dunstone, is the Council’s new Building Bridges to Opportunity champion and is supporting Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities in work that builds on partnership work to address poverty across the city.
Councillor Lawson will help champion the Building Bridges to Opportunity programme, which aims to embed work to tackle poverty and the causes of poverty in city plans and strategies to ensure Plymouth is a city where people:
Councillor Maria Lawson
Don’t fall into poverty
Experience less harm from poverty
Can life themselves out of poverty
The programme, which builds on the work by partners in Plymouth to support residents during the cost of living crisis, has a wider focus and acknowledges that poverty impacts residents of all ages.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “I am delighted to have Councillor Lawson’s experience and drive on board to support and champion this vital work.
“We came together with organisations across the city to respond to cost of living crisis but we now need to take a longer-term approach to tackling the root causes of poverty and ensuring that people in Plymouth are empowered to lift themselves out of poverty.
“There’s a huge amount to do but I am confident that with Cllr Lawson supporting and the strong partnership network across the city, we can make a real difference in ensuring all residents in Plymouth have the opportunity to thrive.”
Councillor Lawson said: “This is an issue I am truly passionate about and I’m looking forward to working alongside Cllr Penberthy to champion work to address poverty and build opportunities for all residents in Plymouth.
“I know that there’s some excellent work already taking place but we are keen to listen to those most impacted and to identify any gaps in services or potential problems that need to be addressed.”
Councillor Lawson has also been appointed as the Vice-Chair of the cross-party Cabinet Advisory Committee on Child Poverty, which has also agreed to act as a reference group for the development of the Building Bridges to Opportunity activity.
Councillor Lawson joins a number of Cabinet champions that have been appointed to support Cabinet members in delivering critical priorities for the city. There are already champions in place supporting work to address Violence Against Women and Girls, Bus transport, Walking and Cycling, Welcoming City and Veterans.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Drop-in event will be held at Newtown Community Resource Centre on 5th Feb for residents to find out more about work to restore parts of Lustrum Beck.
Lustrum Beck in Stockton-on-Tees
Residents of Stockton-on-Tees are being encouraged to find out how a £700,000 restoration scheme is on track to bring a boost to both wildlife and water quality at an upcoming drop-in session.
The Lustrum Beck Urban River Restoration project, funded by the Environment Agency, will make it easier for fish to migrate between the Tees estuary and upstream stretches of the beck, and attract iconic species such as water vole, otters and dragonflies.
The beck runs for four miles through urban Stockton, flowing through Hartburn, Grangefield, Newtown and Tilery before it joins the River Tees at Portrack.
Historically, the beck has been heavily modified – straightened, widened and deepened – with the loss of habitat having an adverse effect on the ecology and restricting fish movement.
In recent years, the Environment Agency has worked with partners to create an upstream natural flood management scheme at Coatham Woods which includes 30 hectares of ponds and wetlands.
The new project at Lustrum Beck will see even more natural measures implemented including:
Fixing woody material into the channel to create a variety of water speeds during low flow conditions. This will help to oxygenate the water and keep gravel habitats free of sediment.
Lowering redundant river embankments to enhance habitat quality for wildlife during dry spells.
Creating new in-channel features to boost biodiversity.
Habitat around the beck will also be improved through planting and vegetation management.
Members of the public will have the chance to view the proposals and ask questions about the works at the upcoming drop-in session held at Newtown Community Resource Centre on Wednesday, 5th February, from 3–7 pm.
Having successfully completed the Billingham Beck Restoration Scheme at the end of 2024, we are excited to move forward with another important project in Stockton-on-Tees, centred around the restoration of Lustrum beck and its tributaries.
As an area that has been significantly altered by decades of human activity, we are excited to be enhancing habitat quality for wildlife, adjusting flow speeds to improve water quality, and boosting biodiversity.
We do want to hear the views of the local community, and we would encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in session to learn more about our proposed work and see what this means for the area.
Councillor Clare Besford, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
Lustrum Beck is a wonderful wildlife haven running through the middle of Stockton that is enjoyed by many people of all ages.
We are pleased to be working alongside our partner, the Environment Agency, on this restoration scheme to further enhance Lustrum Beck’s wildlife and water quality. It aligns with the Council’s aspirations to protect and enhance the natural environment as set out in our Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy.
I would encourage residents to attend the community drop-in event to find out more.
The Tees Estuary, in North East England, is one of the most heavily modified and developed estuaries in the UK, with less than 10% of the original intertidal habitats remaining. The few remaining natural areas of the estuary are dominated by hard flood defences, industrial quaysides and tidal barriers. These features all prevent natural expansion of the estuary.
Lustrum Beck Urban River Restoration scheme is part of the Tees Tidelands programme, a wide-ranging project which will manage flood risk, restore intertidal habitat and reconnect people to the Tees estuary. The Environment Agency and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will start work on the project later this year.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Investigation into a collision between a passenger train and buffer stops at London Bridge station, London, 13 December 2024.
The train and buffer stops (shown on the left of the picture) after the collision (courtesy of Network Rail).
At around 15:45 on 13 December 2024, the 14:50 Southern passenger service from London Victoria to London Bridge collided with the buffer stops on platform 12 at London Bridge station.
The train entered the platform at a speed of 13.6 mph (21.9 km/h) and was travelling at a speed of 2.3 mph (3.7 km/h) when it collided with the buffer stops. There were no reported injuries to the train’s driver or the passengers on the train as a result of the collision, although minor damage was sustained by the train and the buffer stops.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:
the actions of the train driver involved and anything which may have influenced them
the management of the train driver, including their training and competence
the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with buffer stop collisions
any underlying management factors, including any actions taken in response to previous relevant safety recommendations.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A copy of the letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution responding to the progress report from the Improvement and Assurance Board.
