Carers in full and part-time education could be entitled to over £4,900 a year in financial support from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students at college or university in Scotland providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour. Research from Carers Trust Scotland shows student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies with a key reason being financial struggles.
Together, Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement could provide over £4,900 a year to unpaid carers.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, which was delivered by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike its predecessor, Carer Support Payment is available to many student carers in full-time education.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement, only available in Scotland, is paid twice a year to people receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Students aged 16, 17 or 18 may be able to get Young Carer Grant if they aren’t eligible for Carer Support Payment.
Speaking to student carers and staff at Edinburgh College today (Wednesday 19 March), Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said:
“We worked with carers and support organisations in designing Carer Support Payment to ensure it worked better for the people who receive it. Extending Carer Support Payment to more carers in education is an example of doing just that.
“I recognise the challenges many students face juggling their studies with caring responsibilities and hope the increased support available provides additional financial security and helps them to complete their course.”
Anna Vogt, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh College said:
“We are committed to supporting our student carers to be able to come to Edinburgh College and achieve their educational ambitions. We do this by individualising support for carers, engaging with carer organisations in our region and by designing systems that acknowledge our students have responsibilities and communities outside of college.
“Colleges change lives and we are pleased that this new benefit will support more carers to think about becoming a student at any institution across Scotland.”
Josh, a student at Edinburgh College, added: “The support from Edinburgh College has made a real difference to me and is very different from the support I received at school. It has been particularly helpful to be linked up with my local carer’s association – I didn’t know about them. Now I know about this new benefit, I’m going to explore a bit more about it.”
Background
The £4,900 a year calculation is based on a carer receiving a full year entitlement for Carer Support Payment (52 weeks) and Carer’s Allowance Supplement (a payment in June and then in December) at the 2025-26 rates coming into effect from 1 April 2025.
Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week (increasing to £83.30 from 1 April 2025) and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. Carers need to earn £151 a week (increasing to £196 a week from 1 April 2025) or less after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses. Carers in education who may be eligible include:
Part time students – those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course
Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course
Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma
There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at If you study – mygov.scot
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on two qualifying dates. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is £288.60 (increasing to £293.50 from 1 April 2025). It is paid automatically without the need to apply.
Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 (increasing to £390.25 from 1 April 2025) and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot
Tickets for Coventry’s Godiva Festival are to go on sale on Monday 31 March – and prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.
The announcement means music lovers and families can enjoy an amazing three days of music and fun at affordable prices and ensures the Festival remains one of the best value-for-money events across the region.
The 26th Festival will be held at the War Memorial Park over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025.
Details of the eagerly awaited line-up will be announced soon, along with everything festival-goers need to plan a fantastic weekend in the city.
As usual, there will be a diverse line-up of musical acts and attractions, with food stalls, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect summer outing for the whole family.
Coventry City Council, organisers of the annual event, have always kept ticket prices as low as possible to ensure Godiva remains a fun family event that is open and accessible to everyone.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to hold ticket prices at the same level as in 2024 and keep our Godiva Festival an event that everyone can enjoy.
“Every year we see thousands of people from the city and beyond enjoy an amazing three days of top music acts, local talent and family fun, and I’m already looking forward to this year and another incredible line-up.
“Also this year we have extra security measures and new entry conditions designed to help people feel at ease and able to enjoy everything that is on offer.
“The prices really do offer great value for money and I would advise everyone to book quickly and make sure they don’t miss out.”
Early Bird prices mean tickets to this year’s festival can be bought for as little as £26 for a Standard Weekend Ticket and £79 for a Family Weekend Ticket which covers two adults and two children/teens.
News of the ticket price freeze comes with the announcement of increased security measures and a change of entry conditions.
This year, the minimum age for teenagers attending without an accompanying adult will rise from 16 to 18 years, and there must also be one responsible adult aged 21 or over for every two accompanied minors instead of the previous number of four.
A new ‘Teen Ticket’ category has been introduced for those aged from 13-17 at a lower rate than an adult 18+ ticket, and a child’s ticket for those aged five to 12 years, which is at a lower cost than last year.
Family ticket prices will allow for any combination of teens and children at no extra cost and a new single parent family ticket is being introduced. In all cases, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or above.
There will also be increased security around the perimeter of the Festival site, and those seen not wearing a wristband will be asked to leave.
Last year’s super concession rate ticket for validated Go CV+ members to purchase will also remain this year. The Go CV+ Super Concession Weekend Ticket will be available for just £15.50 in the Early Bird category before gradually increasing once Early Bird tickets have sold out. Go CV+ Super Concession Day Tickets cost £6.50 for a Friday ticket, £7 for Saturday and just £4 to attend on Sunday when bought at Early Bird prices. Go CV+ members can buy a maximum of four tickets per person at super concession prices.
Those eligible for Go CV+ must live in Coventry and either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit, a carer registered with Carers Trust Heart of England, a Coventry City Council foster carer, a student with an NUS card, a young person aged 16 – 19 years old in fulltime education or a resident with asylum seeker status.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The introduction of the Go CV+ offer last year really helped many residents and families who might otherwise struggle with finances to attend and enjoy the amazing atmosphere of Godiva.
“In line with our city’s beliefs of equality and giving a little extra help to those who need it, we are again offering some support to ensure people such as carers, students, those on benefit and those newly arrived in our city can enjoy the weekend at a price they can afford.
“Please make sure your Go CV+ accounts are validated and you’re ready to take advantage of this great offer when tickets go on sale.”
To find out more about Go CV+ and to register, visit the Go CV website. Go CV+ accounts must be validated in order to access these ticket prices.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Chancellor’s National Wealth Fund to deliver growth and boost security
Chancellor sets new strategy for National Wealth Fund to reflect our Plan for Change, unlocking billions of pounds of private investment into the UK.
New strategic steer will see National Wealth Fund take on higher risk projects as government goes further and faster to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and boost security.
Government also launches recruitment for a new National Wealth Fund CEO to build on the £1.8 billion unlocked in private investment since July.
The National Wealth Fund will unlock over £70 billion in private investment to help deliver economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, and strengthen the defence sector, the Chancellor has confirmed today [19 March].
The new strategic direction sets clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and transport as new priority sectors for the National Wealth Fund. Money will be invested across the United Kingdom in projects like carbon capture, green hydrogen, gigafactories, green steel, and ports.
Crucially, the Chancellor’s steer will help direct investment to the industries our defence sector relies on – advanced manufacturing and digital and dual-use technologies – working with industry to keep Britain safe and building on the Government’s commitment to increase spending on defence and national security to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.
The National Wealth Fund’s economic capital limit will also be increased from £4.5 billion to £7 billion, allowing it take on greater risk. This means it has more flexibility over its investments and can support more projects that struggle to access private finance.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, said:
My number one mission is kickstarting economic growth through our Plan for Change to make Great Britain a stronger, more resilient country and put more money into the pockets of working people.
I am determined to go further and faster to get our economy growing. By directing tens of billions of pounds into the UK’s industrial strengths, we’ll deliver the high-skilled, high-paid jobs of the future in every corner of the country.
Since July last year, the National Wealth Fund has unlocked 9,900 jobs and nearly £1.8 billion of private investment in growth-driving industries like green energy and technology.
Investment has already started flowing into priority sectors including £55 million for Connected Kerb to increase coverage of EV charging networks and a £28.6 million investment into Cornish Metals.
The Chancellor’s strategic steer comes as a new £9.6 million National Wealth Fund investment was announced today for Solihull Council to improve the area’s heating infrastructure and reduce bills, providing low carbon heating, hot water and power to town centre buildings.
To lead this new chapter for the UK’s flagship public investor, the Government has also launched a recruitment campaign for the National Wealth Fund’s next CEO.
John Flint will step down from the role of CEO in the summer after successfully seeing through the National Wealth Fund’s transition from the UK Infrastructure Bank.
The Chancellor will also establish a new UK Strategic Public Investment Forum joining up the UK’s leading policymakers and public financial institutions including the CEOs of the National Wealth Fund, British Business Bank, UK Export Finance, Homes England, Innovate UK, and Great British Energy and The Crown Estate.
The forum – the first of its kind – will cooperate on delivering investments to the priority areas set out by the Chancellor and will be tasked with ensuring the Government is getting maximum impact for its investments.
Stemming from this, the National Wealth Fund will work closely with Great British Energy to support its quick establishment as a publicly owned clean energy company that will boost Britain’s energy security making it a clean energy superpower, lower bills, create jobs, and grow the economy.
Investing in homegrown clean energy industries is an essential part of the government’s drive to replace the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators with clean, homegrown power.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, said:
Clean power is the economic opportunity of the 21st century – and through the National Wealth Fund we will seize this opportunity to invest in British industries and workers.
