A local takeaway owner has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 following a conviction for a string of food safety and hygiene breaches.
Mr Khalil Hakim, the owner of Urban Spice, on Brock Street, Lancaster, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Lancaster Magistrates court on Tuesday (January 21) after failing to comply with requirements under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.
Inspections by Lancaster City Council’s Environmental Health team in February and March 2024 identified poor standards at the premises, which included mouldy onion bhajis found in the fridge, poor handling of food, poor cleanliness and a lack of food safety management procedures.
Officers served statutory hygiene improvement notices to seek improved standards at the premises.
Following non-compliance Mr Hakim appeared at court for failing to comply with two Hygiene Improvement Notices for food safety management and food safety training, and for placing food on the market which was deemed unsafe.
Mr Hakim was ordered to pay £5615.94 in fines and costs ( £1,600 in fines, Victim surcharge of £640 and legal costs of £3375.94).
Lancaster City Council will continue to monitor the business and take further action if necessary.
Councillor Paul Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Our Food Safety team is committed to ensuring the protection and safeguarding of residents and visitors consuming food across our district.
“The team continually inspect and monitor all food businesses to ensure they adhere to relevant laws and regulations and we work with businesses, where needed, to help drive their operations up to expected standards.
“Poor food hygiene standards pose a serious threat to public health. This business had a history of poor ratings, and as this case shows, we will not hesitate in taking action against businesses who fall short of food safety and hygiene requirements.”
The injunction, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council and supported by West Midlands Police, prohibits people from participating, as a driver, rider or passenger, in a gathering of 2 or more people where some of those present engage in car racing, vehicular stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.
It also prohibits people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.
The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of any hearing.
The High Court ordered that the injunction and power of arrest should remain in force until at least 2027 subject to annual review, with the next hearing taking place on Wednesday 26 February, 2025, at 10.30am at the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, Birmingham District Registry at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6DS.
Any existing defendants who wish to file any evidence in respect of the review hearing must do so by next Friday (7 February, 2025). To contact the claimants, write to: FAO: Black Country Car Cruise, Legal Services, City of Wolverhampton Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RG. Alternatively, email litigation@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 556556. Anyone wishing to be joined as a defendant to proceedings may apply to the High Court, as provided for by paragraph 11 of the injunction.
For more information, including a copy of the injunction and the power of arrest, the notice of review hearing, and updated documents and evidence for the review hearing, please visit the street racing pages of the applicants – Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, or Dudley.
Incidents of street racing should be reported via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Police are also inviting members of the public to submit dash cam or mobile phone footage of street racing events or dangerous driving via its Op Snap website.
Mayor announces record additional £10m investment, backing his commitment with Government to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2030
Additional funding package represents biggest ever single investment, more than any London Mayor, to tackle rough sleeping in the capital
New funding will transform and expand a network of Ending Homelessness Hubs across the capital, providing 24/7 specialist support for people new to rough sleeping and prevention services
Sadiq renews pledge to work with Government, boroughs and the homelessness sector to put London on a pathway to end rough sleeping via his spring 2025 Plan of Action
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced the biggest ever single investment of £10million to tackle the capital’s rough sleeping crisis – more than any London Mayor.
With rough sleeping having risen across the country and recent City Hall data showing a 20 per cent annual increase in the number of Londoners on the streets for the first time, [1] Sadiq has committed a record extra £10m to his rough sleeping budget [2], focused on ‘prevention as well as cure’, to put the capital on a pathway to end rough sleeping for good by 2030.
The funding will expand a network of ‘Ending Homelessness Hubs’. The hubs are safe places for people sleeping rough for the first time to be assessed by professional teams, so that plans can be made quickly to support them away from the streets in the long-term.
The hubs build on the success of the Mayor’s four existing ‘No Second Night Out’ (NSNO) services, through which charity partner St Mungo’s deliver 24/7 specialist care and support for Londoners sleeping rough. This includes round-the-clock support in reconnecting service users with their families and friends, advice on what financial support they may be entitled to, helping to secure onward move-on accommodation, and mental health support.
The expansion will establish an Ending Homelessness Hub for every sub-region of the capital [3], with a brand new fifth hub set to open in early 2026, helping an additional 500 people per year. For the first time ever, a new focus on prevention will be built into the service, meaning that teams will step in and provide support to high-risk Londoners before they spend a first night on the streets. These changes will be rolled out in co-ordination with London boroughs and the wider homelessness sector, and could see Ending Homelessness Hubs taking referrals from trusted partners such as day centres, even if individuals have not previously slept rough but are at immediate risk of doing so.
The Mayor will also help more Londoners to exit rough sleeping for good through access to the long-term housing and support needed to rebuild their lives. In October last year, the Mayor announced his ‘Homes off the Streets’ drive, and today’s investment will provide the resources needed to bring more homes into this scheme, including Housing First – which gives people who are chronically homeless a home without any conditions.
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action, due to be published in the spring, which will establish a shared mission for ending rough sleeping – including the scale of funding required and the best mechanisms for achieving this ambition by 2030.
The Mayor today visited a south London NSNO Hub where he renewed his pledge to work closely with the Government, boroughs, and the homelessness sector to deliver innovative long-term solutions to the capital’s rough sleeping crisis.
Sadiq is clear that ending rough sleeping in London for good will require every sector to step up and play their part – from health to housing, and social care to wider society – backed by greater investment.
During his time as Mayor, Sadiq has delivered record funding to homelessness charities and service providers across the capital. He’s also quadrupled City Hall’s rough sleeping budget; at £36.3 million in 2023/24, this is now more than four times the £8.45 million a year it was when Sadiq took office in 2016. Around 18,000 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since 2016 through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to putting London on a pathway to ending rough sleeping for good by 2030, which is why today I’m delivering an additional £10m in funding – the biggest ever single investment – to help more Londoners build their lives away from the streets.
“Tackling the capital’s rough sleeping crisis won’t be easy, but I’m confident it can be done with strong leadership and a clear vision for how to get there, backed by the Government and wider society.
“My Plan of Action on rough sleeping, due to be published this spring, will build on the huge amount of work we’ve done over the years to tackle this vital issue. As well as taking more people of the streets now, a stronger focus on prevention will help us to end rough sleeping as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
The Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, added: “Spaces like the No Second Night Out hub are absolutely vital in our efforts to end homelessness.
“This new funding from the Mayor of London will help to expand services to support people facing homelessness here in Lewisham and across London.
“We are facing a housing and homelessness crisis; boroughs can’t tackle this alone, and we welcome this funding to support councils and charities to help people when they need it most.”
Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo’s, said: “With the capital seeing some of the highest rates of people rough sleeping, we welcome the Mayor of London’s focus on preventing homelessness. The NSNO hubs funded by the Mayor and run by St Mungo’s have already made a huge difference in helping people off the streets; the reality is that without somewhere safe and warm to stay for the night, it’s not only life chances that are reduced, but life expectancy as well. This announcement however illustrates that more can be done to address the root causes of homelessness.
“This investment in new hubs will help us be there for people before they end up sleeping rough. Shifting the dial to prevention brings us closer to our goal of ending homelessness for good, meaning fewer people relying on emergency accommodation in an already creaking housing system.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to turn the tide on homelessness and rough sleeping. Over the coming year, we know that that there is a lot we can achieve together.”
Public invited to share their positive experiences of Life Project
29 January 2025
Derry City and Strabane District Council is celebrating the success of its pioneering Life Project by inviting the public to share their positive experiences of the initiative.
The Life Project has been running for seven years and has led to thousands of tree saplings being planted to mark every birth, death, civil partnership and marriage registered in the Council’s District Registration offices.
