Birmingham City Council has officially enacted a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the Coventry Road area.
The PSPO will provide authorities with additional powers to address persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) that has impacted local residents, businesses, and commuters.
The PSPO, which will be in place for three years, has been introduced following overwhelming reports of issues such as illegal street trading, peddling, charity cash or digital collections, and obstruction of the public highway.
By granting additional enforcement powers to both West Midlands Police and designated Council Officers, the order aims to create a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment for all, particularly whilst the community observes Ramadan.
Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, welcomed the implementation of the PSPO, stating: “We have listened to the concerns of residents, businesses, and commuters who regularly use Coventry Road, and it’s clear that action was needed. The introduction of this PSPO reflects our commitment to ensuring Birmingham remains a safe and vibrant city for everyone.
“With these additional powers, we can take decisive action against those who engage in behaviour that disrupts the lives of others. This is especially important as the community comes together to observe Ramadan, ensuring that people can celebrate and reflect in a safe and respectful environment.
“To everyone marking this sacred month, I wish you, your families, friends and loved ones a peaceful and healthy Ramadan.”
The PSPO empowers authorities to take necessary enforcement action against those who breach the prohibitions outlined within the order. Individuals found violating the restrictions may face warnings, fines, or further legal action where necessary.
Birmingham City Council encourages the community to continue reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour to support ongoing enforcement efforts. For more information on the Coventry Road PSPO, including specific prohibitions and enforcement details, please visit the Council website.
‘Constructing Change’ on the Littleborough Flood Scheme
A new initiative in Littleborough is encouraging girls and women into the construction industry.
Littleborough Flood Risk Management scheme under construction
The Environment Agency, Volker Stevin, Jacobs, Flannery Plant Hire, AE Yates, JN Bentley and Rochdale Borough Council are working together to deliver a new project aimed at encouraging girls and women into the construction industry.
Constructing Change is a new social value initiative which supports the future generation of construction workers. It aims to provide local female students with an experience of the construction industry and insight into what career opportunities are available.
Hosted by the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme project team, the launch of the Constructing Change initiative will see students escorted safely through the site to get an overview of the construction of the Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The day also includes presentations by contractors VolkerStevin, consultants Jacobs, suppliers Flannery’s as well as the talks from the Environment Agency, AE Yates and JN Bentley. There is also an interactive session taking place in a machine simulator and the on-site laboratory.
Constructing Change is working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry and empower underrepresented communities to have a career in construction – building a more inclusive and socially responsible industry for the future. This aligns with the objectives of the Environment Agency, as an inclusive employer.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency said:
I welcome the Environment Agency supporting this initiative to showcase opportunities in the construction industry to young women and ultimately improve diversity which will benefit everyone in the wider sector.
CEO and Founder of Constructing Change Elizabeth Griffin-Bennett said:
The launch of Constructing Change at Littleborough marks a key moment in our mission to transform construction. Through collaboration across the sector, we are bringing young people to live sites, showcasing career opportunities, breaking barriers, and embedding social value. This is just the beginning of a movement to build a more diverse, skilled, and resilient future for the industry.
Environment Agency Senior Project Manager for the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme, Neil Johnson said:
This is a great opportunity to provide young, local people with the opportunity to experience a major construction site – right on their doorstep. The Environment Agency is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive workforce.
The work ongoing as part of scheme delivery provides an insight into many aspects of the construction industry, which we hope will inspire local young people to choose a career in construction.
When completed the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme will better protect 337 residential properties and 185 local businesses across Littleborough from the impact of flooding.
The Environment is also working closely with Rochdale Borough Council on delivery of the Resilient Roch project which aims to raise flood risk awareness, reduce surface water risk, increase property resilience and implement integrated water management.
For more information on the Littleborough and Rochdale Flood Risk Management Scheme visit the Flood Hub or download the Volker Engage app.
Responding to the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the appeal made by 16 Just Stop Oil protesters against their prison sentences for a range of peaceful protests, Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Campaigns, said:
“Today’s ruling highlights the urgent need for the UK’s protest laws to be revised.
“It’s good the Court confirmed that the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly will always be relevant to the sentencing of peaceful protesters, and it is welcome that some of the sentences in this case have been reduced. But we are in danger of having laws that only allow for protests that don’t bother anybody, and that treat peaceful protest worse than many violent offences. It’s incredibly unjust that peaceful protesters face being locked up for years.
“We call on the UK government to drop the new anti-protest laws that they have just tabled themselves and institute a fully independent and public review of the protest laws that have been passed in recent years.”
Policing protest in the UK
Today’s ruling involved 16 JSO activists from four separate cases. The decision by the court to conduct the hearing as a single, mass two-day event highlighted the significance of this case – it is rare for so many different appeals to be combined.
The right to protest in England and Wales has been eroded in recent years, despite being protected under international law. In 2022, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act handed police in England and Wales broad powers to shut down protests and expanded criminal offences and punishments for peaceful protest activities, including a maximum 10-year prison sentence for causing ‘public nuisance’ – the offence at the heart of many of the cases decided today.
This was followed by the even more draconian Public Order Act 2023 and the particularly controversial Serious Disruption Regulations 2023, regulations that were recently found by the High Court to be unlawful, but which remain in place while the Government pursues an appeal.
Thanks to this authoritarian legislation, police can define almost any demonstration as “seriously disruptive” and impose restrictions on it. Peaceful tactics like locking on, tunnelling and even causing “serious annoyance” were criminalised. New powers were created to issue orders banning people from even attending protests.
There has also been a steep rise in the use of facial recognition technology in the policing of protest. This is despite the UK Court of Appeal concluding in 2020 that the legal framework in place at the time for this technology violated human rights.
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested. Some have received long custodial sentences and many prosecutions remain pending. Following his visit to the UK in January 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders warned that environmental activists face a “severe crackdown” due to the repressive legislative framework and introduction of new criminal charges.
New stop and search powers, including suspicionless stop and search, can be used against people at or on the way to protests. Existing evidence highlights that stop-and-search powers are disproportionately used against Black and other minoritised people, itself a feature of an institutionally racist policing and criminal justice system. The expansion of these powers serves as a gateway for further racialised police encounters.
Anti-protest rhetoric and stigmatisation
Climate change and pro-Palestine protesters in the UK have been heavily stigmatised and their actions used in part as justification for further anti-protest legislation. High-ranking officials labelled disruption created by environmental protests as “a threat to our way of life” and described activists as “using guerilla tactics”.
Now the new government seems intent on following its predecessor, by introducing yet more anti protest measures in its new Crime and Policing bill. These include a power to criminalise the wearing of facial coverings at a protest, risking discrimination against Muslim women and people with health conditions, and the power for police to require foreign nationals such as student protesters to leave the country as a condition of issuing a caution, without any of the due process protections that apply to enforced removals.
Existing international human rights standards require Governments not to introduce any measures that place disproportionate restrictions on people’s freedom of expression and assembly – it is accepted that protest by its very nature can be disruptive.
As well as calling for the scrapping of recently passed laws, Amnesty hopes the Government will move away from previously used stigmatising discourse and rhetoric, fuelling harmful stereotypes and portraying peaceful protesters in a way that fuels hostility. This includes characterising protesters as criminals, terrorists, threats to public order and security, or a nuisance to be crushed. Amnesty also recommends that regular and systematised data collection and reporting on restrictions imposed by authorities, including the police, is undertaken.
‘We must use all the powers we have at our disposal to keep women safe’ – Liz Saville Roberts MP
Today (Thursday 6 March), ahead of International Women’s Day, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP has delivered a speech in Parliament urging stronger protections against gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.
Highlighting the urgent need for action, Ms Saville Roberts introduced the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, which is set for its second reading on 7 March.
Developed in collaboration with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, the Bill seeks to amend the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to place a legal requirement on employers to take proactive measures to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace.
It also provides enhanced protections for women and girls and requires the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to develop and publish a comprehensive framework on workplace violence and harassment.
Currently, the HSE does not classify gender-based violence as a workplace hazard and is not regarded as the primary authority for issues such as harassment, bullying, or domestic abuse in professional settings. This Bill would change that, ensuring that gender-based violence is addressed as a serious workplace safety issue.
During a debate in the House of Commons to note International Women’s Day, Liz Saville Roberts MP said:
“When we talk about a gender equal society, let’s be clear about where we mean. In the home, in public spaces, in the workplace.
“A 2023 TUC poll found that three in five women had experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace.
And reports of sexual assault, rape, stalking and coercive control from colleagues make up 56% of calls made to Rights of Women’s Sexual Harassment at Work advice line. But as it stands, protections are limited.
“The Workers Protection Act 2023 created a “preventative duty” for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
“But an automatic investigation into a breach of this duty only takes place after an individual successfully brings a claim of sexual harassment. And many other forms of gender-based violence in the workplace are excluded.
“Meanwhile, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 already places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work.
“So why not use the toughest mechanism we have in the workplace to tackle workplace gender-based harassment and violence too?
“That’s exactly what my Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, developed with the brilliant Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, seeks to do.”
Ms Saville Roberts closed:
“If these are the differences we wish to make to women’s lives in the workplace, let us use all the powers we have at our disposal and make them work for women more effectively than they presently do.”
The Scottish Greens have hailed news that the Scotland Men’s National Football Team games are set to return to free-to-air TV, with the BBC agreeing a deal to become the main broadcaster of matches.
According to reports, the BBC has secured broadcasting rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The negotiations follow the withdrawal of private online broadcaster Viaplay.