We are delivering our clean energy superpower mission to make our country energy secure and deliver the good jobs that the British people deserve.
More details on Great British Energy’s developer mandate have also been released today.
The partnership between Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund will see the former bringing project development expertise as well as investment, and the latter providing finance, a model already being deployed in Japan and Denmark.
Harnessing private investment via the National Wealth Fund is part of the Government’s wider efforts to kickstart economic growth and deliver a new era of security and renewal through our Plan for Change.
Cutting red tape so major infrastructure projects can progress, removing unnecessary hurdles in the planning system so more homes can be built, and progressing new economic partnerships with international partners like Japan and India is part of the work being undertaken to grow the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
Flamingo Land’s plans would be a scar on Loch Lomond.
More in Nature
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer has urged the Scottish Government’s business agency, Scottish Enterprise, to withdraw its support for Flamingo Land’s controversial proposals for a mega-resort on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The call comes after revelations that, despite continuing to publicly back the plans, agency bosses privately acknowledged the proposal has “no clear alignment with Scottish Enterprise’s mission focus.”
The admission was found in minutes of a Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Executive Leadership Team meeting, obtained via a Freedom of Information request by Nick Kempe of Park Watch Scotland. [1]
Flamingo Land’s application for a sprawling tourist resort on the southern shore of Loch Lomond at Balloch was unanimously rejected by the board of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in September.
This came after an almost decade-long campaign led by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer collected a record 155,000 individual objections. Opposition to the plans also came from the Woodland Trust, Ramblers Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and environmental watchdog SEPA.
After the plans were rejected, Scottish Enterprise, which owns most of the land, extended their exclusive agreement with Flamingo Land. This was done in order to support the developer lodging an appeal against the Park’s decision. That appeal is now sitting with the Scottish Government awaiting a decision.
Mr Greer said:
“Flamingo Land’s proposed mega-resort is the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history. For almost a decade they have ignored Balloch residents and tried to force these daft plans on Loch Lomond – but we have beaten them at every stage.
“Scottish Enterprise knows how ridiculous, damaging and widely opposed the proposals are. Their own leadership team have admitted that it doesn’t match their mission, but they’ve decided to continue backing it out of a misguided sense of obligation.
“By extending Flamingo Land’s exclusive contract for the site, they are stopping others from putting forward different proposals which would actually benefit the community and protect the world famous local environment.
“The community is absolutely exhausted by all of this. Balloch residents will continue to defend Loch Lomond but they shouldn’t have to. It’s time for Scottish Enterprise to finally pull the plug on Flamingo Land and end this whole sorry saga.”
Every year, more than 2 million tourists flock to the Peruvian Andes town of Cusco, to visit remnants of the Inca Empire and its world-famous citadel, Machu Picchu. Rapid urbanization with this tourism boom however, didn’t develop at the same pace as infrastructure and transportation services.
“As a result, low-income residents who live on the outskirts of the city’s center have less access to employment, medical care, education, and social events because they don’t own a private vehicle or their communities lack public transportation,” explainsDavis Chacón-Hurtado, an assistant professor jointly appointed in Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute. “This is a key barrier for many people to access opportunities and services, resulting inbarriers to participationanddisparities in access.”
By using an engineering for human rights-based approach, Chacón-Hurtado and doctoral student Ashley Benítez Ou developed a metric of transport disadvantage andequal accessin Cusco’s outer districts. Their goal is to provide data-driven insights so that rural Cusco residents have equal access to essential services.
“We as engineers have the potential to either alleviate or intensify societal challenges. Engineering shapes every facet of human life, and with this level of influence comes a profound responsibility.” — Davis Chacón-Hurtado
“Having the ability to see a doctor or travel to the inner city to work is a human right,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “We as engineers have the potential to either alleviate or intensify societal challenges. Engineering shapes every facet of human life, and with this level of influence comes a profound responsibility.”
Chacón-Hurtado is Principal Investigator on a recently awarded National Science Foundation grant, “Measuring Changes in Attitudes Towards Human Rights in Engineering Students,” that explores ways expand students’ awareness of engineering’s societal impact. He and fellow UConn researchers will use the study’s findings to shape human rights curriculum for engineering students.
Other members of the research team includeArash Esmaili Zaghi, professor of civil and environmental engineering;Shareen Hertel, Wiktor Osiatyński Chair of Human Rights and professor of political science; andBetsy McCoach, professor of research methods, measurements, and evaluation from the Neag School of Education. Chacón-Hurtado and Hertel also co-direct UConn’sEngineering for Human Rights Initiative, a collaborative venture between UConn’s College of Engineering and the UConn’sGladstein Family Human Rights Institute.
“As students progress through their undergraduate education, their concern for societal well-being tends to diminish,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “The Measuring Changes project proposes that incorporating human rights—particularly principles like indivisibility of rights, accountability, and participation—into the engineering curricula can bridge this gap, fostering a more socially aware generation of engineers.”
The Learning Modules
Chacón-Hurtado and his team are developing contextualized training modules that will be deployed within current engineering curriculum. The four main modules are aligned with specific learning objectives. They cover foundational concepts of human rights and related ethical paradigms; historical perspectives and connections between engineering and human rights; human rights-based and ethical approaches to engineering practice; and tools used by engineers to assess the impact of human rights and consideration of human rights impacts. The content is based in part on critical observations gleaned during teaching that Chacón-Hurtado carried out jointly with Sandra Sirota, assistant professor in residence in Human Rights and Experiential Global Learning—in particular, from their course on “Engineering for Human Rights” (ENGR/HRTS 2300). The team has the help of a graduate research assistant, Natalie Goncalves, a Master’s student in Human Rights.
During the NSF grant period, the research team will integrate the four modules within a controlled comparative research setting, by applying them selectively to student cohorts across two classes: Transportation Engineering and Planning (CE 2710) and Civil Engineering Projects (CE 4900W). Not every student will receive the extra training modules. As part of this quasi-experimental design structure, one group is considered the “treatment” and the other the “control” group.
After deploying the modules, the team will survey both groups to measure the effectiveness of the modules by measuring the change in attitudes towards human rights in engineering. They’ll derive psychometric measures from the survey results and use statistical reports to support the quantitative differences.
“Our hypothesis is that tailored engineering modules focused on human rights positively influence the attitudes of engineering students towards human rights and the social impact of engineering in society, when compared to a control group of students who do not receive human rights education using a quasi-experimental design,” Zaghi says.
Beyond UConn
Assistant Professor Davis Chacón-Hurtado, pictured here at an EWB project in Peru, received an NSF grant to study how engineering students perceive human rights in engineering. Findings from this project are relevant to broader human rights education in STEM (contributed photo)
Once the study is completed, the outcomes and modules will be available freely to both English and Spanish speakers on the Engineering for Human Rights website.
“We hope that these dissemination efforts will reach not only engineering educators but also human rights organizations and community-based groups with experience in engaging communities in New England and abroad,” Chacón-Hurtado says. “We hope this will also facilitate research on the development of practical and cross-culturally appropriate tools for education, training, and mentorship tools from diverse contexts and schools in both the U.S. and Global South.”
“Human rights are critical enablers of economic development and shared prosperity, promoting progress within the United States and throughout the world– whether in global regions like Cusco, Peru or rural parts of the US,” Chacón-Hurtado says.
Ongoing Efforts in Engineering for Human Rights
This innovative approach to engineering education is integral to the broader Engineering for Human Rights Initiative at UConn, which applies a human rights framework to diverse engineering challenges—from sanitation to sustainable transportation, and from environmental risk management to economic resilience research. Several students, faculty, and alumni have already completed projects in the discipline:
Faculty are contributing to theUConn Brownfields Program, supporting the remediation of contaminated sites throughout New England.
And alumnus Kevin Musco ’19 (ENG, Human Rights), H’23 JD is using his degree in human rights to objectively assess risk and opportunities in a more wholistic manner. He uses these skills in his current job as an associate attorney at Cohen and Wolf, P.C. in New York City.
“The field of human rights offers something for everyone,” Musco says in this pastEngineering News article. “For those who currently study the natural or applied sciences, concepts from human rights can be applied to ‘humanize’ subjects which otherwise lack a prominent social aspect.”
Additionally, UConn has already gained national recognition for its novel integrative approach to developing the engineering and human curriculum.
