Question for written answer E-001961/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)
Passengers in the Member States are still being forced to comply with stringent restrictions on liquids carried in cabin baggage at airports.
An estimated 350 new CT X-ray scanners have already been acquired in 13 Member States. These allow for the scanning of larger quantities of liquids and the scanning of laptops without having to remove them from suitcases. As a result, some airports, such as those in Amsterdam and Rome, have relaxed their limits on the amount of liquids carried.
In late July 2024, however, the Commission temporarily upheld the 100 ml limit on liquids carried, citing the fact that traditional scanners cannot detect liquid explosives as the sole reason. The decision went into effect on 1 September 2024, but no estimated date for the lifting of the restriction was given.
In this connection, I would like to ask the following questions:
1.Are the restrictions imposed solely due to the limitations of the old equipment previously used at airports, or is the new equipment also, in the Commission’s opinion, incapable of scanning larger quantities of liquids?
2.In addition to equipment problems, are there other restrictions resulting from existing rules?
3.When does the Commission plan to lift the recently upheld limit?
European Commission Press release Brussels, 10 Oct 2024 Last night, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira, together with President of the Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, hosted the 2024 REGIOSTARS awards ceremony in Brussels as part of the 22nd European Week of Regions and Cities.
On 26 September, the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Development, together with the Subcommittee on Human Rights, presented the candidates for this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, one of the most important events of the European Parliament. On 17 October, the AFET and DEVE committees will meet again to narrow down the list of nominees to a three-candidate shortlist, via a secret vote.
Each year the Sakharov Prize reaffirms the European Parliament’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, a founding principle of the European Union. The winning 2024 laureate(s) will be announced on 24 October by the Conference of Presidents (EP President and political group leaders) and an exchange of views with the laureate(s) will take place in a joint Committee meeting on 16 December. The Prize will be presented to the laureate(s) at an award ceremony during the December plenary, on 18 December.
The Legal Affairs Committee gave its green light for the confirmation hearings for all 26 Commissioners-designate to go ahead.
MEPs in the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) concluded the procedure of examining any conflicts of interest for the new Commissioners-designate in relation to their respective portfolios. The process will now proceed with the confirmation hearings, as each Commissioner-designate will be heard in their respective committees in accordance with the calendar agreed by Parliament.
Declarations of interest submitted by the Commissioners-designate will become publicly available before the start of the confirmation hearings.
Quote
Following the examination, Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, BG) said: “The JURI Committee performed an impartial and in-depth analysis of the declarations of interest of the Commissioners-designate, looking at potential conflicts of interests with reference to the assigned portfolios. Whenever we deemed the information incomplete, we requested further details in order to assess all relevant elements and reach our conclusions. From a procedural point of view, some reasonable criticism of the legal framework can arise and we will have the opportunity to analyse it and suggest amendments, if needed. But today, I want to express my gratitude to all Members of JURI for taking an active part in the process and safeguarding the interests not only of the Committee and Parliament – but also – the European citizens, through their thorough review of all data and information at our disposal. I am glad that JURI, together with all other parliamentary committees, will now be able to focus on the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate.”
Background
According to Parliament’s rules of procedure, the Legal Affairs Committee is responsible for assessing each commissioner-designate’ s potential or actual conflict of interests. This procedure is confidential and it is a precondition for a candidate to take part in the hearing in the European Parliament. The Legal Affairs Committee must confirm in writing the absence of any conflict of interest in order for the candidate to be heard by the relevant committee.
Question for written answer E-001885/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR)
When, in February 2023, Parliament approved – with a fragile majority – the proposal that from 2035 only electric cars would be sold, in order to reach the ‘zero CO2 emissions’ target, its proponents spoke of a historic moment, subsumed under the eco-Marxist left’s dream of achieving so-called climate neutrality by the middle of this century.
But the facts are: battery production and replacement costs have remained extremely high; car-charging infrastructure – one of the critical issues – is far from sufficient; concern about ‘saving the planet’ is a fiction maintained by the extreme environmentalists; and, therefore, electric car sales have fallen massively in the last year.
I ask the Commission, therefore, to respond to the following:
To what extent will the ‘ambitious’ (in fact, utopian) goal of eliminating vehicles powered by conventional fuels in just a few years be achieved, given that demand for electric cars is steadily declining, manufacturers are postponing ‘electrification’ indefinitely, and the trend of rejection of this ideological tool is obvious and growing?