A copy of the letter from the Minister to Mike Cunningham CBE QPM responding to the progress report received in October 2024.
The Minister welcomes the continued progress and asks for a further update in March 2025, including on the Council’s longer-term plans of continuous improvement, including through external support and challenge.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution to the Leader of Liverpool City Council in which the Minister recognises the progress made by the Council.
A copy of the letter responding to the Council Leader’s letter of October 2024. The Minister welcomed the continued progress and asked for a further update in March 2025, including on their longer term plans of continuous improvement, including through external support and challenge.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The inquiry group’s report provisionally recommends that the CMA board considers investigating AWS and Microsoft’s cloud service activities using new digital markets powers.
iStock
Provisional findings show competition in the £9 billion UK cloud services markets is not working as well as it could be.
The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) independent inquiry group has today published provisional findings following an in-depth assessment into cloud services. It has provisionally found that competition is not working as well as it could be, which is likely to be leading to higher costs, less choice, less innovation and lower quality of service for businesses and organisations across the UK economy.
Cloud services provide vital infrastructure which supports improved innovation, productivity and scaling for most businesses and organisations in the UK. Customers include financial services, retailers, digital start-ups and key public services who spent £9 billion on cloud services in 2023, a figure growing by over 30% each year.
In its report, the inquiry group provisionally found:
Cloud customers face a limited choice of providers and do not consider many providers are able to provide the range of services that they need. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft are the two large providers of cloud services, each with a share of up to 40% of UK customer spend on cloud services. Google is the next largest provider with a much smaller share.
Technical and commercial barriers make it difficult for cloud customers to switch between and use different cloud providers, locking them into their initial choices which may not reflect their evolving business needs.
There are significant barriers to entry and expansion due to the very large capital investment needed to supply cloud services, making it harder for alternative cloud suppliers to enter and grow in these markets.
Microsoft is using its strong position in software to make it harder for AWS and Google to compete effectively for cloud customers that wish to use Microsoft software on the cloud. This reduces the competitive challenge that AWS and Google can provide in cloud services and to Microsoft’s position.
The inquiry group provisionally believes these concerns make it harder for customers to switch cloud provider or use multiple clouds, which may ultimately impact the price and quality of cloud services. The ability of UK businesses to put healthy pressure on cloud providers to offer better deals is key to ensuring good outcomes and to unlocking the potential benefits of cloud services.
The inquiry group provisionally recommends that the CMA use its powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) to consider whether to designate the two largest providers, AWS and Microsoft, with strategic market status (SMS) in relation to their respective digital activities in cloud services.
Kip Meek, chair of the CMA’s independent inquiry group, said:
Cloud services underpin most business operations, providing vital infrastructure to businesses and organisations across the UK economy. Our provisional view is that competition in this market is not working as well as it could be. So, we propose that the CMA considers investigating the largest cloud service providers using its new digital markets powers.
Effective competition in the delivery of these vital services could drive choice, quality and competitive prices – not only helping UK businesses but boosting innovation, productivity, growth and investment across the UK economy.
The inquiry group will consult on its provisional findings and recommendations before making a final decision by the statutory deadline of 4 August 2025.
The CMA defines cloud services as infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS). IaaS includes services, such as compute, networking and storage and PaaS includes platforms based on this infrastructure which enable customers to develop and run applications in the cloud.
The purpose of a market investigation is to decide whether any feature or combination of features of the cloud services markets in the UK prevents, restricts or distorts competition in connection with the supply or acquisition of any goods or services in the UK or a part of the UK (an ‘adverse effect on competition’ or ‘AEC’). Should we find an AEC, we are required to decide whether we should take any remedial action or whether we should recommend the taking of action by others to remedy, mitigate or prevent the AECs we have found.
The group provisionally considers that the DMCC Act powers would be better suited to addressing the concerns it has identified than the powers directly available to it in the market investigation because they would allow the CMA to take a targeted and flexible approach to remedies, as a result of their greater flexibility, including new powers designed to enhance the effectiveness of remedies, and better provisions for ongoing monitoring and oversight. Greater competition in cloud services has the potential to unlock benefits for UK businesses and drive economic growth.
As set out in the full provisional findings report which will be available on the case page in due course, the interventions the CMA could consider in this market (should AWS and Microsoft be designated with SMS) may include a range of measures which might encourage appropriate technical standardisation, reduce data transfer charges incurred in switching and multi cloud and/or ensure fair licensing of software.The group provisionally considers that measures aimed at AWS and Microsoft would address its market-wide concerns by directly benefitting the majority of UK customers and affecting the competitive conditions for other providers.
The CMA’s market investigation began following a reference from Ofcom, which had carried out a market study on cloud services. The CMA investigated the following features identified by Ofcom: egress fees, technical barriers and committed spend discounts. While the CMA has provisionally found that egress fees and technical barriers constitute features which harm competition in the markets, it has provisionally found that committed spend discounts (as currently implemented by cloud service providers), while widespread, do not currently harm competition as rivals can profitably compete against them.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) came into force on 1 January 2025. For more information, visit the CMA’s initial plans following the commencement of the regime.
Under the new digital markets and competition regime the CMA can – if warranted – impose legally binding conduct requirements (CRs) or pro-competition interventions (PCIs) on firms in relation to the digital activity for which they have been designated as having SMS. The CMA board will decide if and when to open SMS designation investigations.
