British scientists and researchers already punch above their weight. This technological innovation is essential to tackling the major challenges of our time; climate breakdown, conflict, economic stagnation, crumbling public services, and social unrest.
The last Conservative government utterly failed UK science and innovation with a total lack of strategy and interest. From their hostile attitude towards international collaboration and ideological hostility to sensible regulation, to the shambolic adoption of technology in the public sector and chaotic management of the economy putting off investment.
Now the new Labour Government risks making the same mistakes. Already they have cancelled the exascale supercomputer in Edinburgh, a short-sighted cost-saving measure, symbolic of their lack of vision and understanding of how science and technology works.
Liberal Democrats take a different approach, one grounded in our values of internationalism, respect for individual rights, and challenging concentrations of power.
Today we’re setting out the rescue plan that science and innovation in the UK needs:
A national and international science and technology strategy that raises R&D spending to 3.5% of GDP.
Measures to invest in education, including through a teacher workforce strategy to ensure every secondary school child is taught STEM subjects by a specialist.
A National People Strategy alongside an industrial strategy to ensure the UK workforce has the necessary skills and people are protected from disruption.
Measures to strengthen UK universities as world leaders in research including by fully participating in Horizon Europe, and enacting a decade-long program of increasing and improving research funding with a package of measures to improve spin-outs.
Sensible regulation of AI, including a National AI Strategy.
A comprehensive public sector technology policy and investment plan.
Tackling regional inequality through a digital inclusion strategy, national investment in digital infrastructure and investing in local government.
Investing in green technologies to help mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
The freedom to live your life as the person that you are, secure in the knowledge that their fundamental rights will be protected is not a lot to ask.
But in our country there are still too many people for whom that is an aspiration.
Our LGBTQ+ community face prejudice, discrimination and hostility simply because of who they are.
Their health care, their housing, even their education can all be affected.
But today I believe we have taken an important step forward in protecting vital rights and setting out how our government should deliver a positive future for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
Our policy paper: ‘Free To Be Who You Are’ sets out how we will continue to pursue that Liberal Democrat goal of a society where nobody’s life chances are limited or constrained because of who they are.
Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of each of the great strides the UK has made towards LGBTQ+ equality. It was Ed Davey in 2003 who proposed the clause which finally repealed “Section 28”, the Conservatives’ law which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities.
Lynne Featherstone – the first ever Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister – was the driving force behind the legislation that made Same Sex marriage happen.
And it was the former Liberal Democrat MP John Leech who spearheaded the campaign to pardon Alan Turing and Lib Dem peer Lord Sharkey, tabled the amendment to the Policing and Crime Act 2017 which posthumously pardoned thousands of gay men who had been criminalised for their sexuality.
Our party had been pushing to lift the ban on men who have sex with men’s ability to donate blood for over 15 years by the time it finally happened in 2021.
That is the proud tradition of which we are the keepers.
We know there is still a lot to do but each step is important to progress in achieving that free and fair society.
The measures we voted through today will mean:
Ensuring LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse and hate crime get the support they deserve, including by delivering training for police and support services
Ending anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in social care, by commissioning an urgent investigation into anti-LGBTQ+ abuse in social care with recommendations on how to prevent it.
Banning medically unnecessary, non-consensual treatments or surgeries for intersex infants and children.
Pushing for all integrated care boards in England to immediately remove the requirement for lesbian couples to pay for artificial insemination before accessing NHS-funded IVF services.
Banning all forms of conversion “therapies” and practices.
Implementing a new LGBTQ+ Action Plan to coordinate cross-government work on delivering LGBTQ+ equality.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
NESO to investigate Heathrow power loss
The Energy Secretary has commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator to investigate the power outage that affected Heathrow Airport
The Energy Secretary has today (Saturday 22 March) commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator to urgently investigate the power outage incident that impacted Heathrow Airport and the surrounding area.
Working with Ofgem, Ed Miliband is using Energy Act powers to formally launch the investigation. This follows the action taken yesterday to restore power to all affected customers.
NESO’s investigation will support efforts to build a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding this incident and the UK’s energy resilience more broadly so that it’s prevented from ever happening again.
The government’s Plan for Change is rebuilding Britain’s resilience, including boosting the country’s energy security with homegrown power. Separately, the resilience review led by the Cabinet Office is ongoing and is due to conclude in the Spring.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
The loss of power to the Heathrow area has caused major disruption to thousands of people and many businesses. We are determined to properly understand what happened and what lessons need to be learned.
That is why working with Ofgem, I have today commissioned the National Energy System Operator to carry out an investigation into this specific incident and to understand any wider lessons to be learned on energy resilience for critical national infrastructure, both now and in the future.
The government is determined to do everything it can to prevent a repeat of what happened at Heathrow. This review will be an important step in helping us to do so, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
This incident caused significant disruption but Heathrow, National Grid, and our emergency services have worked swiftly to get people travelling again.
Heathrow is a massive airport that uses the energy of a small city, so it’s imperative we identify how this power failure happened and learn from this to ensure a vital piece of national infrastructure remains strong.
Whilst Heathrow is back to business, some disruption is expected over coming days as things get back to normal so I encourage anyone travelling to check with their airlines and plan their journeys.
Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem, said:
We saw yesterday the huge disruption that comes when energy supply is disrupted, and it’s important we now understand how that happened. Households and businesses should be able to have confidence in the resilience of critical national infrastructure, and Ofgem will work with the government and others to ensure NESO’s review goes as far as possible to ensuring steps are put in place to avoid any repeat of an incident of this scale in the future.
To the extent the review finds any breaches of standards or licence obligations, we will not hesitate to take action.
NESO chief executive Fintan Slye said:
NESO welcomes the government’s commission to review the power outage incident impacting Heathrow and surrounding areas. We will now work with all relevant stakeholders to understand the lessons that can be learned to improve future resilience of Great Britain’s energy system.
NESO will work with other bodies, including Heathrow Airport, to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and thoroughly examines the causes of the incident.
Further details on the scope of the investigation and its Terms of Reference will be agreed by the Energy Secretary, Ofgem and NESO and published in the coming days.
NESO are expected to report to DESNZ and Ofgem with initial findings within six weeks.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Foot and Mouth disease detected in Slovakia
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Europe
The Slovak Government has reported three cases of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) close to the Slovakian – Hungarian border. The cases were identified in three separate premises housing cattle.
The UK Government had already taken action to prevent the commercial import from Slovakia of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other non- domestic ruminants and porcines such as deer and their untreated products, such as fresh meat and dairy. This will protect farmers and their livestock.
Since 8 March, travellers to GB have not been able to bring meat, meat products, milk and dairy products, certain composite products and animal by products of pigs and ruminants, or hay or straw, from Hungary and Slovakia after a case on the Hungarian border with Slovakia.
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD following the recent outbreaks in Hungary, Germany and now Slovakia. There are no cases in the UK currently.
FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas, and alpacas. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.
FMD causes significant economic losses due to production losses in the affected animals as well as loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat, and milk for affected countries.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said:
Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Slovakia, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
We have seen a disturbing number of foot and mouth cases on the continent, and we need to stay on high alert to the risk of disease incursion – as a government, at the border and on our farms.
Protecting animal health and minimising the risk of disease incursion remains our top priority. Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
With disease now confirmed in Slovakia , it is clear the Government’s precautionary approach to ban Slovakian imports was the right one.