In November 2024, Chacón-Hurtado and Hertel collaborated with staff of the National Academy of Engineering’s Cultural, Ethical, Social, and Environmental Responsibility in Engineering (CESER) Program and the National Academies’ Committee on Human Rights (CHR) to develop and host a two-day symposium on “Issues at the Intersection of Engineering and Human Rights.” The workshop engaged academic, industry, government and NGO representatives in considering together how engineering solutions could be aligned with human rights principles to address local and global challenges. Chacón-Hurtado, who was integral to the organizing committee, characterized the symposium as “an inspiring event to understand the many ways in which engineering can not only impact human rights but also be enriched by incorporating them at its core.”
Recordings of the symposium are available on YouTube.
Zaghi believes attitudes toward human rights in engineering should focus on epistemic justice, which means valuing diverse talent, perspectives, and knowledge without forcing any political agendas or ideologies. “Engineering should serve humanity as a whole,” he says. “Engineers need to ensure fairness by including different voices and avoiding biased designs. The focus must remain on technical evidence and practical solutions rather than virtuous narratives. Human rights in engineering are about creating systems that are fundamentally fair, accessible, and enable economic development and shared prosperity. This approach keeps engineering grounded in universal principles and ensures that it benefits everyone.”
Read more about human-rights centered engineering at UConn in this recent UConn Today story.
The city council has become only the second local authority in England to be officially recognised as an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.
The city council has signed up to the national scheme – run by leading charity Endometriosis UK – to pledge its support to colleagues impacted by the chronic condition.
The move highlights the council’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive workplace.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million people across the UK. The condition occurs when cells similar to the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body.
These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle and can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. It can take on average nearly nine years to get a diagnosis, showing the lack of understanding of the condition.
As part of the scheme, the council will appoint Endometriosis Champions. These staff – who will be trained by Endometriosis UK – will provide guidance, raise awareness, and offer practical support to colleagues living with the condition.
Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member of health and wellbeing, said: “I am proud that the city council has become only the second local authority in England to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer. Joining this scheme is a significant step towards creating a more understanding and supportive workplace to support our employees who live with endometriosis.
“This condition can take a physical and mental toll on those diagnosed, but we are committed to making our staff feel supported as they navigate balancing the condition with their work.
“We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK and hope that it inspires others in the city and others in local government to take this step and join the scheme as well.”
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Stoke-on-Trent City Council to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme.
“By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.”
As well as providing support services, reliable information and a sense of community, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with the condition gets a prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, whilst raising awareness to the wider public.
An average 1,150 motorists a day are parking at on-street parking bays in Harpenden following the introduction of charges.
The data suggests a high turnover of spaces with each of the 243 bays being used almost five times a day.
The charges were introduced a month ago with one of the aims being to encourage broader use of these slots.
An update on charges was given to a meeting of St Albans City and District Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 17 March.
Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader and Committee Chair, revealed that during the first four weeks there were 27,887 parking sessions booked in Harpenden.
Of these, 19,606 were for the free parking sessions of up to 30 minutes and 8,281 involved payment.
The PayByPhone app was the most popular booking method with 78% of the sessions authorised that way and the other 22% made using the payment machines.
In St Albans, charges were introduced at a further 70 bays and these have clocked up 2,043 sessions in the first four weeks.
Cllr de Kort, speaking after the meeting, said:
We have been closely monitoring the data given the considerable public attention the parking bay changes received.
This shows that the new regime is settling in with more than 1,000 motorists a day booking sessions in these on-street bays in Harpenden, the majority for the free half-hour.
The turnover of spaces is now high, meaning that people are not having to circle around the centre of town looking for an available bay should they prefer to visit without using the local car parks.
Access Permit
Cllr de Kort also revealed the latest data for another Council initiative – a car parking Access Permit for older residents.
The permit was introduced last month for residents aged over 70, providing parking for up to three hours a day for £190 a year at all Council car parks.
A total of 294 Access Permits have been issued so far and Cllr de Kort added:
I am very pleased with the take up to date and encourage people to pass on to other eligible residence its existence.
TEMPORARY parking restrictions will be in place on some residential streets in Leicester next week as part of a rolling programme of street cleaning and gully clearance.
The city council will be targeting 30 roads in parts of Belgrave, Rushey Mead, Spinney Hills and Westcotes, where heavy parking makes routine gully – or street drain – clearance difficult.
Each of the roads will have all parking suspended for up to two days while works are carried out.
Work will begin on Monday 24 March on Arbour Road, Kings Newton Street and parts of Eggington Street, Harrison Road and Olphin Street.
The teams will then move on to other busy roads over the next four days.
The work will be complete, and all temporary parking restrictions lifted, by the end of Friday 28 March.
Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council director of highways, said: “This weeklong programme of targeted street cleaning and gully, or street drain clearance will focus on those roads where heavily parked up roads can make it difficult to carry out this work as part of our routine maintenance programme.
“It’s part of a rolling programme that helps to provide safer and cleaner roads and highways as well as minimising the risk of flooding in the city.
“We have written to all residents in the roads affected to inform them that parking will be temporarily suspended for up to two days while we undertake this work.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Government response
Update on the Business Secretary’s meeting with US administration
A meeting between the UK Business and Trade Secretary and US Administration took place in Washington DC on Tuesday 18 March.
Yesterday (Tuesday 18 March), the UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Special Envoy Mark Burnett in Washington DC.
The meeting followed last month’s agreement between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump that teams would start working together on an Economic Prosperity Deal, building on our shared strengths and commitment to economic security.
The UK looks forward to developing this deal over the coming weeks and months.
This letter includes information confirming future ways of working after the current functions of the Education and Skills Funding Agency transfer into the Department for Education on 1 April 2025.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Bedfordshire director banned after failing to provide company accounts to liquidator
The company entered liquidation with liabilities estimated at more than £300,000
Jenna Lennon was the director of Hope & Pride Limited when it went into liquidation in September 2023
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimated the company owed more than £300,000 in unpaid corporation tax at the time of liquidation
Lennon failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records and deliver them to the liquidator
A Bedfordshire company director has been disqualified after failing to provide accounting records when her company went into liquidation owing an estimated £319,000 in corporation tax.
Jenna Lennon was the sole director of Hope & Pride Limited, which was incorporated in March 2019 and described its business on Companies House as “other information service activities not elsewhere classified”.
Hope & Pride entered liquidation in September 2023 but Lennon had failed in her duties as a company director to preserve or maintain adequate accounting records.
Indeed, no accounts for Hope & Pride were ever filed at Companies House.
The 39-year-old also failed to deliver accounting records to the liquidator as she was required to do.
Lennon, whose listed correspondence address for Hope & Pride was Bramingham Business & Conference Centre on Enterprise Way in Luton, has been disqualified as a company director for seven years.
An Insolvency Service spokesperson said:
Directors are legally required to maintain adequate books and records which show and explain their company’s transactions. This is first and foremost to protect consumers and other businesses who have dealings with the company.
Jenna Lennon did not preserve or maintain adequate accounting records for Hope & Pride. This has meant the liquidator has been unable to properly investigate the company’s accounts and accurately establish how much was owed to HMRC and other creditors.
This disqualification should serve as a reminder to company directors that they are required by law to keep proper accounts. The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action against directors who do not comply with these crucial legal requirements.
Lennon’s failure to maintain adequate accounting records meant the liquidator was unable to verify the nature of the company’s income and expenditure.
This included payments into Hope & Pride’s account of £1,178,364.
Additional payments of £151,000, listed on bank accounts as “J Lennon dividends” between July 2019 and March 2022, were similarly not verified.
Payments of £1,133,964 out of Hope & Pride’s account were also not explained and the liquidator was unable to establish if this money was used for legitimate trading purposes.
The company entered liquidation with total liabilities, which Lennon has not disputed, of £327,923.
Due to her failure to provide accounting records, the liquidator could not however establish the company’s true liabilities in relation to unpaid corporation tax – which HMRC estimates at £319,423 – and debts to other creditors.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Lennon, and her ban started on Wednesday 19 March.
The undertaking prevents her from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.
Children in Derby will once again have access to an exciting schedule of activities over the Easter break, as the Derby Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) returns with a new booking system.
Derby City Council is once again partnering with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays, after the Department for Education announced the programme would be extended for another year.
The scheme is designed for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering them the chance to learn new skills, stay active, and enjoy time socialising with friends in a fun and engaging environment.
Participants will receive a healthy meal daily and have opportunities to learn about nutritious food through family food experiences and cookery sessions. This initiative aims to support families while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and would like to book a place, you will need a unique voucher code. A new, user-friendly booking system has been introduced ahead of the Easter programme, which will see voucher codes sent directly to parents by email or text.
Registered families will receive an email or text from ‘Holiday Activities’ this week with their child’s voucher code and a link to the booking system. The new voucher codes will replace any that have been issued previously.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
Derby’s Holiday Activities and Food programme returns this Easter, providing free fun, nutritious meals, and experiences for thousands of children. Bookings are now easier with our new system so make sure you have you new voucher code to secure your child’s place. The HAF programme is always really popular, so spaces will fill up fast!