A campaign led by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay to bring back free-to-view football received nearly 10,000 signatures. Ms Mackay also raised it with BBC Scotland’s Chief Executive in a Parliamentary evidence session.
“This is a great result and will be celebrated by fans all across Scotland. I am delighted that we will finally be able to watch the run up to the next world cup on free-to-view telly.
“The Scottish Greens have joined supporters groups in calling for this for years, with thousands of people signing our petition and urging the BBC to take over the contract.
“It’s a really important day for our national sport. Football should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford to enjoy it from behind a costly paywall.
“Ticket prices are skyrocketing and simply getting to the ground is now out of budget for many. I hope that fans and families across our country will now have the option of watching our national team from home.
“At its best, sport brings communities and families together like nothing else. I hope that free-to-view TV can become a permanent fixture and that young people will be able to grow up watching their heroes in action for years to come.”
Greater Manchester is one of 15 areas selected to pilot the WorkWell service, running until 31st March 2026.
Awarded £7million in Government funding to offer tailored support for people struggling to stay in work due to health issues or disabilities, as well as for those who have recently left work due to poor health, helping them return to employment.
Part of the city-region Live Well initiative, WorkWell ensures access to health and wellbeing support across every neighbourhood in Greater Manchester.
If you’re struggling to stay in work due to health issues, contact WorkWell today. Visit your local council website or call for more information and support.
The pilot aims to help around 8,000 local people.
How WorkWell works?
The WorkWell service takes a personalised approach by matching individuals with a dedicated work and health coach. These coaches help people access the right services to improve their wellbeing and job prospects. They offer guidance on overcoming barriers to work and can refer individuals to healthcare professionals for support with physical and mental health needs, including musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) and anxiety. By offering early support, such as physiotherapy, talking therapies, and lifestyle advice, WorkWell helps people stay well and prevent their health needs from getting worse.
Additionally, coaches support individuals in building skills, finding suitable job opportunities, and creating tailored CVs and cover letters. They guide participants through interview preparation, offering practical advice to build confidence. Coaches also explore flexible work options that meet personal needs and connect individuals to local community groups for extra resources and support. These services are available both by phone and in person, providing flexible access to support.
WorkWell is delivered in partnership by NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, health organisations, and community groups. It forms part of a £64 million national programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve health and employment outcomes across the country.
A key part of Greater Manchester’s Live Well commitment
The WorkWell pilot is an essential part of Greater Manchester’s broader Live Well commitment, which aims to tackle health, social, and economic inequalities by transforming how public services are delivered. Live Well is focused on ensuring that everyone has access to the right support, resources, and opportunities to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
Through combining personalised job and health support within local communities, WorkWell builds on the success of Greater Manchester’s flagship Working Well programme, which has already supported over 80,000 residents and helped nearly 30,000 people into employment.
Greater Manchester’s Live Well Plan has also been awarded a £10 million funding boost to tackle inequalities, improve health, and support people in returning to work. This investment is part of the city-region’s ongoing commitment to helping those facing employment barriers due to health challenges. Funded through the “Get Britain Working White Paper”, the boost will build on initiatives like WorkWell, offering tailored support to individuals with health-related barriers to employment.
Providing early support to prevent long-term unemployment
Early intervention is key. Findings from the Working Well: Work and Health Programme show that people unemployed for up to six months have the highest chance of finding a job (49.7%). However, this likelihood decreases the longer someone is out of work, dropping to just 13.6% after ten years. By acting early, WorkWell aims to prevent long-term job losses due to health conditions.
Who can access WorkWell?
WorkWell is available to anyone aged 16 or older, who is eligible to work in the UK.
Open to self-referrals or referrals via GPs and pharmacists, employers, or community organisations.
Available to Greater Manchester residents or anyone registered with a GP or JobCentre Plus in the area.
NHS Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are encouraging local employers to learn more about WorkWell and how they can support employees with health conditions to remain in work. Employers can access guidance on workplace adjustments and additional resources.
Mark Fisher, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester, said: “This is really welcome news for Greater Manchester and the people who live here. Unfortunately, too many people in our city-region are unable to work due to poor health, and this has a profound impact on their lives and wellbeing.
“The longer people are out of work, the harder it is to get back into employment. That’s why being part of the WorkWell pilot is so important. Over the next two years, we will support at least 8,000 local people to remain in or return to work – something we know is truly life-changing.
“This is not something we can do alone. To reach as many people as possible, we will build upon existing support services and work closely with our ten local authorities, the GMCA, and Greater Manchester’s vibrant voluntary sector. Most importantly, we will do this in partnership with local people to make a positive impact on their health and lives.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, Andy Burnham said: “WorkWell is already improving people’s lives and is a key part of our effort to better connect health and employment support. By bringing these services together, we’re helping residents find work and build a better future.
“The early success stories from WorkWell show what’s possible when we bring together our brilliant community groups, voluntary organisations, and the NHS. This is about removing barriers people face and making sure everyone in Greater Manchester gets the right support at the right time to improve their health and find good jobs. I’m proud that Greater Manchester is leading the way with this initiative.
Mayor Burnham added, “The extra £10 million funding for Live Well, as part of the ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ initiative, highlights our commitment to making Greater Manchester a city-region where everyone has access to the support needed to lead healthier lives and succeed in the workplace. This investment will have a real impact for those facing health challenges”.
Accessing WorkWell
If you or someone you know is facing health challenges that make it difficult to stay in work, don’t wait – reach out to WorkWell today! Visit your local council website and search for ‘WorkWell’, or head to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website for more information on available services. You can also call your local council on their usual contact numbers. They will help you access the support you need.
Plans which put communities at the heart of council changes in Derbyshire – keeping local services close to local people, while protecting the county’s historic boundaries – have been outlined.
The leaders of the eight borough and district councils in Derbyshire, together with the leader of Derby City Council, have set out their initial plans to create two unitary councils to cover the county – one in the north, and one in the south.
The plans will be presented to the council’s respective decision-making bodies (where required) to approve the submission of interim proposals to Government by 21 March. Public consultation will be held before any final proposals are drawn up.
This initial work has established two options of equal merit that meet the Government’s requirements.
In the first option, Amber Valley Borough Council would be part of a northern unitary council, alongside High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, and Bolsover District Council.
A separate southern unitary council would be formed by Derby City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, and Erewash Borough Council.
In the second option, the structure remains the same, except Amber Valley Borough Council would move from the northern unitary council to join the southern unitary council instead.
Both options maintain the integrity of the historic county of Derbyshire and reflect the existing boundaries of the borough, district and city councils.
There will be a consultation process in the spring / summer seeking the views of residents, businesses, community representations and public sector partners to develop and shape proposals further. This will include specific consultation with the residents, businesses and other stakeholders in Amber Valley, to seek views on the borough’s placement in either the northern or southern unitary council.
The conclusion of this initial phase of activity represents the leaders’ response to the publication of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper which requires all councils in ‘two-tier’ areas like Derbyshire to submit proposals to reorganise into unitary authorities, with outline plans to be submitted to Government by 21 March, and final plans to be submitted in November 2025.
In a joint statement, the leaders said:
Local councils provide a vast range of services that impact on everyone’s daily lives – supporting communities and neighbourhoods to thrive and grow, and creating opportunity for our people and places.
As local leaders we take very seriously this responsibility, and in considering the very complex issues presented by Government’s call to restructure councils we are committed to working together with the shared goal of putting our communities first.
We have explored a range of options that ensure that Derbyshire’s historic boundaries remain intact, while also creating new unitary councils of the right scale to deliver the best possible services for our communities.
Our preferred option that meets government criteria involves the creation of two new unitary councils based on the existing geographies of the eight district and borough councils as the key building blocks, alongside the geography of Derby City Council.
There is also the opportunity for the two new unitary councils to work in genuine partnership and collaborate on the delivery of all local government services, in turn ensuring the best possible value for money to local taxpayers. Most importantly, we believe these authorities would be of the appropriate size – the two councils would serve similarly sized populations of around 500,000 residents – to strike the right balance between retaining the strong local connections we already have with our communities and being financially sustainable.
Our proposals also result in unitary councils of the right size and blend to engage fully and ensure our voice is heard at the East Midlands Combined County Authority and on key strategic issues close to our borders, whether that be our TransPennine and city links to Manchester and Sheffield in the north or our links to the East Midlands Freeport and Airport in the south.
We don’t believe Derbyshire County Council’s plans for a single unitary council covering the whole of Derbyshire, excluding Derby, and serving a population of over 800,000 residents is the right approach. The organisation would be too large, and too far removed from the diverse communities that we serve.
The county council’s plans would create a ‘doughnut effect’ around the city – leading to inefficient delivery of services and stifling economic and housing growth. It would also create significant disparity between the two unitary councils, in terms of both population and taxbase, and would therefore not meet the criteria the Government has set out.
If local government must change, we want to make sure it does so in a way that keeps local services connected to the people who rely on them – creating councils which are big enough to deliver, and small enough to care.
We have invited the Leader of Derbyshire County Council to be part of our joint discussions, but this has been declined. As the other local authorities in Derbyshire we have therefore moved quickly to draw up our own plans, which we believe clearly meet the Government’s criteria.
To guide our final decisions, our proposals will be subject to extensive and meaningful consultation with residents, businesses, our workforces, partner public bodies, and the voluntary sector; ensuring all voices are captured and heard collectively.