The confirmation of a Foot and Mouth disease in a third European country is a serious concern, the government will take whatever action is necessary to prevent the further spread of disease.
Ensuring the safety of our livestock sector and protecting our farmers will always be a top priority.
This comes as the government announced a £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease.
What you can do
If you’re an animal keeper, read about how to spot foot and mouth disease and report it.
If you’re an importer or exporter, read about the import restrictions for foot and mouth disease.
Clinical signs to be aware of vary depending on the animals, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue with potentially a fever, lameness and a reluctance to feed. In sheep and pigs, signs tend to manifest with lameness with potential for blistering.
While horses and companion animals are not susceptible to FMD, hay feed or straw bedding, if sourced from an infected area, could act as a fomite and therefore also prevented from entering GB.
Maintaining good biosecurity is essential to protecting the health and welfare of herds and critical to preventing the spread of diseases such as FMD and preventing an outbreak spreading.
Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:
Plaid Cymru economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher to announce plans to help local businesses.
A Plaid Cymru government would cut taxes for small, independent Welsh businesses.
Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesperson Luke Fletcher is expected to outline his party’s plans during his Spring Conference speech.
In his speech, Mr Fletcher is expected to highlight the struggles that independent businesses face in Wales, saying that there are “countless examples the length and breadth of Wales where the full potential of our domestic businesses is going unfulfilled”, with “too many independent shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants having to close” which has led to the decline of town centres.
The Plaid Cymru Economy spokesperson will say that Wales needs to change how it taxes our town centre businesses to realise the potential of town centres and independent businesses.
He will outline Plaid Cymru’s plans to use the business rate multiplier to “reduce rates for independent businesses in retail or hospitality”.
According to Mr Fletcher, the policy would be cost-neutral, as a Plaid Cymru-led Government in 2026 would “look at how we charge rates so that those who can afford to pay more, contribute more”.
In his speech to the Plaid Cymru Spring Conference, Plaid Cymru Economy Spokesperson, Luke Fletcher MS will say,
“Our high streets provide a lens on the challenges facing Welsh businesses – challenges that Labour in Wales has failed to address or made actively worse over a quarter of a century in power.
“It’s a story we’re all too familiar with, isn’t it? On high streets across Wales there are empty buildings and shuttered shop fronts where thriving local businesses should be. Pubs, cafés and restaurants, all struggling with a cost-of-doing business crisis – a crisis made worse by sky-high taxes on businesses and Labour’s scrapping of business rates relief.
“An independent store owner on the high street in Aberystwyth pays nearly ten times more than a major chain on the town’s outskirts, and significantly more than would an equivalent business in England. In Bridgend, a locally owned and managed coffee shop and bakery pays the same level of non-domestic rates as its multinational competitors. Instead of being able to grow and develop as a business, investing locally in the supply chain, training and jobs, it is a business simply looking to survive.
“There are countless examples the length and breadth of Wales of businesses’ full potential going unfulfilled – too many of what should be successful businesses going to the wall. And the result? Town centres in decline, instead of on the up.
“I am proud that more and more businesses are looking to Plaid Cymru for the solution. And I am even more proud that we are able to offer one.
“If we want our town centres to thrive, then we need to change how we tax the businesses on our high streets, to better support the kinds of successful Welsh-owned shops, cafés, bars and restaurants we all go to our town centres for.
“There’s a solution that is well within our grasp.
“Through varying the multiplier, we have the power to reduce rates for independent businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality. It really is that simple. And by looking at how we charge rates so that those who can afford to pay contribute more, it would also be cost-neutral.
Mr Fletcher will also say,
“In the coming weeks, I will formally be launching ‘Making Wales Work: Plaid Cymru’s new economic plan’. I am proud of the amount of hard work that has gone into this plan, and the new and ambitious vision for the Welsh economy that it represents.
“That vision and that ambition extends from our seabed to our high streets, and covers everywhere in between.
“Our plan will see capital built, retained and recycling in our communities, instead of it leaking – and in some cases flooding – out of Wales. It will grow and sustain Welsh-owned businesses, delivering good jobs, reviving our town centres, and boosting living standards.
“I am clearer now than ever that Wales needs a Government with real vision and with fire in its belly.
“Wales needs a Plaid Cymru Government – and next year we will have an historic opportunity to deliver one. “
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Plans to boost skills and diversity in UK cyber backed by tech giant IBM
Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK’s cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers.
IBM to host 2025 CyberFirst Girls Competition Platform.
Global tech giant IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls – boosting diversity in the booming £13 billion cyber sector as more young people explore careers in cyber
girls between 12-13 to be supported in developing new computing and cyber skills
partnership comes as best and brightest cyber minds gear up to represent UK Cyber Team in a series of international challenges
Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK’s cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers, as the government safeguards online services which deliver economic growth – central to the Plan for Change.
In new support being announced today (Saturday 22 March), IBM have agreed to partner with the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), to provide the online platform for the CyberFirst Girls competition – a UK-wide programme open to girls between the ages of 12 and 13.
The CyberFirst Girls Competition, currently run by the NCSC, is the UK’s flagship cyber security programme for schools, with more than 85,000 students across the country having taken part since its launch in 2017. It puts students through a series of cyber challenges from cryptography and networking to artificial intelligence, building up their skills and encouraging them to consider future careers in the field. To support the next generation of cyber talent, IBM will provide the platform for the 2025 edition of the competition.
Improving the diversity of the UK’s cyber sector is a key priority for the government, with women currently accounting for just 17% of our cyber workforce. Though average salaries in the sector exceed £56,000 – with the top 20% of earners receiving salaries between £73,000 and £350,000 – almost half of UK businesses (44%) also report having cyber security skills gaps, meaning it’s more pressing than ever to ensure the next generation of cyber security leaders are joining the ranks.
Minister for Cyber Security Feryal Clark said:
If we’re going to keep the UK safe from the threats we face online, then we need to build a diverse workforce which is reflective of every community in the country.
By partnering with IBM to deliver the next edition of the CyberFirst Girls Competition, we’re driving forward our plans to do exactly that – building up the skills of young girls across the country and nurturing the next generation of UK cyber leaders.
The girls who will benefit from this support could even go on to represent the UK Cyber Team – the cream of the crop of British cyber talent who will fly the flag for us across the world – and I’ll be proudly cheering the team on today as they head to Dublin for their first international competition.
Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said:
Over the past decade, the CyberFirst Girls Competition has offered tens of thousands of young women a fun opportunity to test their cyber skills against real-world cyber problems.
I’m delighted that a new partnership across government and the private sector will be taking forward the delivery of this vital initiative which is inspiring the next generation of cyber security professionals.
We need a cyber industry which reflects our diverse society and encourages the most talented individuals to keep our digital lives secure.
Today’s partnership comes as some of the country’s best and brightest cyber minds prepare to represent the UK Cyber Team in their first international competition – putting their skills to the test against Ireland, Germany, and Denmark.
The UK Cyber Team programme is an e-sports style cyber security competition launched in collaboration with SANS, which looks to identify the next generation of cyber talent. Competitors have gone through a rigorous set of challenges to showcase their skills, with 30 18-25 year olds from across the country qualifying to represent the UK Cyber Team.