There are 39 clubs running during the holiday, offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including seven special educational needs and disability (SEND) specialists. The holiday clubs will offer the chance to try new and enriching activities including animal handling, climbing, music and performing arts as well as sports like football, cricket, judo, dodgeball, archery and wheelchair basketball!
This Easter, providers include Derbyshire Institute of Sport, who will be offering a new specialist SEND club at Derby Arena, offering gym sessions, inspirational talks from an elite athlete and the chance to try out new sports like Padel.
New providers include Roll With Us CIC, who will be introducing young people to Dungeons and Dragons, one of the world’s favourite Table Top Role Playing Games. Not only is it a lot of fun, it develops life and wellbeing skills such as communication, adaptation and perseverance.
UK energy supply chain at risk as 90% eye overseas markets
19 March 2025
Offshore Energies UK’s 2025Supply Chain reportsays building on the UK’s unique industrial strengths in energy production is key to unlocking the Government’s ambition to grow the nation’s economy and build the future of the North Sea.
Drawing on over 50 years of successful North Sea oil and gas operations, the offshore energy industry’s supply chain has the potential to power the UK’s drive to produce secure, sustainable and ever cleaner energy. But without a pipeline of projects enabled by pragmatic policy to anchor them here in the UK, OEUK’s sentiment survey reveals nine companies out of every 10 see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas due to uncertainty and a less positive business environment at home.
The report sets out the barriers the industry faces including low revenues from renewables and declining investor confidence while outlining the actions both industry and government can take to ensure a homegrown energy future. It sets out key steps industry and government can take to anchor world class offshore energy companies in the UK. These include industry initiatives aimed at fostering better collaboration across the supply chain plus moves to ensure that government champions the UK energy supply chain capability in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Forming an extensive and vital network across the country from Shetland to Southampton and from Morecambe Bay to the Eastern Seaboard of England, the UK’s offshore energy supply chain comprises hundreds of businesses supporting the industry throughout its lifecycle from installing wind turbines, producing oil and gas and decommissioning offshore installations.
As an integrated ecosystem, this supply chain delivers products and services to energy producers and includes FTSE 100 companies as well as small to medium enterprises developing new technologies and providing specialist capabilities. It encompassescompanies involved in designing mooring systems, manufacturing specialist valves, installing high voltage subsea cables, maintaining pipelines transporting energy and carbon and removing offshore structures from the seabed with many developing global leadership infloating offshore wind and decommissioning.
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s supply chain and people director, says:
“The UK is competing internationally for energy investment so it’s concerning that many offshore energy supply chain firms see more attractive opportunities to grow their business overseas. We’ve set out key steps industry and government can take to position the UK as first choice for the offshore energy supply chain companies.
“To grow the whole UK’s economy, we need energy policy that supports continued investment in homegrown oil and gas alongside an acceleration of renewable energy. This must be addressed, and we are working with our members to bring positive solutions to the table.
“It’s good to export our expertise but that should never come at a cost to work we need to get done in the UK. Around60% of companies surveyed for the report are diversifying into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage but business revenues from renewables and CCS still represent a relatively low proportion as they make up between zero and a fifth of their turnover.
“OEUK is currently engaging with critical government consultations on the future of our North Sea from industrial strategy to oil and gas licensing, environmental impact and a new fiscal regime. It’s vital we get this right to create a positive business environment in the UK for our supply chain.
“The offshore energies industry supports the sectors Britain needs to build its future. Steel, cement, ship building, glass, car making and many more rely on the energy and technologies we produce, including carbon capture which can offset and futureproof their energy-intensive operations. With between 60-80% of the capabilities required to lead the energy transition to net zero emissions, our companies and highly skilled people are committed partners in delivering secure, and affordable homegrown energy.
“The UK government is rightly ambitious to develop the clean power capabilities to support its industrial strategy, but this goal must be delivered in a way that builds our supply chain capability. The prize is a homegrown energy future, not one that is imported.”
Current challenges highlighted by the OEUK’s report include harnessing oil and gas revenues from the UK’s still significant reserves so supply chain companies can survive and thrive.
The report outlines how through initiatives including alliance contracting, shared inventory systems and a drive to promote good procurement practice, are supporting efforts to create an attractive commercial environment. These are helping operators, developers, major contractors and suppliers of all sizes work better together.
OEUK’s report comes as decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the North Sea’s future but also its ability to unlock investment in low carbon technologies while continuing to deliver the energy security the UK needs. It highlights there must be collective recognition that a sustainable future is one that enables the supply chain to remain anchored in the UK while adapting and growing as new energy opportunities arise.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
UK science uncovers mysteries of dark universe with Euclid data
Cutting-edge UK research is benefiting the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, with new data released today (19 March) set to uncover the secrets of dark energy and matter.
Euclid visual: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA. Background galaxies: NASA, ESA, and S. Beckwith (STScI) and the HUDF Team Euclid observations: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
The wealth of new data from the mission – described as the ultimate discovery machine – includes details of 500 galaxies that seem to experience a phenomenon known as strong lensing.
This is where light from more distant galaxies is bent around closer galaxies due to gravity, like how light is focused through a glass lens on Earth.
The way the light bends indicates the total mass, which includes both visible matter and, potentially, dark matter – so scientists can analyse this, begin to identify where dark matter is located, and understand its properties.
Euclid’s data is revolutionising the study of strong lensing. New techniques using machine learning and AI have been developed to find these rare objects. Citizen science has also contributed significantly, with over 1000 volunteers participating in visual inspections.
This image shows examples of gravitational lenses that Euclid captured in its first observations of the Deep Field areas. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by M. Walmsley, M. Huertas-Company, J.-C. Cuillandre
UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:
The UK space sector is playing a leading role in the Euclid mission which, as this new data shows, is revealing more about the role of gravity in our Universe, and the nature of dark energy and matter. The British-made visible imager and data processing tools are central to these observations.
The technological advances achieved in missions like this will not only benefit our understanding of the universe, but may help us to better process data here on Earth, helping us to grow our economy and support our Plan for Change.
The Euclid mission, launched in July 2023, carries a visible imager (VIS) from the UK, funded by £37 million from the UK Space Agency. The VIS, designed and built by a UCL-led team, is a super high-resolution camera (609 million pixels), with a focal plane about the size of a large pizza box, that can take incredibly detailed pictures of the sky. It is currently observing billions of galaxies up to 10 billion light years away.
The new data release includes observations of distant regions of space, displaying hundreds of thousands of galaxies and many transient phenomena—astronomical events that are temporary or short-lived relative to cosmic history. These include supernovae (explosions of stars at the end of their life cycles), gamma-ray bursts (extremely energetic explosions observed in distant galaxies), and fast radio bursts (brief but intense bursts of radio waves from unknown sources in space).
All of this allows scientists to gain insights into the dynamic processes occurring in the universe. The release classifies over 380,000 galaxies and 500 gravitational lens candidates.
This is a zoom-in of Euclid’s Deep Field North, showing the Cat’s Eye Nebula in the centre of the image, around 3000 light-years away. Also known as NGC 6543, this nebula is a visual ‘fossil record’ of the dynamics and late evolution of a dying star. This dying star is shedding its outer colourful shells. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, E. Bertin, G. Anselmi
ESA’s Director of Science, Prof. Carole Mundell, said:
Euclid shows itself once again to be the ultimate discovery machine. It is surveying galaxies on the grandest scale, enabling us to explore our cosmic history and the invisible forces shaping our Universe.
The ‘quick’ data release
Euclid ‘quick’ releases, such as this one, are of selected areas, intended to demonstrate the data products to be expected in the major data releases that follow, and to allow scientists to sharpen their data analysis tools in preparation. The mission’s first cosmology data will be released to the community in October 2026.
Aprajita Verma, a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, said:
This early data release showcases the amazing images that we will receive from the Euclid telescope. Even in this tiny area (less than 0.5% of the Euclid survey), Euclid has revealed millions of galaxies in exquisite detail.
Nestled among these galaxies are strong gravitational lenses. This rare phenomenon is seen around massive galaxies that can distort or warp space-time so much that light from objects behind them can be brought into view as rings, arcs or multiple images.
Verma said:
This is exactly what has been revealed in this early Euclid data, and at a higher frequency than we’ve seen from surveys with ground-based telescopes.
The team used a combination of machine learning with visual inspection from citizen scientists and the team to develop an efficient discovery engine.
