Leaders from City of York Council met yesterday with representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK to discuss how York can continue supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, and Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, welcomed Mr Oleksandr Yurkin, Counsellor for Consular Issues, and Ms Inna Pylypchuk, who is responsible for interregional and twinning cooperation at the Ukrainian Embassy.
During the meeting, which took place at the council’s West Offices headquarters, Cllr Douglas highlighted York’s continued support for its Ukrainian community, particularly those who arrived in the city after fleeing the war.
Since 2022, a total of 419 Ukrainians have arrived in York as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 223 York households offering accommodation to the new arrivals.
Through a dedicated Homes for Ukraine team, the council has provided help, including financial support, longer-term housing, employment and education, health, and more to both guests and hosts.
The meeting also marked another step forward in developing closer ties between York and the city of Lviv, following the passing of a council motion in 2022.
Lviv is situated in the west of Ukraine, approximately seventy miles from the Polish border and has a population of just over 700,000. Lviv’s centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and like York, Lviv is a designated UNESCO Creative City, recognised for its literary culture.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:
It was a privilege to welcome Mr Yurkin and Ms Pylypchuk to York this week to discuss our ongoing support for the Ukrainian community here and deepen our relationship with Lviv in the spirit of solidarity and friendship.
“Our priority remains finding practical and meaningful ways to support both the people of Lviv, and our Ukrainian guests in York and we will continue to do this, with the support of our communities across the city.”
Oleksandr Yurkin, Head of Consular Section at the Embassy of Ukraine in London, said:
Our visit to York and meeting with City of York Council leaders was a powerful reminder of the strength of international partnerships in times of crisis.
“We are deeply grateful for the solidarity shown by the people of York and look forward to growing our relationship through shared understanding, cultural exchange, and future cooperation between York and Lviv.”
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BOSTON – A Brazilian national, living in Massachusetts, was indicted on April 10th by a federal grand jury in Boston for firearm offenses.
Lucas Ferreira-Da Silva, 27, was indicted on one count of dealing firearms without a license. Ferreira-DaSilva was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Nov. 7, 2024.
According to the charging documents, between September and November 2024, Ferreira-Da Silva sold 12 firearms and ammunition across six different dates and offered others for sale. The sold firearms included rifles, shotguns and pistols. Four of these firearms had obliterated serial numbers.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Malden, Chelsea and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds, of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The results of a major consultation exercise over delivery of community services in the North East and East End of Dundee will be discussed by councillors next week.
Hundreds of people responded to the call for views on proposals to relocate council and Leisure and Culture Dundee services from current facilities to the new Drumgeith Community Campus, which is set to open alongside Greenfield Academy in August.
Consultation ran for six weeks late last year and the results of the survey and recommendations for future service delivery will be set out to the City Governance Committee at its next meeting.
Councillors will be asked to
Approve the continued operation of Douglas Community Centre and Library
Approve the closure of The Hub Library and Community facility and redistribution of services within six months for the services and building to be closed after the opening of the Drumgeith Community Campus
Approve the closure of Whitfield Library (The Crescent) and redistribution of services within six months after the opening of the Drumgeith Community Campus
Defer a decision on the closure of Douglas Sports Centre and remit the Chief Executive to further review the operations and report back to a future committee.
Council leader Cllr Mark Flynn said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in this consultation. Their views have played an important part in formulating the recommendations for future delivery of services.
“Drumgeith Community Campus is the largest investment in education, sport and community provision in the city and will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and services to the area.
“However, we were keen to ensure that existing provision in the wider community was looked at with the perspectives of local people closely considered.
“It became clear that Douglas Community Centre and Library plays a crucial role in delivering vital services for the people of Douglas and that these should be retained in the local area.
“Similarly, there was a high level of concern expressed about the closure of Douglas Sports Centre, and I think that a further review is a sensible way forward.
“A balance is being struck for the community with these proposals, and I hope people can see how seriously their views have been taken in the process.”
Councillors will hear that a review into Douglas Community Centre concluded that it “has an important role in the delivery of many key services for the people of Douglas and these services are best retained in Douglas”.”
A report proposes that Douglas Community Centre and Library and the new campus operate as a hub and spoke model where each site is complementary to the other, and that there is an integrated offer across the communities served by the two facilities.
The report also explains that a review is currently underway to develop an effective single governance and operating model for the Drumgeith Community Campus.
This will ensure that the Drumgeith Community Campus operates efficiently, transparently, and sustainably, meeting the needs of all stakeholders while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and community engagement.
Dundee City Council will manage the facility, and a service level agreement will be established for all partners.
Leisure and Culture Dundee would provide services such as sport, leisure, and library activities.
The City Governance Committee meets on Monday April 21.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachel Moseley, Co-founder of the Centre for Television History, Heritage and Memory Research, University of Warwick
From the opening moments of the new Disney+ series The Stolen Girl, you could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve happened upon a Scandi-noir crime drama.
From the air, we follow a dark Volvo estate driving a dusty road through a tree-lined mountainous landscape. The palette is cool and desaturated, the music underpinned by a distorted electronic buzz. After the sound of a zip, light picks out the face of a child who seems to have been transported in the cramped and claustrophobic boot of the Volvo, that emblem of (Scandinavian) family road safety. “Who are you?” the child asks.
Unlike Scandi-noir, however, there is no elevated title sequence and the five-episode thriller is set between the north of England and the south of France. We cut to the latter rapidly, to a brightly lit balcony, from which Elisa Blix (Denise Gough), private jet flight crew and the mother of the eponymous girl, looks out at the Côte D’Azur.
In the first episode, Elisa and her husband, criminal lawyer Fred (Jim Sturgess) realise that their eldest child, Lucia, has been kidnapped while on a hastily arranged sleepover at a new school friend’s house.
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A number of stylistic motifs contribute to the sense of unease which pervades The Stolen Girl. The camera peers around corners into dark, claustrophobic spaces. It creeps along the ground, or tracks slowly towards buildings. In the opening sequence, for example, it drifts through lush, dark foliage towards stone steps, offering a glimpse of a doorway at their apex.
The significance of this repeated shot doesn’t become clear until near the end of the series. Similarly, motifs from the elaborate décor of the Blixes’ “perfect” home are disturbingly echoed later in the setting of the French villa. As the drama proceeds, flashbacks and memories provide the opportunity to reassess and reinterpret, for the characters and the viewer.
The Stolen Girl trailer.
The Stolen Girl is meticulously constructed to unsettle and intrigue the viewer, from sound design and imagery to narrative organisation.
For the most part, we discover and interpret clues along with another main character – doggedly persistent journalist Selma Desai (Ambika Mod). Her grasp of social media and pop psychology leads her to solve the case ahead of the detectives working it.
I found myself having light-bulb moments with, and occasionally just before, Selma – an effective and carefully designed immersion technique which, along with frequent reversals and twists, keeps us guessing until near the very end. It’s clever, and satisfying for the attentive viewer as the whole-series release in the UK makes it easily bingeable and easy to pick up clues.
The series was adapted for television by Catherine Moulton from Alex Dahl’s 2020 novel Playdate. It centres on two mothers and a female journalist, with a young female victim at the centre. This makes it a fascinating companion piece to the much-discussed recent Netflix drama Adolescence, which has been critiqued for its focus on the young male perpetrator and his family.
There are very clear references to the Madeleine McCann case in The Stolen Girl. Not just in the similarly posed “victim ID” photo of Lucia, but also in the persistent blame directed at her mother Elisa. Described as a “jet-set mum-fluencer”, her decision in a harried moment between work and home facilitated the abduction of her daughter. “She spent half her childhood with me while you were up in the air”, claims her mother-in-law.
The drama unfolds and the mystery is revealed through a highly screen-literate pastiche of gothic, noir and horror tropes. Central characters are narrated through a costume story told in shirts: tucked in, tied at the waist, over-sized, striped, floral and tailored. The mise-en-scène of The Stolen Girl is simultaneously presented as aspirational (I spotted a number of well-known fancy brands) and carefully crafted to present an unreliable façade, as the perfect life of the white middle-class family at the series’ centre is systematically unpicked.