These competitors are drawn from across the country, representing their home communities across London, the South Wast, Wales, Scotland, the North of England, West Midlands, and the South West. With 37% of the team being female, 57% being male, and 3% identifying as non-binary, the UK Cyber Team is a true representation of communities and backgrounds up and down the country.
Mark Hughes, IBM Global Managing Partner for Cyber Security, said:
IBM is delighted to build upon our partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre by supporting the CyberFirst Girls competition with DSIT. Our commitment to fostering diversity in cybersecurity remains unwavering, as highlighted in our ‘Diversity & Inclusion in Cybersecurity’ initiative.
This new collaboration is a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of cyber leaders, ensuring a more inclusive and robust industry. We are confident that this partnership will make a substantial impact in encouraging more young girls to pursue rewarding careers in cybersecurity.
The move to boost cyber skills is part of the government’s wider work to grow the economy and develop the successful UK cyber security sector, which is now worth £13.2 billion, up 12% on the previous year.
Notes to editors
1. The 2024 Cyber security skills in the UK labour market report shows strong demand for cyber skills in the UK, with 44% of businesses reporting a skills gap. Salary data is also sourced from this report
2. The 2025 Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis shows the UK cyber security sector generated revenue of £13.2 billion, up 12% since last year. 2,165 companies employ 67,300 people (full time equivalents), up 11% since last year, an increase of around 6,600 jobs
3. The total gross value added (GVA) for the sector has reached c. £7.8 billion, an increase of 21% since last year
4. The 2025/2026 CyberFirst Girls Competition will be run as a partnership between DSIT, NCSC and IBM.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
PM call with King Abdullah II of Jordan: 22 March 2025
The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan this morning.
The Prime Minister spoke to His Majesty the King of Jordan, Abdullah II this morning.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern about the renewed Israeli military action in Gaza and the lack of humanitarian aid.
He thanked His Majesty for his country’s leadership and work towards a political solution. He welcomed the Arab Plan for Gaza and commended the efforts of Jordan and partners in the region in developing it. The leaders agreed that they must continue to urge both sides to return to the ceasefire.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the UK is a strong partner to Jordan and they agreed to keep in close touch.
According to an investigation by Hundred Families, a charity that supports and advocates for families affected by mental health homicides, each year an average of 65 mentally ill people carry out killings. Between 2018-2023, 390 mental health patients in England committed, or were suspected of, murder or manslaughter.
The findings come after an independent report exposed a series of NHS failures in the treatment of Valdo Calocane, a man with schizophrenia who killed three people in Nottingham in 2023.
The cases of killers Calocane and Axel Rudakubana – who stabbed three small girls to death and attempted to kill several others in Southport in 2024 when he was 17 years-old – have sparked fiercedebate over the place within wider society of people with severe mental health issues. According to many, it appears they don’t have one.
When sentencing Rudakubana to a minimum term of 52 years in January 2025, Mr Justice Goose said: “Many who have heard the evidence might describe what he did as evil, who could dispute it?”
Public opinion on the likes of Calocane and Rudakubana seems clear: they are monsters, capable only of inflicting misery on others. At best, they don’t deserve to live among right-minded people. At worst, they don’t deserve to live at all.
It’s now known that both Calocane and Rudakubana had received treatment for severe mental health issues but stopped engaging with health services before committing their crimes. In the eyes of many – including media commentators, politicians and sizeable swaths of the public – suffering severe mental health illness doesn’t affect someone’s responsibility for their actions.
As a human being, I regard the prevailing narrative around stories such as Calocane’s and Rudakubana’s with a tremendous sense of sadness. As an academic specialising in social and cultural perspectives of mental health, I regard it with a profound sense of frustration – and maybe even failure. Let me try to explain why.
A question of accountability
A key reason why those with severe mental health issues are customarily condemned as wicked and irredeemable is that we continue to believe that a person should invariably be held accountable for their own actions. This is a damagingly simplistic view.
Media coverage of Rudakubana often described him as ‘evil’
Anyone who has worked in the field of mental health knows there are many cases in which people’s minds, to all intents and purposes, aren’t their own. Those, like Calocane, suffering from an overwhelming condition such as schizophrenia, for example, frequently have no grasp of reality and have hampered moral reasoning.
It’s reasonable to say some people with severe mental health issues can represent a danger to themselves and others. But this doesn’t mean they should be abandoned or “locked up”. What they need is support from mental health systems that are genuinely integrated, effective and reliable.
Calocane and Rudakubana’s victims, their families and all those cruelly affected by their crimes were catastrophically let down in this respect. But so were Calocane and Rudakubana. The notion that the pair “stopped engaging” is a poor excuse for the cataclysmic shortcomings of a system that should be rooted in diligence, outreach and persistent follow-ups.
However uncomfortable the idea, much of the accountability here lies not with the killers – and that, of course, is what they are – but with those who left them unsupported and in a position to devastate others’ lives and their own. Ultimately, it’s the system itself that disengages – sometimes with the most appalling consequences.
When findings alone aren’t enough
Numerous studies have shown how those in the grip of psychosis and similar illnesses don’t choose to be “evil”. They don’t choose to experience horrific delusions about the world around them. They don’t choose to endure hallucinations that tell them to carry out terrible acts.
Yet the broader public seems to have little or no interest in such findings. Alarmingly, the same might be said of many policymakers. Their knowledge and opinions are instead more likely to be shaped by rhetoric and knee-jerk denunciation.
This goes to the heart of a major challenge for academics in my own field and for the research community as a whole: how best to communicate our work and make it truly accessible. We need to accept that research alone is often woefully insufficient.
A few years ago, in collaboration with Aardman Animations, the studio behind household names such as Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, I produced a series of short films highlighting young people’s mental health. In months, these films reached an audience of more than 17 million. More recently, in another effort to spread the word, I wrote The Wonders of Doctor Bent, a novel that explores society’s lingering propensity to treat isolated and tormented people with the utmost contempt.
None of this is to say research is pointless – yet it’s surely of limited value if the insights it delivers remain largely unacknowledged, especially where matters of the most extraordinary significance are concerned.
As the unhelpful clamour around mental health and “monsters” drags on, the lesson is both clear and familiar: the best way of having conversations about stigma, responsibility and the cost of abdicating our social obligations to those suffering from severe mental illness is to involve the whole of society. Not just the mental health community, police and the justice system, but the general public as well.
Paul Crawford receives funding from UK Research and Innovation including Arts and Humanities Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, UKRI Cross Council, The Leverhulme Trust, The British Academy
Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 26-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Alice Springs yesterday.
Around 4:40pm, police received reports that a 24-year-old female had been strangled and punched multiple times to the face in a vehicle at a set of traffic lights on the corner of Stott Terrace and the Stuart Highway by a male known to the victim.
It is alleged that the incident occurred around 8am and afterwards, the male took her to his residence where he stole the female’s phone so that she could not seek assistance. Hours later, she located her phone and reported the incident to police.
General duties members attended and witnessed the man fleeing from the residence. A cordon was set up and he was arrested after a short foot pursuit. The female was transported to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition to be treated for facial injuries.
The male has since been charged with:
Unlawfully Cause Serious Harm
Choking, Strangling or Suffocating
Theft
Breach Bail
He is remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an alleged sexual assault that took place at a fast-food restaurant this morning.