Triple combination medicine deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor approved for cystic fibrosis
In two randomised phase 3 studies involving 480 participants aged 12 years and over, ivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor was found to be as effective at improving lung function as a currently approved triple combination therapy, and more effective at reducing sweat chloride levels.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the triple combination medicine deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor (brand name Alyftrek) to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in people aged six years and older who have specific mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that have been shown in trials to respond to the therapy. This includes F508del, which is the most common cystic fibrosis causing mutation.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition caused by a faulty CTFR gene, which helps regulate the flow of water and chloride in and out of the lungs and other organs. This causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, which can lead to lung infections and problems with digesting food.
Deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor is a CFTR “modulator”, meaning it is designed to correct the malfunctioning protein made by the CTFR gene in people with cystic fibrosis.
Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:
“Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high quality, safe and effective medical products are key priorities for us.
“We confirm that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met.
“As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”
David Ramsden, Cystic Fibrosis Trust Chief Executive, said:
“Today’s MHRA approval is another important step in making sure as many people with CF as possible can benefit from the best available treatments.
“We now hope that NICE will move quickly to complete its assessment of the medicine to enable it to be prescribed on the NHS.
“Today is good news, but we never forget that these medicines are not a cure, and do not work for some people. Cystic Fibrosis Trust will not stop until everyone with CF can live a life that’s not limited by their condition.”
Deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor is administered as a tablet once a day.
Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment.
In two randomised phase 3 studies involving 480 participants aged 12 years and over (studies 121-102 and 121-103), ivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor was found to be as effective at improving lung function as ivacaftor/tezacaftor/elexacaftor (Kaftrio), a currently approved triple combination therapy, and more effective at reducing sweat chloride levels. These findings are supported by additional data from an open‑label, phase 3 study (study 121-105, Cohort B1).
The most common side effects in the clinical trials were headache (15.8%) and diarrhoea (12.1%). For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) available on the MHRA website.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor under close review. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
Notes to editors
The new marketing authorisation was granted via a national route on 7 March 2025 to Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Limited.
More information can be found in the PIL and SmPC which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
For more information about cystic fibrosis, visit here.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
SYDNEY, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it is attending this year’s Invest Cuffs in Kraków, Poland, taking place on March 28-29, 2025, at the ICE Kraków Congress Center.
Event attendees will have the opportunity to explore the broker’s exceptional trading conditions or learn more about Axi’s longstanding collaboration with Man City, Premier League Champions. Manchester City memorabilia and the club’s mascot will be on-site for photos and attendees stand the chance to win exciting prizes from the broker, including a signed player shirt and other merchandise.
The brand has a longstanding partnership with Premier League club, Manchester City FC, as well as LaLiga club, Girona FC, and Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia. In 2023, they also announced England international John Stones as their Brand Ambassador. In 2024, the broker was recognised with the ‘Most Reliable Broker – Europe’ award at the 2024 Global Forex Awards.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71.46% of retail client accounts lose money when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
About Axi
Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading brand, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.
For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
New Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government appointed
Joe Griffin has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government.
Joe Griffin has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. Joe, who is currently Director General, Strategy & External Affairs in the Scottish Government, was chosen following an open and fair competition chaired by the First Civil Service Commissioner. The appointment has been made by the First Minister of Scotland in agreement with the UK Cabinet Secretary. Joe will take up the post on 7 April 2025.
First Minister John Swinney said:
My thanks go to JP Marks for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service. My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC.
I welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the Civil Service. I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare which he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said:
I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment. He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers.
I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.
Joe Griffin said:
It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the Civil Service in the Scottish Government. I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity.
My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
TRA announces Interim CEO and confirms board leadership
Steve O’Donoghue has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accounting Officer.
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) is pleased to announce that Steve O’Donoghue will be stepping in as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accounting Officer.
From mid-March, the TRA’s CEO, Oliver Griffiths will be moving to take up a new role at Ofcom. Interviews for the permanent CEO successor are taking place and the TRA expects an appointment to be made late March.
Steve O’Donoghue joined the TRA as its Director of Corporate Services in February 2021 and was appointed an executive director of the Board in June 2021. Steve brings extensive leadership experience in public sector finance, HR, governance and risk management.
Board Non-Executive Directors
Additionally, the TRA is pleased to confirm that John Hughes and Adam Marshall CBE have renewed a three-year term as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) on the TRA Board.
John Hughes was appointed non-executive director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) of the Trade Remedies Authority in June 2021.
Adam Marshall was appointed a non-executive member of the Board in June 2021 and appointed as the Senior Independent Director in June 2024.
Their continued contributions will provide valuable oversight and guidance as the TRA advances its mission of ensuring fair and effective trade remedies for UK industries.
Craig Naylor has been reappointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland for an additional three years.
Mr Naylor, who first took up the role in 2022, will continue to lead HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) to deliver a programme of independent inspection, monitoring and evaluation of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
He will also be a source of professional independent advice on police matters, publish reports of inspections and produce an annual report to Ministers on the police service in Scotland.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“The role that HMICS plays in ensuring Scotland’s police officers and staff continue to perform their duties to a high standard, and that their systems and processes are accountable, is absolutely key to Scottish policing.
“Craig’s first three years in post have been hugely productive, with scrutiny of roads policing, how Police Scotland manages mental health incidents and a series of joint inspections with Health Improvement Scotland among the significant reviews undertaken and published.
“I am very pleased that Craig is remaining in post for another three years and look forward to the next HMICS scrutiny plan and continued constructive working to help maintain the high standard of policing in Scotland.”
Mr Naylor said:
“Over the last three years I have been honoured to serve as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland and I am delighted to have been reappointed for another three years.
“I feel extremely privileged to lead a dedicated team of very talented inspectors and support staff, working together to help improve policing across Scotland, and look forward to continuing this important role.”
Background
Craig Naylor was first appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland on 17 March 2022, having been Deputy Director of Investigations at the National Crime Agency. He has more than 30 years policing experience and previously served with Police Scotland, where he held the role of Divisional Commander for Specialist Service and was responsible for firearms, public order, search and dogs. Prior to that, he worked in a number of roles across the former Lothian and Borders Police and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.
The appointment is made by Royal Warrant and the post is entirely independent of Government, police and the Scottish Police Authority.
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland is an independent scrutiny body, which has been in existence since the nineteenth century. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland is the senior professional police adviser to Scottish Ministers. The statutory duties of HMICS are set out in Chapter 11 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2102. For more information on HMICS please go to www.hmics.scot.
HMICS have also confirmed that Mark Hargreaves will be vacating the Assistant Inspector of Constabulary post as he retires from Police Scotland. Brian McInulty, currently a Lead Inspector with HMICS, will take on this role on a temporary basis until a new appointment is made.
Funding for charity web service and training programme.
A national service supporting people affected by self-harm is to benefit from £1.5 million of Scottish Government funding over the next two years.
The funding for Self-Harm Network Scotland (SHNS) will enable it to continue its webchat service which offers 1-to-1 assistance out of hours and a peer support programme which has provided 2,851 sessions since funding began in 2021 – an average of eight sessions per person.
SHNS also deliver free training to individuals and organisations – either in-person or online – to increase understanding of self-harm and reduce stigma. To date, 3,373 people in sectors including education and social work have taken part.
SHNS is run by mental health charity Penumbra. Visiting the support centre at Hope Point in Dundee, Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:
“I am pleased to be able to announce this continued support for Self-Harm Network Scotland.
“The way in which people seek support and discuss self-harm has changed in recent years with many looking online for help, so online peer support and the webchat service is a crucial addition to the existing range of mental health services available. This work is also helping to build our understanding about self-harm and the most helpful interventions so that we can continue to improve the services on offer.
“It also encouraging that so many have taken up the offer of free training as this will go a long way towards reducing the stigma which can all too often prevent people from seeking the help they need.”
SHNS Manager Darren Boyd said:
“We are delighted to announce that Self-Harm Network Scotland has received additional funding from the Scottish Government for the next two years. This vital investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the work we do to support people who self-harm, their loved ones and professionals working with them. It enables us to broaden our community-based initiatives, continue our peer support services, and develop new resources – all designed to empower those in need with compassion, understanding, and hope.
“We are grateful to be able to continue our work supporting the Scottish Government and COSLA in our shared vision that anyone in Scotland affected by self-harm receives compassionate support, without fear of stigma or discrimination.”
Peer supporter Kayleigh Wanless said:
“When I was around 14 years old, I began using self-harm to cope with anxiety and depression. I have spent time throughout my life in both child and adult mental health services. The realisation I had from my first time leaving CAMHS was ‘I want to help people like they’ve helped me’.
“Since then, I have taken the upset I experienced and turned it into something valuable. SHNS has allowed me to take pride in the empathy and compassion I have gained from times of struggle and has given me the opportunity to become a person who now helps others to reach their goals.”
BACKGROUND
The £1.5 million is part of the wider Fairer Funding pilot which is providing more than £60 million to charities across Scotland.
SHNS have offered peer support to people affected by self-harm since 2022. The website was launched in March 2023 and offers a range of advice and information as well an option to self-refer for peer support.
The webchat facility has been operating since October 2023 and is open seven evenings a week. It is run by peer practitioners and volunteers who offer support to those at the point of self-harming.
Outwith webchat hours people can leave a message and will receive a call within 24 hours. All services are available across Scotland and can be accessed by anyone aged 12 and over.
Dr Imranali Panjwani, second right, receives his award
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) lecturer Dr Imranali Panjwani has received a national award for his important work helping vulnerable groups, including palliative patients at Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford.