The trees symbolise growth, remembrance and new beginnings during life’s most significant moments and are part of a wider regional strategy to improve air quality and the public’s mental health across the City and District.
Registering families are encouraged to plant the tree to commemorate their loved one or life event at their own property but if they don’t have a suitable location, Council can identify alternative sites in its parks and green spaces and plant the tree for them.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has urged the public to submit their stories and images on the project website to celebrate its success and inspire other families to get involved.
“Since the launch of the Life Tree project in 2018 over 10,000 sapling trees have been distributed and planted across our Council area,” she noted.
“Each tree represents a meaningful life moment for a family and leaves a lasting physical legacy to mark and remember it.
“To highlight the project’s success, we would love to hear from you if your family has been involved, what your tree has symbolised for you and how it has helped you celebrate and honour one of life’s significant moments.”
You can share your experience now by visiting the project website at www.lifeprojectderrystrabane.com and completing the ‘Share Your Story’ form with the option to upload pictures.
The stories may be shared on Council’s Social Media pages and with the local media.
A community planting day will take place at Bay Road Park on Saturday 22nd February to plant some of the left over trees from the Life Project. Members of the public are invited to come along to help and further details will be shared via the Council’s social media pages in the weeks before the event.
Further information on the Life Tree Project is available through the Environmental Health Department of Derry City and Strabane District Council by calling 028 71 253253 or e mailing [email protected].
Hundreds of thousands of antique plants and flowers carefully preserved for centuries will be given new life thanks to a fascinating environmental history project in Leeds.
The city’s vast collection of precious herbarium sheets was collected by botanists and horticulturalists over the past 200 years, with many of the fragile plants gathered in parks and grassland in east Leeds.
Stored at the Leeds Discovery Centre, the plants are now set to be studied by people living and working in the same area where they once grew, connecting their communities and ecosystems through time.
Thanks to funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, the new Dead Plant Society project will see Leeds Museums and Galleries teaming up with arts and social change charity Space2 to search through the 250,000-strong collection.
Together, they will find also new specimens in the field which will be added to the museum collection, discover stories about their community and chart how nature and biodiversity in Leeds have changed across the past two hundred years.
And by comparing modern specimens with those collected in the past, experts hope they will even be able to measure changing levels of pollution and air quality in east Leeds over the centuries.
Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “Our herbarium collection is not only a remarkably beautiful resource, it’s also a hugely important and detailed record of how plant life and the natural world in Leeds have evolved over the past 200 years.
“Connecting this amazing collection with people living in the places where these beautiful plants once grew will enable them to connect with their local history, including discovering the different ways people in east Leeds may have used these plants in the past for everything from food to medicine.
“It will also help us build a better understanding of important issues like climate change and local biodiversity and how they have affected the city. We’re extremely grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund for their support in helping us bring this wonderful project to life.”
Used as a way of preserving plants and flowers for more than 600 years, the tradition of making herbarium sheets began in Italy in the 15th century.
Plants are collected in the field before being arranged and spread flat between sheets, known as flimsies before being dried between blotters or absorbent paper. If properly conserved, herbarium sheets can last for hundreds of years.
An award-winning arts and social change organisation, based in Gipton, Space2 aim promote social justice and sustainable futures through an innovative community arts programme.
Paul Barker, Space2’s co-director, said: “There is a huge amount of pride and passion in our communities for the green spaces across East Leeds, as well as concern about climate change and biodiversity loss. We’re really excited about the mix of history, environmental awareness and creativity which this project will realise.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The Leeds Museums and Galleries collection is filled with countless beautiful and fascinating elements of the city’s history, collected and preserved over hundreds of years.
“It’s wonderful that we’re able to share this collection with the people and communities who have played their own part in the city’s story and bring past and present together to add a whole new chapter to the city’s story.”
There is information about public services affected by Storm Éowyn and drop-in centres for those without water or power. Also, advice on food safety, the dangers of carbon monoxide and damaged electricity equipment or power lines. Keep a close eye on neighbours and support them in whatever way you can.
Emergency numbers
You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
You can information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.
Local councils information and community assistance or drop-in centres
There is information about community assistance or drop-in centres at this link – NIE Networks representatives will be at a number of these venues:
You can find your local council area information, including about community drop-in centres, at these links:
Water supply
If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility.
You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:
03457 440088
Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.
Carbon monoxide dangers
If you’re without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.
For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:
there must be good ventilation
it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
There is further advice at this link:
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
If affected, you should:
open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
if it’s urgent, call 999
call the relevant emergency advice line
Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080
Food safety advice
If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely.
You can find advice at this link:
If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.
Report a fallen tree or blocked road
You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:
Roads information
Work is ongoing to remove obstructions. Road users are advised to use caution, as there is debris on some roads and roadsides.
You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:
Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.
Public transport
For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.
School closures
You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:
MOT and driving tests
Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) testing services resumed as scheduled on Saturday 25 January.
There is some disruption for vehicle tests anticipated at Armagh and Omagh, and driving tests at Altnagelvin.
DVA will contact affected customers.
Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled.
Public libraries
All public libraries are open, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seating.
Find out more about the services available at:
Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices
All Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices are open, except for the Foyle Jobs and Benefit Office due to some storm damage.
Temporary closure of Foyle Jobs and Benefits office
Information for benefits customers:
Foyle Jobs and Benefits office is currently closed due to storm damage
staff working remotely are providing a normal service
while the office is closed, benefit payments due will still be paid by the date due
Universal Credit customers can use the online service and journal as usual
telephone calls will be handled by staff working remotely
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) signing at Foyle Jobs and Benefits offices is excused
staff will contact affected customers for telephone or alternative in-person appointments
customers in need of urgent in-person support can contact another Jobs and Benefits office
Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling
Safe public access at all sites by the storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.
Birdkeepers
Birdkeepers are reminded to be extra vigilant during the clean-up following the storm.
Vacancies for Application Co-ordinator roles, working on applications received in respect of veterinary medicine marketing authorisations.
We have three vacancies for Application Co-ordinators.
Job Title
Application Co-ordinator
Grade
EO
Salary & Pension
£32,220 per annum with Pension Scheme
Annual Leave entitlement
Commencing at 25 days
Role
This exciting and interesting administrative job puts you at the heart of the VMD’s work in being the regulatory and policy lead for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.
You will be part of a large operational delivery team that progresses applications received in respect of veterinary medicine authorisations and their associated life-cycle. You will work closely with administrative and scientific colleagues as well as external stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry and regulators from other countries.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UKHSA has published an updated antimicrobial stewardship tool
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published an updated antimicrobial stewardship tool to support healthcare professionals across the UK prescribe the most appropriate antibiotics for patients, while protecting their future effectiveness.
The UK’s tool is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AWaRe (Access, Watch or Reserve) classification system, which was developed to support good antibiotic stewardship at local, national and global levels. This recent review, which applies to all 4 nations in the UK, was conducted in response to the WHO updating its categories in 2023.
Most patients should receive Access antibiotics in the first instance, which offer the most effective treatment while minimising the potential for resistance. However, in a few cases some patients may require Watch or Reserve. Watch antibiotics are first or second choice antibiotics indicated for a limited number of infections, while Reserve are “last resort” or new antibiotics. These are closely monitored and prioritised as targets of stewardship programmes to ensure continued effectiveness.
In UKHSA’s latest review, with contribution from 60 experts across the 4 UK nations, the English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance oversight group and Department of Health Expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Prescribing, Resistance and Healthcare-associated Infection (APRHAI) has provided a UK classification for 90 antibiotics.
The most significant change is that all first-generation cephalosporins are now classed as Access, compared to Watch in 2019. This means that patients with certain allergies, such as penicillin, will have access to a wider range of antibiotics that currently show less potential to develop resistance to bacteria than others. The change aligns with the 2023 WHO AWaRe classification but does not mandate increased use of cephalosporins. All other cephalosporins remain in the Watch or Reserve categories.