Question for written answer E-001927/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Dirk Gotink (PPE)
According to an article[1] , there is an Erasmus+ partnership between the Commission and Gaziantep University and the university recently received EUR 250 000 from the EU. The article points to a host of anti-Israeli statements and states that the university rector actively supports the Hamas terrorist organisation. Accordingly:
1.Is this report about the Commission providing EUR 250 000 in Erasmus+ funding for Gaziantep University true?
2.When establishing relations with Gaziantep University, did the Commission also look into the statements by the rector and his possible links with Hamas?
3.Does the Commission concur that, in view of the rector’s statements, the agreement with the university should be immediately terminated? If not, why not?
Priority question for written answer P-001971/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Adam Jarubas (PPE)
On 31 May 2021, the Commission adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/927 determining the uniform cross-sectoral correction factor for the adjustment of free allocations of emission allowances for the period 2021 to 2025.
In his answer to question for written answer to the Commission P-003674/2021[1], Vice-President of the Commission Frans Timmermans stated that the second exercise to determine the free allocation for the years 2026 to 2030 would take place after 30 September 2024.
When exactly will the exercise take place, and when does the Commission plan to adopt the implementing decision determining the uniform cross-sectoral correction factor for the adjustment of free allocations of emission allowances for the period 2026 to 2030?
Question for written answer E-001936/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Rody Tolassy (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Alexandre Varaut (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE)
Although the European Parliament voted to ban geo-blocking in EU Member States, some French departments continue to be affected by it.
With its overseas territories, France has a unique geography. The people living in these territories are European taxpayers, just like Spanish, Italian or German citizens, and should therefore enjoy the same rights.
However, our overseas compatriots still do not have full access to European, let alone French, information, both in terms of audiovisual media and on certain websites.
In order to better integrate our overseas territories into the EU while also protecting French culture, what measures will the Commission take to put a definitive end to this kind of geographical discrimination?
Question for written answer E-001946/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Marieke Ehlers (PfE)
In the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Conference on the Future of Europe (COM(2022) 404 of 17 June 2022), the Commission stated that it would ‘always be on the side of those who want to reform the European Union to make it work better, including through Treaty change […]’.
On 18 September 2024, however, in response to minister Marjolein Faber’s letter, in which the Netherlands formally requested an opt-out from European migration policy in the event of a subsequent Treaty change, the Commission stated that no Treaty change was planned.
1.Does the Commission intend to go back on its communication of 17 June 2022, which backed Treaty change initiatives?
2.Has the Commission decided, accordingly, that it is not going to abide by the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe and, hence, that it no longer wants to be involved in the process of initiating Treaty change?
3.Has the Commission decided, accordingly, that no candidate countries will join the EU during the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, given that accession agreements allow Member States to opt out of certain European policies?
Question for written answer E-001873/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Jordan Bardella (PfE)
On 11 September 2023, former Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson publicly reprimanded France for its energy policy, saying that it had yet to meet its climate targets given the share of renewable electricity in its energy mix.
Now, with Parliament about to decide on the Commissioners nominated by Ursula von der Leyen, it would seem that the candidates Teresa Ribera[1] (energy transition) and Dan Jorgensen[2] (energy) also share the same hostility to nuclear energy. With these two appointments, Brussels continues to show its ideological blindness in favouring intermittent and variable energies.
1.Will the Commission propose a further revision of the Renewable Energy Directive with a view to including all low-carbon energy sources?
2.Not forgetting that it is guardian of the Euratom Treaty, does it still see a place for nuclear energy in Europe’s energy future?
Question for written answer E-001869/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Jordan Bardella (PfE)
Luis Miguel Bueno, the EU’s Arabic spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa, left his post early on 31 July 2024. This was in the wake of growing controversy surrounding ambiguous statements on his part and his Islamist tendencies. On 24 July 2024, Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell defended Mr Bueno, deeming his statements to be in line with the role assigned to him as an EU official. Some of Mr Bueno’s most controversial posts have nevertheless been removed from his official social media channels.
Luis Miguel Bueno made a particular splash in December 2023 with a video shared via ICESCO, an organisation influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood[1], in which he stated that ‘Arabic has become a European language. The Arabic language and Arabic and Islamic culture are an integral part of the European Union and of European history and culture’.
1.Is an internal investigation on the cards to establish the reasons behind Mr Bueno’s early departure?
2.What means is the Commission using to protect itself against entryism on the part of Islamist movements within the European institutions?