As it unravels, a nexus of trauma, infidelity, financial insecurity, lies and secrets are revealed. Like Adolescence, the programme identifies social media as a factor in facilitating crime, but also, through Selma, as an instrument of solving it.
Rachel Moseley 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.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Correspondence
Woking Borough Council: Letter to Barry Scarr appointing him as Finance Commissioner
A copy of the letter to Barry Scarr, regarding the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State’s decision to appoint him as the Finance Commissioner at Woking Council.
Copy of the letter from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Intervention, at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to Barry Scarr, confirming the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State‘s decision to appoint him as the Finance Commissioner to Woking Council until 31 October 2025.
Philip Grant, who will become the Principal of Writtle College on 1 May
Philip Grant, an established education leader with a background in land-based, general further education and secondary education, will become the new Principal of Writtle College on 1 May.
Writtle College provides education provision for learners aged 16-18, plus courses for adult learners, and is part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
As a product of a land-based education, Philip is returning to his roots having trained at Bishop Burton College in the 1990s before graduating from Stirling and Lancaster Universities. During his 30-year career in the sector, he has held senior positions in land-based colleges, general further education colleges and within secondary academy trusts across the UK.
Philip is passionate about the environment, sustainability and self-sufficiency, having previously farmed his own smallholding within a hill farming community in Scotland.
Philip sits on several education boards and has facilitated significant changes to education in deprived areas across the UK, resulting in strong student outcomes. He works closely with local communities and has forged valuable and sustainable collaborations with industry employers.
In 2011, he led the successful merger and relaunch of a land-based college with the University of Cumbria, and his most recent role has been leading curriculum growth and enhancement in a large Merseyside college group.
Originally from a non-equestrian background, Philip is a qualified British Horse Society Riding Instructor, has competed under International Federation for Equestrian Sports rules in both two and three-day events, played polo in the Middle East, and is an experienced British Eventing organiser.
One of Philip’s home-bred horses, Henry (also known as WH Bentley), achieved a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2007.
Writtle College is part of ARU Writtle which is one of the UK’s leading centres for equine education and performance and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the subject. It houses around 70 horses on campus and has a number of indoor and outdoor riding arenas, livery facilities for students’ horses, and an Equine Academy for talented riders.
“I am thrilled to be joining Writtle College as Principal, and am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team.
“I know from personal experience the power land-based education has in transforming lives. It has been a career-long ambition of mine to lead a prestigious land-based college such as Writtle where every student, no matter their background or experiences, can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Philip Grant
“I am very pleased to welcome Philip Grant as the new Principal of Writtle College.
“Philip has an excellent track record in land-based education and working closely with employers to deliver better outcomes for students. He is an ideal person to take Writtle College forward.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
Thirteen new tourism entrepreneurs attended a celebration event at The Halfway House, Banbridge to mark an exciting milestone in the inaugural Tourism Experience Development programme with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council and Tourism Specialist Team RUNDA.
Thirteen unique and exciting tourism experiences will help secure the borough’s position as an unforgettable tourism destination for domestic and international visitors!
From experiencing the traditional sport of road bowling, modern textiles, food and drink and ancient Celtic warriors, to unearthing hidden gems, eco-crafts and storytelling, the new experiential offerings will help to shape a promising future for the local tourism landscape.
At a celebration event to mark an exciting milestone for the participants of the inaugural Tourism Experience Development programme with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage said: “We are a borough rich in culture and heritage and these new attractions and experiences will certainly help to secure our position as a leading tourism destination with visitors, from near and far.
“Through the Tourism Experience Development programme, we have supported 13 new tourism entrepreneurs to enhance their offerings, which will ultimately help to boost tourism, support our local economy and put our borough on the map as a tourism destination of choice!”
The Tourism Experience Development programme was launched by ABC Council in August 2024 and delivered by Tourism Specialist Team RUNDA, with the aim of discovering and nurturing the borough’s next generation of tourism entrepreneurs.
(L-R): Mandy O’Rorke, RUNDA; Joanne McElmeel (Tourism Liaison Officer, ABC Council); Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage; Christine Winter (Dan Winter’s Cottage); Colin Winter, (Dan Winter’s Cottage); Alderman Paul Greenfield (Chair of Economic Development and Regeneration Committee); Ghilian Campbell (Destination Sales Officer, ABC Council).
Thirteen participants were shortlisted and embarked on an intensive hybrid programme packed with expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring and hands-on market testing.
The participants, the majority of whom are new to the tourism sector, embraced every opportunity to learn about the tourism landscape; how to curate authentic experiences; delivering memorable visitor experiences; pricing and contracting; understanding the commercial landscape of the tourism industry; and testing and refining their ideas to ensure market-readiness.
The new tourism entrepreneurs will continue to work with the ABC Council’s tourism team to progress their experiences with local and international tourism markets: Farmyard Tales (at Ardress House); Armagh Road Bowling Experience; Mud Walls of Memories (Dan Winter’s Cottage); The Spirit of a Rural Irish Pub (Halfway House); Gelato Making (at Alice’s Kitchen Table, Moo Valley); Whisk it up – A traditional Sauna Experience (Hot Rocks Sauna); Illustrations of Armagh – A Journey of Angels and Gargoyles (Johnathan Hackett Art); Native and Wild Cook up (On the Hoof); ELN Custom T-Shirt Design (ELN Studio); The Spirit of Armagh, Cathedral and Museum Discovery (St Patrick’s Cathedral); Imprints of Nature, Explore Forage & Expression (Tina McGleenan Artist); The Art of Coffee (Gallery Coffee) and Meet the Celts (Navan Centre & Fort).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
London Sudan Conference: Foreign Secretary opening remarks
The Foreign Secretary delivered opening remarks at the London Sudan conference.
Two years on from this war starting, with frontlines shifting again, I fear many onlookers feel a sense of déjà vu. The country’s fraught history also means that some conclude that further conflict is effectively inevitable.
Many have given up on Sudan. That is wrong. It’s morally wrong when we see so many civilians beheaded, infants as young as one subjected to sexual violence, more people facing famine than anywhere else in the world.
We simply cannot look away. And as I speak, civilians and aid workers in El Fasher and Zamzam IDP camp are facing unimaginable violence.
With over four million refugees having fled the country, and instability spreading far beyond Sudan’s border, it’s also strategically wrong to forget Sudan. And that’s why, as Foreign Secretary, I refused to turn away. I felt a duty to confront this war’s horrors head on.
I have been to the Sudanese border and met with survivors. I have called out attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers in the United Nations.
And I have doubled our aid to Sudan, and today I am announcing a further £120 million worth of support. But the biggest obstacle is not a lack of funding or texts at the United Nations, it’s lack of political will.
Very simply, we have got to persuade the warring parties to protect civilians, to let aid in and across the country and to put peace first.
And so we do need patient diplomacy. Bringing together this group today, focusing of course on the areas where we agree and building out from there is very very important today, indeed. Today’s goal is then to do just that. We all want to see Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity upheld.
We all want to see a united state, with functioning institutions. We all want to see Sudan’s civilians protected, and the millions of displaced people able to return to their homes.
This is a strong basis to agree the steps needed then to relieve suffering and to end this awful war. I hope across our three sessions, we can agree a set of principles for our future diplomatic engagement.
When I met with Sudanese refugees in Chad I was frankly humbled by their resilience. In the face of unimaginable trauma, they had not given up on their country or the communities around them.
For their sake, we cannot resign ourselves to inevitable conflict. We cannot be back here one year from now, having the same discussion. So today, let’s show them and the world we have not given up on them. We have not given up on Sudan.
I am hugely grateful for the support from the African Union, and to my colleagues from France, Germany and the EU in supporting the shared endeavour.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Joint Statement: 16th Ukraine Defence Contact Group – National Armaments Directors Format
Joint Statement from Ukraine, Germany and the United Kingdom, co-chairs of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG).
MOD Crown Copyright.