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, paid tribute to the British Asian community, describing them as “some our greatest Britons” as she congratulated winners at the event, which was attended by more than 700 guests, including politicians, entrepreneurs, celebrities and leaders from ethnic minority communities across the UK.
Dr Panjwani is a Senior Lecturer in Law and works within the Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI) at ARU, which undertakes research and works with communities on current issues and challenges facing access to justice and inclusion in contemporary society.
Dr Panjwani also works closely with Chelmsford-based Farleigh Hospice, developing spiritual care for palliative patients from varying religious, non-religious and cultural backgrounds.
His research critically reviews immigration procedures relating to religious, linguistic and cultural evidence, enabling the UK asylum system to assign proper weight to primary source evidence they might otherwise discount.
His work resulted in 91 asylum seekers from the Middle East, North Africa, India and Southeast Asia being granted leave to remain in the UK. In addition to this work, Dr Panjwani trained 70 local nurses in spiritual healthcare as part of the East of England Palliative Care Network.
“I am extremely humbled to receive the GG2 Spirit in the Community award. I thank God, my parents, wife and children for their support and sacrifices that I am able to make to help those who live on the margins of society.
“If we are to forge ahead in these difficult times, we must never forget the golden rule – a rule that transcends religion, race, culture, gender and country, ‘Treat others as you would wish to be treated by them’.”
Dr Imranali Panjwani, Senior Lecturer in Law at ARU
The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards, now in their 26th year, celebrate the best of ethnic minority talent in Britain and are established as the premier awards for diversity and leadership in the UK.
ABC Council are urging all dog owners to ensure their pets are kept securely after a local resident was fined in court for a fatal dog attack on a cat.
Martin Olali, from Whitethorn Lane in Kinallen pleaded guilty on Monday 3 March in Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, to a charge of being the keeper of a Thai Ridgeback dog which killed a neighbour’s cat.
On June 4, 2024 the dog warden from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council was alerted to an attack on a cat at Whitethorn Lane. An investigation commenced immediately, and the offending dog located. As a result of this attack, the dog owner must now comply with control conditions imposed on the dog’s licence, requiring that the dog, when not under control, must be kept securely confined in a building, yard or other enclosure and securely fitted with muzzle and leashed when in public place.
Mr Olali pleaded guilty to a dog control offence under Article 28 of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended), and was fined £250 and ordered to pay summons fee of £103; legal costs of £100; and a further Offenders Levy of £15.
Welcoming the conviction, a spokesperson for ABC Council said: “Straying dogs can pose a very serious risk to other pets, wildlife and also to people. We have seen first-hand the distress which these attacks can cause and we are calling on all dog owners to ensure that their premises are secure.
“We take all reports of dog attacks seriously and where appropriate, our officers will take enforcement action, which could result in restrictions, prosecution and costly court fines.”
Enjoy a little night music as pupils from city schools compete in the finals of the Aberdeen Young Musician of the Year 2025 competition at the Cowdray Hall later this month (24 and 25 March 2025).
The annual contest is held in partnership with the Scottish Young Musicians competition, which is open to all young musicians who go to school in Scotland, whatever standard or age.
For the third year running, Aberdeen City Council’s Music Service has organised the local competition, which has two categories:
Junior – open to pupils in Year Three at Secondary School and below.
Senior – open to pupils in Year Four to Year Six at Secondary School.
More than 120 Aberdeen pupils auditioned for the first round of the competition in January 2025. The judges, who were Music Service staff, selected 12 Junior pupils and 12 Senior pupils to go forward to the finals.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Congratulations to all the young musicians who have made it through to the finals of Aberdeen Young Musician of the Year 2025. The Cowdray Hall is a wonderful venue with its superb acoustics.
“I would encourage everyone to show their support to our up-and-coming young musicians and enjoy a wonderful evening of music and song.”
Alan Kerr, Chair, of the Scottish Young Musicians competition, said: “We are delighted that Aberdeen continues to generate such extraordinary talent and have no doubt that the Aberdeen final will be thrilling.
“The winner will go on to showcase their skills at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Young Musician of the Year fourth national final on the 25th May at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.”
Aberdeen Young Musician 2025 – Junior Final
7pm until approx. 9.30pm on Monday 24 March, Cowdray Hall, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JQ.
Aberdeen Young Musician 2025 – Senior Final
7pm until approx. 9.30pm on Tuesday 25 March, Cowdray Hall, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1JQ.
Entry to the finals is FREE and unticketed.
The finalists will perform to a panel of external judges, Jenna Main, regional development executive, Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music; Craig McDermott, head teacher, Northfield Academy; and Clara-Jane Maunder, emerging composer and violinist from Aberdeen.
The judges will also select a ‘regional’ finalist who will represent Aberdeen at the Scottish Young Musicians competition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 25 May.
Councillors have approved Liverpool City Council’s budget for the next year.
It will see an additional £15.3 million invested in the delivery of frontline services for residents.
The budget includes an extra £1.5 million for neighbourhood services to help tackle issues such as flytipping, street cleansing and blight.
The aim is to build on improvements which have seen a 25 per cent drop in complaints about street cleansing and weeding over the last year.
Changes have included regular maintenance, litter picking and cleansing at 58 new locations, including central reservations, roundabouts and traffic islands; additional litter picks in areas including Kirkdale, Anfield, Picton and Dingle; and monthly cleansing of 850 communal bin stations.
There is also £500k for the School Streets programme to improve road safety around primary schools.
An additional £52 million is being set aside to deal with increased demand for adult and children’s social care, temporary housing and home to school transport. The Council has a legal duty to provide adult and children’s services, and they account for 63 per cent of spending.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “This is the most positive budget we have been able to present for some time due to the new government giving greater certainty to councils including future multi-year settlements and a bigger share of funding towards cities like Liverpool.
“The budget continues our investment in the issues we know local people care about such as street cleansing, waste management and improving recycling rates, which is why we are bringing these services back in-house.
“Like all councils, we continue to face real pressures in areas such as adult and children’s social care, temporary housing and home to school transport, and will continue to work with sector partners to suggest longer term solutions to the Government.“
Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Transformation, Councillor Ruth Bennett, said: “We are continuing to make great strides in improving our own financial management to drive up income and make the most of every pound. This is helping manage the demand pressures we face in areas such as social care.
“This rigorous approach is increasing Council Tax collection levels, reducing outstanding Business Rates and cutting the amount of outstanding debt we are owed.”
Council Tax bills will rise by 4.99 per cent in Council Tax, including two per cent ringfenced for adult social care. The majority of households in Liverpool – 59 per cent – live in Band A properties, and will see the charge for the council services element of their bill rise by £84.04 per year.
“Local councils provide a vast range of services that impact on everyone’s daily lives – supporting communities and neighbourhoods to thrive and grow, and creating opportunity for our people and places.
“As local leaders we take very seriously this responsibility, and in considering the very complex issues presented by Government’s call to restructure councils we are committed to working together with the shared goal of putting our communities first.
“We have explored a range of options that ensure that Derbyshire’s historic boundaries remain intact, while also creating new unitary councils of the right scale to deliver the best possible services for our communities.
“Our preferred option that meets government criteria involves the creation of two new unitary councils based on the existing geographies of the eight district and borough councils as the key building blocks, alongside the geography of Derby City Council.
“There is also the opportunity for the two new unitary councils to work in genuine partnership and collaborate on the delivery of all local government services, in turn ensuring the best possible value for money to local taxpayers. Most importantly, we believe these authorities would be of the appropriate size – the two councils would serve similarly sized populations of around 500,000 residents – to strike the right balance between retaining the strong local connections we already have with our communities and being financially sustainable.
“Our proposals also result in unitary councils of the right size and blend to engage fully and ensure our voice is heard at the East Midlands Combined County Authority and on key strategic issues close to our borders, whether that be our TransPennine and city links to Manchester and Sheffield in the north or our links to the East Midlands Freeport and Airport in the south.
“We don’t believe Derbyshire County Council’s plans for a single unitary council covering the whole of Derbyshire, excluding Derby, and serving a population of over 800,000 residents is the right approach. The organisation would be too large, and too far removed from the diverse communities that we serve.
“The county council’s plans would create a ‘doughnut effect’ around the city – leading to inefficient delivery of services and stifling economic and housing growth. It would also create significant disparity between the two unitary councils, in terms of both population and taxbase, and would therefore not meet the criteria the Government has set out.
“If local government must change, we want to make sure it does so in a way that keeps local services connected to the people who rely on them – creating councils which are big enough to deliver, and small enough to care.
“We have invited the Leader of Derbyshire County Council to be part of our joint discussions, but this has been declined. As the other local authorities in Derbyshire we have therefore moved quickly to draw up our own plans, which we believe clearly meet the Government’s criteria.
“To guide our final decisions, our proposals will be subject to extensive and meaningful consultation with residents, businesses, our workforces, partner public bodies, and the voluntary sector; ensuring all voices are captured and heard collectively.”
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Police staff from across the country were honoured at a special ceremony yesterday held at the Senior Police Staff Network conference.
Over 1,100 nominations were received across seven award categories for the inaugural National Police Staff Awards. These awards have been created to recognise the significant impact that police staff have in policing and celebrate where that work is helping to deliver policing priorities.
Nominations were received from across UK policing, showcasing the expansive roles and work that police staff undertake. Jointly hosted by the NPCC and College of Policing, this event forms part of the Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025.
