We badly need to cut the cost of public transport if we are to reduce the number of cars on our roads.
More in Transport
If we are to reduce car use we need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available for all, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell.
Mr Ruskell’s comments come as the Scottish government has dropped a nationwide target to cut the number of car journeys taken in Scotland by 20 per cent by 2030.
Transport is Scotland’s largest carbon emitter, accounting for 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.
Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“The lack of ambition from the Scottish Government is disappointing. Dropping this target won’t change the fact that, since the target was set, there has been a serious lack of action from SNP ministers to meet it.
“Emissions from transport remain the largest source of pollution in Scotland, and private car use makes up a huge share of that. We’ve known for decades that to tackle the climate emergency, we need to cut car use, and while the Scottish Government has been strong with words, their actions have been lacking.
“We are on the road to climate chaos. We need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available to all if we are to start cutting emissions.
“The action we need to be taking is exactly what the Scottish Greens have been pushing to introduce for years: cheaper trains and buses, better connections for rural communities and an end to spending on new unnecessary road building schemes.
“Making public transport cheaper and more accessible makes the choice to leave the car at home easier for many people. Many commuters want to play their part in reducing our carbon emissions but the cost is simply too high for some. It’s time to make trains and buses cheaper across Scotland.”
Mr Ruskell added:
“Whilst in Government, the Scottish Greens introduced the free bus pass for young people, which has been used over 200 million times, we scrapped peak rail fares for a period, which led to 10 million more commuter journeys, and we delivered record investment in active travel infrastructure allowing more people than ever to walk, wheel or cycle.
“This is the kind of ambition needed to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland, but we need to go further. With more Scottish Green MSPs in Holyrood, we can push for real change to tackle the climate emergency and save commuters money, such as a permanent removal of peak rail fares, a nationwide bus fare cap, and radical investment in Scotland’s railways.”
The Monarchy is an costly and archaic institution.
More in Finance
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has tabled proposals to end the King’s exclusive 100% tax exemption when buying property in Scotland.
Mr Greer has lodged proposals to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that would close the loophole allowing the King to purchase property in Scotland without paying any Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Any other family buying a property worth over £145,000 would pay LBTT at 5-12%, depending on the value of the property.
This is one of several tax exemptions enjoyed by the monarchy. They are also exempt from taxes reserved to the UK Government including corporation tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax.
“It’s simply unjustifiable that one of the richest men in the country gets a free pass from paying tax because of the family he was born into.
“The Scottish Greens would obviously scrap the monarchy in a heartbeat, but even royalists must agree that this is an absurd and undeserved perk for someone more than capable of paying his fair share towards our public services.
“The Crown is an expensive relic, and an insult to democracy. One family should not be allowed to exempt itself from whichever laws it doesn’t want to follow.
“The Scottish Parliament may not have the power to end every tax perk enjoyed by the Windsors, but we can end this one and set an example for the UK Government to follow.
“My proposals are a modest but important step towards a fairer Scotland. If Parliament agrees, it would be a powerful statement against entrenched power and privilege.
“It’s long past time that we challenged rather than pandered to elites who want one rule for themselves and another for the rest of us.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
MHRA approves first UK treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia, omaveloxolone
As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 23 April, approved omaveloxolone (Skyclarys), the first treatment for patients aged 16 and over, in the UK for a rare neurodegenerative movement disorder called Friedreich’s ataxia.
Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of hereditary ataxia (caused by genes a person has inherited). It is thought to affect at least 1 in every 50,000 people. Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia include problems with balance and movement, which get progressively worse over time.
This medicine is taken as an oral capsule.
Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:
“Patient safety is our top priority. I am pleased to confirm the first UK approval for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia, omaveloxolone.
“We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new treatment have been met.
“As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”
People with Friedreich’s ataxia appear to have reduced levels and activity of a protein called Nrf2, which helps cells respond to oxidative stress (a condition that may occur when there are too many free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them, which can lead to cell and tissue damage). Omaveloxolone activates the Nrf2 pathway.
In a clinical trial, patients treated with omaveloxolone scored better on tests of neurological function than patients who were treated with a placebo (a dummy treatment).
In this clinical trial, involving 103 patients with Friedreich’s ataxia aged between 16 and 40 years, omaveloxolone was more effective than placebo at reducing physical impairment after 48 weeks of treatment.
For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the Patient Information Leaflet or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) available on the MHRA’s website.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
Notes to editors
The new marketing authorisation was granted on 23 April to Biogen Netherlands B.V.
This product was submitted and approved via a national procedure.
More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
TORONTO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued today by Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF (TSX: MDIV), please note the source should have read as Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF. The corrected release follows:
Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF (TSX: MDIV) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the second quarter of 2025 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF as follows:
Record Date
Payable Date
Distribution Per Trust Unit
April 30, 2025
May 15, 2025
$0.06
May 31, 2025
June 13, 2025
$0.06
June 30, 2025
July 15, 2025
$0.06
The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbolMDIV.
The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.
Middlefield
Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.
For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.
This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains. The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in Nature looks at E. coli strains and an association with increased colorectal cancer rates.
Professor Trevor Graham, Professor of Genomics and Evolution and Director of the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“This is very good quality research. The authors have collected bowel cancers from countries around the world and performed whole genome sequencing on them, which detects the pattern of mutations across the genome. Different mutational processes (such as the mutations that happen normally through ageing, or the mutations caused by smoking) make different patterns. Therefore by looking at the mutational patterns, the authors could learn what likely caused the mutations in the bowel cancers. They found different patterns of mutations in cancers from different countries, although it isn’t clear what caused these differences. They also found that, in countries where bowel cancer was more common, there were increased numbers of mutations caused by a special type of E. coli that can live in the bowel (called pks+ E. coli that make a mutagen called colibactin). These colibactin caused mutations which also plausibly caused the cancers to grow in the first place, although we can’t say that from this study. Most importantly, the colibactin mutations were also more common in people who got bowel cancer before the age of 50. This suggests the mutations caused by these bugs in the bowel could be a cause of early-onset bowel cancer, although further studies are needed to confirm this.
“We’ve known for a while that colibactin made by a particular strain of E. coli causes mutations linked to bowel cancers, and also that these mutations likely had a role in causing the cancers to grow in the first place. It had been proposed before that these “bad bugs” could have a role in causing early-onset disease: this work provides strong data yet that the hypothesis is correct.”
Is this an association or causation? Do we know yet that this toxin actually causes the colorectal cancer?
“The study is correlation only. The data are very suggestive that the colibactin producing E. coli may have a causative role in bowel cancer development, but they do not prove it directly.
“It is certain, from previous work, that colibactin causes mutations in the bowel, and that pks+ E. coli make colibactin. These new data are definitive that the burden of colibactin mutations is greater in early onset bowel cancers.
“It’s not clear when and how the particular strain of E. coli gets into the bowel in the first place, and why they are usually gone again by the time the cancer starts to grow. Therefore, if we were to think about eradicating these “bad bugs”, how we might be able to do that isn’t clear either.