On Friday 11 April the National Armaments Directors (NADs) from over 40 nations met at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. They were supported by multiple international government organisations.
They agreed to ensure that the commitments made in the UDCG Ministerial Format are rapidly converted into contracts with industry and the tangible delivery of support to Ukraine to ensure Ukraine is able to sustain the resolute defence of her sovereignty and her people and negotiate a lasting and secure peace.
MOD Crown Copyright.
The UDCG NAD Format, co-chaired by Ukraine, Germany and the UK and building on the work of the US since its inception, will report its progress to the June ministerial meeting.
MIAMI, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, has officially launched a new mobile platform designed to give Intermex agents real-time visibility into their business, right from the palm of their hand.
Intermex SOMA, short for Store Owner Management App, was built with one goal in mind: to make life easier for store owners. With just a few taps, agents can now track performance metrics, monitor commissions, stay updated on deals with real-time alerts, and even connect directly with their Intermex teams. It’s fast, intuitive, and created specifically to meet the day-to-day needs of our agent partners, most of whom are small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities.
“At Intermex, we believe technology should work for our partners, not the other way around,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex. “Intermex SOMA is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We hear you. And we’re building tools that make your life easier and your business stronger.’ It’s all about giving our agents more control, more clarity, and more convenience.”
The Intermex SOMA app provides a simple yet powerful dashboard, offering monthly-to-date (MTD), year-to-date (YTD), month-over-month (MoM), and year-over-year (YoY) performance views, so agents can better understand how their Intermex services are performing. Instant push notifications alert them of important activity, while built-in contact features make it easy to get the support they need when they need it. Intermex SOMA takes everything that used to require a call, a spreadsheet, or a visit and puts it in one streamlined mobile experience.
Intermex SOMA reflects a broader commitment from Intermex to innovate with purpose. The launch is a major step forward in the company’s digitization and omnichannel strategies. And this is only the beginning. Future updates will expand Intermex SOMA’s functionality even further, offering tools for managing deals, accessing marketing materials, and unlocking new service features.
About International Money Express, Inc. (Intermex): Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.
Investor Relations Contact: Alex Sadowski Investor Relations Coordinator ir@intermexusa.com 305-671-8000
When the men’s and women’s boats took to the water for the 2025 Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, a few students who would have hoped to be part of the crews were missing.
Matt Heywood, Molly Foxell and Kate Crowley, all of Cambridge, did not take part after a complaint from Oxford University Boat Club over their eligibility was upheld by an independent panel. All three students are studying at Cambridge for PGCEs, a teacher training qualification. Oxford University Boat Club had argued that a PGCE “is a diploma … not a degree”.
The decision seems to reflect a specific ideal of the university as a place of scholarly focus unencumbered by more practical vocational qualifications. It’s also far from a new attitude towards teacher education as an academic discipline.
My ongoing PhD research into the history of teacher training shows that for a century, teacher education has maintained a complex and often conflicting relationship with the ivory and red brick towers of higher education.
This has been reinforced by over a century of numerous gender- and class-based prejudices. Teaching has historically been, and continues to be, a female-dominant profession.
Significantly, training colleges and university education departments were one of the few places where women could partake in intellectual and professional development, an opportunity which linked them to transnational, and colonial networks.
Formalising teacher training
From the 1840s, Christian residential colleges of varying denominations had come to dominate the training of teachers. These primarily provided courses of around two years for mostly female non-graduates.
From the 1890s, English universities began their own involvement with professional teacher education. The university training departments offered a one-year postgraduate certificate course following three years of degree study – today the PGCE.
In the complex mix of training colleges and university education departments, formalised teacher training occupied an uneasy position. It was not considered a “pure” subject like history or mathematics. It was also distinct from the traditionally male “applied” subjects, like medicine, engineering and law.
In 1925, the Burnham report on teacher training considered the desirable balance between the intellectual and professional development of teachers. The majority opinion of the report considered teacher training as primarily vocational. It cautioned against undergraduate degrees for most trainee teachers.
But it did lead to the establishment of a system whereby students were certified as teachers by a board of examiners drawn from universities and training colleges. This was the beginning of a set teaching qualification and brought teacher training into a closer relationship with universities.
In 1944, another report contemplated the relationship between universities and teacher training. The members of the report committee held a range of views. Sir Arnold McNair, chancellor of the University of Liverpool, who chaired the report, feared vocational qualifications such as teaching could erode the purpose of universities. He was concerned that universities would become institutions of training, not education.
But others thought differently. The report claimed that bringing together these two teacher training institutions – the colleges and universities – would improve the standard of teaching and the profession. Following the McNair report, institutes of education were established in the main universities of England and Wales alongside area training organisations. In this closer relationship, universities often assumed the senior positions.
Teacher education in universities
By the 1960s, a still closer relationship was forming between universities and teacher training, from both academic and administrative perspectives. University staff played greater roles teaching in teacher training colleges, for instance. An undergraduate teaching degree programme, the BEd, was introduced.
Teaching became increasingly professionalised. From the 1970s, teacher training was transformed into an all-graduate profession, and later systematically dismantled. Many of the teacher training colleges faced closure, amalgamation or incorporation to polytechnics and universities. But dissenting opinions around the level of education – as opposed to vocational training – teachers should receive remained.
The preface to Cambridge academic Sheila Lawlor’s 1990 pamphlet, titled Teachers mistaught, bemoaned the rise of education as a subject and its presence in, rather than an adjunct to, higher education. In the pamphlet, Lawlor called for graduates to learn to be teachers “on the job”.
The debate on the position of teacher training has remained remarkably consistent – unlike other subjects with vocational elements.
Business schools feature courses taught and directed by companies. Business courses include vocational industry placements and are designed with employment in mind. But they do not so readily have their academic status or place in a university called into question. As this year’s Boat Race shows, the question over the value of vocational and academic education in teacher training is still very much alive.
Oliver Mumford receives funding from Liverpool Hope University (Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship). He is the 2025 Ruth Watts Fellow with the History of Education Society UK.
Deadline extended: Call for evidence – An inspection of the Home Office’s approach to overstayers
The ICIBI invites anyone with knowledge and experience of the Home Office’s approach to overstayers to contribute to this inspection. Deadline extended to close of play 23 April 2025.
The ICIBI has begun an inspection of the Home Office’s approach to overstayers. The Home Office uses the term “overstayer” to describe “a person who was granted limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, but who neither left the country on the date indicated nor asked for the leave to be extended.”
I am inviting anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of this subject to submit evidence to inform my inspection. I would be pleased to hear about both what is working well and what could be improved in the following areas:
the identification of potential overstayers during the visa application process
communications with people who are suspected of overstaying
the identification of overstayers in the UK
the Home Office’s management of overstayers
the quality and accessibility of information to deter people from overstaying
As I have not yet finalised the scope of this inspection, I would be happy to receive any other evidence that falls outside these areas that may be relevant to the Home Office’s approach to overstayers.
This call for evidence will remain open until close of play 23 April 2025.
Please also note that information submitted may be quoted in the final inspection report, but it is the ICIBI’s practice not to name sources and any examples or case studies will be anonymised.
Please click overstayers@icibi.gov.uk to email your submission to the Independent Chief Inspector.
Please note: The ICIBI’s statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases. This remains a Home Office responsibility. However, the Independent Chief Inspector can and does take an interest in individual cases to the extent that they illustrate or point to systemic problems.
Data Protection
Information on how we process personal data submitted in response to a call for evidence can be found in the ICIBI privacy information notice available on the ICIBI website.
If at any point you wish to object to the processing of your personal data, you should contact us by emailing chiefinspector@icibi.gov.uk.
David Bolt
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
Derby City Council is inviting expressions of interest from experienced and imaginative operators to manage the catering facilities at the popular Markeaton Park. The opportunity includes the operation of The Orangery café and the kiosk located at the Mundy Play Centre.
In November, Derby City Council’s Cabinet approved plans to outsource the management of its leisure facilities, and the Markeaton Park catering provision is the first phase of this process. The move is intended to provide financial savings while maintaining a high level of service for customers.