About 6:30am, police received reports of a sexual assault on a 19-year-old female in the bathroom of a fast-food restaurant on the corner of Parsons Street and Railway Terrace. The female alerted staff who then called police.
Investigations are ongoing to locate the alleged offender and determine the circumstances of the incident.
Police are calling for any witnesses within the area at the time who may have information that can assist police in their enquiries to make contact on 131 444.
Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 21-year-old female in relation to a stabbing incident in Katherine last night.
About 7:45pm, police received multiple reports that a 41-year-old male, who is known to the alleged offender, had multiple stab wounds to his shoulder.
The male was transported to Katherine Regional Hospital by St John Ambulance in a stable but serious condition. He was later transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for further treatment to his injuries.
Investigations are ongoing and the crime command have carriage.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after a judge ruled that Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion group, repeatedly violated state and federal clinic access laws by invading reproductive health care clinics and interfering with access to care:
“This is a monumental victory for the rule of law, for reproductive freedom, and for every patient who has been harassed, intimidated, or blocked from accessing the health care they need.
“The court has affirmed that Red Rose Rescue and its members flagrantly violated the law by invading clinics, obstructing clinic entrances, and disrupting essential medical services. Their actions were not peaceful protest but unlawful obstruction, and today’s ruling makes it clear that such conduct will not be tolerated in New York.
“Abortion is health care, and every person has the right to make their own reproductive choices without fear or interference. My office will continue to do everything in our power to protect patients, clinics, and providers. New York remains a safe haven for reproductive care, and those who threaten New Yorkers’ most basic right to access health care will be met with the full force of the law.”
Attorney General James sued Red Rose Rescue and its members in June 2023 for invading reproductive health care clinics and blocking patients’ access to care.
Today, in a ruling granting the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) motion for summary judgment, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Karas found that Red Rose Rescue’s members obstructed patients’ and providers’ access to clinics by trespassing, refusing to leave and forcing police to remove them, and by getting in patients’ way as they tried to walk towards or enter the clinic – intentionally delaying or preventing patients from receiving care. In the decision, the court affirmed that Red Rose Rescue had a coordinated strategy of invading clinics, blocking clinic entrances, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, and using their arrests to stop the provision of abortions, in violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and New York Clinic Access Act. Further proceedings will be scheduled, at the discretion of the court, to decide appropriate remedies for Red Rose Rescue’s unlawful conduct.
Attorney General James is committed to enforcing all state and federal laws protecting reproductive health care clinic staff and patients. The FACE Act and the New York State Clinic Access Act give patients and staff both inside and outside clinics the right to be free from force, threats of force, or physical obstruction when trying to obtain or provide reproductive health care. More information on laws protecting access to reproductive health clinics can be found here. If you believe these laws have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau by calling 800-771-7755, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or filing a complaint online.
This matter is being handled by Senior Counsel Sandra Pullman, Assistant Attorney General Zoe Ridolfi-Starr, and Research Analyst Joseph Flores of the Civil Rights Bureau, Assistant Attorney General Julia Toce of the Watertown Regional Office, and Assistant Attorney General Heather McKay of the Rochester Regional Office, under the supervision of Civil Rights Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. Additional assistance was provided by Special Counsel for Reproductive Justice Galen Leigh Sherwin of the Executive Division, Health Care Bureau Chief Darsana Srinivasan, and Detective Investigator Wilsonia Jean-Philippe of the Investigations Bureau. The Civil Rights Bureau and the Health Care Bureau are part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux. The Investigations Bureau is a part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado. The Executive Division, Division for Social Justice, and Division for Criminal Justice are all overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
Joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3) on Gaza
The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the UK (the E3) call for immediate return to a ceasefire
Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):
The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families and the entire region. We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire.
We call on all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent. This must include Hamas releasing the hostages that they have cruelly detained and persistently refuse to release.
All Israelis and Palestinians have a right to peace and security. We call on all those with influence over Hamas to use that influence to ensure no further attacks against Israel. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore. However, this conflict cannot be resolved through military means. A return to fighting will only result in the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.
More bloodshed is in no-one’s interest. Israel should fully respect international law and allow the flow of aid immediately. Civilians should be protected and not be cut off from essential aid or assistance. We call on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law.
We are deeply shocked by the deadly incident affecting a UNOPS building in Gaza, which has killed one UN employee and injured several others. Amongst the victims were European citizens. UN personnel and its premises should be protected and never be a target. There must be a full investigation into what happened.
A long-lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza.
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Releases, 252 Southern Pygmy Perch in a World-First for Conservation supported by NSW DPIRD Fisheries
Sydney, AUSTRALIA, Friday 21 March 2025 – In a world-first, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has bred and released 252 Southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) at Lade Vale, New South Wales, marking a key milestone for conservation efforts to protect this native Endangered species.
“Though they are small, the Southern pygmy perch are mighty! They play a vital role in freshwater ecosystems by controlling insect populations and supporting biodiversity, which ensures the health of streams and wetlands,” said Laura Simmons, Head of Conservation, Welfare, and Education for SEA LIFE Aquariums Australia and New Zealand.
“Four years ago, when the NSW Government’s Fisheries Division approached SEA LIFE Sydney, we embraced the challenge to take on custodianship, develop best practices within the aquarium, and ultimately breed the Southern pygmy perch for a cooperative breed-for-release program to encourage wild repopulation. We are incredibly proud of reaching this milestone, which marks a significant step in recovering the species and securing its future in Australia’s freshwater ecosystems,” she added.
Southern pygmy perch were once widely distributed and abundant in the Murray, Lachlan, and Murrumbidgee catchments. The species has now disappeared from most locations in NSW and has only been recorded from a handful of sites in the last 30 years.
The aquarium-bred Southern pygmy perch have been released into a waterway on a private property at Lade Vale, NSW, determined as a suitable habitat by the project experts. Post-release, project partners, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries and Gunning District Landcare, will closely monitor the fish to ensure their successful integration into the wild.
“It’s exciting to be working with SEA LIFE Sydney and the local landcare group on new and innovative ways to re-establish this unique and important species back in the landscape”, said Luke Pearce, DPIRD Senior Fisheries Manager.
Southern pygmy perch are threatened by habitat loss from flood control measures and dams, which disrupt river flow and temperature, as well as by competition and predation from invasive species like Redfin perch, common carp and Eastern gambusia.
As part of its broader conservation strategy, SEA LIFE Sydney will continue to support research, breeding programs, and habitat restoration projects, collaborating with government and conservation partners to secure a future for the Southern pygmy perch and other vulnerable species within Australia and around the world.
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China, and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.
Two people have been arrested after a car and caravan crashed in the Adelaide Hills.
It will be alleged that about 2.20am today (Saturday 22 March), a man called police after his Nissan Patrol 4WD was stolen from his house in Finniss.
Police located the Nissan soon after driving east on Callington Road and pursued the vehicle. A second vehicle, a Great Wall station wagon towing a caravan then overtook the police car, sideswiping it as it drove past.
Both officers inside the vehicle were not injured.
The Great Wall station wagon and caravan then lost control and crashed on Callington Road at Woodchester, with the male driver running away from the scene.
The 35-year-old Wellington man returned to the scene soon after and was arrested. He will face numerous charges including endanger life, drive disqualified and illegal use of a motor vehicle, after checks showed the caravan had been stolen from Mount Compass.
The Great Wall station wagon was not stolen.