For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment.
A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today [28 January] been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change.
The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets.
Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.
That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.
They will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade. The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding our relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.
Alongside bolstering exports, attracting investments, and removing trade barriers, the government is also resuming trade talks with FTA partners, including – so far – the GCC, Switzerland and South Korea.
The news comes as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander is in South Africa today as part of a multi-leg visit to the region to strengthen trade links and create opportunities for UK businesses.
The new appointments are:
Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye
Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana
Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa
Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa
Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand
Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico
David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein
Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone
Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria
George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories
Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel
Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia
Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America
Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia
Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka
Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia
Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil
Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa
Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan
Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN
Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean
Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan
Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa
Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh
Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa
Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan
Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UK Special Envoy on Post-Holocaust issues Lord Pickles remembers and honours the victims of the Holocaust in the Netherlands during 80th anniversary commemorations.
Lord Pickles reading the names of Holocaust victims who were killed during the Holocaust at the ‘Reading of Names’ at Camp Westerbork
Lord Pickles visited the Netherlands from 21 to 23 January 2025 to take part in commemoration events in the lead up to International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January, remembering the 6 million Jewish men, women and children and other groups who lost their lives during the Holocaust.
He also hosted meetings with representatives from the Dutch government and Dutch society who are focused on tackling antisemitism today.
In his capacity as UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues and current Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Lord Pickles took part in the first evening of the ‘Namen Lezen’ or ‘Reading of Names’ at Camp Westerbork.
From 22 to 27 January, over 100,000 names of the Jews, Sinta and Roma who were transited through Westerbork before being murdered at concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Sobibor were read out.
Lord Pickles also attended the reopening of Herinneringscentrum (Memorial Centre) Apeldoornsche Bosch, hearing from a relative of one staff member of the former Jewish psychiatric institution, who was arrested and deported to Auschwitz on the night of 21 to 22 January 1943.
Almost 1,400 residents and staff members were deported on that evening and the days that followed. None survived. Only a small number of residents and staff members who had fled the night before managed to survive the war.
In Amsterdam, Lord Pickles visited the National Holocaust Museum. He met the General Director of the Jewish Museum Quarter, Emile Schrijver and recorded a conversation for the British Embassy in The Hague’s Remembering Together podcast.
Together they reflected on the history of the Holocaust in the Netherlands and how it is remembered, as well as the role of the Chair of the IHRA Presidency.
Lord Pickles also had moving meetings with representatives of the Jewish Community in Amsterdam and heard from the Dutch National Coordinator for Tackling Antisemitism, Eddo Verdoner, about the Dutch government’s multi-year antisemitism strategy which was published in 2024.
Lord Pickles said:
It was an honour to visit the Netherlands this month as the country remembers and honours the victims of the Holocaust in the Netherlands and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
I heard about the devastation caused by the Holocaust in the Netherlands, where only 35,000 of the 140,000 strong Jewish community (ie less than 25%) survived the war, and what is happening today to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust are not forgotten.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after two protesters disrupted a theatre performance in central London last night (Monday, 27 January).
At around 20:00hrs two Just Stop Oil protesters entered the stage area at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, WC2. Police attended but both had left the venue.
Two people – a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man – were subsequently arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass after attending a central London police station on Tuesday, 28 January. They remain in custody.
Anyone who was at the performance and witnessed this incident, or who has information that could assist this investigation, is asked to call officers on 101 quoting CAD 2453/28JAN. You can also ‘X’ @MetCC.
Funding to support individuals released from prison following short-term sentences.
A new approach will increase the support and help provided to people leaving prison following a short-term sentence from six to twelve months for those who need it most and will include men released from remand.
Building on the strengths of current services, the national service will help people leaving prison reintegrate with their community and rebuild relationships, through mentoring, one-to-one support and guidance on accessing health care, housing and benefits.
This type of support can help reduce the risk of reoffending, contributing to lower crime, while enabling individuals to build better lives for themselves, their families and communities.
Replacing the two existing services ‘Shine’ and ‘New Routes’ for men and women serving sentences of four years or less, the national throughcare service will provide consistent support across Scotland, including in rural and island communities. Women released on remand already receive support and the new national service will also extend this to men.
Launched in April this year, the service is backed by £5.3 million for the next three years and will be delivered by a partnership of third sector organisations led by Sacro, a community justice organisation, with oversight by Community Justice Scotland.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“It is critical that those serving short sentences and periods of remand are supported when released to make a safe transition back into the community. This reduces the risk of reoffending, resulting in less crime, fewer victims and safer communities.
“This new approach, backed by £5.3 million in funding, will allow more people to be supported and for longer, including now those leaving periods of remand, many of whom are not eligible for support at present.
“It will also ensure consistent support can be provided across Scotland, including in rural and island communities and create greater efficiencies – with delivery partners able to work collaboratively to share resources, staff time and facilities.”
Annie Mauger-Thompson, Chief Executive of Sacro said:
“What makes this initiative so powerful is how it has been shaped through collaboration and listening to those with lived experience. We have worked closely with staff, stakeholders, and community partners, to design a service that meets real needs, provides trauma-informed support, and fosters sustainable futures for individuals and communities.”
BACKGROUND The service, will be provided by a partnership of third sector organisations, led by Sacro, including Access to Industry, Action for Children, Apex Scotland, Barnardo’s, Circle, Families Outside and Turning Point Scotland.
YOUNG people from across the city have been sworn in as members of the Leicester Young People’s Council.
Forty-four young people have been elected to represent their peers, after nearly 4,500 (4,476) votes were cast in the ‘Choose or Lose’ young people’s elections, which ran in November and December last year.