Question for written answer E-001875/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Eleonora Meleti (PPE)
We have recently seen a dramatic increase in the number of instances of hate speech on social media. Across Europe, more and more people – regardless of age or gender – are becoming victims of sexist, racist and abusive verbal attacks carried out in the name of ‘democracy and freedom of speech’. Unfortunately, hate speech has been on the rise in mass media and on social networks and become endemic in society. Verbal violence and abuse takes an immeasurable toll on the mental health and daily lives of its victims.
These acts are at odds with European culture and education, the principles of respect and dignity and the values of the EU. Given that verbal violence is starting to spiral out of control in all EU countries, can the Commission answer the following:
1.Does it intend to take immediate action and, if so, what measures will it take to combat hate speech in the digital world and to protect victims of verbal violence and their mental health?
2.How does it intend to follow up the initiative[1] to extend the list of EU crimes so that it finally includes hate speech?
Leeds rolled out the red carpet last night as it honoured the local stars of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics with a civic reception.
The event was organised to recognise the inspirational achievements of competitors from the city and the rest of West Yorkshire on the global sporting stage in Paris earlier this year.
Guests at the reception – held in the banqueting suite at Leeds Civic Hall – included athletes Hannah Cockroft, Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Nyamjua, gymnasts Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse and divers Lois Toulson, Jack Laugher, Anthony Harding and Yona Knight-Wisdom.
They gave the 100-strong invited audience some intriguing insights into their Games experiences during a series of interviews with sports commentator and former international gymnast Lisa Gannon.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, had earlier welcomed attendees to the event, organised by Leeds City Council with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Other speakers included Ed Anderson (HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Councillor Salma Arif (Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture), Mariana Pexton (interim chief executive of Leeds City Council) and Alison Lowe (West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime).
Together they congratulated the assembled Olympians and Paralympians on their achievements and thanked them for further enhancing West Yorkshire’s status as a powerhouse of sporting talent and ambition.
There was recognition, too, for the crucial part played by coaches, volunteers and other unsung heroes in delivering the kind of world-class performances seen in Paris.
Stewart Ross, chair of Triathlon Leeds, Dave Murray, director of performance at Leeds Gymnastics Club, and Marc Holdsworth, head coach at City of Leeds Diving Club, were among those sharing the spotlight with the competitors.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
“Leeds, and indeed West Yorkshire as a whole, is hugely passionate about sport and that was reflected in the excitement generated earlier this year by the Olympics and the Paralympics.
“As a city and a county, we have a superb range of sports facilities and an excellent record of staging high-profile sporting events. Add in the natural talent and determination that is in Yorkshire’s DNA and it’s no wonder that we keep producing sportsmen and sportswomen who are at the very top of their respective games.”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:
“I was pleased and proud to have the opportunity to welcome so many of our Olympians and Paralympians to Leeds Civic Hall for this well-deserved celebration of their achievements.
“Their stories gave us a real flavour of what it’s like to compete at the highest level of sport, with all the rewards and challenges that can bring. It was also great to hear about the dedicated work that is done by coaches and volunteers with our athletes – from grassroots to elite – as they help them realise their sporting dreams. Thank you for making us all so proud.”
Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:
“West Yorkshire’s sporting legends did us proud in Paris, and inspired young people right across our communities. Every child deserves the chance to follow in their footsteps and go for gold. That’s why we’re planning to create more opportunities for people in West Yorkshire to get involved in sport.”
Leeds’s impressive range of sporting facilities includes Beeston’s John Charles Centre for Sport, the Leeds Gymnastics Club set-up in Seacroft and the Bodington Playing Fields-based Brownlee Centre – the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training site.
The list of major sporting events held in the city in recent years, meanwhile, includes the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series as well as a number of fixtures at 2022’s Rugby League World Cup.
Local competitors have also enjoyed notable recent success at some of the world’s biggest sporting occasions, with Yorkshire famously outperforming countries such as Jamaica, Spain and Brazil with its haul of seven gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics.
Last night’s event came just over a month after the end of the 2024 competitions in Paris, with the date being picked to fit in as best as possible with the busy diaries of West Yorkshire’s various Olympians and Paralympians.
Hannah Cockroft was joined at Leeds Civic Hall by her husband and fellow Paralympian, Salford-born Nathan Maguire, fresh from their wedding on Saturday.