The Nissan returned to the scene and the driver, a 30-year-old Murray Bridge woman was also arrested.
She has also been charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, breach of bail and drive unlicenced.
Both people have been refused bail to appear in court on Monday.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Skykraft’s Air Traffic Management satellites take off from California in June this year on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
A Canberra-based company is taking their satellites to space and notching up world first achievements in both the space industry and the global air navigation sector.
Skykraft is developing a constellation of more than 200 satellites in low-earth orbit to provide global Air Traffic Management (ATM) services from space.
These services will provide surveillance and communication capabilities for air traffic control, especially over remote or oceanic regions not covered by ground-based infrastructure.
In 2018-19 Skykraft applied for and won $1 million dollars in matched funding from the ACT Government’s Priority Investment Program (PIP). PIP grants foster innovation and collaboration between, industry, research institutions and universities to solve industry needs.
Skykraft was established in 2017 as a spin-off from The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra. Skykraft’s CEO, Dr Michael Frater, said funding early on from the ACT Government was the financial boost they needed to get things off the ground.
“The confidence from receiving the PIP funding, rather than being drip-fed small grants, created a big shift for us. It gave us the ability to build our team and focus on developing our product,” he said.
Skykraft’s recent successful trial of space-based voice communications in the Very High Frequency (VHF) aviation band demonstrated the feasibility of satellite communication directly with aircraft using existing equipment. This use of satellites in place of ground-based radio systems will allow global real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers for the first time.
“We are proud to have taken another step to bringing this world-first capability to market,” said Dr Michael Frater, CEO of Skykraft.
“VHF voice and data communication that covers the entire extent of an aircraft’s journey is the missing piece for Air Traffic Management and will unlock efficiency gains globally.”
Skykraft’s satellite manufacturing facility in Canberra is the centre for the design, build and operation of the more than 200 satellites that will make up the constellation providing space-based ATM services, which will commence operations in 2025.
This constellation will be maintained with a regular five-year satellite replenishment cycle. It will support a sustainable space manufacturing capability in the nation’s capital producing 40-50 satellites annually.
“Our manufacturing capability provides long-term employment for Canberrans in the advanced manufacturing sector,” Dr Frater said. “We’re also creating opportunities for companies from the Canberra region to input to the manufacturing process, with suppliers in Queanbeyan, Wodonga and Newcastle.”
In 2023, Skykraft put 10 satellites into space across two launches, more than tripling the total mass of Australian manufactured space objects ever placed in orbit.
Skykraft will continue this rapid pace as they deploy the full satellite constellation to deliver their ATM service globally.
The ACT Government’s PIP grant is currently open until 31 October 2023.
For more information visit the PIP website: act.gov.au/pip
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First Minister John Swinney has today set out his commitment to continue working with the business community to grow Scotland’s economy, during a speech to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Speaking at an event to mark the CBI’s 60th anniversary, Mr Swinney also called on their representatives to join the mission to deliver a Scottish Graduate Visa and retain top talent in Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Scotland consistently ranks as the UK’s top investment destination outside of London and the South East of England. We have significant offshore renewables resources, and we’re ranked first amongst the UK’s nations and regions for green growth potential and opportunity.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic about Scotland’s economic potential and Scotland’s economic performance, but there’s also a need to be realistic about the challenges and the issues that the business community and the Scottish economy faces at this time.
“Since I came into office, I’ve set out a clear and focused agenda for the government around eradicating child poverty, about supporting the transition to Net Zero, about improving our public services, and particularly our National Health Service, which are fundamentally anchored on delivering higher levels of economic growth within Scotland, because we cannot hope to achieve our objectives on Net Zero, or on eradicating child poverty, or on improving our public services without generating the wealth that is going to be at the heart of future success for our country.”
He added:
“We have to act to take steps to boost the working age population in Scotland. The proposals I’ve put forward around a dedicated Scottish graduate visa where we enable international students who come to Scotland to be able to develop longer routes and stay for a longer period, will help to encourage the growth of our working age population and also to boost economic activity within Scotland.
“And we pursue those proposals with the United Kingdom Government because for Scotland, measures of that type are critical, mission critical, for enabling us to fulfil our growth ambitions and your support in persuading the UK Government within that step would be enormously welcome.”
8 York schools have been accredited as ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of a citywide commitment to support neurodiverse children and young people.
Awarded by the ADHD Foundation*, the schools were accredited as ADHD friendly because they committed to making their schools safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting places, in which all learners with ADHD can achieve their academic potential.
Schools also had to work with the foundation to achieve six ADHD school friendly pledges, including training school staff, providing opportunities for learners to get access to physical activity, exercise and self-calming strategies throughout the school day and providing information and support to families.
Funded by City of York Council, as part of its wider Neurodiversity support Programme, Copmanthorpe Primary, Dunnington Church of England Primary School, Lakeside Primary Academy, Haxby Road Enhanced Resource Provision, Millthorpe School, Tang Hall Primary, Wigginton Primary, and York High School have all achieved the ADHD Friendly School Award.
Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“Supporting neurodiverse students, their families, and teaching staff, is a key part of our strategy to ensure York is a great place to live and learn for all young people.
“We want to see inclusion at the heart of Education in York and I’m really pleased that schools have committed their time and energy to promote inclusion and the needs of all learners.
“I’m delighted that eight schools in York have now received official ADHD accreditation and hope that they will share their expertise and knowledge with others across the city.”
Luke Dancer, headteacher at Copmanthorpe Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as an ADHD Friendly School.
“At Copmanthorpe Primary, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. This accreditation is a testament to the ongoing dedication and hard work of the staff in creating a school where learners with ADHD feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Since joining the school in January, it has been clear to me that the whole team is deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed. Working alongside the ADHD Foundation and City of York Council has helped us implement meaningful strategies that benefit all of our pupils.”
Colin Foley from the ADHD Foundation said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with a range of schools across the City of York.
“In each school, there is a commitment to understanding and nurturing children and young people with ADHD. Thank you to all of the professionals involved, these awards are very well deserved.”
Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride
Mal O’Hara, Green Party Leader said “This is a welcome decision by Belfast Pride. LGBTQ+ people have been betrayed and gaslit by the executive parties for too long. An lgbtq+ strategy has been promised since 2007 but never delivered. The most recent Programme for Government fails to mention lgbtq+ inequality beyond a vague commitment to bringing forward ‘social strategies’. Funding for our life saving lgbtq+ organisations has been piecemeal and ad hoc rather than strategic and focused. Almost all progress on lgbtq+ equality has come from Westminster or the Courts. The final straw was the announcement of the puberty blocker ban via tweet, which removes healthcare from trans and non-binary young people meanwhile the Executive have done precious little on the crises of trans healthcare.”
Mal continued “Pride started as a riot. It is our biggest public event to demonstrate for liberation, equality and celebration. If the Executive Parties make progress on trans healthcare, fund our sector organisations, stands up to backlash and bring forward a strategy, then I will be the first to advocate welcoming these parties back.”
Mal finished by saying “Pride is not a photo opportunity for political parties who have had power for 27 years and not used that power to make the lives of lgbtq+ people better.”
ENDS
Press enquiries – Mal O’Hara on 07540790663
The new North Prospect Family Hub is opening this month, with families invited to come along to the official launch event.