We were honoured to have in attendance the Home Secretary the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, who presented the award for the inaugural Police Staff Team of the Year. This was awarded to the police staff who responded after the tragic events in Southport in July 2024, and who would go on to provide vital support to the community in the days and weeks to follow.
ACO Gemma Stannard, Head of the NPCC’s Strategic Hub, and ACO Alexis Poole of Devon and Cornwall Police are co-founders of the SPSN and were in attendance at today’s ceremony. They said:
“Today’s event was very special, and we feel privileged to have been able to share it with so many wonderful colleagues from across policing.
“The police service created these awards to recognise the members of police staff who have gone above and beyond in support of their communities; to recognise those who have shown immense mental, emotional, and mental bravery whilst undertaking their role; and to celebrate those whose work has contributed to vital organisational change. It is so important that we as a service take the time to appropriately recognise and celebrate these achievements.
“We are sincerely grateful that we were able to have the Home Secretary in attendance presenting the award to Police Staff Team of the Year: these individuals displayed courage, bravery and professionalism of the highest order in unprecedented circumstances and will carry what they saw that day at Southport with them for the rest of their lives.
“In carrying out their actions, they made a huge contribution to the safety and recovery of the survivors of the attack as well as securing a crime scene to ensure best possible evidence was preserved. We know we speak for all in policing when we say they have our gratitude and our respect.
“To all of the award winners today across all categories: thank you for all that you do. We hope today was a truly fulfilling experience, and we wish you all the very best”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“It has been a privilege to attend the inaugural National Police Staff Recognition Week and honour some truly outstanding people and fantastic achievements.
“From working with our communities to providing compassionate care to those who need it most, the role our police staff and Police Community Support Officers play in keeping our streets safe is invaluable and will have a crucial role to play as we deliver our Safer Streets Mission.
“The skill and dedication the award winners have shown is just a fraction of what every team in every force across the country is delivering every day, often in such pressurised environments, and it is fantastic to see staff and their families celebrated.”
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said:
“Police staff are too often overlooked, despite providing vital work for their communities every day, often in incredibly challenging circumstances.
“Whether it’s the intelligence from a police analyst who helps identify a criminal, a forensic investigator that provides the key piece of evidence that secures a conviction, or a PCSO who helps keep their community safe, police staff are absolutely integral to the police service, and I’m pleased we were able to acknowledge that today.
“I’m honoured that the College of Policing was able to host the inaugural Police Staff Awards, and I hope we get to see many more police staff being recognised for their brilliant work in the coming years.
Award Winners
Police Staff Team of the Year Award –Merseyside Sefton Area Police Community Support Team’
The winning team represents the Sefton Area Police Community Support Officers [as constituted at July/August 2024] and also the Social Media Officer who supported with critical work following the attack:
PSCO Eve Lancaster
PCSO Brendan Farrell
PCSO Chris Ward
PCSO Pawel Janik
Alexander Pouncey
PCSO Michelle Newman
PCSO Alice Cunningham
PCSO Lucas Cordeiro Reguin Da Silva
PCSO Timothy Parry
PCSO Barry Calder
Natalie Carroll, social media officer
Police Staff Member of the Year Award – Ian Lawrence, Family Liaison Coordinator, Lancashire Constabulary
HIGHLY COMMENDED – Lesley Yule Dunlevy, Public Enquiry and Support Assistant, Police Scotland
Police Staff Bravery Award – Anna Beaudro, Police Contact Enquiry Officer (PCEO), Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
HIGHLY COMMENDED – Ashely Heaton, Metropolitan Police Service Circulations Unit Supervisor, Met Police MO4.
New Police Staff Member (Exceptional Contribution Award) – Ryan Clatworthy, Incident Risk and Resolution Officer, South Wales Police. Olivia Prosser, Acting Senior Comms Officer, Cheshire Constabulary.
Police Staff Lifetime Achievement Award – Karen Boyd, Executive Assistant to Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations (ACSO), Metropolitan Police Service.
HIGHLY COMMENDED – David McMahon, Service Delivery Manger, Cheshire Constabulary – Enable Network.
Police Staff Ally of the Year Award – Claire Widdison, Head of Strategic Governance, Thames Valley Police
Police Staff Unsung Hero Award – [Undisclosed winner due to operational sensitivities]
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Prison expanded to create UK’s largest jail and keep public safe
More dangerous criminals will be taken off the streets thanks to a 700-place expansion which will turn a Suffolk jail into the UK’s largest.
three new houseblocks to be built at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk by summer 2027
key milestone in efforts to deliver 14,000 extra prison places nationwide by 2031
part of Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets
The three new, four-storey houseblocks at HMP Highpoint will boost its capacity by more than 50 percent– and is the latest step in Government action to create safer streets.
The houseblocks will include innovative workshops and teaching facilities to train prisoners with skills to secure a job on release and turn their backs on crime for good. The new cells will be fully operational by summer 2027.
The construction is a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031 to lock up dangerous offenders and keep the public safe.
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord James Timpson said:
This government is fixing the broken prison system it inherited – wasting no time in getting shovels in the ground to deliver the spaces needed to protect the public.
These new houseblocks have been designed with a laser-focus on cutting crime and are a major step in our plan to deliver 14,000 more prison places by 2031.
But we cannot simply build our way out of this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can lock up dangerous offenders, cut crime and make our streets safer.
HMP Highpoint Prison Governor Nigel Smith said:
The expansion at Highpoint will provide much-needed prisoner places in our region.
The new accommodation will provide a safe and secure environment for us to rehabilitate prisoners and get them ready for release.
We are pleased that the construction work has officially begun and we look forward to working with our contractors to get things delivered.
The build will be delivered by Wates Group, a leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance company. Once completed Highpoint will be the largest prison in terms of land size in North-West Europe and the largest in the UK based on prisoner population.
It will help provide an economic boost to East Anglia with hundreds of jobs created during construction and over 200 permanent jobs at the prison once built. Construction alone will bring investment into local businesses with 30% of materials/subcontractors coming from within a 50-mile radius.
Phil Shortman, Regional Managing Director at Wates said:
We are proud to be involved in the major programme of delivering much-needed prison spaces.
Through the construction of this project, around 2,000 building components have been crafted in prison workshops, providing meaningful employment opportunities, helping develop valuable skills and supporting brighter futures.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the government delivering additional prison capacity with a focus on rehabilitation, sustainability and social value for the local community.
The development is part of the government’s 10-year prison capacity strategy published in December. It includes 6,400 places through new houseblocks and 6,500 places via new prisons. One thousand rapid deployment cells will be rolled out across the estate while more than 1,000 existing cells will be refurbished.
A 1,500-capacity prison in Yorkshire, HMP Millsike, will be opened in the coming weeks. The government is investing £2.3 billion to deliver these prison builds, while a further £500 million will go towards vital building maintenance across prisons and the probation service.
The strategy will work alongside the Independent Sentencing Review to ensure the most serious offenders can always be sent to prison to protect the public.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine looks at butter and plant based oils intake and mortality.
Prof Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, said:
“The study shows that high butter consumption is linked to increased cancer and total mortality, whereas plant-based oils are linked to a lower risk of overall mortality and death due to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
“This research is very timely. Social media is currently awash with influencers promoting butter as a health food and claiming that seed oils are deadly. This large-scale, long-term study finds the reverse. The authors produce further evidence that seed oil consumption is linked to improved health and that butter – delicious as it is – should only be consumed once in a while.
“In a sane world, this study would give the butter bros and anti-seed oil brigade pause for thought, but I’m confident that their brand of nutri-nonsense will continue unabated.”
Dr Louise Flanagan, Head of Research for the Stroke Association, said:
“Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK and a leading cause of adult disability – but, fortunately, nine out of 10 strokes can be prevented. High blood pressure is the cause of around half of all strokes.
“This study covered a wider range of plant oils than previous research to find that greater consumption of rapeseed oil, soybean oil or olive oil is associated with an overall lower risk of death. It is positive to see other plant oils being considered in this way as olive oil has been a focus of much research in the past.
“The suggestion to switch from butter to plant oils is achievable for many people. However, it was only olive oil that was associated with a lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Olive oil is typically more expensive than other oils like rapeseed which means that its potential health benefits could be out of financial reach for some.
“The study didn’t consider what eating both butter and plant oils means in terms of health risks, which is likely to be what many people naturally do. This is potentially something which could be considered in future studies.
“The Stroke Association encourages people to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, not smoke and monitor alcohol intake, which can help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Anyone with concerns should speak to their GP.”
Prof Parveen Yaqoob, professor of nutritional science at the University of Reading, said:
“The link between diets high in saturated fat, particularly animal-based fat such as butter and lard, and higher mortality has been argued for decades. I have seen American adverts from the 1960s extolling the virtues of American housewives “polyunsaturating” their husbands when they come home from work. This is a fun historical reminder of the link between the food industry and dietary health messages, as well as showing how much woman have had to fight for social progress.
“This latest research provides strong additional data to support the ‘healthier fats’ theory. The research followed a large cohort of health workers in America over many years. The use of food frequency questionnaires means that we are relying on the participants to remember what they have eaten and how much, which we know can be an unreliable indicator of actual dietary patterns.