On 17 October, SEDE Members will discuss the Annual Report on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) presented by the Rapporteur MEP Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP, Spain). While the EU is facing multiple and unprecedented threats to its security and new crises in its neighbourhood, especially since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, this first CSDP Annual Report of the 10th Parliamentary term will set out the European Parliament’s assessment of CSDP’s readiness to address the challenges in the current complex geopolitical and security context. It also provides recommendations on the main avenues for strengthening policies and actions for the future along several dimensions, including institutional decision-making progress, the joint development of military and armament capabilities and the urgently needed issue of how to finance European defence.
PREPARATIONS are well under way for Leicester’s annual Diwali Day celebration, which takes place on Thursday 31 October.
Displays featuring more than 6,000 LED lights have been put in place along the city’s Golden Mile, and the Wheel of Light – a 35-metre illuminated ferris wheel which takes pride of place on Belgrave Road – will open this Saturday.
The Diwali Day festivities will kick off at 3pm on 31 October, with the opening of the Diwali Village on Cossington Street Recreation Ground. A children’s funfair and arts and crafts will be among the activities on offer, as well as Indian food and drinks.
Sponsored by Lidl GB, the Diwali Village will also feature a Fire Garden, offering a peaceful spot amid the hustle and bustle on the park.
Leicester’s annual Rangoli exhibition will open at 4pm on Diwali Day. Brought to the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre by the city council and Tilda, it will feature vibrant modern, and traditional Rangoli patterns, celebrating the ancient form of folk-art using bright powders, often seen on doorsteps at Diwali.
Entertainment including Indian dancing will begin at 5pm on the park’s main stage, with performances organised by the Hindu Festival Council. At the same time, the Red Bull DJ truck will be providing music and energising the Belgrave Road. A family-friendly programme of street art and processions will also take place on the road throughout the evening.
The finale to the celebrations will be a stunning firework display, starting at around 7.30pm.
Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for culture said: “Diwali Day is always a special time in Leicester, and this year will be no exception. As usual, we are extending a warm welcome to everyone who wants to join us, and we look forward to sharing our celebrations with you.
“We have a wide range of events taking place across the city in the coming weeks, and with lots of fantastic shops and restaurants to enjoy on the Golden Mile, you don’t need to wait for Diwali Day to visit us.”
This year’s festivities are being sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, which recently opened its second UK showroom on Leicester’s Golden Mile. Mohammed Ziad, Head of UK Business Operations said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting Leicester’s Diwali Day event.
“As a new business on the Golden Mile, we can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate our arrival to the city than to give our backing to these wonderful celebrations for the festival of light.”
Ranked as the 6th largest jewelry retailer globally, Malabar Gold & Diamonds boasts a vast network of more than 360 showrooms across the world, including those in Australia, the Middle East, the Far East, and India. Its other UK showroom is in the East Shopping Centre on London’s Green Street.
Activities taking place in the build-up to Diwali Day include the opening of the Wheel of Light, an illuminated big wheel, which will be offering visitors a birds-eye view of the area from Saturday 12 October to 2 November.
Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre will be hosting an evening of Hindustani classical music performed by Aayush Mohan and Sanju Sahai on Friday 18 October.
And John Lewis Leicester has joined with the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, to put on cultural performances in the Highcross store on Saturday 19 October; with the Haymarket Shopping Centre offering a puppet making working workshop, and performances from the Nupur Arts Dance Academy on the following Saturday – 25 October.
A spectacular waterside event featuring a Waterfall of Light will take place at Leicester’s Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) on the evening of Sunday 26 October. The Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with the OPC, will be holding community workshops to create a magical lights trial that will feature at the events, and activities on the water will be among the many on offer on the night.
As part of Diwali celebrations at Curve Leicester, the Centre for Indian Classical Dance will be presenting a Ramayan storytelling workshop and performance on Saturday 26 October; and at Leicester Cathedral, visitors can enjoy its annual concert of Diwali Indian music, put on in partnership with the Sitar Music Society.
Diwali is an ancient festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains all over the world. Often described as the festival of lights, it celebrates light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for exchanging presents and wishing goodwill to all.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Consultations open for five new draft Fisheries Management Plans to secure the sustainability of UK fish stocks
Five new draft Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) designed to improve the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks have opened for consultation today, securing the health of the UK fishing industry which depends on them (Thursday 10 October).
The draft plans, which have been developed following input from the fishing industry, provide the policies and evidence required to support fish stocks and a healthy fishing sector for generations to come. The formal public consultations offering the fishing industry and other stakeholders a further chance to shape the plans before they are finalised. The consultations reflect feedback from stakeholders, with fewer documents and stakeholder questions, reducing the level of work needed to contribute.