The Council is conducting a non-committal Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise and encourages anyone interested in operating either the Orangery or Mundy Play Centre kiosk – or both – to get in touch. Responses from both businesses and community groups are welcome.
The Orangery café is a Grade-II Listed building situated at the heart of Markeaton Park, overlooking the picturesque terrace gardens. The Orangery is part of the 18th-century stable yard, now a vibrant craft village with various workshops and businesses selling handmade goods, gifts, and activities.
The kiosk is located within the central Mundy Play Centre, serving the pay-to-play and free play provisions in this popular section of the park.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right operator, or operators, to become a key part of the vibrant offering at Markeaton Park.
We encourage interested parties to come forward with ideas that will complement the park’s existing attractions and meet the needs of our residents and visitors.
The Council would like the new operators to offer a quality café and kiosk service that fits the needs of the local community and park users, as well as attracting new visitors.
Successful operators will need to maintain a consistent presence within the park, keeping to minimum opening times. This includes opening for the Orangery for a minimum of five hours per day, seven days a week, throughout the year (including Bank Holidays). The kiosk should be open for at least four hours a day on Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays from April through to October.
The Expression of Interest responses received will be used to help determine the next steps for the facilities. Those interested in this opportunity are invited to register their interest by completing the online form. The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is midday on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
An award ceremony saw bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in Coventry celebrate achieving a leading industry accreditation – with Turtle Bay taking home the top prize for a second year running.
The city’s hospitality sector came together at Drapers Hall to celebrate their work in providing safe experiences for customers, with 14 venues receiving ‘Best Bar None’ accreditation.
Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and drinks industry that aims to improve standards in licensed premises.
It is the industry gold standard and is delivered in the city by Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) and Coventry City Council’s Licensing Team. The accreditation highlights to customers that a venue excels in safety, training, management and customer experience.
The ceremony welcomed John Miley, from the national Best Bar None scheme, to speak to the businesses and present awards. He was joined by representatives from Coventry City Council, West Midlands Police and Dal Dhillon, founder of Dhillon’s Brewery and representative of Coventry’s Pubwatch scheme.
Venues to be recognised as Best Bar None accredited for this year include The Earl of Mercia, Las Iguanas, Turtle Bay, The Phoenix, Club Heat, The City Arms, Dhillon’s Brewery, Mr Shenanigans, Genting Casino, The Spon Gate, Samoan Joes, The Flying Standard, Putt Putt Social and The Yard.
Turtle Bay was named the overall winner at the Best Bar None Award ceremony, recognising the Caribbean-inspired bar and restaurant achieving the highest score across all the key assessment metrics.
The night also saw the presentation of five category awards to recognise excellence in specific areas.
Club Heat and The City Arms were joint winners of the Venue Management award, with The Flying Standard taking home the trophy for Staff Training.
The Spon Gate came away with the award for Customer Safety and Welfare and Dhillon’s Brewery was recognised with the Customer Experience prize.
This year saw the inaugural presentation of the Best Newcomer Award, as the accreditation scheme continues to attract new venues across the city.
Putt Putt Social, The Phoenix and Las Iguanas are all new to the Best Bar None scheme this year – with Las Iguanas and Putt Putt Social sharing the honours for the Best Newcomer award.
Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, said:
“Best Bar None isn’t just about recognition, it is about raising standards, promoting safety and ensuring that Coventry remains a thriving and inclusive place for all everyone that lives, works or visit here.
“This is the third time we have hosted the Best Bar None award ceremony and each year we see higher scores on assessments from existing venues and welcome new businesses to join the scheme.
“We would like to congratulate and thank every venue that has taken part this year – they are what makes this city so special and their commitment to a vibrant, welcome and safe nighttime economy is unrivalled.”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities and Chair of the Coventry Police and Crime Board, said:
“This scheme is one of a number of really important projects that relies on a whole range of partner agencies and businesses to be a part of.
“Best Bar None and other schemes help create a better and safer experience for customers visiting the city, and I’m really grateful for the efforts of everyone involved – especially those businesses in the city’s hospitality sector.”
Councillor Faye Abbott, Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee at Coventry City Council, said:
“I would like to congratulate all the venues that achieved Best Bar None accreditation for 2025, it is an absolutely fantastic achievement.
“This accreditation is an important measure of the improvement of standards. When people feel secure and welcome in any setting it is better for everyone, and contributes to a vibrant city where everyone can enjoy great experiences.”
Deklin Kinsella, from West Midlands Police, said:
“Congratulations to all of the venues that have achieved accreditation this year, their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. It’s important we all continue to work together to make nightlife in Coventry the best and safest experience it can be. We are proud to be partners in the Best Bar None scheme to make Coventry and its night-time economy a safe space for everyone.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Third international meeting of the Post-Holocaust Issues Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution
Lord Pickles attends meeting in The Hague to discuss progress and challenges relating to the restitution of Holocaust-era assets.
Attendees at a meeting of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution, in the Hague.
On 2 April, UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues Lord Pickles attended a meeting of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust-era Restitution in The Hague. The meeting was hosted by the Netherlands’ National Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism, Eddo Verdoner, alongside the World Jewish Restitution Organisation and the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.
Lord Pickles made the point that no country is immune from restitution claims. He reported that the Tate Britain art museum was set to reunite the great-grandchildren of a Belgian Jewish art collector with a painting looted from his home by the Nazis.
The oil painting ‘Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy’ by English painter Henry Gibbs was stolen from the home of Samuel Hartveld after he fled Antwerp with his wife in May 1940. The piece, dating from 1654, was one of hundreds of thousands the Nazis plundered from Jewish families during World War II.
Its restitution has been a slow process, often involving legal battles and complex international searches. The return of the painting will mark the latest triumph for a special panel set up by the UK Government to investigate such works that have ended up in Britain’s public collections.
The UK Spoliation Advisory Panel ruled the Aeneas painting was “looted as an act of racial persecution”, and has arranged for it to be returned to Hartveld’s heirs in the coming months.
Lord Pickles welcomed the success of the Special Envoys Network on Holocaust Era Restitution in developing the best practices document, and in firstly tackling restitution of movable property.
However, he acknowledged that there were still many Holocaust survivors and their families who had waited 80 years for justice and recognition of their loss of property. He added that bureaucratic inertia had delayed the resolution of too many restitution claims for too long.
Lord Pickles reflected that in some countries, the regulations were so stringent that it was very difficult for survivors who no longer live in the country of their birth to receive any restitution. This is a particular obstacle for survivor communities living in the US and Israel, as well as those in the UK. He stressed that it was time to focus on getting individual property back to their rightful owners, before it is too late.
Lord Pickles said,
Eighty years after the Holocaust, we have undoubtedly made progress, but there is still so much more to be done, and so little time left to do it. Meetings like this are essential for moving from principles to action. We owe it to survivors, their families, and future generations to ensure that justice is not only promised but delivered.
On 3 April, the special envoys travelled to Amsterdam to visit the recently opened Dutch National Holocaust Museum. This is the first museum to tell the entire story of the persecution of the Jews in the Netherlands.
Downham House has received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.
Downham House is a registered children’s home which provides short breaks for children with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
Owned and run by Plymouth City Council, the breaks provided by Downham House are vital and much valued by children and their families. Thirteen children currently enjoy a regular short break at the home.
An Ofsted inspection in March 2025 found the home is ‘good’ in all areas, including the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well they are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The report builds on the last inspection in December 2023 when the home was also judged as good.
Children and young people enjoying their short breaks at Downham House
Inspectors found that children really enjoy their short breaks at Downham House and are excited for their visits. Children are nurtured and are supported to achieve, with activities designed to suit their individual interests and needs.
The inspectors received ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback throughout the inspection, with one parent commenting that the managers and staff are like ‘an extended part of their family’.
Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We’re delighted to receive a second good Ofsted rating for Downham House.
“I must say a huge thank you to the staff for all their hard work but also to the parents and young people who benefit from short breaks at Downham House and who provided such fantastic feedback about their experiences.