“The scientists for this study highlight that not all vegetable oils are equal. Although butter was being replaced by corn oil and sunflower oil, which are polyunsaturated, in the 1960s and 70s, the oils they are talking about in the research – olive, canola and soybean – are mainly monounsaturated. The researchers suggests that these are more beneficial than the polyunsaturated fats, and refer to the Mediterranean diet, which is higher in monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, for that reason. While many Western diets shifted away from saturated fat to polyunsaturated fat in the 1970s, the oils that we consume more often now contain more monounsaturates, which seem to be more beneficial. Given that there are some plant-based oils that are high in saturates – such as palm oil and coconut oil – it is important to consider them separately.
“Recent dietary fads have suggested a re-examination of evidence on dietary fat. People who are confused about these conflicting messages about their diet should focus on broader, well-established advice, which can be summarised as: eat more fresh vegetables.”
Prof Tom Sanders, Professor emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics, King’s College London, said:
“This important study shows that people who chose to eat butter don’t live as long as those who chose to eat vegetable oils. It is a well conducted prospective study of 221,054 health professionals who were in their fifties when enrolled and followed up for 33 years. Dietary intakes were assessed every 4 years. The study reports that those who had the highest intake of butter were 15% more likely to die prematurely (from both cardiovascular disease and cancer). In comparison the opposite was true (a 16 % reduction in relative risk of all-cause mortality), for participants who had the highest intake of vegetable oil. The same relationship was seen for olive oil, soybean oil and canola oil (rapeseed oil).
“The strength of the study is the long period of follow-up, repeated measures of dietary intake and adjustment in the statistical analysis for other factors such as smoking habit and obesity. The findings do not apply to sunflower, palm or coconut oils which were not consumed to any significant extent in this study. The limitations are that this an observational study not a randomised controlled trial. Furthermore, the findings with regard to health professionals may differ from the general population because they are better informed about healthy lifestyle choices.
“Butter is high in saturated fat, contains some trans fatty acids but is very low in polyunsaturated fats. Whereas unhydrogenated soybean, canola and olive oils are low in saturated fatty acids but high in unsaturated fats. Replacement of butter with these vegetable oils is well documented to lower blood cholesterol, particularly that associated with low density lipoprotein (LDL) by about 10%. This change in LDL cholesterol would be predicted to reduce the relative risk of death by about 3% which is much less than what was observed in this study. It remains possible that a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic acid) from the vegetable oil may have played a role in reducing risk by a variety of mechanisms. An alternative explanation may be that health professionals who are sensible follow prevailing healthy eating and lifestyle advice compared to those who don’t.
“The take home message is that it is healthier to choose unsaturated vegetable oils rather than butter. This is particularly relevant as there has been much negative publicity about vegetable oils on social media, which are based on unfounded claims of potential harmful effects, rather than deaths as described in the present study.”
Prof George Davey Smith, FRS FMedSci, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Bristol, said:
“Yet again these studies show that the exposure that is accompanied by large differences in other adverse health exposures – e.g. more than double the rate of cigarette smoking in the highest quartile vs lowest quartile of butter consumption is associated with worse health outcomes. That these differences cannot be taken into account by the statistical models the authors use is well known; measurement error and unmeasured factors ensure this. It is now more than 30 years since these authors published two high profile papers back to back in the New England Journal of Medicine claiming that vitamin E supplement use would reduce heart disease risk by 40%. The claims were incorrect, but many people believed them – the story was the headline news in the New York Times – and started taking vitamin E supplements. However randomised trials later showed this was nonsense: there was no benefit. This is documented in the first few minutes of this recent talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IgpTT5ZXXU&t=2s As in the conclusion of my blog1 on the same authors’ “dark chocolate” paper, the interesting question this paper raises is “why do supposedly legitimate journals keep publishing papers like this?”.”
‘Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality’ by Yu Zhang et al. was published in JAMA Internal Medicine at 21:00 UK time on Thursday 6 March 2025.
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0205
Declared interests
Prof Sarah Berry: “Sarah has received funding from the Almond Board of California, Malaysian Palm Oil Board and ZOE (Chief scientist at ZOE Ltd, options and consultancy at ZOE Ltd.).”
Dr Louise Flanagan: “None.”
Prof Parveen Yaqoob: “Professor Parveen Yaqoob is Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of the University of Reading, and professor of nutritional science in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, which has funding from public bodies, charities and businesses to conduct independent scientific research on food and nutrition.
Work on reducing saturated fat in dairy was a REF case study, which includes grant numbers from BBSRC and MRC, and had industry partners throughout, which is one of the ways in which the research was considered to have impact.
Prof Tom Sanders: “I am a member of the Programme Advisory Committee of the Malaysia Palm Oil Board which involves the review of research projects proposed by the Malaysia government.
I also used to be a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Global Dairy Platform up until 2015.
I did do some consultancy work on GRAS affirmation of high oleic palm oil for Archer Daniel Midland more than ten years ago.
My research group received oils and fats free of charge from Unilever and Archer Daniel Midland for our Food Standards Agency Research.
Tom was a member of the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee that recommended that trans fatty acids be removed from the human food chain.
Member of the Science Committee British Nutrition Foundation. Honorary Nutritional Director HEART UK.
Before my retirement from King’s College London in 2014, I acted as a consultant to many companies and organisations involved in the manufacture of what are now designated ultraprocessed foods.
I used to be a consultant to the Breakfast Cereals Advisory Board of the Food and Drink Federation.
I used to be a consultant for aspartame more than a decade ago.
When I was doing research at King’ College London, the following applied: Tom does not hold any grants or have any consultancies with companies involved in the production or marketing of sugar-sweetened drinks. In reference to previous funding to Tom’s institution: £4.5 million was donated to King’s College London by Tate & Lyle in 2006; this funding finished in 2011. This money was given to the College and was in recognition of the discovery of the artificial sweetener sucralose by Prof Hough at the Queen Elizabeth College (QEC), which merged with King’s College London. The Tate & Lyle grant paid for the Clinical Research Centre at St Thomas’ that is run by the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Trust, it was not used to fund research on sugar. Tate & Lyle sold their sugar interests to American Sugar so the brand Tate & Lyle still exists but it is no longer linked to the company Tate & Lyle PLC, which gave the money to King’s College London in 2006.”
Broadband connectivity in London Economy, Culture & Skills Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet to hear evidence on the work being done to improve London’s broadband speeds, the challenges of this, and the impact improved broadband speeds would have on London’s economy. The guests are:
Panel 1- 10-11.30am:
Graeme Oxby – Chief Executive, Community Fibre
Stacey McAdie – Digital Connectivity Lead, South London Partnership
Trevor Dorling – Director Digital Greenwich, London Borough of Greenwich
Panel 2 – 11.30am -12.30pm:
Emma Stone – Director of Evidence and Engagement, Good Things Foundation
Laura Timm – Greater London Representative, Federation of Small Businesses
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) Police and Crime Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
The Police and Crime Committee will explore the levels of VAWG amongst young people, what services are available for survivors, as well as the Mayor’s VAWG strategy and prevention principles. The guests are:
Jain Lemom, Head of Tackling VAWG, MOPAC
Will Balakrishnan, Director of Commissioning and Partnerships, MOPAC
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Children embrace the future with humanoid school project
Using humanoids to inspire children to get involved in the science and technology of the future.
The Government Office for Science and the Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) are piloting a programme aimed at getting primary school children excited about science and technology and how it will contribute to solving some of the biggest challenges of our time.
This pilot phase turns analysis done by the Government Office for Science into a fun, futuristic poster that can be used as a starting point for a classroom discussion which introduces the world of humanoid robots and some of the ways they can support us now and in the future.
Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean said:
The school outreach project is an exciting opportunity to prompt young people to think about important new ideas, how these will affect their lives, and how they can get involved in science and technology for the good of our collective future. I hope it helps to raise the next generation of enthusiastic scientists and engineers!
Chief Executive of ASDC Shaaron Leverment said:
This poster aims to spark curiosity, imagination and aspiration. We’re achieving this by working closely with regional science centres – through their trusted relationships with local schools and teachers, their understanding of regional diversity and close adherence to evidenced approaches to accessible and impactful STEM engagement.
The pilot programme is running in schools in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and aims to spark interest among Year 5 and 6 children.
As part of the collaboration, the Government Office for Science has designed the poster and background information for teachers to use in sessions on it, while the ASDC has distributed the poster to schools through the network of Science and Discovery Centres and conducted focus groups to gather feedback from teachers and pupils.
The pilot is the first step in what is hoped to be a long-term project that will see more analysis on emerging technologies from the Government Office for Science used to guide discussions.
Birmingham City Council has submitted a planning application to regenerate Druids Heath, which will deliver around 3,500 new energy-efficient homes.
The homes will be built alongside excellent green spaces, new infrastructure and transport links, as well as the revitalisation of commercial and community spaces in Druids Heath.
The council is committed to building around 1,785 affordable homes as part of the scheme, representing 51% of homes on the development.
The planning application details how 400 homes will be built as affordable homes, and the council aims to deliver these homes for social rent.
The remaining affordable homes will be delivered through a partnership agreement with a developer and a Registered Provider.
Work to appoint the developer is well underway, and it is anticipated that the partnership agreement will be signed in early 2027.
Councillor Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said:
“I am pleased that we now have a plan in place to deliver a regeneration of Druids Heath and to provide much need new affordable homes to the city.
“For the past two years, we have been working with the community in Druids Heath to develop a plan to regenerate the area, one that meets the needs of the people who live and work there.
“Residents have been vital to ensuring this plan delivers for Druids Heath. The most common comment was that the timescales for the plan were too long, so we have changed the plans to deliver faster.