In keeping with UKHSA’s review in 2019, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid remains in Watch in the UK, but is classified as Access in the 2023 WHO AWaRe classification. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is an important and widely used drug globally. However, in the UK setting specifically, experts judged that its use is more likely to develop resistance in bacteria compared to other antibiotics.
UK-AWaRe classification is an important stewardship tool to help achieve the 20-year UK vision to contain and control antimicrobial resistance. It also supports one of the national targets set in the UK National Action Plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. By 2029, the UK is aiming to achieve 70% of total use of antibiotics from the Access category across the human healthcare system to preserve efficacy. According to the latest assessment in 2023, this was 64.1% for England.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA said:
The AWaRe classification has played an important role in antibiotic stewardship in the UK and continues to do so. This review for the UK will help healthcare professionals choose the best treatment options for their patients, while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future use.
It will also support the development of guidelines for antibiotic prescribing and our UK targets to tackle antibiotic resistance set out in the National Action Plan.
Appropriate use of antibiotics is essential in our fight against resistant bacteria.
Following today’s announcement from Chancellor of the Exchequer,Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said:
“Oxford has one of the best performing economies in the country.
“We are the UK’s leader in scientific research, innovation and university spinouts, and have vibrant manufacturing, zero carbon and tourism sectors.
“Oxford is a success story, but, if the conditions are right, we can do so much more.
“Last year, alongside the Vice Chancellors of Oxford’s two universities, I wrote to the new Chancellor asking for an independent taskforce to be created for Oxford.
“The Growth Commission for Oxford, announced today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will bring together key partners to tackle the barriers to economic growth, enabling us to create more new jobs and build more new homes. We’re keen to work with both universities, businesses, the County and District councils and Government to move things forward.
“Our work here will form a key part of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, which I’m delighted to see is being strongly backed by the Government.
“Working together with like-minded organisations all committed to Oxford’s success, our city can realise its full potential and we can create secure, well-paid jobs for our children and grandchildren.”
Home » Latest News » Green tech to turn derelict ‘Elvis House’ into council’s first net zero home
A little less conversation, a little more action kicked off this week to transform a vacant property into Canterbury City Council’s first net zero social home.
The project is designed to trial what decarbonisation of the council’s housing stock through retrofitting could look like and will see Canterbury’s ‘Elvis House’, known for displaying the King of Rock and Roll’s image for more than 40 years, packed with green technology.
A three-bedroom house down at the end of St Peter’s Place, the refurbishment will take its EPC rating from an E to an A, and once complete, the home will be used as temporary accommodation for people awaiting an offer of permanent council housing.
Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I am thrilled to see this vital step taken towards reshaping our housing stock which I’m sure will offer valuable insight for developing a retrofit-at-scale approach.
“Decarbonisation through retrofitting would not only mean properties are brought back into use to boost social housing and cut our waiting list but would also see occupied energy-inefficient homes upgraded to slash running costs for current tenants.
“Our residents deserve affordable, high-quality social homes and this is just more evidence of our commitment to delivering that.”
The pilot forms part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) which was developed and adopted in May 2021 to provide a roadmap for achieving net zero emissions from the council’s operations and assets by 2030.
Some of the proposed green upgrades include:
high-quality external wall, cavity wall, roof and underfloor insulation
triple glazed windows
mechanical ventilation heat recovery
air source heat pump
solar panels
Plans also include turning the property into a two-bedroom house to comply with minimum space standards alongside improvements to the garden and installation of a new kitchen and bathroom.
The project is part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will take approximately six months to complete.
Cllr Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, added: “Not only is this important progress for giving people decent affordable housing, but it also signals a significant stride towards achieving our 2030 net zero target.
“Even though we have already made major progress in cutting the carbon emissions produced by council-owned assets, energy-inefficient social homes remain a huge piece of the council’s decarbonisation puzzle.
“Although this project alone won’t get us to where we need to be, our hope is that it is a catalyst for change both inside and outside the council by inspiring residents to decarbonise their own homes and encouraging the local construction industry to invest in retrofit skills for their workforce.”
In 2023, London recorded the highest new HIV diagnosis rate of any region in England, standing at 17.2 per 100,000.1 The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) latest dataset, relating to 2023, also shows that:
Testing in London increased by 8 per cent between 2022 and 2023 (413,755 to 445,655), exceeding 2019 levels (430,853).
There was an increase in the number of diagnoses for all age groups among men exposed through sex between men and living in London, except for those aged 65 years and over. The increase was highest among those aged 15 to 24 years (24 per cent increase).
The number of late diagnoses declined by four per cent amongst those living in London.
There was an increase in deaths in London amongst men from 184 to 196 (6.5 per cent) and women from 46 to 59 (28.3 per cent) between 2022 and 2023.
Despite progress towards zero-HIV targets, there are existing HIV health disparities amongst particular demographics in London. The National AIDS Trust has previously stated that “glaring disparities in progress on HIV between different groups demonstrate the urgent need for Government investment.”2
In the second of a two-meeting investigation, the London AssemblyHealth Committee will discuss HIV prevention efforts in London, the work of HIV charities in London and international comparisons.
The guests are:
Panel 1 – HIV prevention in London (10:00 – 11:10)
Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner, London HIV Prevention Programme
Mona Hayat, Director of Sexual Health, London Sexual Health Programme
Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor
Panel 2 – HIV charities in London (11:15 – 12:25)
Mark Santos, Executive Director, Positive East
Joel Robinson, CEO, Spectra London
Kat Smithson, CEO, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
Tony Wong, Chief Executive Officer, METRO Charity
Juddy Otti, Head of HIV Services, Africa Advocacy Foundation
Elske Hoornenborg, Head of the Center for Sexual Health and medical doctor specialised in internal medicine and infectious diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam
The meeting will take place on Thursday 30 January from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Advantia Card Limited was subject to a winding-up order following more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany
Advantia Card Ltd, registered in the UK, scammed customers in Germany using fake prepaid cards.
The company sent the cards to customers against their wishes then demanded payment through a debt collection agency.
Advantia was shut down at a winding-up hearing at London’s High Court.
A Manchester firm which sent out fake prepaid cards to people in Germany then demanded repayments has been shut down following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.
Advantia Card Ltd, which was registered at an address in Moston Lane Manchester, sent prepaid cards to people in Germany against their wishes – including a 12-year-old boy.
The company was subject to a winding-up order following more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany.
Investigations in the UK and Germany discovered the company issued fake prepaid cards and filed false accounts.
Some customers were subject to cold calls and received a prepaid card without their agreement, while others agreed to receive one after being told there would be no costs involved.
Advantia Card Ltd then employed a debt collection agency to make high-pressure calls to customers – in some cases demanding a 400 Euro payment for the provision of the prepaid card.
The company was shut down on 28 January 2025 after a hearing at the High Court in London.
Insolvency Service Chief Investigator Mark George said:
This was clearly a company with no intention of operating legitimately and with the sole intention of defrauding and distressing its customers.
Shutting down Advantia Card Ltd is a significant step in protecting the public – both here and in Germany – from suffering as a result of their fake prepaid cards.
The Insolvency Service collaborated with the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (FGCO) – the equivalent of Trading Standards in the UK – to investigate Advantia Card Ltd, after they received more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany.
One of the complaints included a 12-year-old boy who clicked a link for a prepaid card offer through an Instagram advert. No proof of age was taken, and he did not sign any contract.
It was also found that Advantia Card Ltd filed false or misleading accounts with Companies House, having declared the company dormant from April 2022 to April 2023 when the FGCO investigation showed the company was active from at least 2021 to 2023.