“We’re committed to providing the best possible support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Short breaks are absolutely vital to help families to remain living together by giving parents and carers a break, which they can enjoy knowing their children are safe, well cared for and having lots of fun.”
Inspectors noted that managers have ‘worked hard to embed reflection and learning across all aspects of children’s care to directly improve children’s experiences and progress’. The home has positive links with partners in education, health and social care, which ensures that there is a coordinated approach to the care that children receive.
The report also highlights that staff understand, monitor and respond to children’s specific health needs.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Pubs Code Adjudicator launches website to provide new resources for tied tenants
A new website has been created to help tied tenants access support from the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA).
Fiona Dickie Pubs Code Adjudicator
A new website has been created to help tied tenants access support from the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA).
The new independent website Pubs Code Adjudicator provides tied tenants with refreshed resources and aims to provide a clearer understanding of the Pubs Code and the independent role of the PCA.
The PCA is responsible for enforcing the Pubs Code, a law which protects the rights of tied pub tenants of the six largest pub companies in England and Wales – Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Star Pubs, and Stonegate.
As part of the launch, the PCA has created a new brand identity to further cement its independence and help the PCA be more visible in the industry. The branding uses a shield icon alongside classic pub iconography, including pint glasses and pumps with nods to beer and wine in the colour palette.
Fiona Dickie, Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) commented: “It is vital that tied tenants are able to understand their rights under the Pubs Code and that they can easily access business critical information in a simple, digestible format.
“We have listened to their feedback to create a fit-for-purpose, new resource. This is more than just a new, bright look for the PCA. It is paramount that we not only have a website that gives tied tenants better support, but one which demonstrates the independence of the PCA’s arbitration service, offering binding dispute resolution for Pubs Code disputes.
“To do our job effectively, we must be at the heart of the tied pub trade and have the trust of tied tenants to work independently of the pub companies and government. I spend as much time as possible out and about, including at trade shows, discussing the impact of the Code and its effectiveness with tied tenants and licensees, industry leaders and pub-owning businesses. But ultimately, having the right resources accessible in an instant on phones, tablets and laptops is one of the best ways we can help tied tenants understand how the Pubs Code protects them.”
Views from tied tenants and other industry representatives were collected to inform the requirements for the new site.
The new user-friendly website has a clear, intuitive layout for improved user flow. Tied pub tenants will be able to find the PCA’s suite of accessible factsheets, guiding them throughout their tenancy – from the very beginning before agreements are signed, through their tenancy and to the end of their term. The site’s improved search functionality also allows visitors to access information more easily, including published arbitration awards. This increased transparency will further the PCA’s objective to promote understanding of Pubs Code arbitration and demonstrate to tenants how the PCA responds to breaches of the Pubs Code.
The PCA’s current presence on www.gov.uk/pca will remain live to host transparency information such as corporate reports.
The PCA’s Annual Tied Tenants Survey, which seeks the opinion of more than 1,200 tied tenants to monitor satisfaction levels with pub companies, has concluded. Results are benchmarked against previous years and will be announced in June.
Costs and who will get access to the treatment are key questions that will need to be answered.Antonio Marca/ Shutterstock
A baby girl named Amy Isabel has become the first child in the UK to be born to a mother who has had a womb transplant. Amy is one of around 65 children worldwide born as a result of pioneering research into the procedure.
This breakthrough provides hope for many of the estimated 15,000 UK women with uterine factor infertility – which means they are unable to have children naturally due to problems with their womb, or because they were born without one. Previously, adoption and surrogacy were their only reproductive options. This latest success could some day make womb transplantation another option for these patients.
However, before this new treatment is offered more widely, complex questions will need to be answered about how it will be resourced, how wombs will be procured and who will get access to the treatment.
The past 12 years have seen significant advances in the field. These include live births following a womb transplant from a deceased donor and the expansion of donor and recipient acceptance criteria. We’ve also seen the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery, which has made it possible to perform donor retrieval surgery in a faster, less invasive and more precise way.
While most transplant centres only offer the procedure as part of research trials, several now offer it in clinic – including in the UK.
The UK’s womb-transplant programme is currently funded by charitable donations from Womb Transplant UK, who currently only have plans to fund up to 15 living donor procedures. The procedure is expensive – costing the charity an estimated £25,000-£30,000. And it appears that this amount only covers the cost of the transplant, despite the fact that many other costs need to be factored in – such as IVF treatment, medications and follow-up care.
At present, prospective recipients normally bear the costs of the IVF treatment needed themselves. To be eligible for the transplant, women must have first produced and stored at least five embryos. IVF is necessary as the transplanted uterus will not be connected to the patient’s ovaries. This means that pregnancy through sexual intercourse is not possible. But before womb transplants can become routinely available within the NHS, commissioners will have to decide whether this treatment should be publicly funded – and under what circumstances.
However, NHS resources are constrained – and there is already a “postcode lottery” of unequal access to IVF, with people in certain areas of England being less able to access NHS treatment. So there’s a risk that similar inequalities will arise for womb transplants if the procedure is NHS-funded.
Who gets priority?
If womb transplants are ever to become a routine procedure in the UK, difficult decisions will also need to be made about organ allocation policies.
According to the law in England, adults are considered to have agreed to become organ donors when they die unless they have opted out or are in an excluded group (such as those lacking mental capacity). However, this “deemed consent” only applies to commonly transplanted organs and tissues such as skin, hearts and lungs. It doesn’t apply to novel or rare transplants, which would include wombs. The NHS organ donor register also excludes the womb. Family members would therefore need to give explicit consent to the donation of their relative’s womb after death.
Living organ donors in the UK are able to specify a named recipient (such as a family member). Deceased donors can also request for directed allocation to a specific person. But this is only permitted so long as the offer to donate is unconditional and certain criteria are met, such as the recipient being able to receive the organ and being in need of a transplant.
However, the same logic cannot apply to womb transplants. This is because absolute uterine factor infertility does not come in degrees. All women with the condition have a 0% chance of becoming pregnant.
As such, considerations that normally play no role in allocating life-saving organs could be explored in the context of womb transplantation. For instance, priority might be given to those who are childless. Age may also be relevant, especially given that the fertility treatment needed to create embryos is only funded by the NHS if a woman is below a certain age. The age limit varies by region, but can be as low as 35 in some places.
Policy decisions will also be needed about whether wombs are included in donor registers to increase their supply. Even if they are, people may prove less willing to donate reproductive organs than lifesaving organs and tissues. These decisions could also have knock-on effects on public trust in transplantation and organ-donation willingness more widely. And the inclusion of novel and rare organs could lead to more blanket opt-outs from organ donation altogether.
Next steps
Given the relative novelty and experimental nature of the procedure, there has not yet been a comprehensive roll-out of womb transplants as a mainstream fertility treatment anywhere in the world. In the UK, we’re not even at the beginning of that journey. Before that happens, womb transplants would need to be demonstrably cost-effective relative to other NHS-funded fertility treatments.
Nevertheless, there’s an opportunity here for the UK to become a world leader in creating and applying equitable access policies for womb transplants. To do this well, it will be necessary to carefully consider the clinical and health economic data, the ethical and legal issues, and the views of all those affected – especially those with uterine factor infertility.
Laura O’Donovan has previously collaborated with members of the Womb Transplant UK research team.
Nicola J. Williams currently receives funding from The Wellcome Trust (grant number: 222858_Z_21_Z) and previously held a Leverhulme ECR fellowship (grant number: ECF-2018-113). She is currently chair of the Special Interest Group: Ethics and Law for the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology and has previously collaborated with members of Womb Transplant UK.
Stephen Wilkinson currently receives funding from Wellcome (grant number: 222858_Z_21_Z). He has previously collaborated with members of Womb Transplant UK. He is a member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCoB) but this article is a personal view and unrelated to his NCoB role.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jingyi Li, Research Associate, Geothermal Energy and Climate Change, University of Manchester
Historic coal mining in north-east England. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
The Ukraine war sent shockwaves through global energy markets, driving up prices and leaving households across the UK struggling with soaring energy bills. But beneath the ground, in disused coal mines, lies a hidden resource – warm water. This underused geothermal source could be transformed into affordable, low-carbon heating for homes and businesses, especially in regions hardest hit economically by the decline of coal.