Located on North Prospect Road, the new Family Hub is celebrating with an afternoon of free games, activities and entertainment for children and young people on Thursday 27 March between 1pm and 4pm.
The new hub is run by LARK, which also manages Morice Town Family Hub, and is the eleventh and final hub to open in Plymouth.
In 2023, Plymouth City Council was awarded a share of £300 million from the Government to help develop the Family Hubs and establish Start for Life, a programme providing support to parents for the first 1001 days of their child’s life, starting from pregnancy.
Family Hubs have developed the support previously offered by children’s centres and help families from conception until children are 19 years old, or up to 25-years-old for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
The aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and friendly environment to families and there’s a range of support on offer including antenatal classes, activity sessions, parenting programmes, breastfeeding support and practical help from a wide range of professionals.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our Family Hubs are so important, providing a supportive environment and professional advice to families with children of all ages within their communities.
“I’m delighted about the launch of the new North Prospect Family Hub, which is the final hub to open in the city. We now have eleven hubs across Plymouth and I would encourage all parents and carers to find their local hub and reach out to see what support is available – our Hubs are here to make sure you get the help you need in the right place, at the right time.”
Kirsty Mole, Family Hub Lead at LARK, said: “We are so excited after a busy few months with our move from The Beacon, to be opening on North Prospect Road in the heart of our community.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us with this move, from volunteers to local councillors, and a huge thank you to our local families for their patience whilst we have been moving.
“We welcome children, young people and families into our Hub and have a range of support available as well as providing links with other agencies for help and advice. Our team have lots of knowledge and are experienced in working in our area for many years. We are really proud of our new Hub and hope that you will come along and celebrate with us.”
The other Family Hubs in Plymouth are:
Nomony Family Hub, Cattedown
The Barn Family Hub, Barne Barton
Rees Family Hub, Plympton
Four Woods Family Hub, Crownhill Road
Green Ark Family Hub, Devonport
Manor Street Family Hub, Stonehouse
Southway Family Hub
Whitleigh Family Hub at Four Greens Community Trust
Please be aware of the following temporary road closures and restrictions on the day of the event Sunday March 23 between 8.30am and 11am:
Jack Hayward Way closed its entire length in both directions. Waterloo Road closed its entire length in both directions. Staveley Road closed at its junction with Waterloo Road. Stafford Street closed northbound between its junctions with Cannock Road and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road. Dunstall Road closed between its junctions with Dunstall Hill and Waterloo Road/Stafford Road. Stafford Road closed northbound between its junctions with Stafford Street and Oxley Moor Road. South Street closed between its junction with Leverton Rise and Stafford Road. Gorsebrook Road closed between its junction with Stafford Road to Opposite 125a. Oxley Moor Road closed its entire length in both directions. Probert Road closed between its junction for Oxley Day Centre and its junction with Oxley Moor Road. Green Lane closed between its junctions with Blakely Rise and Aldersley Road. Aldersley Road closed in both directions between its junctions with Green Lane/Oxley Moor Road to side of property 124. Hordern Road closed its entire length in both directions. Craddock Street closed in both directions between its junctions with Gatis Street and Hordern Road/Hunter Street. Hunter Street closed its entire length in both directions. Clifford Street closed at its junction with Newhampton Road West. Newhampton Road West closed in both directions between its junctions with Denmark Close and Newhampton Road East. Kingsland Road closed its entire length in both directions. Newhampton Road East closed its entire length in both directions. Devon Road closed its entire length in both directions. Park Road East / Park Road West closed (anti-clockwise) in both directions between its junction with Dixon Road and Lansdowne Road. (Access/Egress to West Park Hospital to be managed/maintained between Connaught Road and Hospital Entrance via Stop/Go system and operatives on site. Access/Egress between Southgate and Park Avenue to be managed/maintained via Stop/Go system and operatives on site.) Lansdowne Road closed its entire length in both directions.
There will be a vehicular diversion route westbound via Tettenhall Road, Lower Street, Codsall Road, Birches Road, Duck Lane, Pendeford Mill Lane and Wobaston Road.
A vehicular diversion route for eastbound traffic is via Cannock Road, M54 and Stafford Road.
The latest trends in global supply chains will be the focus of a three day event hosted by the University of Aberdeen Business School this summer.
From exploring the use of AI and Blockchain, understanding supply vessel logistics and establishing new supply chains in emerging markets; through to raising awareness of the environmental, social and governance requirements in value chain planning, the event is part a new MBA Residential series.
Supported by the Development Trust Student Experience Fund, it will bring together MBA students from Aberdeen, Qatar and those studying online for a comprehensive programme of lectures and on-site industry visits.
In addition to visiting the National Decommissioning Centre, ANM Group and Peterhead Port Authority, delegates will hear from speakers including Rex Gu, Global Head of Finance, Contract Logistics and E-Commerce Logistics at A.P. Moller – Maersk; Alan Buhamba, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Energy in the Government of Uganda; Cyril Bruce-Cathline, New Business Management for Europe and Africa at Fugro; and Yingli Wu, Managing Director (China) at Wrist Ship Supply. They will also be joined by Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.” John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School
“In today’s interconnected world, supply chain resilience is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity,” said John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School and event moderator.
“The challenges of geopolitical instability, resource scarcity and technological integration demand agile and adaptable networks. Yet, these very challenges also present opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and enhanced collaboration, paving the way for more resilient and efficient global supply chains.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.”
Supply Chain Resilience in the Age of ESG takes place at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College campus from 4-6 June 2025. Free to attend, register to express your interest here.
Bridging the gap between academia and key industry sectors at the heart of the North East of Scotland’s economy is the key aim for three new business development executives at the University of Aberdeen.
The three new posts have been created by the 430-year-old institution in order to build and strengthen links and partnerships with the business community across energy, health and life sciences, and digital and creative industries.
It’s hoped that the initiative will foster greater collaboration as part of a wider drive by the University to support regional economic development.
Responsible for the health and life sciences portfolio is Dr Marina Kovaleva who boasts 25 years in the sector working within academia and biotech and pharma companies.
Marina pioneered the discovery of new drug therapies developed from the shark immune system, leading to the first preclinical study on shark-based drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and designing targeted tumour therapies. This research was spun out into the biotech company Elasmogen Ltd in 2016, of which Marina is a founding team member.
Marina has degrees in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine obtained from universities in Russia and Germany.
Taking on the digital and creative industries brief is Dr Allison Noble who has held various roles in both government and the charity sector.
Following roles involving helping NHS health boards address vaccine hesitancy and develop clear travel guidance during the pandemic and sustainability research with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Allison comes to the University after two and a half years with Research Data Scotland (RDS). With RDS, Allison helped restructure the organisation’s information architecture and implemented AI safely at an institutional level whilst working with bodies such as National Records of Scotland, Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.
These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.” Professor Pete Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement
Her doctorate from the University of Southampton investigated how music streaming platforms and their algorithms impact the creation, distribution, and consumption of music.
Aberdeen Geology and Petroleum Geology graduate, Dr Ian Brightmore, will be the lead for energy. He returns to the University, where he also obtained his PhD, with 15 years of international operator experience in the UK continental shelf, Norwegian continental shelf, Kurdistan and Barents.
Ian worked as geologist with ExxonMobil in Norway and Houston before returning to Aberdeen to take a position with Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) and has worked for numerous international operators since in the capacity of exploration geologist.