Proposals in the plans will help deliver sustainable fish stocks, supporting the UK fishing industry and delivering growth in coastal communities for generations to come.
FMPs will play a crucial role in supporting long-term sustainability of fishing businesses and delivering growth in coastal communities, restoring and protecting nature, and enhancing food security. They are recognised internationally as the gold standard in managing fisheries
UK Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
Fisheries Management Plans are vital for securing the long-term sustainability of our fish stocks, and the fishing industry that relies on them.
These consultations give fishermen the chance to have their say on those plans, and for us to draw on the expertise of those on quaysides around the country.
Many opportunities lie ahead for our fishing sector, and this government is committed to making the most of them to ensure the industry can best contribute to our country’s food security and economic growth.
Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said:
The FMP approach is positive, collaborative and forward-looking: exactly what we need to support sustainable food production from the sea and growth in coastal communities.
Expanding this ambition to new stocks in these latest consultations is a valuable step towards comprehensively modernising British fisheries management. The proposal to amend the deadlines for completing the FMP project is also deeply sensible.
The first round of Plans showed how much effort is required to develop them. Allowing sufficient time to complete such essential work with the care that it deserves shows that stakeholders have been listened to and will be warmly welcomed by everyone who wants to see FMPs succeed.
In addition to publishing the new draft plans, and after engaging extensively with stakeholders, Defra has published the mixed flatfish FMP, following consultation last year.
The published plan reflects technical issues raised in the public consultation including restarting the sole survey in the Thames area and implementing minimum conservation reference size for lemon sole, turbot and brill in area 7.d.
Alongside the FMP consultations, Defra and the fisheries policy authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have jointly launched a public consultation into amending deadlines for producing further FMPs as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement. This will be a shorter consultation, closing on 21 November.
The consultation proposes amending the publication deadlines for five Defra-led plans to the end of 2025, for 29 Scottish Government, Defra and DAERA jointly-led plans to the end of 2026, and for one Welsh Government-led plan to the end of 2028. Some additional technical amendments are proposed.
The proposed new deadlines will help to ensure that there is adequate time for the fishing sector and wider stakeholders to feed into the development of the FMPs, and for their views to be reflected as part of the co-design process.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
The revised timeline to deliver the remaining Fisheries Management Plans proposed by the four administrations will help to ensure that the fishing industry and others impacted by these proposals can play a meaningful role in developing them.
Work is ongoing to develop the Scottish-led Fisheries Management Plans for UK waters. The Scottish Government will continue to engage to ensure that FMPs are fit for purpose, supporting sustainable fishing and our marine environment and ultimately benefiting Scotland’s fishing industry and coastal communities.
Wales’ Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
I am pleased to be launching a consultation with the other UK fisheries policy authorities (FPAs). The proposed changes will enable the FPAs to produce high-quality, comprehensive and robust FMPs that will achieve the long-term aim of sustainably managed fisheries. I now look forward to hearing views on the proposals we have set out.
Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, said:
The development of fisheries management plans provides an important opportunity for Northern Ireland fisheries management, by enabling us to draw on the best available science and the expertise of our fishers and other stakeholders, to ensure that our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable into the long term.
I am committed to continuing engagement with all stakeholders likely to be impacted by the plans which my department has responsibility for. It is essential that the plans are fit for purpose and can deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry for Northern Ireland whilst improving the marine environment.
Further information
The Joint Fisheries Statement currently lists 43 fisheries management plans. FMPs are intended to help restore or maintain stocks at sustainable levels
The sprat plan was prepared jointly with the Scottish Government and covers sprat fisheries in English and Scottish waters of the North Sea and English Channel. The other 4 plans cover English waters.
The five FMP consultations will run for 14 weeks, ending at 23:59 on 19 January 2025.
The JFS consultation will run for six weeks, starting at 10.00 on 10 October and ending at 23.59 on 21 November.
Draft Fisheries Management Plans
The draft plans will deliver our obligations as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement and the England Environmental Improvement Plan. They cover
Cockle
Queen scallop
North Sea and Channel sprat (covering English waters and Scottish waters)
Army Officer James Robinson lands in Alderney on a mission to help create a positive outlook
Alderney’s new Head of Operations has swapped a Colonel’s uniform for island life – and a mission to help foster a “positive and resilient” outlook for the community.
James Robinson CBE has been finding his feet at Island Hall for a few weeks where he is bringing his experience to the States of Alderney’s operations.