“It’s also possible that these apparently “bad bugs” are actually playing a role in maintaining the overall health of the bowel microbiome: indeed these bugs have been used as a probiotic in some countries in the past years. Eradicating them might have unexpected consequences for gut health.”
How common are these strains of E.coli? Are they the same ones that cause food poisoning?
“E. coli is a usual (normal) part of the human gut microbiome. Pks+ strains are very common in Europe and in many places around the world (where their frequency correlates with cancer incidence). Usually these strains wouldn’t cause food poisoning: indeed they have been used as probiotics to treat intestinal problems.”
Does having this toxin mean you will definitely get young onset colorectal cancer? Or is this association only seen in some cases where the patient has the genetic signature?
“We don’t have definitive data on whether having the toxin means you will definitely get young-onset colorectal cancer: this study only looked at cancers themselves, not at the bowels of healthy people without cancer. So, it’s quite possible that pks+ E. coli are very common and only a few people with the “bad bugs” will actually go on to get bowel cancer. I think it is very likely cancer only occurs in some cases, because even though someone might have the “bad bugs” that cause mutations, those bugs have to cause the right mutations to make a cancer grow.”
Prof Julian Peto, Professor of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
“The paper shows that mutational signatures in colorectal cancer vary between countries, which is good evidence of regional differences in environmental exposures. However, the observation that colibactin signatures are commoner in young colorectal cancers is not good evidence that increasing colibactin exposure is an important cause of the recent increase in colorectal cancer in successive generations born since the 1950s. An equally plausible explanation of these data is that the incidence of colorectal cancers (CRCs) caused by early exposure to colibactin (like CRCs caused by inherited APC mutations) rises less steeply with age than for the majority of CRCs. Their hypothesis should be tested by similar studies on stored histology samples from CRCs diagnosed in successive periods. That would show whether there has been a secular increase in the proportion of CRCs with these signatures.”
Comment provided by our friends at the Spanish SMC:
Dr Isabel Portillo, coordinator of Colorectal and Prenatal Cancer Screenings for the Basque Health Service-Osakidetza, researcher in the Cancer Biomarkers group at the Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, and secretary of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, said:
Does the press release accurately reflect the study?
“Yes, it reflects the issue and the possible association with a biomarker that was under study.”
Is the study of good quality?
“Yes, it presents a well-founded discussion and acknowledges the uncertainties and the need for further studies to confirm and demonstrate the role of the microbiome and its potential beneficial effect, although the association of colibactin with colorectal cancer in young people and in other age groups requires more retrospective and prospective research. It’s surprising that there is no mention of possible environmental and dietary risk factors or healthy habits, which are also related.”
How does this work fit in with the existing evidence?
“It is new evidence of a possible marker associated with colorectal cancer.”
Have the authors considered confounding factors?
“They have been considered; however, the focus is more on genetic analyses than on the interaction with other factors.”
What are the real-world implications?
“Basic research. It is still too early to say that there is only one biomarker, or whether it can be neutralized and how.
“I believe this research is highly relevant for advancing our understanding of the origin and development of cancer (both colorectal cancer and others related to the same markers).”
‘Geographic and age variations in mutational processes in colorectal cancer’ by Marcos Díaz-Gay et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 23 April 2025.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09025-8 (2025)
Declared interests
Dr Isabel Portillo: no conflicts of interest.
For all other experts, no response to our request for DOIs was received.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Police accountability reforms to enter Parliament
Police officers will be given greater confidence to carry out their roles, with reforms to the systems that hold them to account set to enter Parliament.
Getty Images
The government will table an amendment to the flagship Crime and Policing Bill later this week to provide a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers who are subject to a criminal trial following a shooting.
This will apply during court proceedings and in media reporting up until the point of conviction.
Improving policing systems is a crucial part of making our streets safer under the Plan for Change, and this move addresses specific concerns raised during the accountability review about the risks firearms officers face from criminal gangs and will protect them and their families against any such threat.
Three measures to improve the timeliness and appropriateness of investigations into police use of force and the rights of victims will also be also included in the bill:
Aligning the threshold for referrals by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to that used by police when referring cases involving members of the public. This is to avoid the system being clogged up with cases, allowing greater focus and swifter resolution of those that are referred.
Speeding up processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS where there is sufficient evidence, prior to their final investigation report.
Putting the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing to ensure the voices of victims and their families are heard.
This is a crucial step in delivering measures set out by the Home Secretary to parliament in October, in which she set out a package of reforms to rebuild confidence for police officers and communities. The measures are designed to tackle unacceptable delays and confusion in the system, to ensure that the complexity of specialist operations is considered at an early stage, and that the highest standards within policing are upheld and maintained.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
The proud British tradition of policing by consent depends on mutual bonds of trust between the police and the communities they serve. That’s why we have set out an ambitious package of measures to rebuild both public trust in policing and the confidence of police officers in their vital work to keep the public safe.
Police officers in specialist roles who make split-second decisions to keep the public safe must have the confidence to carry out their duties, knowing that the systems which hold them to account for their decisions are fair.
Too often those processes have involved unacceptable delays and confusion, which has been damaging both for the police and the public. These changes will help to boost confidence that the system will work swiftly and effectively for all those involved.
The accountability review found that the current system for holding police officers to account is not commanding the confidence of either the public or the police, with misconduct proceedings too often plagued by delays stretching for years, which is damaging for complainants, police officers and police forces alike.
Alongside the changes being made in the Crime and Policing Bill, the Director for Public Prosecutions has already completed a review of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties. Revised guidance provides greater clarity for prosecutors, ensuring the dynamic and fast-changing nature of specialist policing decisions are taken into account when charging decisions are made.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, said:
The progress that has been made on vital accountability reform should be welcomed. In particular, I am very pleased to see that the previous commitment on anonymity for firearms officers subject to criminal trials is going to be introduced as an amendment to legislation going through Parliament.
We know further reform is needed if officers are to have full confidence in the system that holds them to account but alongside our policing partners we are working positively and constructively with the government and that work will continue.
Lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Operations Coordination Committee and the Senior Responsible Officer for the accountability review, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, said:
We welcome today’s announcement. These are positive changes which will ensure that the public interest is served, and that police officers and staff will have the confidence to protect the public and uphold the law.
Everyone in policing expects to be held to account for their actions and use of powers. However, too often we hear of the devastating, and often disproportionate, impact on officers, staff and their families after they have stepped forward with courage and professionalism on behalf of the public.
Whether it’s an issue concerning use of force, death following contact with the police, police driving or where officers are alleged to have broken the law, it is important that the accountability mechanism is swift, balanced, and fair. This in turn will give our people the confidence to fulfil their duties, and the public confidence in their professionalism and decision making.
We remain determined to get police accountability right and we will support government to improve the current accountability system to ensure community support, and importantly, to give police officers and staff the knowledge that where they act, to do the right things for the right reasons, they have the support to do their job of tackling crime and protecting the public.
This comes as the government has today set out further reforms to rebuild public confidence in policing, including new regulations to ensure police chiefs can automatically sack officers who fail background checks, allowing them to root out those who are unfit to serve.
Civic, faith, trade unions and political leaders commit to action.