The company did not cooperate with the investigation, did not defend the winding up and was not represented at the hearing.
All enquiries concerning the affairs of the company should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email: piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.
Further information
On 28 January 2025, at the High Court in London, it was agreed that it was in the public interest to wind-up Advantia Card Ltd in the UK (section 124A of the Insolvency Act 1986).
Advantia Card Ltd is registered at Moston Lane, Manchester and incorporated in April 2021 (company number: 13334166).
The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Defence ties between the UK and Nigeria have been strengthened following a visit from Lord Vernon Coaker this week.
Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker shaking hands with Nigerian officer.
The UK Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Abuja and Maiduguri this week to meet top defence and security leaders, reaffirm the UK’s commitment to our Security and Defence Partnership and discuss issues of mutual concern in the region.
The UK and Nigeria share a strong defence relationship, underpinned by over three decades of collaboration between our armed forces. Through our partnership we continue to enhance security, counter violent extremism and promote regional stability.
In Abuja, the Minister met the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, the National Security Adviser and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meetings underscored Nigeria and ECOWAS’ continued leadership in promoting regional security and the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s priority security objectives.
Lord Coaker also travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, a primary focus of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Minister visited a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration camp (DDR) to understand the challenges of reconciliation and reintegration, and UK-led counter-improvised explosive device (C-ED) training, funded by the UK Integrated Security Fund.
This initiative is designed, at Nigeria’s request, to enhance capacity and improve response capabilities to address security threats and instability. Meeting with Nigerian military personnel who have benefitted from UK training programmes, the Minister gained firsthand insight into the impact of UK-Nigeria security cooperation.
Lord Vernon Coaker reaffirmed commitment to the UK-Nigeria defence relationship:
This visit reflects the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. Witnessing the results of our training programmes and engaging directly with those on the frontlines reaffirms the importance of our partnership in building a safer and more stable region.
The Minister’s visit highlights the continued strength and importance of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) ahead of our third SDP dialogue in 2025.
An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland
Scotland’s onshore GDP contracted by 0.5% in November 2024, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows a revised contraction of 0.4% (revised from -0.2%) in October 2024.
In the three months to November, GDP is estimated to have contracted by 0.3% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates a decrease in growth relative to the revised growth of 0.4% (revised from 0.3%) in 2024 Quarter 3 (July to September).
In November, the largest contribution to headline GDP was made by the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector which contracted by 3.5%, contributing -0.3 percentage points to the overall contraction. The largest positive contribution was made by the Information & Communications sector which grew by 1.1%, contributing 0.1 percentage points towards GDP.
Background
The quarterly statistical publication and data are available at:
All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the output of the economy in Scotland and are designated as official statistics in development. This means that they are still in development but have been released to enable their use at an early stage. All results are provisional and subject to relatively high levels of uncertainty.
A new law to bring about an immediate and sustained reduction in the prison population will take effect from 11 February.
The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act – passed by the Scottish Parliament in November 2024 – will change the release point for those serving prison sentences of less than four years from 50% of their sentence to 40%.
There will be no change to the release point for prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse or sexual offences.
It is expected this change will bring about a 5% reduction in the sentenced prison population compared to if no change had been made. At the point of commencement the change will apply to eligible prisoners already serving sentences of less than four years and those sentenced from then on.
This will mean that an estimated 260-390 short-term prisoners who have served 40% of their sentence will be released by the Scottish Prison Service in three tranches over six weeks.
The commencement regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament today, which bring the Act into force, set out this will be done on:
Tranche 1: 18th – 20th February
Tranche 2: 4th – 6th March
Tranche 3: 18th – 20th March
The Bill does not make any changes to the Victim Notification Schemes. Victims who have already signed up to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) will be told automatically by the Scottish Prison Service if there is a change to the date of release of the prisoner in their case. Victims who are not signed up to the VNS, can also contact the Scottish Prison Service directly to receive information. Victims will also be able to nominate Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, ASSIST or Children First to receive information about prisoner release on their behalf.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:
“The prison population has significantly grown in recent years and I recognise that the impact is being felt in prisons and across the justice system.
“While not a complete solution, this Act will bring sustained reduction to prisoner numbers so the prison estate can continue to function effectively.
“We need the prison system to focus on those who pose the greatest risk to the public and provide a range of support to help reduce reoffending and integration back into the community. That is why this Act is backed by both the Prison Officers’ Association and the Prison Governors Association.
“I absolutely recognise that the release of prisoners can be distressing for victims of crime and that changing the release point for short-term prisoners has the potential to raise questions and cause concern. That is why we will continue to work closely with victim support organisations to ensure that accessible information is available to victims on the change to the release point for short-term prisoners.”
Support is available to those being released from prison. All prisoners are entitled to support to help reintegrate with their community and rebuild relationships, including through mentoring and one-to-one support both prior to and post release.
Information of the number of prisoners released at each tranche will be published within two months following the initial release of prisoners including how many victims were notified of release.
The government’s social housing regulator has issued a decision on Portsmouth City Council following the council’s self-referral last year.
The Regulator of Social Housing (the regulator) has said that the service is ‘in need of significant improvement’.
The grading is not unexpected, and the council has had a work plan in place for some time to address areas that have been identified as in need of change.
In April 2024, the regulator introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, which confirmed government expectations and introduced new regular inspections for local authorities.
This means landlords need to be able to show data and evidence that proves they are compliant with the new standards and that they are delivering good services to tenants.
The council chose to fulfil its legal duty to self-refer to the regulator in September 2024 and informed tenants and reported to the council’s September Housing decision meeting. Landlords need to inform the social housing regulator of areas where there are gaps that mean they may not meet the standards. This is called a self-referral and is seen as a positive step, with the regulator encouraging landlords to do so. The regulator noted the council had “engaged constructively” and “acted transparently” by making a detailed self-referral.
The regulator says that the council has failed to meet the safety and quality standard – one of the four of its standards – in the following areas:
Stock condition surveys, which did not include all required information
Electrical safety, relating to the recency of information
Outstanding fire remedial actions
Emergency repairs clarity and oversight
These are all areas the council is aware of. The council has a plan to tackle these which includes: increased officer visits to tenants’ homes to make sure information is up to standard and up to date, increasing the frequency of electrical testing, improving the way information is recorded and stored including around repairs, and responding to outstanding fire actions in priority order, with plans to invest significantly in this area. An update report will be going to the council’s housing decision meeting in February.
The regulator has acknowledged that the council, which is landlord to around 17,000 homes across the south, is “taking steps to address the serious failings identified and make significant improvements”.
Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said: “We knew there was room for improvement to meet the new regulator standards. That’s why we referred ourselves and have publicised this to our tenants and other stakeholders. We welcome and accept the findings of the regulator and will work constructively and proactively with them and our tenants on those areas they have identified.
“I am confident we are already addressing the issues raised. Tenants are at the heart of everything we do, and tenant feedback reassures us that they have confidence in us as a landlord. We want to be open and transparent with our tenants, leaseholders and shared-owners, and to embrace the on-going work plan. This is the start of our journey with the regulator, and we will continue to work closely with them.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Portsmouth City Council issued with a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing
The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a C3 grading to Portsmouth City Council, after an investigation found they had failed to meet the outcomes of the consumer standards, in particular those relating to the Safety and Quality Standard.
RSH’s responsive engagement with Portsmouth CC began in August 2024, after information in the council’s Fire Safety Remediation Survey return indicated potentially material issues.
Although RSH’s initial engagement focused on fire safety, Portsmouth CC was then asked to provide further information on wider aspects of landlord health and safety and, following a self-assessment, the council made a self-referral to RSH in September 2024.