Phil Holloway, PhD student at the University of Oxford said:
Incredibly, over 1000 citizen scientists volunteered to hunt for the strong lenses through the Space Warps project on the Zooniverse platform. We are amazed by the interest, dedication and skill of the citizen scientists, we wouldn’t have been able to find 500 of these rare gems without them! This was a huge collaborative effort and this early data signposts that there will be many discoveries to be made with the Euclid Wide Survey – there are exciting times ahead!
Space Warps is a dedicated project to discover strong gravitational lenses co-founded by Phil Marshall, Anupreeta More, and Aprajita Verma on the Zooniverse citizen science platform.
Professor Thomas Collett, from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, said:
Euclid has provided spectacular image quality across a huge area of the sky, which is critical to discovering small, rare objects. We’ve found 500 new strong gravitational lenses in the Euclid dataset.
These are galaxies distorted into rings of light by the mass of another foreground galaxy. We have combined the strengths of machine learning and citizen scientists to sift out these rare objects from the millions of other galaxies in Euclid. These new lenses will allow us to make new measurements of the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up 95% of our Universe but which are poorly understood.
Euclid’s transformative capabilities
Before Euclid, astronomers had to choose between wide-field images from lower resolution telescopes like the Dark Energy Survey in Chile, or detailed zoomed-in images from telescopes like Hubble, but only on small regions. Euclid, with its 609 megapixel camera led by the UK, combines both panoramic mode and detailed imaging. The area mapped in this release is already a significant fraction of all the sky covered by Hubble since 1990.
This innovation is transformative for strong lensing studies, which require large panoramic images to locate rare objects and detailed views to analyse them.
Professor Adam Amara, Chief Scientist at the UK Space Agency, who first proposed the idea for Euclid, said:
Previously, astronomers like me used wide low-resolution surveys to find strong lenses and then requested Hubble for follow-up observations. Now, Euclid accomplishes both tasks in one shot.
This data release is the first clear evidence that Euclid will be a unique rare object finder (as well as an exquisite dark energy measuring machine). In terms of rare objects in the universe, I’m excited to see what ‘unknown-unknowns’ it will discover – it’s been a long wait.
Professor Mark Cropper (Mullard Space Science Laboratory at UCL), who led on designing and developing Euclid’s VIS optical camera over 16 years, working with teams at UCL, Open University and across Europe, said:
Euclid is allowing us to understand the universe on another level entirely. It gives us fine detail over a vast scale. To pick one example, Euclid found 70,000 globular clusters – very old, tightly packed groups of stars – in the Perseus Cluster of galaxies. And it has found 500 strong gravitational lenses, where light from distant galaxies has been bent by intervening matter – that doubles the number we knew about previously. All this and much more in just two days of data.
Dr James Nightingale , Research Fellow, Newcastle University School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics said:
For the past decade, my research has been defined by painstakingly analysing the same 50 strong gravitational lenses, but with the Q1 data release, I was handed 500 new strong lenses in under a week. It’s a seismic shift — transforming how I do science practically overnight.
UK involvement and contributions
The UK has played a pivotal role in the Euclid mission, contributing significantly to the development of both the mission’s instruments and data processing capabilities.
Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of UKSpace Space Science and Exploration Committee said:
The UKSpace Space Science and Exploration committee is delighted to see this data release and the knowledge generated by this exciting mission. We are pleased to see a strong UK contribution – including UKspace member Teledyne who are providing the instrument detectors.
Mullard Space Science Laboratory and XCAM Ltd. have also made significant contributions to the development of the mission, providing leadership of the VIS instrument, and the Charge-Coupled Device test bench (CCD) test bench for the Euclid visible channel.
Daniel Waller, General Manager and Vice-President of Teledyne Space Imaging in Chelmsford Essex said:
Teledyne Space Imaging delivered the detectors for both the VIS and NISP instruments for Euclid. We are humbled by the astonishing detailed results that has been returned so far. The teams here in Chelmsford and in California feel privileged to have made their contribution to this scientific endeavour of understanding our Universe.
In addition to the VIS instrument UK scientists and institutions around the country have developed bespoke data processing tools for Euclid and are analysing the wealth of data being returned by the mission. Five key papers led by UK researchers are shared as part of this data release.
Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said:
To see UK astronomers, space scientists and engineers playing key roles in this extraordinary scientific endeavour is truly inspiring – and what’s even better is that this is just the beginning.
We can look forward to Euclid giving us the most detailed ever 3D map of the cosmos, helping to solve the biggest cosmic mysteries – what the universe is made of, how it evolved, and what its future holds.
The wider benefits of space science
The ripple effects of technological advances in space science extend far beyond the realm of space exploration, driving advances and growth across multiple sectors in the UK. The need for compact and efficient technology in space missions has led to advancements in miniaturisation, which benefit consumer electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
In healthcare, machine learning techniques developed for imaging technologies used in space exploration are being adapted to create more precise medical imaging techniques, potentially improving diagnosis and patient outcomes. The vast amounts of data collected by missions like Euclid are processed using advanced algorithms, which are now being used in healthcare to analyse patient data and predict disease outbreaks.
Anas Sarwar and his Scottish Labour colleagues have been urged to stand against the cruel welfare cuts being made by their Westminster counterparts.
Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater has urged Mr Sarwar to live up to his promise to end austerity and reject Keir Starmer’s decision to plunge vulnerable people into poverty.
Ms Slater said:
“Anas Sarwar promised an end to austerity, but the cuts being made by his Labour colleagues are the very definition of austerity.
“Social security in the UK is among the lowest in Europe. These cuts will cause great harm to disabled people in particular who rely on this financial support as a lifeline.
“There will be a severe humanitarian cost. It will mean people going hungry or being cut-off, trapped in their homes.
“Every Scottish Labour MSP represents constituents and communities who will suffer as a direct result.
“From cutting vital Winter Fuel Payments and plunging pensioners into fuel poverty to betraying WASPI women and from keeping the cruel two child cap to punishing disabled people, this is a Labour government that has shown it cannot be trusted to stand up for the communities they represent.
“There is a choice. By taxing the super wealthy we can raise billions of pounds for the services that people rely on.
“People in Scotland waited 14 long years to get rid of the Tories only to get a Labour government that is doubling down on their most punishing policies. I urge Anas Sarwar to live up to the promises he made during the election and to oppose these devastating cuts.”
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Analogical Research recently commissioned LucidTalk to conduct a short survey consisting
of three questions to establish whether there was a “chill factor” among Unionists and Protestants when Irish signage is erected.
The figures shown in this article are based on a representative sample of 1050 people in Northern Ireland selected by LucidTalk from 3001 who completed the survey.
The first question asked about people’s reaction if the local council put up Irish language street signs in the road where they lived. Respondents were asked if that would make them more likely to move, less likely to move or whether it would make no difference. Some 71% of those who voted for a Unionist party and 63% of those who identified as Protestant said that it would make them more likely to move. There were variations between the Unionist parties. For the TUV voters the figure was 84%, DUP 71%, and UUP 57%. It is noteworthy that a clear majority of UUP voters, who would normally be regarded as more moderate, thought that they would be more likely to move if Irish street signs went up.
The second question asked respondents to imagine that they were house hunting. If a road had Irish language street signs would that make them more likely to move there, less likely to move there, or would it make no difference? This time 88% of Unionist voters and 82% of Protestants said they were less likely to move there. The responses from different Unionist party supporters were very similar: DUP 89%, TUV 86%; UUP 84%. Middle class voters (socio-economic groups ABC1) had a very similar negative reaction to working class voters (C2DE).
This question identified 26% of Alliance voters who were less likely to move to such a street. Irish street signs therefore brought a negative response from a proportion of those considered very moderate. At the same time, although the majority of Nationalists-Republicans said the presence of Irish street signs would make no difference to them, there were 38% who said they were more likely to move to a road if it had Irish street signs.
It has often been considered acceptable to erect Irish street signs if a majority of people in a road support such a move. However it is likely, in the light of these results, to have a significant negative effect if there is a Unionist and/or Protestant minority in that street.
The results for the first question suggest that Unionists and Protestants become more likely to move when Irish street signs go up. Of course, they could be replaced by people of the same political and religious persuasion. However, the results for the second question suggest this is more and more unlikely. The strong negative reaction indicates Unionists and Protestants will avoid roads with Irish street signs when house hunting.
At the same time, there are those of a Nationalist-Republican persuasion who are positively attracted to roads with Irish street signs. The probable effect of these preferences is to cause the Unionist and Protestant population to fall and the Nationalist-Republican presence to increase in those streets. The likely outcome, if not the intent, indicates that the erection of Irish street signs will become a non-violent form of ethnic cleansing. Local people will certainly be able to identify areas of North and South Belfast where this is likely to be an issue.