Civic, faith, trade union and political leaders have committed to taking action to safeguard Scotland’s democracy and tackle people’s feeling of being unheard and disempowered.
At a gathering of representatives from across society, the First Minister described the pledge as demonstrating a ‘strength of unity’ which reflects the democratic values felt by communities across the country.
Today’s event saw more than 50 leaders meet in Glasgow to assess the robustness of Scotland’s democratic system. Across the day, there were focused discussions, moderated by civic leaders, on four key themes which are contributing to a breakdown in democratic trust, including:
combating inequality and discrimination
tackling disinformation and ensuring a trusted media environment
enhancing trust in politics and boosting the accountability of political leaders and democratic institutions
strengthening vigilance to electoral interference and encouraging more active democratic participation
Following discussions, participants considered a mission statement that seeks to provide a framework that can underpin specific actions and solutions to help tackle some of the issues identified.
The statement reads:
STRENGTHENING AND PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard Scotland’s democracy.
We recognise many people in our country feel distant from politics or failed by society. They feel unheard and disempowered.
We recognise also that much of our public discourse has become polarised and soured.
Our starting point has been a recognition of that reality and, alongside this, a recognition also that the solutions, which will be manifold and complex, require a collective response.
We have a shared responsibility to map a way forward for Scotland, which is why we are committed to working together to ensure that our democratic structures evolve to meet our democratic ideals and are both trusted and robust.
There are certain fundamental principles and values that are already part of our understanding of Scottish democracy, rooted in the creation of the Scottish Parliament, that we believe should shape and guide our work.
These are:
Participation and openness
The sharing of power
Accountability
Equal opportunity
We stand together on these principles and values, recognising that they offer both a foundation on which to build and markers to guide this next stage of our nation’s democratic journey.
I pledge my support.
Speaking after the event, First Minister John Swinney said:
“Our discussion was incredibly powerful and equally inspiring. I am grateful to the many representatives from across Scottish society who shared their honest reflections on the challenges we face, alongside their absolute determination to work together to ensure we stand up for the values and principles we hold so dear.
“Today’s event is a pivotal moment for Scotland as we demonstrate our shared commitment to democracy but to make that a reality, we must now work at pace to ensure targeted action delivers results. By coming together, we have started that process, with all participants committed to developing actions that can address some of the root causes of the challenges facing our country. I pledge my government’s absolute support for that work, to ensure we leave no stone unturned in identifying solutions and empowering the disempowered who so often feel left behind.
“We can only protect the rights of each citizen, if we protect, strengthen and renew our democratic values. By reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding democracy in Scotland, we have demonstrated a strength of unity which will guide us in our actions.”
Following the gathering, political and civic leaders taking part in the press conference pledged their support for the statement. They are:
Anas Sarwar MSP – Leader, Scottish Labour
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Leader, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Patrick Harvie MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party
Lorna Slater MSP – Co-Convenor, Scottish Green Party Leader
Ash Regan MSP – Alba parliamentary leader
Roz Foyer – General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress
Sara Thiam – Chief Executive of Prosper
All delegates attending the gathering have been invited to take the statement to their organisation to seek agreement for pledging their support. Work will now be developed in partnership with participants to ensure actions are agreed and taken forward.
Environment Agency clampdown on illegal use of cast nets
A 42-year-old man was caught red-handed by Environment Agency officers when he attempted to use a cast net without permission on a canal in South Yorkshire.
Image of the cast net.
At Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on 2 April 2025, Jamie Ellis, of South Drive, Middleton-on-the-Wolds, Yorkshire, admitted fishing using an unauthorised means. He was ordered to pay a total of £580 made up of a £200 fine, £300 costs and a victim’s surcharge of £80.
The use of cast nets requires permission from the Environment Agency. This is separate to a rod licence, and the offender did not have permission for a cast net in place.
It is only granted in limited circumstances due to it being an indiscriminate and damaging method which can have huge impacts on fish stocks and wildlife.
The court heard that on 13 January 2024, Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement officers were patrolling the Staniforth and Keadby Canal in Thorne. They saw the defendant throw a cast net into the water, pull it back out, and then place it on the ground.
The officers spoke to Ellis who admitted the net was his.
When interviewed under caution, the defendant claimed it was the first time he had used such a net and had not caught any fish. He also said he had not been aware that he needed permission to use it. He had a rod licence but this does not include the use of a cast net.
Kye Jerrom, a fisheries enforcement officer for the Environment Agency, said:
“We hope this case serves as a cautionary tale to anyone who is thinking of breaking the rules.
“Cast nets have the potential to cause huge impacts to fish stocks.
“This is due to the damaging nature of how they work and the numbers of fish they can snare.
“Our patrols are essential in preventing this type of fishing offence and to protect fish stocks for angling and nature.
“If people suspect illegal fishing they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”
From 1 June 2025 it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply, offer to sell or supply, or have in their possession for sale or supply all single use vape products.
The new legislation applies to all vapes whether they contain nicotine or not and will affect both sales in shop and online.
A recent study identified that almost five million single use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK. Vape batteries contain lithium which can be recycled. This resource is lost when vapes are put in black bins as they end up either in landfill or being incinerated.
Incorrect disposal can also lead to fires, posing a risk to waste management workers, the fire service, and the public.
Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team will enforce the ban in the city, with several civil sanctions at their disposal including a stop notice, compliance notices, and fines of £200. Should a business continue to sell or supply vapes, they may be charged with an unlimited fine, a prison sentence up to two years, or both.
For vapes to be considered reusable, replacement components (including the pre-filled pods, e-liquid refill bottles and coils) must be separately available to buy either in-store or online.
Businesses can check whether a nicotine-containing vaping product is reusable on the MHRA website, but you must first consider the ‘definition of a reusable vape’ above to make sure the product is refillable and rechargeable.
As this new legislation will have an impact particularly on small businesses Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team will be visiting selected retailers to offer guidance and support them in being compliant with the regulations.
Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning, and Regulatory Services, said:
Single use vapes present a real challenge for our environment, present a safety risk, and can take up valuable time for our waste management workers and emergency service. This new legislation will help us tackle the issues and make our city a cleaner place.
Businesses should take the time now to prepare so they are not caught out after 1 June. If you need support or any advice around this legislation, please reach out to our Trading Standards team.
For more information and advice about the ban, businesses can contact the Derby City Council trading standards team on 01332 642424 or by emailing environmental.services@derby.gov.uk.
Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.
Derby City Council has been officially recognised for its hard work to keep residents’ and customers’ data safe.
During a recent routine audit, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – the Government body which makes sure organisations comply with data protection law – praised the Council for its high assurance ratings in keeping resident’s data secure.
The ICO assesses potential risks to data security and the likely impact, considering an organisation’s structure, concerns raised by the ICO or the Council, and risks which affect the sector more widely.
The recent audit focused on three areas: governance and accountability, cyber security, and personal data breach management and reporting.
Commenting on the personal data breach management and reporting category, the report noted:
Derby City Council has demonstrated a strong communication structure with IG (Information Governance) being communicated through multiple channels with effective messaging. This has led to a strong privacy culture, as demonstrated through staff engagement in drop-in sessions and the volume of queries received by the IG team.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance said:
Ensuring that our resident’s and customer’s data is kept safe and secure is very important to us and I’m pleased that the ICO’s recent audit reflects our commitment to excellence in this area.