The Young People’s Council aims to provide a voice for young people in the city by ensuring their views are represented in the local decision-making processes that affect them.
Young people living or attending school in Leicester were eligible to stand for election, and they campaigned at schools, colleges, youth and community groups all over the city to win votes and a seat on the Young People’s Council.
On Monday (27 Jan), they were sworn in at a special ceremony in Leicester’s Town Hall, where they met with local leaders and visited the council chambers where meetings take place.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “The great response we had to the election shows how much young people care about their city. By getting involved in the Young People’s Council, they can help to shape it for the future.
“It was wonderful to meet the new members of our Young People’s Council at their swearing-in ceremony and I am sure they will make a really important contribution to local democracy, helping to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and valued.”
The Young People’s Council is made up of young people aged from 11 to 19, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged up to 25. It will link into the work of councillors across the city and will be involved in several scrutiny committees, including those for health, children and young people, and the overview scrutiny committee.
Benjamin Taylor, a year 11 student at New College in Leicester, is one of the new Young People’s Council members. He said: “I’m looking forward to tackling any issues that Leicester students may have with transport, healthcare or cultural representation. The most pressing issue I want to address now is the rising bus prices for children and students. I will do my absolute best to ensure that every student in Leicester is able to comfortably pursue their education, because everyone deserves a fair chance.”
Also elected was Harmony Uwujare, who said: “I want all young people to feel that they have a voice on the Young People’s Council. I will do my best and am prepared to work hard. My main concerns are the cost of buses, equality and mental health. I want all young people to thrive and be able to access the help they need.”
And Hanisha Anjay, who is also joining the Young People’s Council, said: “What a real honour to be voted in by my fellow students. I am excited for the future. We have issues around future opportunities for young people – we need more career aspirations. I will listen to what young people say.”
A rejuvenation project will get underway this week to breathe new life into a much-used corner of Morecambe.
Work will begin at the Greenway near the Morecambe railway line, which serves as a junction for pedestrians and cyclists, offering access to the coast, shops and the Way of the Roses cycle route, thanks to a £15k cash injection from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Repairs will be made to the path, benches will be over-hauled, trees and bushes will be thinned and trimmed, a litter bin installed and a well-used crossing area forming part of the ‘Way of the Roses’ cycle route will be revamped with a unique, People’s Jury and artist co-designed crossing.
Residents can get involved too with a public workshop to make bird and bat boxes and join in on litter picks, as part of the project to improve the environment, enhance safety and accessibility.
The project is a collaboration between, the Lancaster District People’s Jury on Climate Change, Lancaster City Council and artists from the Good Things Collective.
The project builds on the recommendations of The People’s Jury, which was formed after the council declared a climate emergency to guide its efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.
The Jury’s 2020 report provided key recommendations, and this project was inspired through its on-going collaboration work on the Local Climate Engagement Programme (LCEP) with which it produced additional recommendations, particularly focusing on travel and transport.
On Saturday, volunteers from The People’s Jury joined council staff to litter pick at the site ahead of work starting in the coming days.
Residents see action on the site for the next couple of weeks, with the project expected to be completed by the end of March.
Councillor Gina Dowding, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said: “We are thrilled to receive the UKSPF funding for this important project, which aims to enhance this well-used public space and improve safety and accessibility for all. Whether it’s local commuters connecting to the cycle track, tourists embarking on the Way of the Roses, or residents walking to nearby shops, this initiative will benefit everyone.
“This is truly a community effort, and we encourage residents to get involved – from litter picks to making bird boxes – as we work together to improve our local area and also improve sustainable travel through our cycleways.”
Plaid Cymru proposes new law that would undo botched Brexit damage
Wales must reset its relationship with Europe to repair the damage done to the economy caused by Brexit, Plaid Cymru has said.
Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Justice and European Affairs Adam Price MS said that a Plaid Cymru Government would introduce a new act to enable Welsh law to be aligned as closely and quickly as possible with essential European standards when it is in Wales’ best interests.
Mr Price said a new European Alignment Act could help reset the relationship between Wales and Europe to protect the economy at a time of growing global instability.
31 January 2025 will mark five years since the UK formally left the European Union.
According to the Economic Cost of Brexit project, the average person in the UK is now £2,000 worse off as a result of Brexit, amplifying the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The type of Brexit taken by the last government has cost the Welsh economy up to £4bn.
Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Justice and European Affairs Adam Price MS said,
“Five years on, there can be no doubting the extent of the damage that Brexit done to Wales and the wider UK.
“The form of hard Brexit pursued by the last UK Government has cost the Welsh economy up to £4bn. Brexit has reduced the value of Welsh exports by up to £1.1bn. Post-Brexit trade deals have hurt Welsh farmers, fishers and other producers across many key sectors. £1bn has been lost to Wales in the form of European structural and rural development funding.
“Plaid Cymru believe that returning to the single market and customs union as soon as possible would be the best way to begin to undo this economic damage. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Labour are disappointingly resolute in refusing to acknowledge this starkest of economic realities.
“We need an urgent reset in our relationship with the EU, including securing opportunities for young people in Wales to travel, work and study in Europe, and vice versa.
“It is for this reason that I, and Plaid Cymru, are proposing the new European Alignment Act. Such an Act would restore powers we should never have given up and would enable Welsh law to be aligned as closely and quickly as possible with essential European standards when it is in Wales’ best interests.”
“Wales needs to stick as close as we can to our European friends and allies and remain alive to changes in European politics and policy to protect our communities in an ever more insecure and uncertain world.”
