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  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Exeter [June 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Exeter [June 2024]

    The press release issued by the 10 Downing Street on 4 June 2024.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Mike Harrison, Suffragan Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, for election as Bishop of Exeter, in succession to The Right Reverend Robert Atwell, following his retirement.

    Background

    Mike’s undergraduate studies were in Mathematics & Statistics at Selwyn College, Cambridge, after which he worked as both a Management Consultant and a Social Worker in London. He trained for ministry at Oxford and served as Assistant Curate at St Anne and All Saints, South Lambeth in the Southwark Diocese for four years. During this time he studied for a PhD in Doctrine at King’s College, London University. Mike went on to be Chaplain at Bradford University and Bradford and Ilkley Community College, where he was also Diocesan World Development Advisor, and completed an MA in International Development Studies at Bradford University. From 1998 he was Vicar of Holy Trinity, Eltham in the Diocese of Southwark, also serving as Rural Dean of Eltham and Mottingham. He moved to Leicester Diocese in 2006 as Director of Mission and Ministry.

    In 2016, Mike took up his current role as Suffragan Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich with a keen focus on mission & evangelism, discipleship, engaging children & young people and cultivating vocations.

    Mike is married to Rachel, an Occupational Therapist and they have four adult children. He is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers (having been born in Bolton) and (not unrelatedly) has an interest in live comedy, as well as being a beekeeper and baker of cakes.

  • RESOURCES : Jane MacLeod – General Counsel of the Post Office

    RESOURCES : Jane MacLeod – General Counsel of the Post Office

    RESOURCES

    Biography issued by the Post Office in 2016:

    “Jane joined the Post Office in January 2015 as General Counsel and is a member of the Post Office Group Executive. Educated at the Australian National University, Jane qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and has subsequently gained significant experience both in private practice and in-house in a variety of roles, most recently as General Counsel with Phoenix Group Holdings where she was a member of Group Executive Committee with responsibility for the Legal and Corporate Secretariat functions. Jane’s background is in corporate finance particularly in relation to financial services. Her responsibilities at the Post Office now include Legal, Governance, Risk & Internal Audit, and Information Security.”

  • Horizon Inquiry’s Chair’s 2024 Statement Regarding Former Post Office General Counsel, Jane MacLeod

    Horizon Inquiry’s Chair’s 2024 Statement Regarding Former Post Office General Counsel, Jane MacLeod

    The statement issued by the Chair of the Horizon IT Inquiry on 24 May 2024.