A big thank you to all our colleagues who work hard to ensure that the appropriate processes and practices are in place and followed correctly. Our teams are reviewing the feedback and looking at areas for further improvement to ensure that we can maintain these high standards.
Our residents can be confident that the information that they share with us is shared in confidence.”
Several recommendations were also made to support the Council to improve their practices. These are being reviewed by the Council’s Information Governance team and will be implemented over the coming months.
The UK Supreme Court ruling backing the “biological” definition of a woman has been hailed by many as providing clarity on the law. But far from the matter being settled, it has raised complex questions, particularly when we consider that half of all transgender people are trans men. It even raises the possibility of trans men being excluded from both men and women’s spaces.
The court unanimously agreed that, regardless of any gender reassignment or possession of a gender recognition certificate (GRC) recognising them as female, transgender women should not be recognised as women for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. This means that access to single-sex spaces should be determined by biological gender assigned at birth.
Meanwhile, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said it will “pursue” the NHS unless it changes its gender policies. The NHS policies currently state that transgender patients should be accommodated in accordance with their self-identified gender, based on appearance, name and pronouns.
Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.
For many complex reasons, trans men generally feature far less in the public discourse around trans issues. Trans men are currently under-researched and rarely considered by the mainstream media or academic literature.
The Supreme Court’s own summary of the case sets out the issue in terms of the definition of “woman”. But it is clear that the judgment applies equally to trans men as it finds that each of the terms “man”, “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to biological sex. The court concludes that any other definition would be “incoherent and unworkable”.
The Office for National Statistics estimates there are roughly equal numbers (48,000) of trans men and trans women in England and Wales. This is supported by data from the US, which also shows roughly equal populations of trans men and trans women.
Issues for trans men
Those who support a biological definition of sex have framed their position as one which protects women’s rights and keeps women’s spaces safe by excluding men. By legal definition, that now includes trans women. However, it does not include trans men, who would have been born biologically female.
This judgment means that trans men can be excluded from men’s single-sex spaces. But there may also be cases where they are excluded from women’s spaces too, despite being considered women under the ruling.
The court found that it might be proportionate to exclude a trans man from a women’s single-sex service such as counselling for survivors of sexual abuse where “reasonable objection is taken to their presence … because the gender reassignment process has given them a masculine appearance…”.
This statement highlights the flawed legal reasoning around trans men. In most circumstances they are to be treated as women, even if that creates absurdities in practical implementation. And yet, they can also be excluded from some women’s spaces if they appear too masculine. It could be argued that it is this decision which is “incoherent and unworkable”.
The Supreme Court decision repeatedly makes the point that “neither possession of a GRC [gender recognition certificate] nor the protected characteristic of gender reassignment require any physiological change or even any change in outward appearance”.
However, in practice a GRC can’t be issued without a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. It is very difficult for an individual to meet the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria without making changes to their appearance or pursuing medical transition.
Testosterone treatment means that trans men may find it easier to “pass” (be perceived as the gender they identify with) than trans women. Testosterone generally causes facial hair to grow, and creates a more masculine physique and a deeper voice without the need for any additional procedures.
There are no official statistics, but a 2022 report by the advocacy group TransActual found that around 90% of trans respondents have accessed hormone therapy or surgery, or hope to do so in the future.
This likely means that a majority of the 48,000 estimated trans men in England and Wales are likely to present as masculine, and be perceived as cisgender men. This is where any implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling becomes complicated.
Single-sex spaces
The decision, subject to any future clarification, means that trans men are not permitted to enter men’s single-sex spaces such as men’s toilets, gym changing rooms or hospital wards. Instead, they should use the women’s single-sex spaces including communal changing areas, in accordance with their biological sex.
The justices briefly considered this issue when they gave the example of an employer requiring that a warden in a women’s or girls’ hostel be female. Before this ruling, such a role would be open to a trans woman with a GRC, but not to a trans man with a GRC.
There is also the concern that both trans men and trans women will expose themselves to a greater risk of harassment, which has already increased considerably, if they are forced to out themselves by using facilities which don’t align with the gender they present as.
Daniel Alge 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.
Westminster City Council have installed new commemorative street signs to recognise the birthplace of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street, London and spent her first year at the address. To mark this important connection to Westminster, the council commissioned eight street signs featuring special designs to pay tribute to her late Queen.
The design was approved by the Royal Household, ensuring a fitting tribute to Her Late Majesty’s birthplace. The new signs also incorporate one of the late Queen’s favourite flowers, the Lily of the Valley, which featured in her Coronation Bouquet.
Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said:
“We are proud to unveil these new signs in Bruton Street to commemorate the birthplace of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The tribute marks the late Queen’s connection to our city and highlights the rich heritage we have in Westminster.
“We hope they inform residents and visitors and serves as a destination for those wishing to pay their respects.”
The official unveiling ceremony was attended by local dignitaries including Stuart Shilson LVO DL, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for the City of Westminster, community leaders, plus Westminster City Council Councillors including the Leader, Cllr Adam Hug, and the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
An historic courtyard area of a former pottery site is being renovated to make it more appealing to workers and visitors.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in partnership with Dog & Bone Group and Spode Museum, wants to carry out the improvements at the Spode site in Stoke.
The proposals will see the existing green space improved and the remains of the bottle kilns preserved for the future. Other improvements include:
New seating incorporating commemorative plaques from various benches around the site
Planters
Festoon lighting
New flags for the flagpoles
New interpretation signage for the remains of the bottle kiln
As part of the improvement project, existing trees and shrubbery will need to be cleared or removed, where necessary, to stop the roots from further damaging the remains of the bottle kiln. A new tree will be planted as a replacement as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “A lot of progress has already been made at Spode and we remain committed to redeveloping the site further in the future. It is a fantastic place in the middle of Stoke town. Our ambition is to combine the old with the new to create a central hub for creativity and the arts.
“These latest improvements will create a pleasant environment for workers on the site for workers on the site and visitors to sit and enjoy.”
Spode is now home to a number of successful businesses and organisations including ACAVA (Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Art), Spode Museum Trust, Aparthotel, The Quarter restaurant, BCB (British Ceramics Biennial), Lesniak Swann and The Claybody Theatre Group.
Residents are being reminded that dog exclusion zones come back in force on Sunderland beaches from the beginning of May.
The dog exclusion zones apply to Roker beach and to a limited stretch of beach at Seaburn, between 1 May and 30 September.
These are part of the City Council’s wider Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which was introduced in 2019 in response to calls from residents for more enforcement action on a range of anti-social behaviour issues from dog fouling to dropping litter. This was renewed in 2024 following extensive public consultation.
The City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard said: “We are proud of our beautiful beaches and want to keep them clean and tidy so everyone can enjoy them.
“We want to take this opportunity to remind residents about the dog exclusion zones which come into force in May. We have clear signage for these zones at both beaches, as well as information on our website.