Dr Liz Rattray, University of Aberdeen Interim Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research and Innovation, said: “There is an abundance of cutting-edge research being carried out at the University of Aberdeen which could have real and immediate benefits for industry.
“The challenge is having key individuals in place with an overview of vital areas – such as energy, health and life science and digital and creative industries – who can act as a single point of contact between industry requirements and our researchers they could be collaborating with.
“The appointment of our three new business development executives to cover these key industry sectors is crucial to maximising collaboration, fostering long-term industry links and promoting the expertise that the University of Aberdeen boasts – to the benefit of all parties.”
Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement, said: “These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.
The University of Aberdeen hosts the largest concentration of academic researchers in the North of Scotland and the new business development executives will work with industry to understand their problems, before connecting them to the relevant academic experts, and providing advice on the most appropriate mechanism to facilitate joint work.”
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Banbridge proudly welcomed The King and Queen today (Friday 21st March) as they visited the town to celebrate its rich history, thriving economy, and vibrant arts and community sectors.
During their visit, Their Majesties engaged with local business owners, community organisations, and education representatives, recognising their contributions to economic growth, innovation, and social support in the region. From Banbridge’s long-standing linen industry to cutting-edge firms, the visit highlighted the town’s enduring significance in both heritage and modern enterprise. They also met with leaders in the creative industries, including those behind the internationally renowned Game of Thrones Studio Tour.
A key focus of the visit was Banbridge’s tradition of multi-generational, independent businesses and retailers. Their Majesties met with local entrepreneurs whose family-run businesses have been a cornerstone of the town’s economy for generations. These independent businesses, from retailers to manufacturers, continue to drive investment and employment, blending heritage with innovation to ensure a strong future for Banbridge’s high street and commercial sector.
The King and Queen also took time to speak with community groups providing vital support services, including mental health initiatives, cancer support networks, and organisations dedicated to improving health and well-being. Their visit highlighted the dedication of local volunteers and businesses in shaping Banbridge into a dynamic and welcoming place.
A key highlight of the day was an exhibition showcasing Banbridge’s industrial past and present, from its deep-rooted industrial heritage to its modern role as a key hub along the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor. The warmth of the welcome received by Their Majesties reflected the town’s strong sense of identity and community pride.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kyle Savage, said,
“It has been an honour and privilege to welcome Their Majesties to Banbridge. Today’s visit has been a truly momentous occasion to showcase the rich heritage, innovation and community spirit and it has shone a spotlight on the people and industries that make our town thrive.
“I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to making this visit such a success. It really is a proud day for Banbridge, and we look forward to building on this legacy for the future.”
Residents are being encouraged to join in the ongoing drive to make Sunderland cleaner and greener by taking part in the Great British Spring Clean.
From Friday 21 March to Sunday 6 April, the City Council is encouraging residents to help make a difference by joining one of the many clean ups taking place across Sunderland’s green spaces, footpaths, parks and beaches as part of the Great British Spring Clean.
Organised litter picks are taking place across Sunderland North, East, West, Coalfield and Washington. Taking part will not only help keep Sunderland tidy but also help protect the environment and wildlife.
The City Council is encouraging individuals, schools, local groups, and businesses to take part in these. Representatives from the council will be providing necessary equipment to support clean-ups and keep communities litter-free.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people sign up to be involved with this year’s Great British Spring Clean.”
“We know most residents take pride in where they live and want to live in a clean and tidy city by disposing of their litter properly. It’s a shame to see that there are some irresponsible people who are spoiling it for everyone else.”
“While we will continue to crackdown littering and fly-tipping, these planned clean-ups are a brilliant way for residents to do their bit. I encourage everyone to pick up a bag and take part.”
Sunderland City Council’s robust approach to keeping the city litter free and clean for its residents, wildlife, and the environment has seen it issue more than 100 litter and fly-tipping fixed penalty notices in the last year.
For any residents wanting to do their bit to help clean up the city, joining an organised litter pick is a great way to tackle litter in Sunderland.
The Great British Spring Clean is organised by Keep Britain Tidy, a charity which encourages cities across the country to eliminate litter, end waste and improve their local beaches, parks, and streets. Over 31.6 million people in the UK said ‘litter-free’ streets would help them love where they live. As well as 72% of UK adults agreeing that seeing litter makes them less proud of their neighbourhood.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “We are so grateful for the game-changing support from Sunderland City Council.”
“The Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for councils to support residents to really show their pride in where they live, and connect with like-minded people, while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep.”
“During this year’s campaign, we are highlighting that the environment belongs to everyone, and that everyone is welcome to join in with our activities and celebrate the 10th Great British Spring Clean.”
“We are humbled to see our army of #LitterHeroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to make the planet a cleaner, safer place for our future generations.”
Anyone who wants to get involved and organise their own litter pick and find out more can visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean and using the hashtags #GBSpringClean #LoveWhereYouLive
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
NRS apprentice Keely Salter wins top national award
Keely Salter, a Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) apprentice, has been named the UK’s nuclear skills apprentice of the year 2025.
Craig Boothy from Westinghouse and host Colin Murray present Keely Salter with her overall apprentice of the year award
A plant technician at Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire, Keely won the intermediate level apprentice of the year award at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards, before also going on to be named overall UK nuclear apprentice of the year 2025.
The UK Nuclear Skills Awards, organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Skills, take place to highlight excellence in the sector and showcase stars of the present and future. Winners were announced at an event in Manchester on 20 March 2025.
Chris Lloyd from Ureno, host Colin Murray and NRS mentor Sav Lagana present Keely Salter with her intermediate level apprentice of the year award
Keely, who focused on health physics and radiation protection during her apprenticeship, said:
To have won these awards shows that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. I am appreciative and grateful for everyone who has supported my journey in the nuclear sector.
NRS Chief People Officer John Vickerman added:
We are truly proud of Keely for the work she’s put in to make her apprenticeship such a success. She deserves all the recognition these awards bring, alongside her mentor Sav Lagana and all the Oldbury team who show commitment to support and develop those who will take forward delivery of our nationally important decommissioning mission in the future.
Our NRS apprenticeship programme represents a strong investment in our early careers skills pipeline, supporting the national nuclear skills goal to double the number of apprentices and graduates every year.
Recruitment is currently open for apprenticeship opportunities at NRS sites across the UK, with up to 40 positions available in 2025. This is in addition to 23 opportunities already advertised for the Dounreay site in Caithness. The full list of vacancies and information about how to apply is available on the Energus website here.
September 18, 2023 – London, United Kingdom – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps in London.
Minister Blair congratulated Secretary Shapps on his recent appointment and noted that he looks forward to building upon the excellent defence relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. Minister Blair and Secretary Shapps condemned Russia’s ongoing, illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, and discussed the ongoing collaboration between Canada and the United Kingdom to support Ukraine.
Through Operation UNIFIER, approximately 170 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed in the United Kingdom, where they have trained 2,600 Ukrainian recruits in collaboration with the British Operation INTERFLEX. Minister Blair visited Camp Lydd on September 17, 2023, and saw first-hand how Canadian and British military members are working together. In addition, a Royal Canadian Air Force detachment is currently deployed in Prestwick, Scotland. The detachment operates three CC-130 Hercules aircraft and has delivered over 11 million pounds of Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, partners, and allies.