A key aspect of his job is to provide visionary leadership and build effective relationships with stakeholders including States Members, the community and business partners.
“I wanted a role that allows me to get things done in a people-oriented way and with a touch of adventure,” he said.
Coming from an Army family, his officer training at Sandhurst was followed by operational service in hotspots such as Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. His last job in the Army was Head of the Brigade of Gurkhas during which time he was responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations with Nepal, India and Brunei.
He left the Army as a full colonel after 36 years’ service since when he has undertaken a number of security and management consultancy projects in Riyadh, Kabul, Qatar, Jordan and for the UK G7 summit in Cornwall. He also managed his borough’s response to COVID for six months leading 3000 volunteers to support the local community.
“I am here to help create a positive and resilient future for Alderney while seeking to protect its unique environment and heritage,” added Mr Robinson. “I had a hugely varied life in the Army that took me all around the world solving interesting challenges and I hope I can add value here.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Letter from the Independent Reconfiguration Panel Chair, Sir Norman Williams, to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP.
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The Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) Chair’s letter to the Secretary of State formally requests an introductory meeting to discuss the IRP’s work and approach to the ministerial intervention powers over the reconfiguration of NHS services which came into force via the Health and Care Act 2022.
Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)
SAN DIEGO – United States Attorney Tara McGrath issued a public safety alert today advising the public to be vigilant to hurricane relief fraud in the wake of powerful hurricanes causing devastation on the East Coast.
“During times of crisis, be vigilant, because not all who ask for help have good intentions,” McGrath said. “Be sure to protect yourself by verifying before you donate to ensure your generous support reaches those truly in need.”
Hurricane Milton is heading for Florida now, less than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region on Sept. 26 and quickly caused major devastation there and across states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. As we have seen in the wake of previous national disasters, fraudsters will target victims of the storm along with citizens across the country who want to do what they can to assist individuals affected by the storm. Unfortunately, criminals exploit disasters for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating deceiving websites designed to solicit contributions.
The public should exercise diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. Solicitations can originate from phone calls, texts, social media, e-mail, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, and other similar methods. Before making a donation to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene, individuals should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Do not be pressured into making contributions as reputable charities do not use such tactics.
Do not respond to any unsolicited communications (e.g., e-mails and texts), and never click links contained within those messages because they may be targeting your personal information, to include bank and credit card account information, and other identifiers such as dates of birth and social security numbers.
Rather than clicking on a purported link to a charity, verify its legitimacy by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming whether the organization is a valid charity.
Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to, but not exactly the same as, those of reputable charities.
Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
Know that legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services, and their website will normally end in .org rather than .com.
Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to deter, investigate, and prosecute fraud in the wake of disasters. More than 50 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Complaints of fraud may be reported online at http://www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm. Complaints may also be reported to the NCDF at (866) 720-5721, a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Announcement on Open Market Operations No.199 [2024]
(Open Market Operations Office, October 10, 2024)
In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB150 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 10, 2024.
In order to implement the guidelines of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the requirement put forward at the Central Financial Work Conference to enrich the toolbox of monetary policy by gradually increasing the purchase and sale of government bonds in the central bank’s open market operations, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have established a joint working group. Its first official meeting was held recently. Xuan Changneng, Deputy governor of the PBOC and Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance attended and addressed the meeting. At the meeting, both sides highly recognized their previous close cooperation in buying and selling government bonds by the central bank. They also established the mechanism for the operation of the working group, and exchanged opinions on issues such as the operation of the bond market. Both agreed that the central bank’s buying and selling of government bonds is an important means to enrich the monetary toolbox and strengthen the liquidity management. Moving forward, both sides should strike a balance between development and security, and keep on promoting policy coordination. They should continuously improve relevant institutional arrangements, regulate the bond market and maintain its stable development, so as to provide a favourable market environment for the central bank to buy and sell government bonds. Officials from relevant departments of the PBOC and the MOF also attended the meeting.
To implement the requirements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on “establishing a long-term mechanism to enhance the internal stability of the capital market” and promote the healthy and stable development of the capital market, the PBOC decides to set up Securities, Funds and Insurance companies Swap Facility (SFISF) to support eligible securities, funds and insurance companies to use their assets including bonds, stock ETFs and holdings of CSI 300 constituent stocks as collateral in exchange for highly liquid assets such as government bonds and central bank bills from the PBOC. The initial scale of the swap operation will be set at RMB500 billion, with possible expansions in the future. As from today, applications are accepted from eligible securities, funds and insurance companies.