“While most residents are considerate dog owners, there are still some who were in breach of the dog exclusion zones. This resulted in us issuing 21 fixed penalty notices for dogs in the exclusion zones at Roker and Seaburn in 2024.
“As a council, we take great pride in our beautiful beaches and want everyone to be able to enjoy them. That’s why specific areas of the beach are designated as dog-free zones while the PSPO is in effect.”
Anyone caught breaching the dog exclusion zones faces a fixed penalty fine of £100.
For further information on the city’s Public Spaces Protection Order and the area covered by the dog exclusion zone visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/pspo
The St George’s Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester’s event calendar for over 19 years, returns this year with its vibrant celebration of England’s rich heritage and community spirit (27 April).
Originating from a grassroots organisation, this true community event has grown to become a popular, family-friendly celebration that showcases the diverse and eclectic idea of what it means to be English.
The parade aims to celebrate the nation’s spirit and the country’s achievements, particularly those that embody fairness, community, equality, and hard work.
This year’s parade will be held on April 27, starting from Varley Street at 12 noon. To note, although the Manchester Marathon is being held the same day, the two events are not expected to impact each other.
The parade will commence at Varley Street, turning left onto Oldham Road (southbound only), and will travel towards the city, crossing over Great Ancoats Street to Oldham Street.
It will then turn left on Piccadilly, left on Newton Street, left on Dale Street, right on Lever Street, left on Great Ancoats, right on Oldham (northbound only), right on Butler Street, left on Bradford Road, and finally left back to Varley Street.
The parade will feature performers on decorated floats. As in previous years, a cavalcade of up to 300 mopeds will join the parade for part of the route, along with a regal Queen Victoria in a royal carriage, a blue dragon towering at 7ft and an array of community groups across Manchester.
The parade is expected to take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the route.
The event is managed by the St George’s Day Committee with support from Manchester City Council and other partner agencies.
Councillor Pat Karney, City Centre Spokesperson, said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of the St George’s Day Parade in our incredible city which serves as a reminder and reflection of our proud heritage. This is a day for families, friends and neighbours to come together to celebrate the true meaning of community.
“The parade will be a colourful display of Manchester and our nation’s history, a reminder of our achievements and a proud celebration of our shared, diverse nation. I look forward to seeing thousands of Mancunians come together and I hope to see you there.”
Thelma McGrail, Chair of the St George’s Day organising committee, said: “Manchester’s St George’s Day Parade, celebrating England’s Patron Saint, has been an annual event for the last 19 years, this being the 20th. The parade itself is abundant in diversity, growing each year, uniting all communities. The event receives a huge amount of support before and on the day of the parade with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.”
Proposed road closure timings
Depart Varley Street at 12.00 – Arrive Varley Street 14.15
Varley St from Ridgeway St to Oldham Rd 09.00 – 16.00
Oldham Rd from Varley St to Grt Ancoats 12.00 – 14.30
GrtAncoats St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 12.45
(Hold Traffic) • Oldham St from Grt Ancoats to Piccadilly 12.30 – 14.00
Piccadilly from Oldham St to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
Newton St from Piccadilly to Grt Ancoats 12.30 – 14.00
Dale St from Oldham Rd to Newton St 12.30 – 14.00
Lever St from Dale to Great Ancoats Street 12.30 – 14.00
Great Ancoats St from Lever St to Oldham Rd 13.30 – 13.45
(Hold Traffic) • Oldham Rd from Grt Ancoats St to Butler St 12.30 – 14.00
Butler St from Oldham St to Bradford Rd 12.30 – 14.30
Bradford Rd from Butler St to Varley St 12.30 – 14.30
A series of new ‘family hubs’ have been launched across Leeds to bring together a wide range of services for people to access help more easily.
Leeds City Council has launched seven new hubs to host key support organisations under one roof, aiming to simplify the process for families to reach out for early help on a range of issues.
The family hubs build on the success of the council’s community hubs and will be based within these at the following locations:
South Leeds: Dewsbury Road and Rothwell
West Leeds: Armley and Horsforth
East Leeds: Deacon House, Compton Centre, Chapeltown Children’s Centre linked to Reginald Centre.
The new revamp allows the hubs to provide a single point of contact for families with children from birth up to the age of 18, to access guidance and advice on matters such as mental health, domestic abuse and substance use, one-to-one interventions and parenting groups
They also provide support up to the age of 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new system will allow professionals to link up and work together more effectively in helping to overcome any difficulties families may be facing.
Each hub will have a hub manager, social workers, senior family help practitioners and family help workers who can deliver one-to-one support along with signposting to other services.
As well as creating a more streamlined service for both families and professionals, the innovative transformation has also enabled efficiency savings within the authority of £750k.
It also adds to the successful cluster arrangements – where partner organisations work together with schools to support vulnerable families – as well as the existing early help hubs, to further bolster support provided across the city.
The family hubs were recently launched with an event in Leeds Civic Hall, where 200 people from across the sector gathered to celebrate the significant milestone in family support provision.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “This is an exciting development across the partnership to provide a more joined-up approach for children and families in need of extra help.
“Leeds has a continuous commitment to delivering early help provision, recognising the need to support families early in the life of the problem.
“These new highly efficient hubs will improve the quality of practice and experience of children and families and enable people to have the right conversations with the right services at the right time.
“Each hub has tailored support offers designed to meet the needs of that area and strengthens our ambition to support families, empower individuals and foster connections to create a brighter future for every family in Leeds.”
Anyone can contact the family hub network – both members of the public and professionals – via a phone number and an email address, to be directed to the appropriate contacts.
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, is pleased to announce its subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (“WASL”), a leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) provider, has commenced construction of an additional two-bay narrowbody hangar at its growing operations at Teesside International Airport (“Teesside”) in Northeastern England. The new hangar will be equipped for 737 and A320 family aircraft, including new-generation models.
Demand for aircraft heavy maintenance is exceptionally high, with global and European capacity falling short. Airlines must plan ahead to secure maintenance slots, as most MROs are at full capacity, making last-minute bookings difficult. The Company’s expansion plans add capacity to the UK’s MRO sector, addressing this industry gap. The new facility is expected to create a significant number of new highly-skilled jobs at Teesside. In partnership with local universities and colleges, WASL has laid the groundwork to launch training programs for new mechanics and apprentices, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term skill development in the region.
“We made a promise to create several hundred jobs in Northeast England, and we are proud to be delivering on that commitment. We are following through on our pledge to establish and expand our services in this region and beyond. Our integrated services businesses support third-party customers, as well as the Company’s owned and managed assets, driving meaningful growth and opportunity in the communities we serve,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
NEW YORK and SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) and Bullrock Energy Ventures (“Bullrock”) today announced that Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) have committed to fund up to $220 million for a new joint venture partnership with Bullrock related to a portfolio of community solar assets located in New York and New England. $100 million of Apollo’s equity commitment will fund the development of Bullrock’s nearly 500 MW pipeline of renewable energy assets.