The third question in the survey related to council-run leisure centres. Survey participants were asked, if their leisure centre had Irish signage, would it make them more or less likely to use the facility, or would it make no difference.
Some 75% of Unionists and 69% of Protestants said the Irish signage would make them less likely to use the leisure centre. The party figures were TUV 83%; DUP 79%; and UUP 59%. At the same time 39% of Nationalists and Republicans stated that they would be more likely to use such a facility.
This strongly suggests that the introduction of Irish signage in places like Olympia Leisure Centre would reduce Unionist and Protestant attendance. The chill factor, which was speculated about in some Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs), is now confirmed by empirical evidence.
I suggest there are a number of lessons to be learned. 1. The chill factor introduced by Irish street signs is likely to lead to the non-violent ethnic cleansing of Unionists and Protestants in certain areas. 2. Councils of all persuasions should make sure that the findings of this opinion poll are taken into account during EQIAs and call-ins. 3. Pressure should be brought to bear on the Equality Commission to stop saying that the use of Irish is a “neutral act”. There are many situations, such as the use of Irish on street signs and in leisure centres where it is not neutral at all.
Ordinary Unionists and Protestants clearly have an understanding of the symbolic significance of Irish as a political weapon which has quite escaped many in the equality and human rights industries.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
Call for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events with the British Embassy in Tokyo
The British Embassy Tokyo welcomes proposals for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events with partner organisations.
The British Embassy in Tokyo occupies a prestigious location in central Tokyo, and includes the historic Ambassador’s Residence. The Embassy seeks to maximise the return to the UK taxpayer of this valuable asset by making full use of the Embassy, and the Residence in particular, as a professional events space through which we can engage with our stakeholders in Japan to promote and advance UK interests and HM Government priorities. Such activity includes providing the opportunity for British businesses and organisations to apply to use the Residence for their own events, on commercial terms, if we consider that such an event would contribute to advancing the UK’s wider interests in Japan.
In some cases, where partners are able to make a unique in-kind contribution (for example, through a cultural performance or attendance of a keynote speaker), we will provide use of the Residence and associated services (such as catering and security) on discounted terms, where they would normally be subject to commercial terms. We are particularly interested in proposals for sponsorship arrangements from British cultural institutions, not-for-profit organisations, and UK-Japan cultural organisations. The specific terms of any such arrangement will be subject to discussion on a case-by-case basis.
The British Embassy Tokyo would welcome proposals for in-kind sponsorship in relation to co-hosted events for April 2025 to March 2026.
Any organisation wishing to register an expression of interest to provide sponsorship should contact the Embassy at public-enquiries.tokyo@fcdo.gov.uk, marked for the attention of the Ambassador’s Chief of Staff.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Plans for future of Grangemouth
Feasibility study published today sets out nine options for Grangemouth’s long term industrial future
Next steps to secure Grangemouth’s long-term future
Nine low carbon and renewable options for the site identified in an independent report published today
Plans to secure private investment and a long-term partnership with business backed by £200 million from the UK Government, and £25 million from the Scottish Government
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.
The plan – which is backed by £200 million from the UK Government and £25 million from the Scottish Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.
It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how it can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.
The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040, grow the economy, and deliver on both Governments’ shared ambition to secure a long term future for Grangemouth.
To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin are co-chairing a meeting this morning (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions. Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.
It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential. First Minister John Swinney also announced £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months for the site.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth.
This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment.
We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.
Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, said:
The publication of the Project Willow report and the options it sets out marks a significant milestone in our commitment to deliver a long-term, sustainable future for the Grangemouth site which benefits the local community and the Scottish economy.
Working alongside the Scottish Government and local partners, we remain committed to supporting the skilled workforce at Grangemouth, and are already working to attract investors for the projects outlined in this report.
The Prime Minister recently announced a £200 million investment in Grangemouth through the National Wealth Fund which followed the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, delivered jointly with the Scottish Government. Scotland is at the centre of our Plan for Change as we become a clean energy superpower over the next few years.
First Minister John Swinney said:
We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.
Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.
Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.
This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.
Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector.
The £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment are on top of existing investments to ensure the long-term economic future of the Grangemouth area and support the workforce. These include:
The £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package, delivered jointly by the Scottish Government and UK Government, to support the community and its workers by investing in local energy projects to create new opportunities for growth in the region.
Joined up support from the Scottish Government and DESNZ to provide tailored skills support for refinery workers, this includes a training guarantee for all Grangemouth refinery staff to ensure that any worker who would like skills training at the local college is supported, with funding provided by the UK Government – this will help workers into new, good jobs with local employers.
Background information
The nine projects include:
Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.
Any National Wealth Fund investment will be subject to investible propositions and the Fund’s criteria – the proposition must deliver a positive return, drive regional and economic growth or support activity to tackle climate change, invest in key sectors, and crowd in private finance.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Victims and survivors of terrorism to be given greater support
The government will set up a dedicated support hub to meet the needs of those affected by terrorism as well as consulting on a new national day.
Image: Getty Images
Victims and survivors of terrorism will receive strengthened support under new plans outlined by the government today.
As part of the Plan for Change, the government will set up a new dedicated support hub for victims and survivors, supporting their needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a terrorist attack.
Proposals for a new national day for victims and survivors of terrorism will also be consulted on, helping the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorist attacks.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:
The impact of a terrorist attack is long-lasting and evolving. Victims and survivors of terrorism need the highest levels of support to recover and rebuild their lives. These reforms will significantly enhance the support available to those affected.
I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of all those who helped to shape these reforms and pledge my commitment to ensuring victims and survivors of terrorism receive the support and recognition they deserve.
The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, which is the foundation of our Plan for Change.
Victims and survivors of terrorism have long campaigned for better recognition. Victims, survivors, their loved ones and the general public are all encouraged to offer their views to shape key aspects of the proposed national day including naming the day, date, and suggesting ways the day could be commemorated.
Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack:
Recognition and remembrance are key to building societal resilience against violent extremism, and I welcome today’s announcement that the government will be launching a consultation on the establishment of a ‘National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism’.
This is something that I, and several other survivors, have been campaigning on for many years, and I’m pleased to see that this government recognises the importance of these issues and the role that they can play in facilitating the recovery of those impacted by horrific acts of terrorism.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror said:
Survivors of terror attacks have been crying out for change for years. Today’s double announcement is a major step forward in giving survivors and victims the recognition they deserve and the support that they need.
Terrorists aim to divide and weaken our society – our best response is to hold together – and stage one of that is looking after those who have suffered the most.
Other recommendations from the review will also be progressed including:
enhanced communications to victims to bolster awareness of the support package available to them
improving the support available for children and young people, to ensure they do not fall through the gaps
Dr Cath Hill, survivor of the Manchester Arena attack:
I wholeheartedly welcome this news. Sadly, we know as a society we are not immune from future terror attacks; therefore, it is essential that future survivors get the help and support they need.
If we are to combat the devastation that terrorism can cause, as a society we must care for those who bear the brunt of these acts of terror. Developing a dedicated hub for support is a significant step forward and welcome by those of us who have campaigned for change.
Cheryl Stollery (wife of the late John Stollery – Sousse, Tunisia) said:
Today’s announcement is an important first step towards putting in place improved outcomes for all those impacted by terrorism, whether here in the UK or for UK citizens harmed in terrorism attacks overseas.
As the survivor of a terrorist attack where my husband was killed, I know how important remembrance is so that our loved ones are not forgotten and we can come together and reflect on the importance of unity and gain strength in the face of adversity and terror.
I am particularly keen to champion a Support Hub because I believe it will be a cornerstone for the future in being able to empower survivors to regain hope, strength, and resilience, not just in the weeks after the incident but also for the long term as needed.
The reforms have been designed in response to direct engagement with victims and survivors, open-source literature reviews and learning from other countries’ approaches.
The Home Office Victims of Terrorism Unit will now work to deliver the findings of the review and will continue to engage with key stakeholders on progress.
This comes as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, approaches its final stages in Parliament, delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events and venues.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Wakefield: 19 March 2025
The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Malcolm Leslie Chamberlain, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, in the Diocese of Sheffield, to the Suffragan See of Wakefield in the Diocese of Leeds.
The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Malcolm Leslie Chamberlain, Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, in the Diocese of Sheffield, to the Suffragan See of Wakefield in the Diocese of Leeds.
Background
Malcolm was educated at the University of York and trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St John’s Pleck and Bescot, Walsall, in the Diocese of Lichfield, and was ordained Priest in 1997. Malcolm was appointed Associate Minister at St Matthew and St James, Mossley Hill, in the Diocese of Liverpool in 1999, and additionally worked as Associate Anglican Chaplain at the University of Liverpool.