The Scottish Greens will support the forthcoming budget, following confirmation that the Scottish Government have agreed to the party’s proposals on record climate funding, the expansion of free school meals and trialling a £2 cap on bus fares.
As a result of proposals tabled by Scottish Green negotiators, the Government’s budget will now be changed to include the roll-out of free school meals to thousands more young people and a year-long regional trial of a £2 cap on bus fares.
Other Green proposals accepted include increasing funding for nature restoration to a record £26m, more free ferry travel for young island residents, free bus travel for asylum seekers and help for first time home buyers by increasing tax on the purchase of second/holiday homes.
Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said:
“The Scottish Greens put climate action, tackling child poverty, cheaper buses and ferries and funding for schools at the heart of our budget negotiations. We have delivered progress on all of these fronts, so our MSPs will be voting for the budget.
“No young person should be sitting in school hungry. As a result of our work, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now receive a free school meal. This will build on the success of expanding free school meals in primary schools, a policy delivered by the Scottish Greens a few years ago.
“Our Green MSPs have also secured a year-long regional trial where bus fares will be capped at £2, because we know the cost of public transport needs to come down. This also builds on the success of free bus travel for young people, another Scottish Green policy we made a reality.
“With climate chaos all around us, we have worked to deliver record funding for nature restoration and our environment. These Green projects are creating well-paid jobs in communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.
“From schools to libraries to social care to bin collections, our councils deliver the services we all depend on. We have worked with Scottish Green councillors to ensure that this year’s budget delivers a fair deal for local councils, including an end to the Council tax freeze.
“These changes secured by Scottish Green MSPs will lift more children out of poverty, reduce the cost of public transport, create good quality jobs, tackle the climate crisis and protect local services. That’s in stark contrast to Labour, who agreed to let the SNP’s budget pass without making any attempt to improve it. If you want action to help people and planet, voting Scottish Greens is the best way to deliver it.”
As a result of Scottish Green negotiations, this budget includes:
Making public transport cheaper: A year long regional trial of capping bus fares at £2 starting 1st January 2026, free bus travel for people seeking asylum and free inter-island ferry travel for young island residents
Action to tackle child poverty: The expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, starting with eight councils areas in August 2025.
Record climate action: A record £4.9bn of funding for climate action and nature restoration.
Progressive taxation to support public services: Increased tax on the purchase of second or holiday homes and moving forward with proposals for a Cruise Ship Levy, the consultation for which will launch in February
Protecting local services: A real-term funding increase for local councils, and progress on giving councils more direct power through a consultation on devolving Parking Charge Notices (parking fines)
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, on the margins of a commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in Oświęcim, Poland.
The Prime Minister and the President paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to remembering the Holocaust, educating against Holocaust denialism and distortion, and combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate across the globe.
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its three-year mark, the two leaders condemned Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda recognized the strong and continued co-operation between their countries in support of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda also reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security, particularly on NATO’s Eastern Flank.
The two leaders underscored the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Poland and discussed additional areas for further co-operation, including in the nuclear sector.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Feng Li, Chair of Information Management, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London
DeepSeek sent ripples through the global tech landscape this week as it soared above ChatGPT in Apple’s app store. The meteoric rise has shifted the dynamics of US-China tech competition, shocked global tech stock valuations, and reshaped the future direction of artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Among the industry buzz created by DeepSeek’s rise to prominence, one question looms large: what does this mean for the strategy of the third leading global nation for AI development – the United Kingdom?
The generative AI era was kickstarted by the release of ChatGPT on November 30 2022, when large language models (LLMs) entered mainstream consciousness and began reshaping industries and workflows, while everyday users explored new ways to write, brainstorm, search and code. We are now witnessing the “DeepSeek moment” – a pivotal shift that demonstrates the viability of a more efficient and cost-effective approach for AI development.
DeepSeek isn’t just another AI tool. Unlike ChatGPT and other major LLMs developed by tech giants and AI startups in the USA and Europe, DeepSeek represents a significant evolution in the way AI models are developed and trained.
Most existing approaches rely on large-scale computing power and datasets (used to “train” or improve the AI systems), limiting development to very few extremely wealthy market players. DeepSeek not only demonstrates a significantly cheaper and more efficient way of training AI models, its open-source “MIT” licence (after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where it was developed) allows users to deploy and develop the tool.
This helps democratise AI, taking up the mantle from US company OpenAI – whose initial mission was “to build artificial general intelligence (AGI) that is safe and benefits all of humanity” – enabling smaller players to enter the space and innovate.
By making cutting-edge AI development accessible and affordable to all, DeepSeek has reshaped the competitive landscape, allowing innovation to flourish beyond the confines of large, resource-rich organisations and countries.
It has also set a new benchmark for efficiency in its approach, by training its model at a fraction of the cost, and matching – even surpassing – the performance of most existing LLMs. By employing innovative algorithms and architectures, it is delivering superior results with significantly lower computational demands and environmental impact.
Why DeepSeek matters
DeepSeek was conceived by a group of quantitative trading experts in China. This
unconventional origin holds lessons for the UK and US.
While the UK – particularly London – has long attracted scientific and technological excellence, many of the highest achieving young graduates have tended to disproportionately opt for careers in finance, something that has come the expense of innovation in other critical sectors such as AI. Diversifying the pathways for Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) professionals could yield transformative outcomes.
The UK government’s recent and much-publicised 50-point action plan on AI offers glimpses of progressive intent, but also displayed a lack of boldness to drive real change. Incremental steps are not sufficient in such a fast-moving environment. The UK needs a new plan – one that leverages its unique strengths while addressing systemic weaknesses.