“This regeneration will build the types of homes we need to tackle climate change, reduce residents fuel bills, and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions.
“The plans take advantage of the estate’s key strengths – community spirit and abundance of green space – to make a healthier, more sustainable place to live.
“Any regeneration will affect people’s homes and can, therefore, be a significant cause of distress for residents. To help, we will appoint independent advisors to advise homeowners throughout the process to ensure our residents feel supported and informed. We will also hold regular in-person drop-in sessions for people to ask any questions.
“We also understand residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area. For this reason, the council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate. We will let residents know more about these models as soon as we are able. It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Electric boost: over 16,000 electric vehicle chargers on the way for the Midlands
New chargepoints will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond.
local authorities in the Midlands set to roll out thousands of electric vehicle chargers thanks to more than £40 million in government funding
investment to boost charging infrastructure in cities, towns and rural areas, particularly for those without access to driveways
comes on top of £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to electric, creating jobs and delivering the Plan for Change
Drivers across the Midlands will benefit from more than 16,000 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers as the region secures over £40 million in government investment.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has today (7 March 2025), confirmed that 13 local authorities across the Midlands, supported by Midlands Connect, have received £40.8 million from the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to roll out thousands of chargers across the region.
While the charging network continues to grow – with over 10,000 public chargers already available across the Midlands – today’s announcement will provide many more drivers across the Midlands easy access to charging near their home.
The funding comes on top of over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs. This is creating high paid jobs, supporting businesses up and down the country and tapping into a multi-billion pound industry to make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver the Plan for Change.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is crucial to making the switch to electric a success and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway.
Electric vehicles will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond as we continue to deliver our Plan for Change.
The new chargepoints will boost charging infrastructure across the Midlands, including in smaller towns and rural areas, ensuring that EV owners and those looking to switch can drive with the confidence they will always be close to a chargepoint, no matter where they live.
The UK’s public chargepoint network continues to grow every day, with over 74,000 public chargers now available across the country and a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone.
With £200 million announced at 2024 Budget to continue powering the chargepoint rollout and £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline, the UK’s charging network will continue to see hundreds of thousands of chargers added in the coming years, delivering resilient infrastructure so that EV owners can drive with the confidence that they’re always close to a chargepoint.
With over 382,000 EVs sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – the UK is the largest EV market in Europe. There’s never been a better time to switch to EVs, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.
Owning an EV is also becoming increasingly cheaper, with drivers able to save up to £750 a year compared to petrol if they mostly charge at home.
The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles – that’s about 2 weeks of driving for most people – all the while emitting just one-third of the greenhouse emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.
With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments, and up-to-date public chargepoint locations, charging has now become easier than ever.
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said:
We are delighted that our collaboration with local authorities has resulted in a significant funding boost for electric vehicle infrastructure across the region.
This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban on diesel and petrol vehicles.
We will continue to work with local authorities to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Midlands.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
I’m pleased that Worcestershire, alongside other local authorities, has been successful in this bid for significant funding towards boosting electric vehicle infrastructure.
It’s hoped, that installing more public charge points , will not only support those who already have an electric vehicle, but also encourage others to make the move towards purchasing one.
Funding for 25,500 new Modern Apprentices, 2,500 Foundation Apprentices.
More than £100 million funding to support Modern and Foundation Apprenticeships in 2025-26 has been confirmed by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.
Contracts will now be issued by Skills Development Scotland to employers, training providers and colleges for Modern Apprenticeship starts and learning providers for Foundation Apprenticeship starts.
The Education Secretary made the announcement following a visit to Glenrothes High School to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week.
Ms Gilruth said:
“Around 400,000 apprenticeship opportunities have been provided to young people across the country since 2008 and our latest funding commitment makes clear they will continue to be a key feature of Scotland’s education and skills system going forward. Apprenticeships provide vital opportunities for young people to acquire key skills and a route into high quality careers, helping the economy and creating sustainable jobs.
“Feedback from employers indicates that there are key skills gaps and we are aiming to focus investment on apprenticeships in sectors facing labour market shortages. I would encourage businesses to consider opportunities available to them, to help them adapt and sustain their operations.
“Supporting apprenticeships is just one part of the £2 billion we are investing each year in colleges, universities and the wider skills system, recognising the vital role they play in education and the economy.”
Chair of Skills Development Scotland Frank Mitchell said:
“Created by employers, for employers, apprenticeships are crucial to unlocking economic opportunity in growth sectors.
“With demand from employers and young people remaining strong, SDS will continue working to maximise apprenticeship starts aligned to industry need within its available budget.
“Apprenticeships foster innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities whilst providing great social return, generating opportunities for many young people from Scotland’s most deprived communities.”
At Glenrothes High School, Ms Gilruth met S6 pupil Demi Short, undertaking a Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship, who said the opportunity had highlighted a potential career path for her.
Demi said:
“Overall, my experience of the Childcare Foundation Apprenticeship is extremely positive, as it has sparked my desire to work within the primary education course.
“The placement has sparked my love and passion within this career. I will always be thankful for my placement, and the experience.”
Jack Mellis, also in S6, is undertaking a Creative and Digital Foundation Apprenticeship, and spoke about the practical skills he had gained.
Jack said:
“The creative and digital course teaches you anything digital in the creative industry, including making videos for social media, designing posters for anything requested, creating sound and working rigging equipment for this purpose. You learn how to read a creative brief and how to respond, what software to use and so on.
“I am currently on my work placement in technical theatre, where I can use the skills I gathered during my course. I have no doubt that the skills I have learnt from my course and work placement will allow me to get a job in many different places, such as marketing teams for companies, radio or movie studios, or even my own video making company.”
Headteacher of Glenrothes High School, Avril McNeill, said:
“Anyone considering a Foundation Apprenticeship in school should go for it – there’s a huge range of Foundation Apprenticeships on offer, from childcare, to legal services, to lab skills. No matter what your chosen career path is, there is something for everyone.
“Foundation Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to mix their school career with college – they can try courses they may be interested in doing and determine whether that is for them or not. This is combined with some hands-on, practical work experience that they could use in the workplace or for personal statements for college or university applications.
“We have got a very varied curricular offering, and were an early adopter of Foundation Apprenticeships and offer national certificates in school as well. This creates a flexible package of traditional qualifications integrated with Foundation Apprenticeships, where young people might be part time in school and at college, and do some work experience as part of that.”
Background
Funding for Modern and Foundation Apprenticeship starts is part of the £202.3 million provided to SDS in the 2025-26 budget, approved by the Scottish Parliament on 25 February 2025. Around £102.5 million of this will be deployed to maintain the existing numbers of apprentices of approximately 25,500 Modern Apprenticeship starts and around 2,500 Foundation Apprenticeship starts. This is in addition to a further 2,500 Foundation Apprenticeships and around 1,200 Graduate Apprenticeships funded through the Scottish Funding Council. This will ensure that as much demand as possible for Modern Apprenticeships is met from within the SDS budget.
In total, the Scottish Government will provide £185 million investment to deliver apprenticeships to SDS, Scottish Funding Council and SAAS in 2025-26.
Ministers will work with SDS on ensuring appropriate sectoral coverage to help address evidenced skills gaps.
Dame Andrea, who was the Minister for Start for Life until last July and responsible for rolling out the Family Hub and Start for Life programme across England, has recently established The Leadsom Foundation which aims to provide grant funding to charities that provide support services to new families in Family Hubs across England and, eventually, across the UK, alongside commissioning academic research into what works best in the early years sector and advocating around the world for the vital importance of the 1001 Critical Days (pregnancy to age 2).
Bingley Family Hub, one of nine family hubs across the city, is a place where children, young people and their families can go when they need support, help and intervention. Hubs support families from pregnancy right up until their child is 19, or up until 25 for SEND cases. Every family is welcome.
The visit included meeting with the charities and voluntary services which provide support at Bingley Family Hub to get a full picture on the support offered, including help for new and expectant dads, new and expectant mothers when breastfeeding and how the local community are encouraged to take up the services on offer.
Denise Williams, Service Manager, Family Hubs for City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “It was fantastic to be able to welcome Dame Leadsom to Bingley Family Hub and highlight the outstanding work being done there by our staff. We were very pleased to show what goes on at the Hub to support local families.
“There were representatives on the day from our support group for fathers, Proud Parents for parents from the LGBTQ community along with First Abide CIC, a mental health and emotional wellbeing support service tailored to support parents and carers at all stages of their parenting journey which delivers interactive parent support workshops designed to empower parents and caregivers in a supportive environment where they can share experiences, learn practical strategies, and build confidence in navigating family life in collaboration with Friendly Faces CIC, a disability services and support organisation dedicated to empowering disabled individuals, families and carers.
“Also present were representatives from Aspiring Futures, an award winning, women led social enterprise which helps women to have the confidence, skills and courage to follow their aspirations and I Hear You, a recipient of the Family Hubs Small Grant scheme, which will provide, parenting, health and wellbeing and therapeutic support from April 2025.”
Following the visit, The Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom DBE, said: “It was wonderful to see the huge commitment and passion of the staff and volunteers in the Hub. I met some of the parents with their gorgeous babies and heard how much they value the help and support they receive. I would encourage every Wolverhampton family to visit their local Family Hub!”
From the bronze age to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, the discovery and development of new materials has been a driving force in human history. These novel materials have helped advance technology and shape civilisations.
Today, we are at the beginning of a new era, where artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be in the perfect position to transform the search for useful materials. This looks set to completely change the approach to their investigation, creation and testing.