In 2002 Malcolm was appointed as Anglican Chaplain to the University of Liverpool and an Emerging Church Consultant for the Diocese of Liverpool, a pioneering role that involved planting and leading a new worshipping community for young adults in Liverpool city centre. From 2008, he served as Priest-in-Charge at St Mary’s, Wavertree, and was appointed Rector in 2011. He was also appointed as Area Dean of Toxteth and Wavertree in 2012.
In 2014 Malcolm was appointed to his current role as Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, in the diocese of Sheffield. He is a member of the College of Archbishops’ Evangelists, and has served on the Church of England’s General Synod since 2015 and Mission and Public Affairs Council since 2016.
Malcolm is married to Jo, and they have two children in their early twenties. He collects vinyl records and enjoys going to gigs, and is a life-long supporter of Leicester City.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
Welcome Commissioners. Your reporting has made clear that, for as long as Russia pursues its aggression against Ukraine, the Ukrainian people will be subject to immense suffering. We are of course shocked by your latest report, which lays bare Russia’s brutal treatment of detainees.
You conclude that Russia has committed torture, including sexual violence. And, for the first time, that enforced disappearances committed by Russia amount to a crime against humanity.
We are deeply disturbed by the systematic use of sexual violence against male detainees, and by new evidence of the war crimes of rape and sexual violence perpetrated against female detainees.
Detainees are subjected to abuses and, tragically, some have died. Their families are, understandably, in anguish.
This mistreatment is directed from the highest levels, pursuant to a coordinated Russian state policy. Evidence shows that Russian commanders gave orders to kill rather than take prisoners.
Commissioners, justice must be done.
We do, of course, encourage Ukraine to investigate fully your allegations against its authorities and armed forces.
But let there be no doubt: there is no equivalence between Russia and Ukraine. As a direct result of Russian aggression, Ukrainians across the country have faced violations and abuses of their right to life.
Russia must be held to account. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as this takes.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Reappointment of a member to the Family Procedure Rule Committee
The Lord Chancellor has announced the reappointment of Robert Edwards as a member of the Family Procedure Rule Committee.
The Lord Chancellor reappointed Robert Edwards as a member, nominated by Welsh Ministers to represent the interests of Welsh family proceedings officers, to the Family Procedure Rule Committee (FPRC) from 1 October 2024 until 28 February 2027.
The Lord Chancellor also confirmed the decision of previous ministers to extend Mr Edward’s tenure from 1 March to 30 September 2024.
The FPRC is a non-departmental public body, established – in 2004 – under the Courts Act 2003 (‘the Act’), to make Family Procedure Rules. Its aim is to make clear, easily understandable rules to create an accessible, fair, and efficient family justice system.
Appointments to the FPRC are made under Section 77(2) of the Act. The Act provides that a member is nominated by the Welsh Ministers to represent the interests of Welsh family proceedings officers and appointed by the Lord Chancellor in consultation with the President of the Family Division.
The appointment of the FPRC member, nominated by Welsh Ministers to represent the interests of Welsh family proceedings officers, is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Biography
Robert Edwards is a lawyer at the Welsh Government and principal adviser to Cafcass Cymru, with responsibility for providing advice, representation and training to the organisation. Robert specialises in children law and previously worked in Welsh local authorities and private practice.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Boost to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage
This change is another step towards creating a genuine living wage that supports millions of families across the country.
The National Minimum and National Living wage are going up.
From April 1, those on the National Living Wage will get a payday boost worth £1,400 a year.
For an eligible full-time worker that’s around £25 a week or £100 a month.
If you’re a full-time worker on the National Minimum Wage, your pay could be boosted by £2,500 a year.
You’ll get it whether you’re in a full-time, part-time, or temporary role and the amount you’ll receive will depend on your age or if you’re an apprentice.
This change is another step towards creating a genuine living wage that supports millions of families across the country.
If you’re an employee
You don’t need to do anything, but it’s worth checking your payslip to make sure you’re receiving this pay increase if it applies to you.
The government will continue to engage closely with businesses, unions and wider society to ensure that all employers are aware of the new rates and take the steps needed to prepare for payroll changes on 1 April.
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.
The plan – which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.
It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how Grangemouth can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.
The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040.
It follows First Minister John Swinney’s announcement of £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions for the site over the next 12 months, and the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.
“Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.
“Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.
“This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.”
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:
“We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth.
“This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment.
“We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin co-chaired a meeting this morning (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions. Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.
Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector.
Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.
Any National Wealth Fund investment will be subject to investible propositions and the Fund’s criteria – the proposition must deliver a positive return, drive regional and economic growth or support activity to tackle climate change, invest in key sectors, and crowd in private finance.
The £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment are on top of existing investments to ensure the long-term economic future of the Grangemouth area and support the workforce. These include:
– The £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal package, delivered jointly by the Scottish Government and UK Government, to support the community and its workers by investing in local energy projects to create new opportunities for growth in the region.
– Joined up support from the Scottish Government and DESNZ to provide tailored skills support for refinery workers; this includes a training guarantee for all Grangemouth refinery staff to ensure that any worker who would like skills training at the local college is supported, with funding provided by the UK Government – this will help workers into new, good jobs with local employers.
An independent inquiry group has cleared Boparan’s deal to buy ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mills.
iStock
The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) independent inquiry group has cleared Boparan’s proposed purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mill sites, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
ForFarmers and Boparan (through 2Agriculture) both manufacture and supply chicken feed and other types of poultry feed in the UK.
The inquiry group’s investigation has found that Boparan’s purchase of ForFarmers’ Burston feed mill site could reduce the capacity available to manufacture chicken feed for chicken suppliers in the area around the mill in East Anglia. However, these suppliers will still have choice and the option to switch providers due to competition from other chicken feed providers in the market.
Having reviewed the evidence in the round, including the single response received from the parties in response to its interim report, the inquiry group does not believe the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition.
Kirstin Baker, chair of the independent inquiry group, said:
Having assessed the evidence and feedback to our interim report, which suggested that competition would not be harmed, we have given this acquisition clearance to proceed.
ForFarmers is a European manufacturer and supplier of animal feed, based in the Netherlands. 2Agriculture, a subsidiary of Boparan, is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of poultry feed and supplies feed to Hook 2 Sisters, a company affiliated with Boparan, as well as farmers on the open market.
At the Phase 1 investigation stage, the CMA concluded that Boparan’s purchase of the Radstock feed mill site does not raise competition concerns and the sale of this mill has completed.
The CMA has a statutory duty to promote competition for the benefit of consumers and assesses each case on its individual merits. This includes a duty to investigate mergers that could raise competition concerns in the UK where it has jurisdiction to do so. In this case, the CMA has concluded that the CMA has jurisdiction to review this merger because a relevant merger situation has been created: each of Boparan and ForFarmers’ Burston and Radstock feed mills is an enterprise that will cease to be distinct as a result of the merger and the turnover test is met. More information on the CMA’s mergers jurisdiction and procedure can be read on its guidance page.
All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk, or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
Joint Statement from the International Partners Group on the US Withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership in South Africa
The United States has informed the Government of South Africa and the International Partners Group of its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
The partnership, originally announced at COP 26, aims to support South Africa to move away from coal and to accelerate its transition to a low emission, climate resilient economy.
The US contribution to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), as set out in the JET Investment Plan, was $56m in grant funds and $1bn in commercial debt/equity from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
While the withdrawal of the US is regrettable, the International Partners Group (IPG) remains fully committed to supporting South Africa to deliver its just energy transition. The level of investment made to date and remaining pledges demonstrate this. Over $2.5bn of the IPG pledge has been spent to date. The total pledged funding to support South Africa’s just energy transition also remains higher than the original pledge due to increases in pledges from both the IPG and other development partners who are not part of the IPG. Some partners are exploring possibilities for supporting work previously being carried out by the US.
We look forward to continuing to work with the government of South Africa and other stakeholders to allocate existing funding in support of a just energy transition that will benefit all South Africans. The political, technical and financial support from the IPG remains strong and steadfast.
On behalf of the International Partners Group – United Kingdom, Germany, France, the European Union, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Further information
overall international pledges is $12.8bn total. This includes over $9bn from IPG and Spain, Switzerland and Canada (excluding Spanish export credits)
UK, Philippines elevate trade ties through Inaugural Joint Economic Trade Committee
UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Economic and Trade Committee.
UK and the Philippines recently held inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)
JETCO aims to realise potential for UK businesses to sell more to the Philippines, one of the fastest growing economies in Asia
News follows recent win for UK beef industry after Philippine ban on UK beef was lifted in addition to the lifting of a poultry ban with both worth a combined £80m over five years.