Released by: Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Multiculturalism
The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.5 million into Multilingual NSW which will deliver the new Multilingual NSW Academy for translators and interpreters to further strengthen NSW’s linguistic diversity and government services.
The Multilingual NSW Academy will support the development and sustainability of translating and interpreting services across the State and fulfil a 2024-25 Budget commitment.
The Academy will explore new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading training organisations, including University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. The Academy aims to increase the specialist and digital competency of Multicultural NSW’s more-than 1,000 language professionals by providing them with skills to work more effectively on NSW Government assignments.
Digital uplift through technology and training will be a key feature of the Academy supported by an investment in new technology. Additionally, the Academy will embrace the customer-centric way of working as championed by the Department of Customer Service.
At a recent event to recognise the work of NSW Government translators and interpreters and launch the new Multilingual NSW academy, three long serving Multicultural NSW employees were recognised for their 40-year professional commitment to their communities.
Polish translator Czeslaw Olechnowicz, Hindi interpreter Neena Sinha and Thai translator and interpreter Songsri Foran were recognised with medals to commemorate their service.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“Translators and interpreters have a crucial role in ensuring everyone in NSW has access to important information and services, which is why we’re investing in our people.”
“Multilingual NSW is focusing on building the skills and capabilities of our translators and interpreters so that language is no longer a barrier to our multicultural community accessing government services.”
“This significant investment delivers on the government’s plan to build strong, diverse communities and a better NSW for everyone.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“With almost 1 in 3 people living in NSW born overseas and more than 280 languages spoken in homes across the state, it is essential we deliver the resources and services our communities need to stay connected.”
“We are working on a Digital Inclusion Strategy which puts people at the centre of how we roll out technological innovations and develop solutions which focus on diversity and accessibility and bridge the digital divide.”
“This digital funding will support the rollout of new technology which will support more effective translation and interpreting services to benefit our linguistically diverse residents.”
“This is about delivering digital for people, with the needs of the community being considered at every step.”
This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Austrian Ski Association ( Ski Austria ), on the occasion of the World Ski Championships 2025, to be held in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, from 4 to 16 February.
The following is the Pope’s greeting to those present at the audience:
Greeting of the Holy Father
Dear Msgr. Lackner,
Your Excellency,
Dear athletes, dear friends,
I warmly greet you, who have come to the Vatican from Austria to meet the Successor of Peter.
Your homeland, rich in majestic mountains, offers excellent possibilities for alpine sports. Your association, Ski Austria , founded in 1905, aims to promote the various skiing activities nationwide, especially the athletes in their outstanding performances. I would like to encourage all of you to always cultivate in your endeavours the values inherent to sport: such as constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. Constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. In this way you make your contribution to a more fraternal world, because sport creates brotherhood, in order to sing, amidst the wonders of nature in your country, the hymn of praise to the Creator.
May the Lord accompany you and the Guardian Angels protect you from every danger. I pray for you and you, pray for me.
(Words in German) Ich bete für Sie, beten Sie für mich: Diese Arbeit ist nicht einfach! Vielen Dank.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Select PNNL staff and Washington State University Tri-Cities students participate in entrepreneurial training called Energy I-Corp, funded by the Department of Energy. PNNL research teams are paired with WSU student teams to create a plan to take a PNNL-developed technology to market.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This storm is catastrophic. We have hundreds of DOT personnel on the ground supporting life-saving preparations for Hurricane Milton, as well as carrying out response and recovery efforts for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell hosts a virtual daily briefing to discuss FEMA’s actions to prepare for Hurricane Milton and ongoing response to Hurricane Helene.
Source: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) (Video Release)
‘If you allow it to happen to Palestinian journalists today, then it will happen to you tomorrow’ – Youmna El Sayed, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Gaza
It’s been one year since the start of the war in Gaza and practicing journalism has become nearly impossible in the Palestinian enclave. Only a handful of men and women continue to do so, risking their lives even after their fellow journalists have been forced into exile or killed by the Israeli army. In this brand new documentary, three Gazan refugee journalists tell RSF about their experiences.
In just one year, over 130 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. This violence has been met with widespread impunity.
Press conference by Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Imran Riza, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, briefing reporters on the country.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, today (9 Oct) said, “Lebanon finds itself facing a conflict and a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions,” and called for a “realistic roadmap for the implementation by both sides of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.”