Across the UK, around 25% of the population lives above disused coal mines. This underground warmth could be harnessed by pumping naturally warm water to the surface and using heat pumps to raise its temperature for heating. This could lower energy bills and cut emissions by about the same as removing 44,000 cars from the roads annually, according to our calculations. Despite this promise, mine-water heating remains largely underutilised across the UK, as deployment has lagged far behind, leaving most of the resource untapped.
Although flagship projects like the one in Gateshead, operational since 2023, demonstrate the feasibility of mine-water heating in the UK, they remain the exception. Deployment has been especially slow even in high-potential areas like south Wales. Meanwhile, the mine-water heating scheme at Seaham Garden Village, near Sunderland, has only recently kicked off construction after a prolonged delay since its initial planning in 2019.
Our new research shows that despite growing interest, projects across the UK continue to be stalled by funding gaps, regulatory hurdles and a shortage of skilled workers. Without immediate action, these former coal-mining communities are at risk of falling further behind as the country moves towards cleaner energy for net zero, widening the gap between wealthier and disadvantaged regions.
The solution is simple but not easy: sufficient and accessible funding schemes especially for those undeserved communities, streamlined regulations and support from fossil fuel companies, whose engineering expertise can be applied to mine water heating. Technology could transform a forgotten coal legacy into a sustainable future for communities in need.
Coal production history v today’s mining village. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
The UK has a vast network of abandoned coal mines, especially in north-east England, which once produced 14% of the nation’s coal. However, around a quarter of the population in this region lives below the poverty line today.
Many households in the north east experience fuel poverty at rates higher than the national average, with energy bills that are often higher than in most other parts of England. Mine-water heating could help address this burden, but to make a meaningful difference, both the number and scale of schemes must be increased nationwide.
Gateshead mine water heat scheme. Jingyi Li, CC BY-NC-ND
However, current government funding schemes, like the heat networks delivery unit, only cover about 33% of capital costs according to our interviewee, leaving local authorities and developers to find the rest. This competitive model disadvantages poorer areas that need the most support. Without solid financial backing, many projects will never get off the ground.
The Coal Authority has played a key role in piloting early mine water schemes, but industry feedback points to a need for faster, more transparent deployment pathways. Developers face regulatory uncertainty in accessing mine-water heat from the Coal Authority, citing delays and procedural complexity as barriers to investment.
Ambiguities in the regulatory framework for accessing this form of geothermal heat create delays and add to the financial burden for developers. The expertise required, such as drilling and pipework, is common in the UK’s longstanding oil and gas industry, but our research found that the current small-to-medium scale and uncertain future of mine water heating sector make it difficult to attract these skilled workers.
Learning from the past
Often the simplest and most reliable designs are the most effective. William Reid Clanny, a 19th-century inventor, made mine-safety lamps more sophisticated but ultimately delicate and impractical – his design required manual air pumping, used fragile glass that broke easily underground, and was too heavy for regular use. The same principle applies to mine-water heating. Straightforward, direct policies can cut through red tape to get projects up and running without unnecessary bureaucratic complications.
For mine-water heating to work on a larger scale, funding must be easier to access, especially for regions hardest hit by the decline of coal. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could allocate funds specifically for these areas, giving them a fair chance to develop projects without having to compete with wealthier regions.
New rules should clearly set a timeline for gaining the permission to access and exploit the underground heat. This would give developers confidence and attract investment. The US and New Zealand show how clear rules can boost interest in renewables.
To overcome the skills shortage, the Indian government introduced a corporate social responsibility law whereby companies are required to invest a portion of their profits into local projects. Applying this approach in the UK could encourage fossil fuel companies to fund training and support local green initiatives. It could also provide opportunities for laid-off workers unable to find similar high-paying jobs abroad and training for local workers in former mining communities.
Mine water isn’t just a low-carbon heating source, it’s a chance to deliver justice to communities long left behind. But achieving this will require decisive action from policymakers. Unlocking this hidden resource can help power the UK’s green transition.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Cathy Hollis receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council. She is affiliated with and President of the International Association of Sedimentology, a not-for-profit, non-political scientific society.
Alejandro Gallego Schmid and Jingyi Li do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Isle of Wight Council libraries will be taking part in World Book Night, a national celebration of reading and books, on 23 April.
This annual event invites everyone, regardless of whether they consider themselves ‘readers’ or not, to dedicate time to reading any book in any format.
At the heart of World Book Night 2025 are ‘Quick Reads’ — short books and great stories by bestselling authors, written in an accessible, easy-to-read style.
The Isle of Wight Library Service is offering a fantastic selection of Quick Reads available in all of their libraries.
If you’re thinking about getting back into reading, Quick Reads could be the perfect option for you this World Book Night.
The Isle of Wight Library Service is inviting Islanders to celebrate with them at Ryde, Lord Louis, and Sandown libraries.
These libraries will host events on Wednesday, 23 April, alongside organisations and individuals across the country, to share the transformative power of reading.
From 6pm to 7pm, the libraries will hold book swaps and encourage ‘bookish’ conversation over drinks and nibbles, kindly provided by the Friends of the Library.
Then, from 7pm to 8pm, they will join in the official ‘Reading Hour,’ where everyone is encouraged to dedicate time to reading.
Please note that booking is required to attend these events.
Louise Emery, development librarian, said: “World Book Night is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the joy of reading.
“We hope to see many new and familiar faces at our events, sharing their love for books and stories.”
Reading for pleasure for just 30 minutes a week can increase life satisfaction.
One in four readers say that a book has helped them realise that others have gone through similar experiences, helping them feel better about their situation
As we head towards the start of the Easter break (starting Good Friday, 18 April), many of us will be heading off in our cars for holidays or days out, making this time a peak period for travel, especially for longer journeys.
Liverpool City Council is teaming up with National Highways to remind drivers that just like spring cleaning helps refresh our homes, a little car TLC can help avoid unwanted breakdowns. The National Highways research shows:
17% of drivers say they don’t carry out any vehicle maintenance checks before a long journey
28% rely on someone else to check their car’s safety, while 21% assume their annual MOT is enough
Drivers who have experienced a breakdown estimated 57 minutes of added time to their journey
Only 60% see car checks as an essential task before leaving the house
To coincide with this new research, National Highways is launching T.R.I.P, an acronym which reminds drivers to:
Top–up. Fuel, oil and screen wash
Rest. Plan your journey in advance with regular stops to prevent driver fatigue
Inspect. Check tyre pressure and tread
Prepare. Have a plan for severe weather conditions.
For more information click here to learn about vehicle checks.
A Liverpool studio’s aim to be one of the UK’s greenest has been rewarded with a prestigious rating from the UK film industry.
The Depot, which has hosted numerous award-nominated TV productions, has been named as a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio.
The new accolade makes The Depot one of the leading net zero studios of its kind in the country in delivering its carbon-cutting commitments.
Owned by Liverpool City Council and managed by the Film Office, The Depot first opened its doors in 2021 and since then has welcomed productions such as This City Is Ours, The Gathering and Sexy Beast.
A total of 31 studios participated in this round of the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard where The Depot was awarded a rating of ‘Very Good’ with a score of 80% – compared to an average score of 77%.
Areas in which the studio excelled were 100% LED studio lighting, providing the service of renewable generators, the sustainability policy, as well as access to green biodiverse space.
Suggestions for improvements include installing EV charging ports, looking at the feasibility of renewable energy generation and increasing the recycling rate.
Launched in 2022, the BAFTA Albert Studio Sustainability Standard is the world’s first sustainability assessment designed to help measure and reduce the environmental impact of film and TV studios by focusing on six key areas: Climate, Circularity, Nature, People, Management and Data.
Each studio submits data annually under the areas highlighted to then receive a performance report as well as a grade so that benchmarking work can be done to continue to make improvements and compare other studios across the world.