An investigation into the landlord found:
Over 1,000 outstanding fire remedial actions.
Over 85% of its homes have not had an electrical condition test for over five years, a number of which are located in high-risk communal blocks.
Less than 40% of its homes had been surveyed within the last five years, more than a third had been surveyed more than ten years ago, and nearly 10% had no record at all. Additionally, stock condition surveys undertaken prior to 2024 did not include an assessment of hazards
A lack of clarity for tenants as to what they can expect in terms of the repairs service.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:
“The health and safety of tenants is non-negotiable.
“Providing safe, decent homes for tenants starts with accurate, up-to-date data. Without this, it is impossible to deliver the right services to residents.
“Portsmouth City Council has engaged constructively with us and we welcome their transparency in making a self-referral. This is the first step towards addressing the serious failings identified and making significant improvements.”
RSH also published regulatory judgements from proactive inspections for two landlords.
Aspire Housing received a C1 for its first consumer grading, as well as being upgraded to a G1 governance grading and retaining its V2 viability grading.
Sanctuary Housing Association received a C2 grading, and retained its G1 and V2 gradings.
RSH published a further 12 regulatory judgements through its stability check programme, with Incommunities Limited and Magenta Living both regraded from V1 to V2. The remaining 10 landlords retained their viability and governance ratings.
Stability checks are a yearly exercise where we look at the financial information landlords have submitted to us (including their most recent business plan and annual accounts) and consider whether their current viability grade is consistent with this
On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of inspections for all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
RSH carries out stability checks on all housing associations, and other private registered providers, who own 1,000 homes or more. The stability checks are a yearly exercise. We look at the financial information landlords have submitted to us (including their most recent business plan and annual accounts) and consider if there are any risks which might result in a change to their financial viability or governance gradings. The checks do not include local authorities because our governance and financial viability standard does not apply to them.
RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
This circular is issued to inform criminal justice agencies and other interested authorities of the commencement of measures in Part 1 (victims of criminal conduct) of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (the Act).
Strabane’s cultural hub, the Alley Theatre, is delighted to unveil its vibrant line-up of workshops for Spring 2025. Over the next few months the Alley is offering a wide array of hands-on, creative experiences – from unique arts and crafts to culinary skills, these workshops are designed for all ages and skill levels, promising a season full of fun, learning, and artistic expression.
Adult Arts Workshops
Large Props Workshop Get ready to roll up your sleeves and bring your artistic vision to life in an exciting three-week Props Workshop. Every Saturday from 15th February – 1st March, participants will work together to design and create large-scale props for use in upcoming Alley Theatre productions and community events in Strabane. No previous experience required, just a passion for creativity and a collaborative spirit This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the theatre community while learning new skills in prop-making, painting, and design. Suitable for ages 16 years and up. Times 12noon – 4pm. Free to take part but must be pre-booked.
Thai Cooking Workshop Embark on a culinary adventure with this hands-on workshop where you will learn to prepare three authentic Thai dishes each week from scratch. Taking place each Saturday from 15th – 29th March from 2-4pm you will be led by an experienced Thai chef from Thai Arts and Cooking NI. Dive into the rich flavours of Thai cuisine, learning the techniques and secrets behind making mouth-watering dishes. With a small group size, this workshop provides an intimate setting to learn, practice, and savour the fruits of your labour. Perfect for food lovers looking to expand their cooking repertoire. The cost is £25 per week.
Spring Willow Wreath Workshop Celebrate the season of renewal by creating your very own spring willow wreath on Saturday 29th March from 11am-2pm. Under the guidance of Fiona Doney, you will use locally sourced willow and seasonal foliage, you’ll learn the art of wreath-making, designing a beautiful decoration that embodies the spirit of spring. Ideal for beginners, this workshop will also give you tips on how to embellish your wreath with natural decorations, perfect for brightening your home or garden. Cost £25.
Woodturning Demonstration Ever wondered how those beautiful, handcrafted wooden bowls are made? This live demonstration on Saturday 5th April will take you through the fascinating process of woodturning. Watch expert wood turner Gavin Campbell as he transforms a block of wood into a stunning bowl using a traditional electric lathe. This hands-on demonstration will offer insight into the craftsmanship and patience required for this age-old art form. This workshop runs from 2-4pm and cost £10.
Intergenerational Workshops
Ceramic Flower Picture Get your hands dirty and bring spring to life with a beautiful ceramic flower picture. This two-part workshop on Saturday 5th and 12th April from 10am-1pm will guide you through creating a stunning clay picture bursting with vibrant flowers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop is perfect for unleashing your creativity and enjoying the tactile process of working with clay. Led by Leona Devine, this workshop is suitable for ages 10 years up to adults of all ages. Cost £15 (children), £25 (adults).
Children’s / Teenage Workshops
Make Your Own Teddy Bear A heart-warming workshop perfect for young crafters on Saturday 22nd February from 11am-1pm. Children will design and stitch together their very own teddy bear, creating a lifelong friend to cherish. Each bear comes with a personalized birth certificate, making this a memorable keepsake. A great bonding experience for parents and children alike. Cost £10, suitable for age 6+.
Fused Glass Sun Catchers Discover the world of glass art and design by creating your own stunning fused glass sun catcher. Suitable for ages 12+, this hands-on class will teach participants how to combine colours and textures to create a functional piece of art that can brighten any space. Led by Natasha Duddy, the workshop runs on Saturday 22nd March from 1.30-3.30pm and costs £15.
Introduction to Embroidery Suitable for ages 10 years+, learn the art of hand embroidery with a focus on modern techniques. Led by Sinead Crumlish on Saturdays from 22nd March – 12th April,10.30am-12.30pm each week. This workshop will explore a variety of stitches and designs to create a beautiful bespoke tote bag. It costs £25.
Upcycling & Mark Making Get creative and express yourself with sustainable art by turning your old clothes into new and functional pieces on Saturdays 26th April and 3rd May. This eco-friendly workshop will inspire participants to repurpose materials and give them a second life. Learn to print and stitch techniques and make art using old fabrics and packaging. Suitable for ages 12+, the cost is £20.
Easter Fun Hop into the Easter spirit with a fun and festive craft workshop on Saturday 19th April. With multiple sessions available at 10.30am and 11.40pm children can get creative with clay and design their own Easter-themed projects, from bunnies to eggs and beyond. This is a fantastic way for kids to express their artistic flair while celebrating the joy of Easter. This is a free workshop, but it must be pre-booked.
Also on Saturday 19th April from 1pm-4pm, let your children’s imagination run wild in a drop in interactive storytelling sessions. Children will enjoy hearing Easter-themed stories come to life through captivating story-telling and hands-on participation. With plenty of opportunities for creative expression, these sessions bring the magic of storytelling to life for all ages
Speaking about the new workshop programme Andrea Campbell, Arts Development Officer of the Alley Theatre commented “We’re thrilled to offer these workshops as part of our commitment to providing creative opportunities for everyone in Strabane and beyond. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, try something hands-on, or meet like-minded creatives, these workshops are all about inspiring confidence and creativity. We look forward to welcoming participants of all ages to these engaging and fun classes.”
Workshops are filling up quickly, so don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this creative spring season at The Alley Theatre. To book please visit the Alley Theatre website www.alley-theatre.com or call the box office on 028 71 384444.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last year stopped criminals making more than £7.5 million linked to the illegal trade in medicines.
Person holding seized medicines in MHRA storeroom. Credit: MHRA
As part of the crackdown on criminal profits, more than 17 million doses of illegally traded medicines, with a potential street value of more than £40 million, were taken out of circulation last year by the MHRA and its law enforcement partners. These included painkillers, sleeping tablets and erectile dysfunction treatments.