Firstly, it’s important to recognise that the UK’s comparative advantage lies in its leading interdisciplinary expertise. World-class universities, thriving fintech and dynamic professional services and creative sectors offer fertile ground for AI applications that extend beyond traditional tech silos. The intersection of AI with finance, law, creative industries and medicine presents opportunities to lead in some niche but high-impact areas.
The UK’s funding and regulatory frameworks are due an overhaul. DeepSeek’s development underscores the importance of agile, well-funded ecosystems that can support big, ambitious “moonshot” projects. Current UK funding mechanisms are bureaucratic and fragmented, favouring incremental innovations over radical breakthroughs, at times stifling innovation rather than nurturing it. Simplifying grant applications and offering targeted tax incentives for AI startups would represent a healthy start.
Finally, it will be critical for the UK to keep its talent in the country. The UK’s AI sector faces a brain drain as top talent gravitates toward better-funded opportunities in the US and China. Initiatives such as public-private partnerships for AI research development can help anchor talent at home.
DeepSeek’s rise is an excellent example of strategic foresight and execution. It doesn’t merely aim to improve existing models, but redefines the very boundaries of how AI could be developed and deployed – while demonstrating efficient, cost-effective approaches that can yield astounding results. The UK should adopt a similarly ambitious mindset, focusing on areas where it can set global standards rather than playing catch-up.
AI’s geopolitics cannot be ignored either. As the US and China compete with one another, the UK has a critical role to play as the trusted intermediary and ethical leader in AI governance. By championing transparent AI standards and fostering international collaboration, the UK can punch above its weight on the global stage.
DeepSeek’s success should serve as a wake-up call. Britain has the talent, institutions and entrepreneurial spirit to be a significant leading player in AI – but it must act decisively, and now.
It is time to remove token gestures and embrace bold strategies that move the needle and position the UK as a leader in an AI-driven future. This moment calls for action, not just more conversation.
DeepSeek has raised the bar. It is now up to the UK to meet it.
Feng Li 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.
Coventry Council has launched its Green Skills Roadmap.
The roadmap is a comprehensive guide designed to support educators, employers and investors in identifying, accessing, and embedding sustainable net-zero skills into their operations.
It provides a clear Action Plan which Coventry will address in partnership with a range of public, private and third sector partners.
Coventry is committed to building a robust green skills ecosystem, helping businesses transition to sustainable practices, and offering future generations the tools they need to succeed in green careers. This roadmap is a vital step towards achieving a sustainable, net-zero future for Coventry.
With the government’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, green careers, defined as roles that directly contribute to reducing emissions or addressing climate change through mitigation or adaptation, are set to play a critical role in the UK’s future economy.
Green skills encompass the technical knowledge and behaviours necessary to tackle environmental challenges, which are becoming essential across all industries to help businesses manage their environmental impact, promote sustainability and contribute to a greener economy. Green jobs include positions focused on environmental restoration, transitioning industries to sustainable practices, and adapting business models to reduce.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Coventry is at the forefront of the transition to green employment and investment, seamlessly integrating sustainability skills into education while fostering a green workforce through reskilling and technological innovation.
“The Green Skills Roadmap provides valuable guidance to educators and businesses, inspiring a new generation to pursue green careers and equipping them with the skills necessary to build a more sustainable future.
“Driving growth in green employment requires a united effort from public agencies, businesses, and investors. This roadmap will not only attract green industry investment to the region but also establish a strong green skills ecosystem, creating meaningful job opportunities and paving the way for future developments in the city.”
The Green Skills Roadmap includes detailed Actions on the below:
Details On Improving Green Skills in Education: supporting teacher and careers advisors to aid student in finding green jobs, diversifying green skill pipeline subjects and partnering with adult education services to promote sustainability awareness programmes.
Implementation of Green Skills for Businesses: equipping business support advisors with green skills knowledge and collaborating with employers to align with green Apprenticeship Standards.
A Just Transition: for fossil fuel-dependent trades to reskill workforces with green skills, offering work experience and training programs.
Future Skills and skills for Investment: skills funding to support Greenpower park and electric vehicle development, encourage green skill training and apprenticeships and ensure the skills adapt to Coventry’s ‘Energy Plan’.
The Green Skills Roadmap has been developed in partnership with key contributions and support from: Business in Community (BiTC), Coventry College, Coventry University, CW Chamber of Commerce, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), E.ON, The University of Warwick, Warwick manufacturing group (WMG) and others.
NHS England sends the survey to a random selection of people who receive care and support services either in their own home or residential home, or in the local community. Their feedback, whether it is positive or negative, will be used to help improve adult social care services.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Our recent budget consultation found that adult social care services are the top priority for the people of Wolverhampton, and we are determined to ensure that they are the best they can possibly be.
“It’s really important we capture the views of people who use our services and so we want your feedback – whether you are pleased, or whether you think there are things that could be done differently. So, if you receive the national Adult Social Care User Survey, please take a few moments to fill it in – your views really matter.”
The survey asks questions about people’s quality of life and the impact that the services they use have on this, and all responses are confidential. Those randomly selected for the survey will be sent a questionnaire by post, including a freepost return envelope.
The anonymised results will be used by the council, the Care Quality Commission, the Department of Health and Social Care and by NHS Digital to better understand the impact of the adult social care services and help identify what areas need improving or developing.
Anyone who does not receive the national 2024 to 2025 Adult Social Care User Survey but wishes to share their views on adult social care services provided by the City of Wolverhampton Council is invited to do so at Adult Social Care compliments, suggestions and complaints.
Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2025 – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
———
UN chief said, “The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.”
Addressing the annual ceremony in remembrance of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust today (27 jan), Secretary-General António Guterres said, “I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He also said, “The responsibility belongs to every one of us. Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action. To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.”
He continued, “Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe. One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial. Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed. Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. We must stand up to these outrages.”
Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly said, “We must never forget that the Holocaust did not begin in the gas chambers; it began in the minds of people, fueled by hate speech, propaganda, and systemic discrimination.”
Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, said, “On this historic day, we must commit to joining hands to defeat darkness and hatred, and work together to ensure the building of a shared future. This is the vow we must share, all of us, the family of nations: That what happened once, will never happen again.”
Dumitru Miclescu, Roma survivor of the Holocaust stated, “Even today, in Romania, people do not know this history. Instead of calling it the genocide in Transnistria, they refer to it as the deportations from Transnistria. I want to be clear: what we lived through was a genocide—mass killings and injustice. Just because we were born Roma or Jewish.”
Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English
The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen, has appointed Christoph Späti as the Special Representative of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship for the South Caucasus. The Swiss expert, who most recently served as programme manager for the South Caucasus in the FDFA’s Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), took up the post of Special Representative on 21 January 2025.
Local traders and charities are invited to be part of a huge outdoor market on Port of Aberdeen quayside that will be at the vibrant heart of the spectacular Tall Ships Races extravaganza this July.
Curated on the Quayside will run for four days from Saturday 19 July – Tuesday 22 July, and is being organised by the Council and Aberdeen Inspired, supported by north-east children’s charity Charlie House. Applications to become a stallholder are now open.
The colourful market will feature traders and charities across 60 stalls in prime position along Regent Quay, Upper Dock and Blaikie’s Quay. The market will be there for the duration of the world-class maritime festival, which is expected to attract around 50 ships and some 400,000 visits.
The quayside market – inspired by Curated In The Quad, the popular festive market held in Marischal College’s quadrangle over the Christmas season – will help raise funds for Charlie House.
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Organising Committee, said: “Curated on the Quayside is a fabulous addition to our Tall Ships festivities. This is an additional opportunity for businesses and charities to get involved in what will be the city’s biggest event in decades.
“The quayside venue is at the heart of a massive influx of visitors. This is an excellent chance for organisations to raise their profiles and their incomes right at the centre of the fun.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated in the Quad helps bring the magic of Christmas to the city centre and I am sure Curated on the Quayside will help add even more excitement and vibrancy to the already spectacular Tall Ships celebrations.
“It’s a chance for local traders and charities to be centre stage at an event that will put Aberdeen – and them – in the international spotlight, while adding to the unforgettable experience that visitors to the Tall Ships will enjoy and talk about for years.”
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with many fantastic traders and charities at our various Curated markets over the years, and we’re delighted to expand on this by supporting the Tall Ships partners with the Curated on the Quayside application process.
“With applications now open, we’re excited to discover both new and familiar talent eager to join us for this vibrant four-day market as part of The Tall Ships Races.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Curated on the Quayside will be an excellent addition to the Tall Ships programme and we look forward to welcoming a wide range of local traders and charities into the port.”
Applications for Curated on the Quayside are open, with priority given to local businesses and groups – including nautical organisations – who reflect the Tall Ships event connection to Aberdeen’s maritime heritage.
Successful traders will attend all four days, while charities will be allocated one day each to allow more good causes to take part. This means 55 traders and 17 charities will be involved Curated on the Quayside.
Applications are welcomed up until the deadline of 5pm on Friday 28 March with shortlisted applicants being notified by email during the week beginning Monday 21 April.
To find out more about applying visit the Charlie House website
For more on Tall Ships 2025 visit the Tall Ships website
Question for written answer E-000228/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Christine Anderson (ESN)
Germany’s public service broadcasters have massively expanded their online activities. Executives stress the growing importance of the internet for public service broadcasting and see the need for a greater online presence. They are therefore planning, for example, a big streaming push. The development of an ARD-wide streaming network in cooperation with ZDF is in the pipeline. The public broadcasters’ extensive on-demand services and numerous websites provide a wide range of information. Many of these platforms – such as Funk, which is aimed at young people – also allow users to contribute their own content. Platforms often also have integrated comment sections. They also organise online discussions and are making increasing use of interactive formats, with a view to reaching young audiences in particular. However, this also raises questions about the distinction with private media providers, which are also highly represented in the digital sphere.
1.Does the Commission consider that the online platforms of public service broadcasters fall within the scope of the DSA?
2.Does the Commission know whether the Bundesnetzagentur (German Federal Network Agency), which is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act in Germany, has undertaken relevant regulatory efforts?
3.Will the Commission instruct the Bundesnetzagentur to regulate the online platforms of German public service broadcasters?
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia have been marked by a reflective ceremony at Liverpool’s Town Hall.
The theme of the service was ‘For a Better Future’ and residents are urged to learn about past horrors so that they never happen again. The Lord Mayor and Rabbi Fagleman from the Allerton Hebrew Congregation lit candles; there were prayers and also a speech delivered by Francine Palant, whose parents were both Holocaust survivors.
The event opened with a performance by King David High School musicians. The Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE also laid a wreath at St John’s Gardens.
At last week’s Full Council meeting, Liverpool City Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating awareness of the Holocaust. The Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building were also lit up in purple to mark the day.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said: “This year is a significant milestone, given that it is 80 years since Auschwitz was liberated and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia.