Briefing from Beirut together with the Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, Hennis-Plasschaert said, “unrelenting bombardment is now part and parcel of daily life in Lebanon, with the latest blasts not even 30 minutes ago. Far too many people are paying an unimaginable price with over 2,000 killed, many more wounded and hundreds of thousands displaced.”
Meanwhile, she continued, Hezbollah, “continues to launch rockets and missiles into Israel, preventing tens of thousands of Israelis from returning home.”
The Special Coordinator said it was “clear that 7th October changed everything, including the threat perception in Israel,” but stressed that “a continuation of the death and destruction we have seen so far will not, cannot bring about safety or security.”
At the end of the day, she said, “it is the lack or non-implementation even of Resolution 1701 over the past 18 years that led to today’s harsh reality.”
Riza for his part said, “healthcare and frontline workers have come under attack, as have civil defence centres and water supply systems, pushing essential services to the brink of collapse. The killing of over 100 paramedics, healthcare workers, and public servants impairs Lebanon’s emergency response capacity.”
He said, “this must stop. Even wars have rules.”
Responding to a journalist’s question, the Humanitarian Coordinator said, “the trauma, the fear, the anxiety here is very much about Gaza, whether we go on that route, whether that’s where it’s going right now,” adding that “the lessons are to have member states really exert everything they can, on the one hand towards the ceasefire,” but in the meantime, “respecting international humanitarian law, respecting protection of civilians, respecting that, protecting humanitarian workers, frontline workers and the like. And that is what we really need at this time.”
Asked about whether 1701 was still relevant, Hennis-Plasschaert said, “the question is not whether 1701 is still relevant. The question is how to implement it and how come it was not implemented in the past 18 years. And therefore, I am pushing, or hinting, or suggesting that a serious discussion on the implementation and enforcement mechanisms will take place.”
“What we would like to avoid,” she continued, is “a period of relatively calm or return to the cessation of hostilities, and then after ten, 15, 18 years, we have a similar situation as we are facing today.”
More than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past year, including at least 100 children and 300 women. At least 1 million people have been directly affected, many of them displaced – often multiple times — enduring the loss of loved ones, homes, livelihoods and their sense of security.
More than 600,000 people are internally displaced across the country – over half of them women and girls. At least 350,000 children have been displaced in total. Most children remain out of school, with the start of the new year postponed to 4 November as 75 percent of the country’s public schools have been converted into shelters.
At least 185,000 people have sought refuge in 1,000 shelters – 80 percent of which are already at capacity.
And over 300,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries, such as Syria, and many of them are also moving to Iraq and Türkiye as well.
People urged to check and use Best Start Foods card
Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card.
Best Start Foods, a payment of up to £42.40 every four weeks, helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families and carers with children under the age of three to buy healthy foods from a range of supermarkets, small shops and online stores.
Since its launch in 2019, over £57 million has been paid to over 86,000 parents and carers.
The majority of people say it is clear how to use the card, it has helped them to buy milk or healthy food and have been able to use it without any difficulty, according to a recent survey.
People that have not yet activated their card or don’t use it regularly could be missing out on money that can help pay for healthy foods. Social Security Scotland continue to contact those getting Best Start Foods via text message to alert them to balances available to spend on their cards.
People can apply for the payment as soon as they know they are pregnant, during pregnancy and up to when their child turns three.
The removal of income limits earlier this year also means even more people can now get the payment and are being urged to check if they are eligible.
Speaking at a visit Edinburgh Community Food during Challenge Poverty Week, Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“We are determined to eradicate child poverty and reduce health inequalities in Scotland and Best Start Foods, part of the five family payments, is part of a package to support this.
“We want to make sure people know about, and get, all the financial help they are entitled to. This is particularly relevant during the continuing cost of living crisis.
“I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out, make sure it’s activated and check the balance for money to help pay for their food shop.
“If cards are lost, or people are unsure of how to use them, support is available to help them use their card. The card works the same as any chip and pin card and can be used in many supermarkets, small shops and online.
“The Scottish Government removed income limits earlier this year, so I would also urge anyone who has not yet applied for Best Start Foods to check if they are eligible.”
Brenda Black, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Community Food, added:
“Working together with Social Security Scotland and community partners we help mothers and (guardians) check their eligibility and to access their money through the handy Best Start Foods Pre-Paid Card providing a dignified way to spend their payment on healthier foods to enjoy with their growing family.
“Edinburgh Community Food plays a key role in supporting & nourishing futures for expecting mothers and their children.
“We are determined to use every creative way possible to support their access to nourishing food during the first 2001 days, which are crucial for every child’s growth and development.”