Andy Morling, who heads the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU), said:
Criminals are in the illegal medicines trade for one reason only, to make money. By seizing their profits, we’re removing that single motivation. Whether held in Bitcoin or banknotes, we can take these criminal profits out of the hands of offenders. We can also use some of the money to strengthen our enforcement efforts against them. It’s a win for the safety of the public, and a serious blow for organised crime.
Following the money
The MHRA’s CEU leads efforts to disrupt medicine crime by denying criminals the profits that fuel it. Using its legislative powers, the CEU can freeze bank accounts, intercept digital currencies, seize luxury goods and confiscate the proceeds of crime following conviction. During 2024, the CEU’s financial investigators denied these criminals access to a total of £7.5 million in criminal assets.
Protecting the public from illegally traded medicines
The CEU deployed teams to work in partnership with the Home Office’s Border Force at ports across the UK to identify and seize medicines illegally entering the UK.
Most of the seized medicines are not licensed for sale in the UK, so can contain too much or too little of the declared active ingredient and may also contain other ingredients that are not approved for use.
The CEU also continued to target those individuals and networks illegally trading in medicines online, disrupting more than 1,500 websites and posts on social media accounts selling medicinal products illegally.
Andy Morling said:
Buying from unverified sources risks your health, as there is no guarantee that the products are safe or effective.
We work tirelessly to protect patients by preventing medicines crime, disrupting it, and bringing offenders to justice. We do this by working with partners to remove illegally traded medicines from circulation, deny the criminal networks the proceeds of their crimes and disrupt online criminality.
Where appropriate we will also use the full range of our powers to bring offenders before the courts. These actions help ensure the public can trust the medicines they rely on every day.
Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said:
Shameful criminals selling unregulated and illegal medicines must feel the full force of the law.
We are cracking down on these rogue retailers, taking illicit medicines off the streets, and keeping the public safe.
The MHRA will use the funds made through this to strengthen future action against criminals.
Notes to editors
The 17 million doses seized include 5.5 million doses of erectile dysfunction medicines, 5.5 million doses of pain treatments, 2.8 million doses of sedatives, 1.6 million doses of sleep disorder treatments, and 1.9 million doses of other medicines.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the Yellow Card website or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
The MHRA’s Accredited Financial Investigators are authorised by the National Crime Agency under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). They support investigations by tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to crime, including money laundering and the illegal supply of medicines. Their work includes seizing cash, valuable items, and freezing bank accounts or cryptocurrency suspected of criminal origins. The Home Office’s Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) allows a proportion of the proceeds of crime recovered under POCA, to be redistributed to agencies involved in the asset recovery process. The Home Office encourages agencies to invest ARIS funds to drive up performance on asset recovery or, where appropriate, to fund local crime fighting priorities for the benefit of the community.
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.
The people of Coventry came together this week (27 January) to honour the annual Holocaust Memorial Day, which this year fell on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The event was held at the Belgrade Theatre, and a large audience heard from city leaders and guest speakers, as well as schoolchildren and students from the city.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, hosted the service, with speeches from Lord Mayor, Cllr Mal Mutton and Council Chief Executive, Julie Nugent.
The main speaker was Lesley Urbach, from Generation 2 Generation, a Holocaust education charity, who told the story of her mother Eva Urbach and aunt Ulli Adler, who escaped to Britain and Argentina in 1938 and 1939.
The talk focused on what happened to their parents left behind in Germany, who were murdered at Auschwitz.
There was also a performance by actors from Time Will Tell Theatre, who enacted first-hand accounts of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, which will also mark its 80th anniversary this year.
The audience also heard music from Coventry Music Brass Quintet and Bluecoat School Choir, readings from students from the University of Warwick, and pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School talked about their personal experiences of conflict and the importance of learning about the Holocaust.
A candle was lit as the city remembered the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, Afghanistan and Syria.
This year’s theme was ‘For a Better Future’, and Cllr Khan told the audience: “It is something our city works for continually, both here at home, and around the world, and it is a call for action that we can all be a part of.
“There are many things we can do to create a better future. We can speak out and stand up for others and we can challenge prejudice. We can learn from our past and from the Holocaust, genocides, and wars, and we can tell our stories and remember those we have lost to hatred and prejudice – as we do today.
“If we can all leave here with the determination to take one action or change one thing, then together, we can make a difference and help to build that better future.”
The Wolverhampton Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club meets at The Bankfield Inn, Bilston, on the last Saturday of the month from 9.30am, and offers people breakfast and banter in a safe, social environment.
The ethos of the Bilston club, which was set up in 2019, is ‘mutual support’. Membership is free and all people need to pay for is their breakfast.
Councillor Craig Collingswood, chair of Wolverhampton’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Board, attended last weekend’s club and said: “The Wolverhampton Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club is a brilliant initiative.
“It offers veterans and serving members the chance to enjoy the company of other Armed Forces personnel past and present, helps to combat loneliness and enables veterans to ‘return to the tribe’.”
The club also meets socially for regimental and association dinners, nights out, barbecues, parties, summer balls and Christmas parties. For more details, please visit Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.
Elsewhere, Veterans in the Community runs 3 veterans’ groups in the Wolverhampton area – at Wednesfield Conservative Club on Mondays from 11am to 1pm, the RAFA Club, Goldthorn Road, on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm, and Lunt Community Centre, Bilston, on Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm. All ages are welcome to attend to enjoy refreshments and good company, as well as regular events and trips.
As lead for the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Board for the city, the City of Wolverhampton Council co-ordinates support for the Armed Forces community across Wolverhampton.
The council welcomes veterans and the wider Armed Forces community into the organisation and offers a range of supportive policies such as guaranteed interview schemes for veterans applying for job vacancies and an allowance of up to 24 days’ paid leave for reservists and adult cadet force volunteers. For details of current employment opportunities, please visit WMJobs.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces veterans in Wolverhampton can enjoy free bus travel and discounted rail travel. Travel for West Midlands is running an incentive scheme in collaboration with local bus operators enabling unlimited free travel on all buses, all day, in the Network West Midlands area for up to six months. To find out more, please email wolves.afd@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
A Veterans Railcard is also available, offering discounts on rail travel in England, Wales and Scotland. For further information please visit Veterans Railcard.
For more information about the Armed Forces Covenant, and the help and support that is available to members of the Armed Forces community in Wolverhampton, please visit Armed Forces Covenant.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
500% increase in police costs for dealing with dangerous dogs expected by end of financial year
Almost one year on from the ban on XL Bully dogs in the UK, the latest figures show the huge burden this has placed on policing, with kennel spaces reaching capacity and costs increasing by the day.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for dangerous dogs, he said:
“Since the introduction of the ban on XL Bully dogs police services have had to quickly adapt, taking positive action to respond to thousands of calls from the public and doing everything we can to remove these dangerous dogs from our communities.
“Undoubtedly the ban and our response to it has driven down the number of dog attacks and we are pleased that the public continues to support us by reporting suspected XL Bully dogs in their local area.
“However, the demand has been and continues to be simply huge. We are facing a number of challenges in kennel capacity, resourcing and ever-mounting costs and as of today, we have not received any additional funding to account for this.
“Veterinary bills and the cost of kennelling across policing has risen from £4m in 2018 to currently standing at more than £11m and this is expected to rise to as much as £25m by the end of April 2025. That’s a predicted 500% increase.
“Before the XL Bully ban was introduced there were 120 Dog Liaison Officers across England and Wales, we then trained an additional 100 with a further 40 identified to be trained this coming year. This means that in some areas established dog handlers have been called away from other policing duties. We have had to purchase additional vehicles, equipment and find countless extra kennel spaces from the finite that are available within the industry.