“Like each Holocaust Memorial Day, it is a time to reflect and to consider what we can do as a City and community to combat prejudice in all its forms.
“Liverpool prides itself on being a diverse City and the better future we can work towards is where all communities can live together safely and with great respect for each other.
“Learning from the very worst things that humankind has done to itself is one of the most effective ways to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.”
Jeremy Wolfson, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group at Liverpool City Council and a member of Liverpool’s Jewish community, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and raise awareness of not only what happened, but to try and ensure that the attitudes which led to them are not repeated.”
Question for written answer E-000223/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR), Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
The EU imports products from Türkiye, a country that is problematic in many ways, when these products could be replaced by others produced in the EU or in countries around the EU that are not consumed by anti-European and anti-Christian extremist ideologies.
The volume of trade with Türkiye makes it easier for changes to be made progressively with a view to avoiding short-term supply chain risks and potential objections from the European Council. The sectors where reliance on Türkiye is not critical are textiles and clothing, automotive spare parts, machinery and electrical equipment, as well as plastics and chemical products.
We can move in the following directions in order to replace these imports: (a) provide immediate support to corresponding production in countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, by offering tax relief/subsidies, (b) promote innovation to reduce production costs and launch pilot projects to kick-start things with small scale changes in existing industry, (c) support regional industries in Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal, France and Spain through targeted subsidies and investments to increase production capacity, and (d) finance industrial zones to increase production capacity and efficiency within the EU.
In view of the above:
1.Does the Commission not consider that a strategy for ending dependency on Turkish imports, at least partially, would be important for the independence of our foreign policy and for upholding our legal rights?
2.Does it not consider that our industry would benefit from its support, helping it to cease its reliance on Turkish imports?
The constitutive meeting of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) took place on Thursday, 3 October 2024, in Brussels.
During the meeting, the Delegation Members elected Mr Karlo RESSLER (EPP, Croatia) as the new Chair, as well as Ms Biljana BORZAN (S&D, Croatia), as first Vice-Chair and Mr Ivaylo VALCHEV (ECR, Bulgaria), as second Vice-Chair.
A pedal-powered prototype designed by a Leeds inventor to take on the toughest terrain has been put through its paces at a Leeds museum.
The hulking Fen Easy Rider bicycle was made in the late 1970s to tackle the rugged roads bordering parts of the British countryside, and gives a remarkable insight into the fascinating story of Leeds pioneer Henry Brown, who recently died at the age of 102.
This past week, his tenacious two-wheeler took on what may have been its biggest challenge yet, when it was road tested on the Victorian cobbles outside Leeds Industrial Museum.
Fitted with a heavy-duty aluminium frame, and with a robust suspension mechanism front and back along with a sprung saddle, brass bell and mud guards, the bike made for a formidable sight in its heyday.
John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, took the vintage velocipede for a spin as it officially became part of the museum’s collection in a fitting tribute to Mr Brown’s life and legacy.
He said: “It’s been a real joy to take this remarkable piece of engineering for a bit of a spin and to get a feel for how much thought and ingenuity went into what is a truly bespoke design.
“The cobbles at Leeds Industrial Museum certainly pushed the bike to its limits, but it’s a testament to the quality and robustness of its structure that it has very much stood the test of time.
“The Fen Easy Rider was just one of the unique inventions created by Henry Brown, a Leeds engineer with the ability to apply his extraordinary skill and unique mind to solving all manner of practical problems. It’s a privilege to have one of his inventions in our collection and to be preserving the story of his life and work.”
Born in Leeds in 1923, Henry Brown joined the RAF at 17, learning navigation, morse code and engineering.
After the Second World War, he founded the Leeds Cycle and Engineering Company, setting up a workshop in an old rhubarb shed in Rodley.
As well as designing the Fen Easy Rider, Mr Brown also created the extraordinary two seater vehicle that became known as the Scootacar, and which went into production in 1957.
The eye-catching microcars were reputedly inspired by the wife of a local company director, who said she wanted a vehicle that was easier to park than her bulkier Jaguar.
The Scootacar’s distinctive shape was said to be sparked by a particularly tall factory employee, who sat on a box against a wall before a chalk outline was drawn around him.
An original Mark One version of the Scootacar in bright blue is also on display at Leeds Industrial Museum.
Mr Brown also produced inventions and designs for a wide range of applications including health care, spiral staircases and agricultural silos. He sadly passed away on December 20, 2024.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The story of Leeds is filled with individuals whose creativity and spirit of invention have left their mark on the world.
“Our museums play a hugely important role in keeping their legacy alive and ensuring their accomplishments are a source of fascination and inspiration for future generations.”
Question for written answer E-000199/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Yannis Maniatis (S&D)
Greece, a country with enormous maritime wealth and importance for European maritime policy, is being confronted with the need to renew its basic infrastructure, such as research vessels. Oceanographic vessels are a key tool for studying climate change, implementing the European maritime policy strategy and fulfilling obligations under European directives.
Greece’s two existing research vessels (‘AEGAEO’ and ‘PHILIA’) were built in 1985. The oceanographic vessel ‘AEGAEO’, which has been in service for 40 years and supported European programmes worth hundreds of millions of euro, will soon be decommissioned. Despite the fact that 75 % funding was secured from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2018 for the construction of a new modern research vessel, the national contribution (25 % of the total budget) has still not been made available, causing delays that are jeopardising the continuation of Greek maritime research.
Can the Commission say whether additional European instruments or programmes could be used to help complete the construction of the new Greek research vessel, in order to ensure the continuation of maritime research and the fulfilment of Greece’s European obligations?