This award comes after Liverpool was announced as the world’s first UN Accelerator City for climate action, which recognises the city’s commitment to trial new ways to decarbonise the music and film production sectors.
For more information about the Film Office, and to watch the 35th anniversary celebratory showreel, head to the official website.
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and for film and TV productions who choose Liverpool as their place to shoot their stories for screen.
“Not only have we achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating but The Depot is leading the way for film and TV studios in the North, proving that if you want to shoot sustainable productions, Liverpool is the very best place to do this.
“This news follows our announcement last year about our ‘plug and play’ zones across key filming and TV sites in the city centre and is yet another important step towards the city’s net-zero future.”
Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders, said: “We’re thrilled to receive the rating of ‘Very Good’ and so proud that we’ve achieved this award in the first time in entering.
“We’re dedicated to building on the success of filming in the Liverpool City Region by creating a sustainable screen eco system, bettering not only our skills programme but the way we work with productions when they come to our region to film.
“By having this award, we will be able to track our progress and continue to make meaningful improvements to The Depot to better the environment for generations to come.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “We’re proud to be leading the charge in building a cleaner, greener economy right here in the Liverpool City Region – and with The Depot becoming a ‘Very Good’ BAFTA Albert sustainable studio it shows we’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk.
“It’s brilliant to get this kind of recognition. Every step we take to build sustainability into our everyday lives leads to bigger shift – and it’s those changes that’ll help us hit our ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2035. That’s a decade ahead of the government – and proof that when we set ourselves targets, we deliver.”
TRANSFORM your bike into a mighty chariot, dress in your finest Roman tunics or battle armour and join in the pedal-powered fun for a Roman bike parade during the Easter holidays!
Starting from Leicester Cathedral Gardens at 12pm, the easygoing, one-mile ride will loop around the city centre and is suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.
And the day before, on Friday 25 April, visit the community hub in the Haymarket shopping centre to join a free workshop where you can transform your bike helmet into a bold Centurion design!
Janet Hudson, transport development officer at Leicester City Council, said: “Everyone is welcome on our colourful, noisy bike parade to celebrate the Old Town Festival. Our rickshaws will be transformed into Roman chariots for the occasion, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how people incorporate the Roman theme into the bikes or their outfits!
“Whether or not you choose to dress up, all are welcome on our ride, which will tour the free activities going on at the Old Town festival. A legendary cycling adventure awaits!”
Assistant city mayor for transport and environment, Cllr Geoff Whittle, said: “These bike parades are fast becoming a popular fixture of our festivals, with the last ones at Light Up Leicester proving to be a real hit.
“They’re a great way for families to cycle together and see just how easy it can be to get around by bike. We’re very pleased to be supporting Ride Leicester with a regular programme of social bike rides.”
It took place at the Black Country Living Museum to mark National Supported Internships Day and was facilitated by the council’s specialist Supported Employment team.
Unlike a traditional jobs fair where employers host the stands, the Reverse Jobs Fair saw dozens of jobseekers showcase their skills to employers from across the West Midlands, with some being offered roles on the spot.
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “As a council, we are determined to support people into paid employment, and events like this Reverse Jobs Fair are a fantastic way in which we can provide a platform for jobseekers with additional needs to show off their talents to potential employees.
“I am delighted that so many were able to either secure employment or get help and advice to further their work opportunities as a result of taking part in this wonderful event.”
Among those taking part was Alyssa Dunn from Tettenhall Wood School. She said: “I spoke to several people, one of whom offered me a chance to do some volunteer work. I’d just like to thank everyone for giving me the chance to go to the fair and I hope it’ll be the first of many.”
Statistics show that only 21.1% of the UK population with autism are in paid employment, as are just 5.4% of people with learning disabilities or autism who are known to social care.
The Supported Employment team can support anyone aged 16 to 67 with a learning disability or autism, providing employment opportunities and offering in work support via a Job Coach who will provide help and guidance to the jobseeker and agree reasonable adjustments with the employer.
People aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan can also consider a Supported Internship provided by Adult Education Wolverhampton and the City of Wolverhampton College. Learners will spend 70% of their course on placement preparing for employment with the opportunity of paid employment following completion of the course.
April is World Autism Acceptance Month. The Wolverhampton Autism Board website, includes information about autism, upcoming events, parent/guardian workshops, support groups for autistic individuals and professionals working with autistic people, community opportunities, information about Wolverhampton Autism Board and links to online resources and strategies.
The Easter Bank Holiday period underlines the many benefits of a four day work week, say the Scottish Greens.
The party’s workers’ rights spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP, has called for the UK and Scottish Governments to support companies and organisations who are considering trialling or introducing a four day week for workers.
The Scottish Greens have already adopted a four day working week for party and MSP office staff, with positive results. Better work-life balance, less stress, and more control over their lives are just some of the benefits that staff have reported. Better focus at work also means increased productivity.
Ms Chapman said:
“Every worker deserves to have a good work-life balance, and a four day week without loss of pay is a proven way of providing that.
“The Easter bank holidays will give workers all over the country more time to spend with their families, friends and loved ones, or simply to relax. That should be normal rather than being an exception.
“The path to a four day week will be different for every company and organisation. That’s why we want to see more trials across different sectors and are urging the Scottish and UK governments to offer more support for those making the change.
“Whenever workers’ rights have been extended there have been people telling us it is impossible or would result in a loss of productivity or profit.
“We heard this with the introduction of weekends, basic health and safety, and the minimum wage: the same voices told us they couldn’t be done, or they would be detrimental.
“I believe that people are so much more than just cogs in our economy, and that means we must ensure that work does not cause stress and harm to people. We already have longer work weeks than the European average.
“We should be transforming our relationship with work to support the health and wellbeing of our workforce. Because that will be good for them but also for those they work for: happy, healthy employees will be more productive than sick, stressed and frustrated workers.
“The impact of normalising a four day week could be transformative for workers’ rights and for building a fairer, greener and better future.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Dunball Sluice £9.7 million upgrade completed
Dunball Sluice – a vital flood defence asset near Bridgwater – has been successfully refurbished by the Environment Agency.
Dunball sluice performs a vital flood and water management function on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
A £9.7million project has given the sluice another 25 years of operational life, helping to better protect properties, businesses and internationally important habitats across the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Delivered by the Environment Agency’s Combined Delivery Framework (CDF) partners, the refurbishment began in 2022 and was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with a £650,000 contribution from the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
Dunball Sluice became operational in 1971. It sits where the tidal River Parrett meets the 13.5-mile-long King’s Sedgemoor Drain – River Sowy system. The Sowy was created in tandem with the Sluice in 1969-1972: it is also known as the Parrett Flood Relief Channel. Water flows into the Sowy from the Parrett downstream of Langport, and then into the KSD, before rejoining the Parrett through Dunball Sluice.
Refurbishment began in 2022 and has been completed in partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Defra.
The Environment Agency uses the sluice’s lifting gates and tidal flaps to control flows between the different watercourses. Doing this helps to manage water levels and reduce flood risks for communities across a large area. Blocking the flow of tidal saltwater from the Parrett into the KSD also helps to safeguard precious freshwater habitats on the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The refurbishment replaced and upgraded key mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation components, many of which were nearing the end of their working life. Also included were measures to help otters and eels move more easily and safely between watercourses, health and safety improvements for site staff and minor concrete repairs.
‘New life breathed into the structure’
Rachel Burden, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:
Dunball Sluice is one of Somerset’s most important tidal defence assets, but many of its key components were reaching the end of their working life.
This multi-million-pound refurbishment has breathed new life into the structure, ensuring it can continue to reduce flood risk for communities for years to come.
Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said:
Maintenance and improvement works are not glamorous, but they are very important. Local people expect flood defences to work properly, and all of us should try to make sure they do. So, I’m pleased that Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) funding helped to refurbish Dunball Sluice.
I’m happy too because this project ties in with a major SRA improvements scheme for other parts of the River Sowy-KSD system. This year the SRA is funding upgrades for two outfall structures and up to 1.8 kilometres of bank raising works along the KSD.