“Policing will uphold the government’s decisions, and we’ll act robustly to do so, but the bigger picture is a focus on responsible dog ownership. People need to be aware of the types of dogs that they’re bringing into their homes and make the right decisions to choose a breed which suits their lifestyle, environment and experience.
“We are also asking for amendments to the existing legislation so we have alternative options to deal with the specific circumstances of a particular case. At the moment, the only option you have is to go to court when someone is in possession of an unregistered XL Bully but we feel there are some situations which could be swiftly dealt with through out of court disposals. For example, there’s potentially a big difference in someone who has unwittingly ended up owning a dog from a young age they weren’t aware was an XL Bully or those who on veterinary advice were unable to have their dog neutered by the deadline versus an individual who is intentionally breeding and selling these dogs.
“At the top end, unscrupulous criminal dealers and breeders need to feel the full weight of the law going to court but alternative methods of out of court disposals would support us in taking a proportionate response as required.
“We will always protect our communities by ensuring these dangerous dogs are dealt with but we urgently need the Government to support us in coping with the huge demand the ban has placed on our ever-stretched resources.”
Statistics
Police forces in England and Wales have seized and euthanised 848 dogs between February and September 2024 at an estimated cost of £340K. These were dogs which were surrendered to police by owners who had not complied with the ban, nor taken advantage of the compensation scheme.
Between February and September 2024, policing has seized over 4,586 suspected S1 dogs * throughout England and Wales. People have been going to court, and will continue to do so, facing criminal convictions, fines and imprisonment for being in possession of these illegal types of dog.
Since the start of the XL Bully ban police services have increased kennel capacity by a third.
It can cost up to £1,000 a month to keep dogs in kennels and with up to an 18-month lead in time so both kennel demand / expenditure moving forward will become even more acute. We are aware of court cases not being scheduled until mid-2026 for some dangerously out of control cases.
The police officer/staff overtime bill for forces between February 2024 and September 2024 was circa £560K.
*A section 1 dog is any of the specified banned breeds in the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Scottish Government calls for closer energy links with Europe.
The Scottish Government is calling for closer co-operation with Europe to help lower energy bills and boost investment.
Ahead of upcoming UK Government talks with the EU the Scottish Government has published a report, identifying a number of opportunities to more closely align with the European Union on energy matters.
These include:
accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers
linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade
Estimates from the UK energy industry predict that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in 2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.
The Scottish Government’s wants Scotland to be an EU member state, however the report published today sets out immediate actions which would rebuild closer collaboration with the EU on energy and climate matters and offset some of the damage caused by Brexit.
Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.
“The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU. But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in renewables.
“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions – driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.
“We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”
A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector.
£20 million to launch the first UK made orbital rocket from Saxavord.
Landmark Scottish rocket launch set to boost UK’s launching power and make Britain a European space leader
£20 million government investment will help to fund the construction and launch of the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket
Orbex’s rocket Prime will encourage economic investment and support high-skilled jobs, as part of the Plan for Change
A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector, following a £20 million government investment in UK launch company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland.
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle announced the investment today (29th January) at Brussels’ European Space Conference, positioning Britain as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to space. The investment will help to fund Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.
Prime is set to take off from late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe. It will catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader, and support 140 highly paid jobs in the region as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The investment will contribute to this government’s mission to grow the economy, boosting the UK’s ability to regularly launch rockets into orbit from its shores and attracting launch investment into the UK.
With European demand for satellites up to 2033 forecasted to be worth $50 billion, even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy alone.
Developing Britain’s launch capabilities is already helping to bring new jobs and economic benefits to communities and organisations across the UK. So far, the Prime project has created more than 140 highly skilled jobs in Forres, with many more anticipated as the company continues to grow.
The launch of Prime will also help to inspire a new generation of British space professionals. By showcasing the pivotal role of Britain in the space age, government is investing now to ensure a sector that is vibrant, innovative, and above all, successful in achieving our goal for the UK to become a leading European provider of small satellite launch.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe.
By investing £20 million in this rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.
Supporting Orbex’s launch will also turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector and inspire our next generation of space professionals, who will be able to design, test, build and launch British rockets, carrying British satellites, from British soil.
Designed to launch satellites into orbit, Prime will benefit from the UK’s latitude, with Scotland’s geographical positioning providing easy access to valuable polar orbits.
The British-built Prime is also Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability. It is poised to become the first in a new generation of ultra green launch systems, powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, which cuts carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world.
The rocket is also designed to be re-useable. Upon returning to Earth, what does not burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere will be recovered and components will be refurbished and reused in future projects.
Britain is already a key player in the satellite industry, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other city in Europe.
Dr Paul Bate CEO UK Space Agency said:
Space is a fast-growing global industry and there is a real opportunity for the UK to play a greater role now than ever before. This new government investment is not just about launching a rocket, but building a more prosperous future for all, powered by space technology.
Orbex is a highly innovative company that can serve customers in the UK, Europe and beyond with its Prime launch vehicle, create hundreds of high skilled jobs in Scotland and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars. We will work closely with them as we countdown to launch, continue to develop our national space capabilities, and strengthen our international partnerships.
Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:
It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector and this £20 million investment from the UK government in Orbex will help Scotland maintain our position as a leader as we look forward to the first satellite launch later this year.
This important industry is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs, often in small towns and rural communities, across the country.
Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said:
This first of a kind investment by the UK government demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector and is an exciting start to the opening of our Series D fundraising. We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry.
This investment paves the way not only for us to launch our first rocket this year but also to develop a larger rocket to enable us to compete in the European Launcher Challenge. These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.
The EA, working closely with Natural England, has secured the largest ever environmental commitment from water companies since privatisation.
The Environment Agency working closely with Natural England has secured the largest ever commitment from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.
The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) sets out over 24,000 actions water companies must take over the next five years to meet their legal requirements for the environment. This series of targeted interventions represents a £22.1bn investment in the environment – four times more than was secured in the last Price Review and will deliver tangible benefits for our water system and for customers.
As part of the PR24 process the Environment Agency assessed actions proposed by water companies and, alongside Ofwat and Natural England, provided technical guidance to make sure these actions will provide direct solutions to environmental pressures and help drive nature recovery.
The agreed actions will lead to improvements in water infrastructure to secure future supply, habitats and biodiversity and drinking water quality. For example, water companies have submitted plans to establish trials to remove nitrate, restore nationally important chalk streams, and install bespoke biosecurity measures to remove invasive species.
Further goals set out under WINEP include:
Reducing the amount of water abstracted, leading to an estimated 60 million litres of water being retained in the environment every day,
Protecting and enhancing of 13,500 km rivers,
Upgrading 2,350 storm overflows leading to an estimated annual reduction of sewage spills by of 85,000 annually,
Improving 21 newly designated bathing water sites across England,
Reducing phosphorous inputs to the environment at over 800 sewage treatment works,
Installing 3,500 monitors at emergency overflows sites.
Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said:
This unprecedented level of investment represents a vital step forward towards ensuring we have clean, safe, and abundant water now and for future generations.
Working with the water companies on this £22bn programme is a crucial way to realise the government’s goals of stimulating development and boosting economic growth, while ensuring the sector can meet its ambitious environment commitments.
We will work closely with Defra, Ofwat and other regulators to monitor water company progress and ensure they deliver what has been promised. If water companies fail to carry out their legal obligations to the environment, we will take action.”
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for the Environment said:
It is no secret that our water system needs fixing and that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by pollution.
Customers deserve the money they pay in bills to go towards improving the service they receive, and that is why the Government will ringfence money earmarked for investment, so it can only be spent on projects like these.