Based in Vermont, Bullrock is a high-growth renewable energy company with operations throughout the Northeast. The company’s vertically integrated model includes deal sourcing, underwriting, development, construction, financing and asset management. Bullrock, led by Chairman and Founder Gregg Beldock, alongside partner company NxtGenREA led by Mike Mills, has developed nearly 500 MW of solar projects across New England, New York and the Midwest over the past decade. The projects support local residents and businesses throughout the country with access to affordable clean energy.
“We are excited to partner with Gregg and the Bullrock team and invest in this scaled portfolio of solar assets that we believe will offer significant benefits to their surrounding communities,” said Apollo Partner Corinne Still. “Community solar represents an innovative solution to expanding local access to clean, efficient power across the energy grid, benefiting individuals, households and businesses alike. This partnership underscores Apollo’s commitment to serving as a leading capital provider supporting the energy transition, investing in companies and projects that serve the growing demand for diverse sources of power.”
Bullrock Chairman and Founder Gregg Beldock and Bullrock Managing Partner Amory Beldock stated, “Our partnership with Apollo enhances a leading vertically integrated renewables platform working to meet the growing demand for power while reinforcing American energy security. Our long history in construction and development paired with Apollo’s integrated platform positions us to efficiently scale our portfolio. Community solar lowers energy costs, improves grid resiliency and boosts local economies. Apollo shares our commitment to driving the industry forward and we’re proud to work with them.”
Over the past five years, Apollo-managed funds and affiliates have committed, deployed or arranged approximately $58 billioni of climate and energy transition-related investments, supporting companies and projects across clean energy and infrastructure.
Tax Equity for the portfolio is arranged by Mike Mills through his company NxtGenREA.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP served as legal to the Apollo Funds. Brown Rudnick LLP served as legal counsel to Bullrock.
i As of December 31, 2024. The firmwide targets (the “Targets”) to deploy, commit, or arrange capital commensurate with Apollo’s proprietary Climate and Transition Investment Framework (the “CTIF”), are (1) $50 billion by 2027 and (2) more than $100 billion by 2030 The CTIF, which is subject to change at any time without notice, sets forth certain activities classified by Apollo as sustainable economic activities (“SEAs”), and the methodologies used to calculate contribution towards the Targets. Only investments determined to be currently contributing to an SEA in accordance with the CTIF are counted toward the Targets. Under the CTIF, Apollo uses different calculation methodologies for different types of investments in equity, debt and real estate. For additional details on the CTIF, please refer to our website here: https://www.apollo.com/strategies/asset-management/real-assets/sustainable-investing-platform.
About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of December 31, 2024, Apollo had approximately $751 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.
About Bullrock Energy Ventures
Bullrock Energy Ventures is a vertically integrated renewable energy investment platform. The company was born out of Bullrock’s long history across renewables, construction, real estate development and healthcare and NxtGenREA’s deep experience in solar development and tax equity financing. Bullrock has developed over 500 MW to date, deployed over $2B in capital across the clean energy space, and is quickly moving to develop its 500 MW pipeline. Our success is a testament to our uniquely integrated model which allows us to build, operate, finance and manage energy assets at scale. We are proud to accelerate the energy transition through our pioneering approach to development while supporting local communities and securing American energy independence.
Contacts
Noah Gunn Global Head of Investor Relations Apollo Global Management, Inc. 212-822-0540 ir@apollo.com
Joanna Rose Global Head of Corporate Communications Apollo Global Management, Inc. 212-822-0491 communications@apollo.com
For Bullrock Energy Ventures:
ir@bullrockcorp.com
For Bullrock Media Contacts:
Patrick Lenihan Gravity Strategic Partners patrick@gravitystrat.com 201-819-9871
Responding to Nigel Farage’s comments on Radio 4’s Today Programme where he refused to accept that carbon emissions are leading to climate change, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, hit back saying:
This morning’s performance suggested he hasn’t got the slightest grasp of even the most basic climate science. But I think it’s worse than that. He understands all too well human-made climate change, but he is willing to pretend he doesn’t and stand in the way of climate action for his party’s populist agenda.
If he really does believe what he says, let’s see if his ridiculous rhetoric stands up to actual scrutiny – let’s see if he is prepared to take part in an hour-long TV debate about climate change and the challenge of reaching net zero?”
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister tabled the following motions in the Commons yesterday:
Supreme Court ruling on legal definition of a woman
That this House welcomes the Supreme Court judgement of 15 April 2025 that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex; and calls on all Government departments, arms length bodies and all operating in the public sphere to ensure their language, definitions, guidance and approach fully accords with the findings of this ruling.
Omagh Bomb Inquiry
That this House notes that the Omagh Bomb Inquiry will examine only alleged failings in respect of agencies in the United Kingdom; regrets that there is no parallel inquiry established by the Dublin Government to investigate failings within that state, having regard to the fact the bomb was constructed in the Republic of Ireland and conveyed to Omagh by terrorists from within that state; and further notes with disapproval that the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chairman of the Omagh Bomb Inquiry and the Government of the Republic of Ireland does not ensure compellability of personnel from the Republic nor assure transparency in the handling of any evidence if produced from the Republic.
We are saddened to announce the death of Ian Hall, Honorary Freeman and Alderman of the City who died on Monday 21 April at the age of 98.
Ian was first elected as a Preston councillor in 1964 and stood down in 2007 after a remarkable 43 years’ service.
During his long service as councillor, he was twice Mayor of Preston in 1974-5 and 1994-5 and Leader of the Council from 2000 to 2003. He had served in a similar position twice before as Chair of Policy and Resources Committee from 1973-76 and 1980-82.
He served as a Justice of the Peace from 1969, and Ian had an outstanding record in public service devoting so much of his time to the city and people of Preston.
Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe pays tribute to Honorary Freeman and Alderman, and former Councillor and Mayor, Ian Hall:
“Ian was a most dedicated and well-respected public servant for Preston. He served on so many committees and bodies and was always striving to improve the lives of his fellow Prestonians.
“He was heavily involved in the organisation of the Preston Guild of 1992 and the redevelopment work around Preston Docks. He oversaw the transfer of the then Preston Borough Transport Department to Preston Bus, an employee-owned company. His contribution to Preston and its residents cannot be underestimated.
“I send my condolences, along with those of everyone at Preston City Council, to Ian’s family and friends at this sad time. May he Rest in Peace.”
More information
Ian Hall was first elected to Preston County Borough Council in 1964.
He was made an Honorary Freeman of the City May 1992.
He was made an Honorary Alderman of the City in 2007 after retiring as a Councillor after 43 years service.
We will update with funeral information as this becomes available.
One of the biggest attractions, both in size and attendance, is making a triumphant return to the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day.
Yes, you guessed it — the 679 Squadron, 6 Army Air Corps, is back with their dazzling Gazelle helicopter.
Event organiser, Ian Dore, said: “The Gazelle presence was a ‘hoofing’ hit last year, and I’m thrilled to say it’s returning.
“It raised eyebrows on the ferry coming over and was packed throughout the day. It’s not often you get the chance to sit in a genuine army helicopter that has seen active service, so it’s a real treat.
“For the youngsters, it’s a great bit of kit to play around in, plus of course, it’s selfie central!”
The Gazelle, known for its agility, first saw action in the Falklands War and later in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and the first Gulf War.