Bit by bit, as partners work together, we’re reducing flood risks around Bridgwater and across a large part of the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
The Dunball Sluice is critical infrastructure better protecting properties and farmland in Somerset, and its full refurbishment will give local people and businesses confidence that their flood defences are operating well for the next 25 years.
This Government inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record. Through our Plan for Change, we‘re investing over £144 million into the south west of England, an essential investment to build new defences and to bring existing ones up to their required condition, ensuring 1,700 properties in the region are better protected from flooding.
A Green Skills upskilling project offering free and subsidised courses designed to support the move to NetZero in the region has been hailed as a great success. 180 qualifications were achieved by local people who took advantage of the free training.
Launched in the summer of 2024, the Green Skills upskilling project has been a collaborative effort to provide green skills training to help people gain skills for the future. This initiative is a partnership between Portsmouth City Council and Havant Borough Council, City of Portsmouth College, and SERT Training.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants highlighting the immediate application of their training to their work practices and the expansion of services they can offer to customers. Training took place at City of Portsmouth College and SERT Training, both of which offer modern, industry-specific resources.
Brad Howick, from TVR Electrical in Havant said:
“The Green Skills funding helped our business through the EV charger course. This was extremely beneficial to have more engineers qualified to install EV chargers, giving us more flexibility with our scheduling.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for economic development said:
“It is fantastic to see the impact of collaboration in action across our region via our Green Skills upskilling project. As we focus on a more sustainable future, investing in our workforce is essential, and these new green skills are enabling businesses and residents alike to adapt and thrive in our economy moving forward.”
Cllr. Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said:
“We are delighted to have secured a grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has enabled us to help and train many working in the construction trade.
By developing the skills and knowledge of those who live or work locally it will benefit us in making commercial buildings and homes in the borough more energy-efficient in the future.
“As a council, we are committed to tackling the climate emergency head-on. So, it is great that Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council have been able to work in partnership with SERT Group, and City of Portsmouth College who have provided the training to equip residents and businesses with green skills that will, in time help to decarbonise the borough.
“Industries are rapidly moving towards green skills so being prepared for this shift by upskilling the next generation of workers will benefit everyone.”
Using UK Shared Prosperity Funding, this initiative focused on increasing skills and awareness of sustainable and net zero practices. Some of the courses on offer included:
Electrical Energy Storage Systems
Solar PV Installation
Solar & Battery Combined
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) Training
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Point
Mark Edwards, CEO SERT Group said:
“We’re incredibly proud to collaborate with Havant Borough Council, Portsmouth City Council, and City of Portsmouth College on this UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant for green upskilling. Over the past few months, SERT has upskilled 66 residents through 97 accredited upskill courses in sustainable energy solutions, including solar panel installation, battery storage, EV charging points, and air source heat pump design, installation, and maintenance. These initiatives are creating new career opportunities, driving renewable energy adoption, and supporting our collective journey towards net zero—making a real impact in our communities.”
Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO City of Portsmouth College said:
“Sustainability is always high on our agenda, so we were delighted at the opportunity to access the prosperity funding. It meant we were able to offer plumbing and heating engineers from micro, small, and medium-sized businesses three one-day courses completely free of charge. It was fantastic to collaborate closely with Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, and SERT to deliver this training, enhancing critical skills and making a difference for the people who live and work in our region.”
Forty five businesses benefitted through its grants programme – leading to the creation of 83 new jobs and the safeguarding of a further 179 jobs in Wolverhampton.
The business growth team exceeded its targets using the £1.3 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) government funding it was allocated through Business Growth West Midlands to help companies with capital investment and energy efficiency measures.
The total projected growth in turnover of the businesses it supported with grants is expected to equate to around £14.5 million in the year ahead.
Also providing free local diagnostic and business support service, the team dealt with 700 business enquiries over the past 12 months and 200 diagnostic checks were carried out.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “In Wolverhampton, we are utilising the UKSPF funding to support SMEs in maximising their offer and capitalising on opportunities being generated by investment in our city.
“Throughout 2024/25 our business growth team has collaborated with small but highly ambitious businesses to help them make and secure investment, create and sustain jobs, develop new products and services, and access new UK and overseas markets.
“Our city economy is underpinned by creative thinking, innovation, ambition, skills, and sheer hard work and we want to do everything we can to support this through our grants programme.
“I would urge businesses to head to the business growth webpage and find out exactly what funding is available to them.”
Gabitie and Ceandess are 2 of the Wolverhampton businesses supported by the grants.
Metal processing company Gabitie specialises in steel structures and fabrications. Grant support towards the acquisition of a laser cutter and a standing seam cladding machine will enable the business to launch new ranges such as garden offices, and to focus on entering the lucrative domestic extensions market.
Ceandess supplies and manufactures a range of fuel and oil fillers, base and filler assemblies, and fuel engine and hydraulic filter caps. The acquisition of a tube bending and forming machine will provide them with a strong platform to access the lucrative Australian and Canadian mining markets by offering formed tubes alongside their existing range.
The window for expressions of interest in Wolverhampton Council’s latest round of business grants to support city businesses with capital investment and low carbon projects is now open and will close on 30 April, 2025.
It is likely the average grant available will be up to £20,000 for projects costing £40,000 or more. Higher grants could be available depending on the impact of the investment – but grants will be capped at no more than 50% of the project cost.
Full details of grant eligibility, impact measures and the application processes, along with details of some of the other new business support programmes, can be found at Business Growth Wolverhampton.
Applications for the grants are on a competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, and distributed at the discretion of the council.
If you need help with your grant application or have a general query, you can get in touch by emailing business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling the business support phone line on 01902 555572 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
There is a heavy rain weather warning in some areas for Wednesday 16 April. Travel delays, difficult driving conditions, flooding, and power cuts possible. The Flooding Incident Line number is 0300 2000 100.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has met with staff and students as she visited the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences.
It came as the wider membership of an external Taskforce, set up to advise the University on its current financial challenges, was announced, including business and industry organisations, trades unions, enterprise agencies, NHS and academic representatives.
Visiting the Drug Discovery and Medical Research units at the school, Ms Gilruth heard about how its work has helped contribute to the treatment of conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.
The university was ranked top in Biological Sciences in the most recent Research Excellence Framework, a UK-wide assessment of research quality at higher education institutions.
Meeting with university Principal Shane O’Neill, the Education Secretary underlined the Scottish Government’s determination to support the University through its current financial challenges, with a wide-ranging package of financial support and expertise in place to help secure its future.
Ms Gilruth said:
“It was inspiring to hear about the world-leading and life changing work being undertaken at the Life Sciences school here at Dundee. This is vitally important research which underlines the strength of academic excellence and innovation in Scotland
“This work and research also has a major impact on inward investment for the area and the Scottish Government is clear it should be a vital component of our knowledge economy for the coming generations.
“We know that this unit and the wider Life Sciences school at Dundee attracts students, researchers and cutting-edge companies from across the globe to the city.
“That’s why this Government has been clear in our determination to ensure that the University of Dundee is fully supported and the wider membership of the taskforce we are setting out today will provide the right mix knowledge and experience to help advise on the current financial challenges.”
Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:
“We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for their continued support and we have been delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary today to see first hand the impactful work of our researchers in Life Sciences.
“We will continue to work with the Government and the Scottish Funding Council towards a secure and successful future for the University, and we will also engage fully with the Advisory Taskforce regarding our wider impact on Dundee, the Tay Cities region and beyond.”
Background
In addition to the Chair Alan Langlands University of Dundee, City of Dundee Council, Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government, the membership of the Taskforce will include:
Universities Scotland
Abertay University
University of St Andrews
Dundee and Angus College
Trade Unions representation
Student Union representation
Tay Cities Regional Economic Partnership / City Deal
Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
Scottish Enterprise
Skills Development Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland
Business representation
Alumni/graduates representation
The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. This is on top of £1.1 billion of investment already in the budget for university teaching and research
Deputy First Minister chairs a regular cross-government group in support of SFC and to consider the issues