We are also going further to fix our water system through the Water (Special Measures) Bill, by introducing new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against lawbreakers.”
Natural England provides advice and guidance where water company activity may influence protected sites ,including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), such as through water abstraction and discharges, and how this can be improved through the WINEP.
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said:
The scale of investment in the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a positive step towards delivering sustainable outcomes for the water environment, nature recovery, biodiversity improvement and sustainable growth.
Natural England will be working to maximise the opportunity of this significant investment, to get full value for money via integrated approaches and work with our partners including the Environment Agency, water companies and Defra to help deliver this ambitious programme.
Chris Walters, Senior Director, Price Review 2024 at Ofwat said:
We welcome the EA’s publication of the WINEP programme. In December we approved a record £104bn investment package, including over £22bn for WINEP.
This quadruples the investment of the last five years, providing water companies with an opportunity to turn around their environmental performance and regain customers’ trust by improving services.
We will monitor companies and hold them to account for their investment programmes so that they do this”.
David Henderson, Chief Executive, Water UK said:
This programme will be the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment. It will help to support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.
The Environment Agency and other regulators will drive water companies to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and groundbreaking innovations when delivering the actions set out under WINEP.
These collaborative efforts are crucial to cutting pollution, managing water efficiency, and increasing resilience to climate change for the benefit of both nature and people. By doing so we and industry can stimulate development and support the Government’s objective of boosting economic growth.
The investment was secured through Ofwat’s final determinations announced in December and has been factored into upcoming changes to customer bills.
The WINEP data set will be published at 0800 on 29 January on GOV.UK
In the first three weeks since the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) started accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for larger scale housing developments, it has already received nearly 100 proposals with the potential for more than 40,000 homes, with more expected.
So far, 85 EOIs in metropolitan areas and 11 in regional NSW have been received, exceeding expectations.
The HDA offers proponents a new State Significant Development pathway and State Significant Development pathway with a concurrent rezoning process – neither having to be approved by councils, cutting approval times and speeding up the delivery of new homes.
Each EOI is assessed against its capacity to deliver high yield, well-located, good quality homes faster.
Having identified that major residential developments above $60 million in metropolitan areas and $30 million in regional NSW often take longer in their assessment, these can now be submitted through the HDA.
These complex proposals often require greater resources and planning capabilitites and as a result, the projects can get stuck in council planning systems for years.
These delays compound declining housing availability, worsening affordability and create greater uncertainty for proponents who are trying to build much needed new homes.
In early February, the HDA will meet to recommend proposals to be declared a State Significant Development (SSD) project, community consultation and assessment will then proceed.
The EOI process is ongoing, providing regular opportunities for industry to have their major residential development proposals considered, with submissions reviewed monthly.
“For far too long, it has been made harder and harder for people to build homes in NSW, so it is wonderful to see these reforms starting to turn that around.”
“Without these major changes that are speeding up the delivery of new homes, Sydney risks becoming a city without a future because it’s simply too expensive to put a roof over your head.
“By speeding up the approval of new homes near existing infrastructure and removing red tape that seems to have been designed to slow down development, we’re delivering the homes that young people, families and workers need.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We expected 80 to 100 EOIs in the first year, so to see this many in less than a month signals trust from the industry in the Minns Government to deliver.
“Building more homes for NSW is a priority for the Minns Labor Government and the HDA is a major step towards unlocking those homes.
“This pathway is about seeing good quality projects move through the planning system faster and as part of that process, if we don’t see shovels in the ground in two years, proponent will lose their approval.
“The Minns Government is making it easier to build more houses closer to jobs, infrastructure, parks and transport and we need more, quality, large scale residential development proposals from industry to build a better NSW.”
Almost 1,500 people have received more convenient and easy-to-access care for common skin conditions as part of the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
The trial, which has surpassed the six-month milestone, allows appropriately trained pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions.
These conditions include impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and acute mild plaque psoriasis.
Over 480 pharmacies across the state are currently participating in the trial.
The skin conditions phase of the trial builds on trials which have enabled authorised pharmacists to undertake consultations for urinary tract infections (UTI) and the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).
Since June 2024, authorised pharmacists have been able to offer the UTI service as part of usual business, and the resupply of OCP since September.
This initiative has allowed thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription through their local pharmacist, relieving pressure on general practitioners (GP) and freeing up GP appointments for people who need them the most.
While the supply and accessibility of GPs is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, challenges relating to access to primary care is impacting the state’s hospitals.
The NSW Government however is playing its part by embracing new and innovative initiatives to create pathways outside the hospital, including:
Empowering pharmacists to provide care for selected common conditions;
Delivering more urgent care services and clinics;
Delivering more virtual care services; and
Saving bulk-billing in NSW by providing payroll tax relief to GP clinics.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“Imagine, instead of struggling to find a GP appointment to receive a script for a minor skin condition, you could just pop down to your local pharmacy, and receive the care you need, when you need it.
“We’re providing thousands of people with the option of conveniently obtaining a prescription this way, relieving pressure on our GPs and saving GP appointments for people who need them the most.
“I am so pleased more than 1,400 people across NSW have been able to access more convenient, timely support for common mild skin conditions thanks to this trial.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting innovative initiatives like this one that are helping improve access to primary care services.
Quotes attributable to Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:
“Community pharmacists in NSW have provided immediate care for nearly 1,500 patients with minor skin conditions through the NSW Pharmacy Dermatology Trial.
With over 480 participating pharmacies, the initiative offers convenient prescription access, easing the burden on GPs and reserving their appointments for more critical cases.
This approach benefits both the community and its residents by making treatment more accessible and efficient. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is proud and honoured to be part of this critical initiative, supporting and evolving the NSW healthcare landscape.”
The AEC is notifying more than 360,000 households in NSW that they are enrolled in a different electoral division after federal boundaries were redrawn in the state last year.
AEC State Manager for New South Wales Rebecca Main said that a federal election must be held sometime in the next four months.
“With a federal election coming it is important that voters are familiar with the seat they’ll be voting in for the House of Representatives,” Ms Main said.
“Redrawn boundaries mean a lot of people will be voting in different seats to last time, so we’re letting them know in a few ways including by sending letters and running ads on social media.”
“It is an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
BOSTON – A former anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston was sentenced today for attempted sex trafficking of a child.
Sadeq Ali Quraishi, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2024, Quraishi was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Quraishi’s heinous actions and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the market for child sex trafficking and hold them accountable for their crimes. This sentence reflects our dedication to identifying those who prey on our most vulnerable and holding them accountable for their inhumane acts,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
“As a doctor, Quraishi was in a position of public trust. He abused that trust when he actively sought out and agreed to pay to sexually abuse a child. Fortunately, instead of the vulnerable child he planned to meet, he was met with an undercover HSI special agent,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “It is a heartbreaking truth that children are trafficked every day, but HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to fight the exploitation of children here in Massachusetts and around the world.”
In November 2022, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation designed to identify and apprehend people who sought to pay for sex with children. To that end, law enforcement placed advertisements online offering commercial sex with two young girls who were purportedly 12 and 14 years old.
Quraishi, then a practicing anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center, responded to one of the advertisements. Through an ensuing text conversation with undercover agents posing as the seller of the two girls, Quraishi agreed to pay $250 for a sex act to be performed by a 14-year-old girl. Shortly thereafter, Quraishi obtained cash from an ATM, and drove from his Boston home to a Waltham hotel to meet with the purported seller. Once at the hotel, he met with an undercover agent, confirmed he had the money to pay for the commercial sex act, and accepted a keycard he believed would give him access to the room where the 14-year-old girl would be. During that meeting, Quraishi was arrested and found to be in possession of exactly $250.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Lauren A. Graber of Criminal Division prosecuted the case.