Four Gazelles were also part of the Army Air Corps helicopter display team, which in 2001 included the very first British female military display pilot, Sgt Julie Wiles.
For TV buffs, a Gazelle, similar to this one, featured in the film and television series ‘Blue Thunder’. The helicopter will be stationed on the eastern side of Ryde Superbowl, accompanied by the Army Air Corps Team from 679 Squadron.
Ian added: “This really is a hands-on attraction and is fully intact. The cyclic, collective, pedals, console, knobs, radios, buttons, dials — they’re all there to get hands-on with.
“For those of a certain generation, and if ‘Blue Thunder’ wasn’t your cup of tea, you can also hop in and pretend to be Stringfellow Hawke, flying around the Solent in ‘Airwolf’.
“For youngsters who see flying or air operations as a career, this is as good as it gets on the ground, and we are chuffed to have them back.”
Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day takes place on Sunday, 29 June at Ryde.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
New funding to support Windrush compensation scheme applications
A successful grassroots fund has been extended after reaching 50,000 people in first year. Applications are now open for grants between £5,000 and £10,000.
Windrush scandal victims yet to claim compensation are being encouraged to come forward as part of a grassroots scheme extended by the Home Office today.
The government is making a further £150,000 available to the Community Engagement Fund (CEF), which was set up to raise awareness of the Windrush compensation and documentation scheme.
The successful first round of funding helped grassroots organisations reach more than 50,000 people who may be entitled to claim, while revealing barriers preventing victims from coming forward.
Local groups can now apply for grants of £5,000 to £10,000 to deliver projects that address these barriers, particularly the widespread misconception that Windrush schemes only apply to Caribbean communities.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:
Windrush victims have waited too long for recognition and redress – with many still not feeling able to come forward to access the compensation they are entitled to.
We need to see this change. By funding trusted grassroots organisations to provide advocacy and support, we want to better reach those who have been wronged but remain unaware of the support available.
This government is determined to deliver on its manifesto commitment that every victim of this scandal receives the justice they deserve.
Insights from the first CEF funding round revealed that while compensation scheme awareness is higher among Caribbean communities, people from other backgrounds have not applied due to confusion about their eligibility or misconceptions about the schemes.
The additional support will be of immense importance to victims. For many, the Home Office Windrush scandal resulted in loss of employment, denial of healthcare, threats of deportation, and in some cases, actual deportation from a country they had every right to call home.
CEF applicants with strong community links will be prioritised. Projects must be completed within the 2025/26 financial year and should focus on:
raising awareness among non-Caribbean communities and correcting misinformation
gathering insights on why eligible individuals aren’t applying
helping potential claimants connect with support services
The funds deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to provide additional support and work more closely with affected communities, forming part of the wider Plan for Change to deliver justice for Windrush victims.
The deadline for CEF applications is 4pm on 28 May 2025. Full details are available at the ‘Find a Grant’ portal on GOV.UK.
ODS has donated over 30 smartphones and tablets to local charity initiative Getting Oxfordshire Online, supporting its mission to bridge the digital divide for those most in need across the county.
The generous donation, which includes both brand-new and high-quality used Samsung tablet and smartphone devices, will go directly to individuals and families who currently lack access to essential digital tools — helping them connect to education, services, employment, and community support.
Comments
“Digital access is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. We’re proud to support Getting Oxfordshire Online in their mission to empower people with the tools they need to participate fully in society.” Harry Clent, ICT Service Delivery Analyst at ODS
“This generous donation of phones and tablets from ODS will allow us to provide much needed devices to people experiencing digital exclusion.
“They will enable our recipients to join online classes, apply for jobs and keep in touch with family and support workers. In our modern society, a smartphone and a SIM can make all the difference between a person being able to easily access services and support or struggling with everyday tasks that now expect people to have access to a device.” John Dennis, ICT Manager, Getting Oxfordshire Online
Getting Oxfordshire Online collaborates with councils, schools, charities, and businesses to refurbish and redistribute donated technology to those who would otherwise be digitally excluded. This first donation from ODS is part of their wider commitment to community investment and digital inclusion, with further donations planned over the coming months.
Our response recaps previous advice on competition in ticket retailing, with emphasis on the importance of effective market design in supporting investment and innovation in this sector. We then set out the potential merits of considering passenger outcomes in Great British Rail’s Access and Use policy.
Our response also extends an ongoing offer of advisory support as the UK government takes forwards its reforms in the sector.
For questions about our response, contact the CMA advocacy team at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Joint statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of New Zealand
This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the United Kingdom and New Zealand Prime Ministers in London on 22 April 2025.
This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the United Kingdom and New Zealand Prime Ministers in London on 22 April 2025.
Reflecting on the enduring UK-NZ partnership, underpinned by shared values, rich connections between our people, and profound mutual trust, and cognisant of these uncertain times, the Prime Ministers expressed high ambition to deepen cooperation to ensure our modern and dynamic partnership continues to thrive, and contributes to our security and prosperity. We are energised by our shared commitment to deliver for our people.
The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to upholding the fundamental principles that underpin our partnership – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – which are central to a stable international order. They reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation to address global challenges, supported by effective and efficient multilateral institutions, and recognised the indivisibility of the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
The Prime Ministers reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and welcomed US-led efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The United Kingdom and New Zealand called on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately and end its illegal invasion. They called on those supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex through the supply of dual use components and weapons, to cease fuelling Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Prime Ministers expressed gratitude to the military personnel of the United Kingdom and New Zealand who have trained over 54,000 Ukrainians through Operation Interflex the UK-led multinational training effort. As the conflict evolves, both Leaders agreed to coordinate on training to meet Ukraine’s evolving needs.
The Prime Ministers welcomed on-going discussions on future support for Ukraine as part of the UK and France-led Coalition of the Willing – a multinational reassurance force to support Ukraine’s long-term defence and security. Prime Minister Starmer thanked New Zealand for its ongoing participation in military and diplomatic discussions about possible post-conflict support for Ukraine.
Noting the mounting threats to international peace and security, the Prime Ministers noted the decisions taken by both governments to substantially increase defence spending. They agreed to renew our historic defence partnership to make it fit for the future, and to deepen cooperation in our defence capabilities and industries.
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between our defence forces on global challenges, including in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed New Zealand’s upcoming participation in the UK-led Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indo-Pacific, and welcomed ongoing consultations as New Zealand continues to explore potential opportunities for participation in AUKUS Pillar II.
The Prime Ministers agreed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity. They reiterated their concern at China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait Issues.
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote the prosperity, security and resilience of Pacific Small Island Developing States. In the context of climate change they welcomed joint work on the TIDES renewable energy investment fund.
Free trade is a cornerstone of prosperity in both countries. Recognising that open markets, and reliable legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for trade, the Prime Ministers committed to strengthening and modernising the rules-based trading system. The Prime Ministers welcomed our enhanced trading relationship since the entry into force of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement, with the United Kingdom now one of New Zealand’s fastest growing export markets.