As Minister Blair announced on September 17, 2023, Canada is also contributing $33 million (CAD) to the British-led partnership delivering high priority air defence equipment to Ukraine. Secretary Shapps welcomed this announcement, and both Minister Blair and Secretary Shapps looked forward to future collaboration between Canada and the United Kingdom in support of Ukraine.
Minister Blair discussed Canada’s ongoing efforts to update its defence policy and noted that several of Canada’s investments in military capabilities involve close collaboration with the United Kingdom. Through a $1.168 billion contract awarded in December 2022 to Leonardo United Kingdom Ltd, Canada is upgrading its Cormorant search and rescue helicopter fleet. In addition, Canada is investing in 15 new Canadian Surface Combatant warships, whose design will be based on BAE’s Type 26 warship, bolstering interoperability between the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Navy.
Minister Blair and Secretary Shapps also noted the ongoing participation of the Canadian and British militaries in joint exercises. More than 140 Royal Canadian Air Force personnel are currently participating in Exercise COBRA WARRIOR 23-2, a British-hosted multinational live-fly exercise held at Royal Air Force (RAF) station Waddington in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force is also participating in the ongoing Canadian-led Exercise CUTLASS FURY 2023 off the coast of Nova Scotia.
The two counterparts agreed to stay in close communication and looked forward to working together.
Quick Facts
The defence and security relationship between Canada and the UK is rooted in history and fostered by the fact that Canada and the UK are Allies in NATO and engage in close cooperation in international organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, among others.
The deep bond between Canada and the UK has been forged in peace and war, notably through the two World Wars, Korea, and in almost every major conflict for more than a century, including Afghanistan and Libya.
170 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed to the UK through Operation UNIFIER.
Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed over $8 billion in aid to Ukraine, including over $1.8 billion in military assistance.
This includes AIM-7 missiles, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and an armoured recovery vehicle, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.
A recent history of road collisions on the A984 approaches to the A93 crossroads at Meikleour, has, according to safety reports, had a lack of driver awareness on approaching the junction as a key factor, rather than vehicle speeds.
As a result, Perth and Kinross Council has renewed existing road signs, and added two more at 200 yards from the junction. Direction signs ahead of the junction have also been upgraded, and yellow rumble strips have been installed on the road to further highlight to motorists that they are approaching a hazard.
Alongside this, works are currently ongoing to install new Flexbeam crash barriers on the A93. The barriers were specifically chosen to improve safety for motorcyclists on what is a popular route for them, and the installation is expected to be completed this week.
Both projects have been put in place through Road Safety Improvement Funding (RSIF) from Transport Scotland, in line with the national Road Safety Framework to 2030.
Council Leader and local ward member, Councillor Grant Laing said: “By providing additional road signs and other measures, the aim is to improve safety for all road users. Better awareness of the approaches to the A984/A93 junction will, we hope, encourage safer driving and reduce the likelihood of collisions, and on the A93 itself, a popular road for bikers, the new crash barriers are intended to make travel safer. I am pleased that our Roads team have taken these steps and that we will continue to monitor our network in terms of traffic flows, speeds and collisions.”
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:
“Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.
“The Road Safety Improvement Fund aims to support local authorities save lives on the local road network. These measures from Perth and Kinross Council are very welcome and an excellent example of the funding being put into action.
“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
UK and Peru sign an agreement to promote infrastructure development through public-private collaboration
The Peruvian Private Investment Promotion Agency (ProInversión) and the British Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the development of sustainable social, logistics, and transport infrastructure in the country.
Executive Director of ProInversion Peru and British Ambassador to Peru
Lima, March 20, 2025.
The Private Investment Promotion Agency (ProInversión) and the British Embassy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the development of public-private partnerships for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure developed through Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreements.
Likewise, other significant aspects of the collaboration include the promotion of standardized and collaborative NEC contracts in Public-Private Partnerships, the development of innovative strategies and mechanisms for infrastructure development in the country, and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned in public-private collaboration and infrastructure project management.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by ProInversión’s Executive Director, Luis Del Carpio, and the British Ambassador to Peru, Gavin Cook.
ProInversión is a specialized technical organization that promotes private investment through Public-Private Partnerships, Projects in Assets, and Works for Taxes. This agency has played a fundamental role in closing gaps in infrastructure and the provision of public services. In the last 22 years, ProInversión has awarded 243 projects for nearly $47 billion, generating public value for citizens by promoting private investment through various mechanisms. ProInversión Executive Director Luis Del Carpio stated:
This agreement marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between ProInversión and the British Embassy. We will share experiences in the development of infrastructure and public services and promote public-private collaboration.
To implement this agreement, the British Ambassador announced the creation of the “UK-Peru Joint Technical Committee for the Promotion of Private Investment.” This forum will allow for the coordination, prioritization, and implementation of work agenda items.
British Ambassador Gavin Cook emphasized:
We are taking concrete actions to expand opportunities for collaboration and innovation where we not only contribute to infrastructure development but also to the delivery of quality services in the most efficient, transparent, and sustainable manner.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
The UK opposes any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza or expand settlements in the West Bank: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
We welcome this opportunity to discuss the evolving situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
First, I’ll address recent developments in Gaza.
This week saw more bloodshed return to the Gaza strip.
It is appalling that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed following Israeli strikes since 18 March.
We strongly oppose Israel’s resumption of hostilities.
Escalation and endless violence is in nobody’s interests.
We are outraged that a UN compound in Gaza was hit on Wednesday morning.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
There must be a full investigation into what happened.
We urge all parties to return to dialogue and to implement the ceasefire agreement in full.
This must include the return of the 59 hostages who have been cruelly held by Hamas for over 500 days.
As we said in the Council yesterday, Hamas must be held accountable for their depraved actions.
We also call on Israel to immediately restore humanitarian access and electricity to Gaza.
Refusing to do so risks breaching international humanitarian law.
Second, President, we must look to the future and redouble our efforts to secure long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
This means a credible plan to allow Palestinians in Gaza to return home and rebuild their lives, with Hamas removed from power.
To be clear, we oppose any attempt to forcibly annex land in Gaza.
We welcome the Arab initiative of a recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza and we urge all parties to engage constructively with it.
Sustainable peace also means addressing worrying developments in the West Bank.
We are seriously concerned by the scale of the Israeli miliary operation in the West Bank and the displacement of nearly 40,000 Palestinian refugees.
We recognise Israel’s right to self defence, but civilians must be protected, and Israel must ensure its operations are proportionate to the threat posed.
Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Violent settlers must be held to account.
The UK has introduced three rounds of sanctions on violent settlers and their supporters to bring accountability for abuses of human rights, in the absence of sufficient Israeli action.
We will consider all further options.
Reports of the killing of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, including children, are abhorrent.
The IDF must take all precautions to prevent civilian deaths, and must investigate civilian deaths thoroughly and demonstrate full accountability to the law.
The level of restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are crippling.
These only fuel further instability.
It is important, especially during the month of Ramadan, that religious freedoms are respected.
Restrictive visa and registration processes are also deeply concerning.
Israel must ensure the UN, including UNRWA, can provide essential humanitarian and service delivery in a safe and secure environment.
President, seventeen months on from the dreadful attacks of 7 October, we urge all parties to implement the ceasefire agreement in full and to work towards a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State.
This is the best way to deliver a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.