In ancient times, human civilisations experimented with natural resources to create tools and artifacts. The bronze age, in the mid-4th millennium BC, was a significant milestone. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, led to the development of stronger tools and weapons, as well as advancements in agriculture and construction.
Bronze is often referred to as the first “new material” created by humans. We took different elements and created something new, with better properties than either ingredient and unique qualities. The invention of glass in ancient Mesopotamia around 3,500BC was another groundbreaking moment.
Fast forward to the 20th century and the discovery of plastic polymers, ceramics and superconductors opened new frontiers in technology. Ceramics, known for their durability and heat resistance, became a staple in industries from aerospace to electronics.
Superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance, are already used in maglevs (magnetic levitation trains), particle accelerators and medical devices.
AI enters the fray
Searching for new materials that could help drive the development of the next groundbreaking technologies has previously been a long and expensive process. This has been due to the complexity of many materials at the atomic and molecular levels. Traditional methods are essentially based on trial and error and need specialised equipment and resources.
The inherent uncertainty and risk in material discovery further complicates and lengthens the process. However, advancements in AI, including in a subset of AI called machine learning, are beginning to transform the whole landscape, enabling more efficient and targeted approaches. In machine learning, mathematical rules called algorithms learn from data to improve at tasks without human intervention.
The main shift is a new methodology based on “generative” AI systems, which can create new content. AI systems can now directly produce novel materials when provided with desired properties and constraints.
Earlier this year, a team at Microsoft published a paper in Nature that introduced a pair of AI tools for the design of inorganic materials (those not based around the element carbon).
These tools play complementary roles in materials discovery. They are called MatterGen and MatterSim. The first one creates new candidate materials, and the second filters and validates them – to ensure they could be made in the real world.
The specific desired properties that can be incorporated through MatterGen include a specific symmetry, or mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties.
Unlike traditional methods that mostly rely on intuition (along with extensive and tedious experimentation), MatterGen can generate thousands of potential materials with specific desired properties in a fraction of the time.
This AI-led approach accelerates the initial stages of material design. It allows researchers to explore a broader range of possibilities and focus on the most promising candidates.
MatterSim applies rigorous computer analysis to predict the stability and viability of these proposed materials. This predictive capability helps filter out theoretical possibilities from physically feasible ones. This ensures that only stable materials move forward in the discovery process.
New tools in the box
At this point, we might wonder, what does a new material, identified through this process, look like? MatterSim is mostly focusing on crystals, or more appropriately unique crystalline structures with a specific arrangement of atoms.
These structures are tailored to meet precise property constraints, making them suitable for various applications. These include high energy batteries, flexible electronics, displays, solar panels or advanced medical implants.
Microsoft’s powerful duo, however, is not alone in its quest. Google DeepMind’s Graph Networks for Materials Exploration (Gnome) is another tool promising to dramatically speed up the discovery process. Gnome uses a form of AI that’s inspired by the human brain called deep learning. It predicts the stability of new materials, significantly shortening the exploration and discovery phase.
In a paper published in 2023, researchers from Google DeepMind demonstrated that their AI model could identify 2.2 million new stable materials. Some 736 of these have already been experimentally realised. This is a tenfold increase over previous methods. These materials, many of which were previously unknown to human chemists, have potential applications in clean energy, electronics, and more.
Even if both Google’s Gnome and Microsoft’s MatterGen are AI-based, they differ in their approaches and, in some ways, provide complementary methodologies. Gnome predicts the stability of new materials by creating variations on existing structures, and it focuses on identifying stable crystalline materials.
MatterGen, on the other hand, employs a generative AI model to directly engineer novel materials based on specific design requirements. It creates material structures by changing elements, positions and periodic lattices (a repeating structure in three dimensions).
The implications of AI-driven material discovery are vast. They could potentially lead to innovations in fields such as energy storage and environmental sustainability. One of the most promising applications is the development of new batteries.
As the world makes the transition to renewable energy sources, the demand for efficient, long lasting batteries has grown and will continue to do so. AI tools can help researchers design and identify new materials able to support higher energy densities, faster charging times and longer lifespans.
Beyond energy storage, new materials can be used to design new medical devices, implants and even drug delivery systems. This could improve patient outcomes and advance medical treatments.
In aerospace, lightweight, durable materials could enhance the performance and safety of aircraft and spacecraft. Meanwhile, new materials for water purification, carbon capture, and waste management could address pressing environmental challenges.
Domenico Vicinanza, Associate Professor of Intelligent Systems and Data Science, Anglia Ruskin University
Over two hundred guests joined the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, at Leeds Civic Hall’s Banqueting Suite for a fast-breaking iftar meal on Wednesday 5 March.
The iftar meal is only the third of its kind to be held at the Civic Hall and was jointly hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, and the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE DL, in support of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, the Leeds Community Foundation.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide fast (sawm) during the hours of daylight, abstaining from all food and drink. Iftar is the second meal of the day for those participating in Ramadan, and it ends the day’s fast, which starts immediately after the pre-dawn meal of suhur. The start of iftar is signalled by the call to evening prayer, the time of which alters daily to account for the lengthening days.
Joining the Lord Mayor and High Sheriff at the meal were notable dignitaries from across the region including the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, the Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, and the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, John Robins. Others in attendance included the Lord Mayors of Bradford, Wakefield, and Calderdale, as well as a cross-section of faith representatives from other communities.
Qari Asim MBE from Makkah Mosque led the call to prayer which signalled the start of iftar as the sun set. As is traditional, the fast was broken with the eating of dates and drinking of water before guests enjoyed a buffet-style meal.
Speakers at the iftar meal included the former Children’s Mayor, Mohammed Hussein and the Leeds Children’s Mayor finalist (2024/2025), Zoha Ahmed, who both spoke about what Ramadan means to them. The children’s thoughts add to speeches by the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff, the Lord-Lieutenant, and the Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “It was a great honour to jointly host an iftar meal at the Civic Hall, together with the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Adeeba Malik.
“The holy month of Ramadan is not only a time of abstinence. It is a time of reflection and the coming together of communities. I hope that by sharing this meal, we brought our multi-faith communities in Leeds a little closer together and that it acts as a prompt for us all to reflect on how we can, in our own way, make the world a better place.”
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I was pleased to attend the iftar and take the opportunity to underline the Council’s full commitment to doing all we can to tackle anti-Muslim prejudice in Leeds. This includes our adoption in 2022 of the Anti-Muslim Prejudice definition as something that is direct or indirect hatred and discrimination against anyone of Islamic faith on grounds of their belief and practice.
“We undertake regular engagement work with various groups in communities across Leeds, and we run awareness raising campaigns on how to report Islamophobic hate and the support available to victims; as well as to highlight the many positive contributions British Muslims make every day to life in Leeds.
“This year we are also supporting the ‘Fasting in Solidarity” campaign for Ramadan 2025; and we plan to launch new hate crime and social cohesion strategies for the city.”
After a successful first year, the second Coventry Primary Aspirations Week took place this week, running from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March.
Coventry City Council worked with partners across the city to bring the event back bigger and better for 2025.
Primary Aspirations week coincides with National Careers Week, which aims to raise young people’s awareness of future career pathways. Primary Aspirations Week aims to encourage primary school-aged children to think about possible career choices in the future, and how to develop some of the skills they might need to get there.
Over 1000 children in schools across Coventry took part in in-person events during Primary Aspirations Week 2025, hearing from a wide range of businesses and organisations in the city and beyond. Even more pupils (over 2500) engaged in an online learning session on Monday 3 March!
The children, aged between 7-11, were given the opportunity to learn about things in a fun way. For example, National Grid gave an insight into their world of work using an interactive app “Now Press Play” which provided a really engaging way of getting children to live the experience of a National Grid employee.
NHS Coventry and Warwickshire also hosted a session on giving the children the chance to see who is involved in the care industry when somebody needs medical help. Children asked questions and talked about this could be a possible future career choices for them.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “It’s really great to see how Primary Aspirations Week has expanded so much for this year. Once again, the feedback we’ve received from schools and children has been nothing but positive.
“We really wanted to give more children an opportunity to think about their futures and imagine the types of careers they might want to pursue. We know that children’s aspirations are shaped by their life experiences, so we wanted to create an event that gave children an insight into what they could go onto do after school.”
Jo Stanley, the headteacher at Little Heath Primary School, which played host one of the events, said: “It was a fabulous opportunity for primary children to hear from external speakers who brought their own experiences and skillset to inspire the children. The morning had an immediate impact on the children to think about their own skills and future aspirations outside of the classroom too. Providing opportunities for children to see and hear that they can set goals for their future career, and they do come true, is invaluable for all Coventry pupils.”
Organisations that took part in the event included: E.ON, Sky Blues in the Community, National Grid, West Midland’s Fire Service, Coventry Building Society, Ascension Dance Company, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire, Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent, Transport for West Midlands, the University of Warwick, Siemens Electrical, Lioncourt Homes, West Midlands Police, NFU, Canal & River Trust, Pet-xi, Sense, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Careers Hub and Coventry City Council.
Some comments from children at Little Heath were:
“Listening to the architects about building homes, I now want to become a builder when I grow up.” – Aroosh.
“It was great fun learning from the visitors.” – Sieanna
“I enjoyed aspiration day because we got to learn and explore different jobs we can do when we grow up.” – Zuzanna
“I really enjoyed learning about lots of jobs that helped my everyday life, opening more opportunities.” – Abanoub.