The Prime Ministers agreed to work together to strengthen the role that free trade plays in increasing prosperity, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (which the United Kingdom and New Zealand are Parties to). This includes growing the agreement ambitiously through further accessions and pursuing concrete updates through the ongoing General Review.
Noting that economic growth and improving the lives of British and New Zealand citizens are fundamental priorities for both governments, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of commercial deals including on clean technology and infrastructure.
The Prime Ministers agreed to further enhance our mutual security and prosperity by:
Forging a new Clean Energy Partnership to encourage two-way investment in renewable energy and low and zero emissions technologies.
Launching an investor partnership for New Zealand investment into agritech SMEs in the UK, and collaboration on Earth Observation from space.
Affirming our partnership with, and support for, Pacific Island countries’ climate resilience through clean energy, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation.
Continuing close cooperation to protect Antarctica as a place for peace and science and upholding the Antarctic Treaty System.
Strengthening cooperation in support of the rules-based system, including through reform of multilateral institutions.
Updating our Double Taxation Agreement to provide long term certainty and stability to business.
Recognising the renewed mutual recognition of professional qualifications between Engineering New Zealand and UK’s Engineering Council.
Modernising our Film and TV Co-production Treaty to promote the growth of our world-class screen industries and bring more iconic stories to the screen.
To celebrate Earth Day 2025, Preston City Council have partnered with Every Can Counts and local artist Shawn Sharpe to create a thought-provoking mural made from 700 recycled drink cans.
Shawn live-painted the #EveryCanCounts ‘CANvas’ with a bespoke Earth Day design during Preston’s Egg Rolling event, which saw thousands of locals gather in Avenham Park on Easter Monday. The mural aimed to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminum, and the importance of recycling drink cans both at home and on-the-go.
The artwork displays two hands holding a smiling cartoon Earth character, alongside the words ‘Every Action Counts’. The message aims to inspire people to take individual action, no matter how small it may seem, as even small changes can make a big difference to the environment.
Shawn Sharpe, responsible for many of Preston’s iconic murals in the city centre, explained how his first live-painting experience went:
“It has been interesting because I don’t get nervous when I paint…but because it is my first live painting in Preston, I didn’t really know what the response from the public was going to be like. [They have been] really engaging, humbling, and it’s nice to see that a lot of people know what’s happening within the City.”
Earth Day is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about important environmental issues and the need to protect natural resources for future generations.
Mark Taylor, Interim Director of Environment and Property, said:
“Earth Day is such an important time to remind people that we only have one planet, and we should all be making individual efforts to take care of it. Artwork, particularly from artists that understand our community, can be such a powerful tool to raise awareness of these important events. We are very pleased to have partnered with Shawn on this project, he has done a fantastic job.”
A team of Every Can Counts ambassadors were also in attendnnce, collecting used drink cans in their recycling backpacks and engaging with members of the public to spread their message about the benefits of recycling. Canzee the mascot, made from over 300 recycled drink cans, made a noisy appearance to show the public just how fun drink can recycling can be.
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said:
“It was great to make an appearance at the popular Preston Egg Roll with our ‘CANvas’ installation designed by the brilliant Shawn Sharpe. The event was not only a great way to celebrate Easter but also to mark Earth Day, which is all about encouraging worldwide action to help benefit the environment and preserve the planet.
“Aluminium, including drink cans and foil wrapper from Easter eggs, is infinitely recyclable so it’s important to dispose of it properly this Eastertime and beyond!”
Every Can Counts is a not-for-profit communications programme working to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle their empty drink cans. The programme is funded through a partnership between European and UK drink can manufacturers, the aluminium recycling industry and drink brands.
The CANvas is now on display at Lancashire County Council’s new education experience, Eco Town, in Farington. Visits must be booked in advance, and you can find further information about how to book by visiting Lancashire County Council – Eco Town education walkway
You can recycle your cans on-the-go in the city centre at the following locations:
Mayor opens books of condolence for Pope Francis in Derry and Strabane
23 April 2025
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has opened books of condolence in Derry and Strabane for Pope Francis. The 88 year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He was elected in March 2013 and in 2018 became only the second pope in history to visit Ireland. The public can leave a written message in the books located in the reception of Derry’s Guildhall and The Alley Theatre in Strabane while an online book is also available on Council’s website. Mayor Barr encouraged the public to use the books as an opportunity to express their sympathy and share their personal experience of what his papacy meant to them. “There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis’ passing on Monday,” she said. “The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy. “On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church. “May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.” For those unable to sign the books in the Guildhall and The Alley in person, the online book is available here
Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa visits Uganda
Lord Collins of Highbury visited Uganda on 3 and 4 April to reinforce the UK’s commitment to sustainable development and mutual economic growth.
UK Minister for Africa Lord Collins with British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney, CEO of Uganda Airlines Jenifer Bamuturaki, and Minister of Works and Transport Katumba Wamala, at a reception to mark the Uganda Airlines’ direct flight to the UK, scheduled for 18 May 2025.
During his 2-day visit, Lord Collins announced the launch of a new UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue between the UK and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue will be a quarterly series of discussions on commercial deals, business environment and economic policy to identify opportunities to increase trade and investment between the 2 nations. It will unblock barriers to trade and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Lord Collins visited areas of UK investments such as Zembo, a leading e-mobility company in Uganda, which has received financing from UK Innovate and Private Infrastructure Development Group.
Uganda’s green transition
Funding has accelerated the adoption of electric motorcycles and other zero-emission vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and saving the average boda driver US$500 annually on traditional fuel and maintenance costs. The investment supports Uganda’s transition to greener mobility while creating new job opportunities.
Lord Collins of Highbury stated:
My visit to Uganda reaffirms the UK’s unwavering commitment to building equal partnerships that supporting sustainable development and drive mutually beneficial economic growth in the region. We are dedicated to working closely with our Ugandan partners to achieve shared prosperity and a brighter future for all.
Celebrating direct flights between UK and Uganda
Lord Collins and Uganda Airlines jointly hosted a reception to celebrate the new Uganda Airlines direct flight to the UK – the first in 10 years. The direct flights are expected to enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people links between the UK and Uganda, further strengthening the 2 countries’ historic relationship.
Lord Collins remarked:
The introduction of direct flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to deepen ties and foster mutual growth. We are excited about the opportunities this new connection will bring.
Supporting Uganda’s research and innovation
During his visit to Uganda, Lord Collins of Highbury visited the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), which boasts over £25 million in active funding from UK Universities and Medical Research Council and hosts many British medical researchers for and a 35-year partnership with the UK.
UVRI has pioneered breakthroughs, including significant advancements in HIV/AIDS treatment and Ebola research, enhanced disease surveillance and provided expert advice on controlling viral infections.
UVRI partners with the Ministry of Health, the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and other international and local experts to advance its mission
Background
UVRI (Uganda Virus Research Institute)
UVRI is a leading research institute in Uganda, focusing on viral diseases and public health, collaborating with UK Universities and international partners.
PIDG (Private Infrastructure Development Group)
PIDG mobilises finance for infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia, promoting sustainable development through public-private partnerships.
Innovate UK
Innovate UK supports business-led innovation across sectors with financial support, expert advice and access to resources.