Ministers from the UK and the Philippines met in London on Monday, 17 March for trade talks under the first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting. The JETCO aims to upgrade the bilateral trade relationship currently worth £2.8 billion in 2024.
UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty agreed to pursue closer cooperation and increased trade across sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and economic development.
Minister Alexander stated:
Today’s talks signify an important new chapter in our trading relationship with the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest growing economies.
During the meeting, the UK and the Philippines also committed to progressing work towards a government-to-government Financing Framework Partnership that will expand access to £5 billion financing from UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support the delivery of sustainable public infrastructure and improve paths to UK expertise and technology in the Philippines.
Undersecretary Gepty said:
The UK’s strong presence in Southeast Asia is expected to help stabilise trade and investment relations among economies operating in the region. And the Philippines is able and willing to be UK’s strategic link in the region.
JETCO also underscored investment opportunities in the Philippines for UK agricultural companies and promoted imports of UK meat following the recent removal of bans on beef and poultry exports from the UK. This move allows Filipino consumers access to UK meats in local market.
Meanwhile, opportunities in offshore renewable energy will feature heavily in discussions. In 2024, the UK was the largest single investor in the Philippines, driven mainly by investments in renewables. Such opportunities for UK companies were enhanced in 2022 with the removal of foreign equity restrictions for renewable energy companies.
JETCO also celebrates the growing digital and tech trade between the UK and the Philippines. Next week will see the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week in Manila which will bring together UK and Philippine leading tech companies, policymakers, and startups for two days of discussions, networking, and innovation showcases.
Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) Statistics published
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) Statistics 2024.
Key statistics include:
The 2024 Blue Fin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery ran from 3 August 2024 to 31 December 2024. The 2024 season lasted for 21 weeks and 4 days.
Of the 93 permitted vessels, 81 were active at least once during the 2024 season
These vessels made 1,014 trips in total. Of those, there were 838 trips (83.0%) where at least one Blue Fin Tuna was caught successfully.
In total, 3,359 Blue Fin Tuna were caught throughout the 2024 season, with an average of 3.3 Blue Fin Tuna per trip.
The average length of the Blue Fin Tuna caught was 167.7cm, and the average estimated weight was 95.5kg.
The majority (98.7%) of Blue Fin Tuna were released in a good to excellent condition. The reported mortality rate before release was 0.21% of all Blue Fin Tuna caught.
This is an official statistics release.
Starting in 2024, an English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) for Blue Fin Tuna (BFT) was opened. The fishery allows permitted vessels to use ‘catch and release’ BFT by rod and line for a defined period in English waters. As this fishery operates within English waters, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is responsible for issuing permits for the fishery, as well as monitoring fishing activity to enable sustainable marine activities and support UK economic growth.
Permit numbers are proportionate to the amount of quota available for incidental BFT mortalities. To receive and maintain their permit, vessel owners are obligated to submit data on their trips and associated catch, which the MMO collects for operational purposes, including monitoring and managing the fishery throughout the season. MMO is also required to submit data to the International Council for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) to fulfil the UK’s reporting obligations as a contracting party. These official statistics contain details on fishing activity from the Blue Fin Tuna CRRF in the 2024 season.
The 2024 season started on 3 August 2024 and ran through until 31 December 2024, meaning the season was open for 21 weeks and 4 days. This season is the first this CRRF for BFT has been in operation. It follows a three-year scientific research programme from the Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) into BFT in the South West of England.
You can find more information on the statistics on Gov.uk.
Councillors are to be asked to approve St Albans City and District Council’s statement of accounts for the 2023/24 financial year.
A decision in favour would bring a welcome end to a backlog of audit approvals which the Council has experienced in common with other local authorities.
The 2023/24 accounts will go before an extraordinary meeting of the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee on Thursday 20 March along with auditor KPMG’s annual report.
Delays in auditing local authority accounts have been acknowledged by the Government as a national problem.
The causes range from staff shortages among external auditors to the adverse impact of the Covid pandemic.
In January, the Committee approved the accounts for the financial years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23.
This was made possible by recent Government legislation to clear the backlog which allows for auditors to issue a ‘disclaimed opinion,’ neither giving full approval to the accounts or non-approval.
KPMG has given a disclaimed opinion for the 2023/24 accounts as the Council expected.
Councillor Giles Fry, Lead for the Budget and Financial Strategy, said:
I am delighted that the 2023/24 accounts will now go before the Audit and Governance Committee for approval and we have the opportunity to put this backlog issue behind us.
This has been a frustrating period for us and dozens of other local authorities for reasons outside of our control. Our finance team will be able to concentrate on their day-to-day work and the future rather than the past.
I can assure residents that our 2023/24 accounts comply with all laws and regulations and nothing untoward or unexpected has been highlighted.
In its annual report, KPMG has highlighted one issue of concern under its assessment of Value for Money: the Council’s arrangements for achieving financial efficiency and effectiveness.
This is identified as “a risk that the Council does not have in place adequate governance arrangements to ensure compliance with its statutory financial reporting responsibilities”.
The report recommends the Council “should invest in additional resources within the finance team to ensure future compliance with statutory reporting deadlines”.
Cllr Fry said:
While the KPMG report is overwhelmingly positive, we are well aware that we need to add to the overall level of our resources in our finance team and are taking steps to address this issue.
In common with other Councils across the country, we have found there is a shortage of finance staff, especially those with experience of handling major public sector accounts.
Our recruitment team is on the case and will continue to be proactive in searching for suitable staff in what is a very competitive job market.
Despite these difficulties, I am pleased that the auditors could see no risk or weakness associated with our work at improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness. It shows we are meeting the challenge by providing our residents with a financially sound and stable Council.
Neil Curtis preparing the ancestral remains for transporA ceremony to repatriate Tasmanian ancestral remains held in University of Aberdeen collections since the 1850s will take place on 21 March.
The University contacted the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in 2019, which led to a proposal to return the remains of a young man. This was approved unconditionally by the University’s governing body, Court, in 2020 and the Centre is now in a position to take the remains back to Tasmania where they will be laid to rest in a traditional ceremony conducted by Aboriginal people.
Details of how the remains were acquired by the University are limited, with records listing only that it was part of the collection of William MacGillivray, Regius Professor of Natural History in Marischal College. After his death in 1852, the collection was purchased by the University and in the sale catalogue it was described as ‘Native of Van Diemen’s Land, who was shot on the Shannon River’.
There is no record surviving to indicate how the skull was acquired by MacGillivray.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, a non-profit community-based organisation established in 1973 to provide legal, health, educational, cultural and welfare services to Aboriginal people, considers that ‘there can be no doubt that this skull was removed from the man shot at the Shannon River in order to service (the) trade in Aboriginal body parts. The decapitation was most likely performed by one of the killers, stock-keepers, property owners or lessees involved in or associated with the man’s murder’. This may have taken place in the 1820s or 1830s.
It is unlikely that the identity of the man will ever be known beyond that of his tribal group. The ‘Big River’ tribe to which he belonged is one of the many original tribes entirely wiped out and for which there are no surviving direct descendants.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is recognised by both Australian and international governments as the only appropriate organisation to which all repatriated Tasmanian Aboriginal skeletal remains and cultural property are returned.
After acquisition by the University, the skull was kept as part of the Comparative Anatomy collection, before being transferred to the Human Culture collection in the early 2000s. It was used in medical education in the 19th and early 20th centuries but the collection is no longer used for teaching and there is no current or intended research associated with it.
Andry Sculthorpe of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre said: “Aboriginal people feel the enormous responsibility of restoring to our own country both the physical remains, and through them, the spirits of our ancestral dead.
“This is a record of racist attitudes to the study of humanity, including human remains acquired by grave robbing and other immoral activity; in this case, murder.
“We applaud the institutions that have the courage to let go of their perceptions of intellectual supremacy, embrace their own humanity and do what is right by the people who are most impacted by the atrocities they have inflicted in the past. This young man’s murder will not be forgotten and we will bring him home to rest at last.”
Neil Curtis, Head of University Collections at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Given the violence and racism that led to their acquisition, it would be unacceptable for these ancestral remains to be used for research, teaching or exhibitions purposes.
“We are pleased that the remains of this young man can now be handed over to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre for appropriate burial in his homeland.”
The University has a well-established procedure for considering repatriation from the collections in its care, and welcomes proposals for returning ancestral remains, sacred and other items, especially where they can be returned to the community from which they were taken. The University is also reviewing its collections to identify items that were looted or unethically returned so that it can initiate discussions as well as responding to proposals. This has included the return of a Benin Bronze in 2021, the first such return in the world by a museum.