    1. Many of you will have noticed that Jane MacLeod was listed to give evidence on 3 and 4 June 2024, but that her name has been removed from the timetable. I wish to make a brief statement on this matter and the background to Ms MacLeod’s removal from the timetable.
    2. The Inquiry sent Ms MacLeod a request to produce a written witness statement pursuant to rule 9 of the Inquiry Rules 2006. I was satisfied before seeing Ms MacLeod’s draft witness statement that she would be an important witness from whom I wished to hear oral evidence. On 23 February 2024, the Inquiry wrote to Ms MacLeod to inform her that she was listed to give oral evidence on 3 and 4 June 2024. Thereafter, my team and Ms MacLeod’s representatives liaised regarding practical arrangements for her attending the Inquiry to give evidence.
    3. Ms MacLeod provided a draft of her witness statement on 11 April 2024. Her recognised legal representative informed the Inquiry that, due to the passage of time, Ms MacLeod considered that her written statement was the best evidence that she could offer and that she was “questioning…whether she would be able to assist the Inquiry further” by providing oral evidence. The Inquiry restated its position that it considered it important to hear oral evidence from Ms MacLeod. Further, it offered to meet Ms MacLeod’s travel and accommodation expenses. However, Ms MacLeod has made it clear that she will not co-operate with the Inquiry by providing oral evidence, whether by attending the Inquiry in person or by giving evidence remotely via live video link.
    4. I have considered the options available to me in respect of Ms MacLeod. I note that the conventional view is that section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 cannot be used to compel witnesses who are based abroad and not UK nationals to give evidence. If that is correct, then I have no further express power under the Inquiries Act 2005 to compel Ms MacLeod to attend. However, even if that conventional view is wrong, I consider that there is little benefit in serving Ms MacLeod with a notice under section 21. Issuing the notice is different from enforcing it, and I consider that the methods of enforcement available to me are very limited in respect of a person who is resident abroad.
    5. First, I could seek an order of enforcement in the High Court pursuant to section 36 of the Inquiries Act 2005. However, the High Court in England and Wales would not have the power to compel Ms MacLeod to give evidence whilst she is based in Australia. As such, section 36 does not take matters much further.
    6. Second, section 35(1) of the Inquiries Act 2005 provides that a person is guilty of an offence if he or she fails without reasonable excuse to do anything that he or she is required to do by a section 21 notice. For the purposes of argument, I shall assume, without making a final decision, that where a non-UK national who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a section 21 notice served whilst he or she is outside of the UK, he or she commits a criminal offence. Even in those circumstances, this would mean that Ms MacLeod may face criminal sanction in this country, but it would not bring her before the Inquiry. In order to do that, a magistrates’ court would have to convict Ms MacLeod in her absence and sentence her to a term of imprisonment of four months or more. In those circumstances, it may be that extradition proceedings could be initiated against Ms MacLeod: see section 148(5) of the Extradition Act 2003. Assuming that it was proper and possible to take all of those steps, it would be an extraordinarily long process. I am in little doubt that it would be impossible to do that within a reasonable timeframe for me to report to Parliament.
    7. I therefore consider that there are no adequate means of compelling Ms MacLeod to attend pursuant to the Inquiries Act 2005. However, I note that I have received a considerable amount of disclosure on the issues that are relevant to Ms MacLeod. I shall be able to compare what Ms MacLeod says in her witness statement alongside the extensive contemporaneous documentation I have received. Whilst it would have been greatly preferable to hear from Ms MacLeod, I do not consider that her absence prevents me from establishing the facts of her involvement in the matters relevant to the Terms of Reference. As such, I propose that we read Ms MacLeod’s statement into the record.
    8. Sir Wyn Williams
  • NEWS STORY : BBC Doorsteps Post Office Lawyer Jane MacLeod Who Refuses to Attend the Horizon Inquiry

    NEWS STORY : BBC Doorsteps Post Office Lawyer Jane MacLeod Who Refuses to Attend the Horizon Inquiry

    STORY

    The BBC have doorstepped Jane MacLeod, the Post Office’s most senior in-house lawyer between 2015 and 2019, who has refused to attend the Horizon Inquiry. MacLeod, who now lives in Australia, refused to engage with the BBC team or attend the inquiry, despite Sir Wyn Williams, chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, requesting her to do so either in person or on Zoom.

    RESOURCES

    Horizon Inquiry’s Statement by the Chair

    Post Office Biography of Jane MacLeod

    EXTERNAL NEWS LINKS

    BBC News Story

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 31 May 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 31 May 1924

    31 MAY 1924

    The full text is published of the Note addressed to the German Government by the Conference of Ambassadors concerning the general inspection of German armaments desired by the Allies.

    The Industrial Councils Bill, which imposts on the Ministry of Labour the duty of calling together the two sides in industry with a view to the formation of a Council if desired by both sides, and seeks to give legislative effect to such decisions of the Council as many be submitted to the Ministry for that purpose, passed second reading in the House of Commons by 236 votes to 16 votes.

    By a majority of three to two, the House of Lords allowed the appeal of the Hon Christabel Hulme Russell against the decree nisi pronounced in March of last year, dissolving her marriage with the Hon John Hugo Russell, son and heir of Lord Ampthill.

    The danger of a strike in the building trade has been removed, the national ballot having resulted in the employers’ offer being accepted.

    The Mount Everest expedition have encountered extremely low temperatures and have been driven back to the base camp at Rongbuk.

  • RESEARCH DOCUMENT : MPs’ Pensions Scheme

    RESEARCH DOCUMENT : MPs’ Pensions Scheme

    The research document issued by the House of Commons Library on 29 May 2024.

    Document (in .pdf format)

    SUMMARY

    This is a research briefing from the UK Parliament’s Commons Library about the MPs’ Pension Scheme. It provides an overview of the scheme’s features, its development, and the impact of the McCloud judgment on age discrimination in public service pensions.

    Key points include:

    • Features of the scheme: The MPs’ Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme administered by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). It has two sections: the final salary section and the career average section introduced in 2015. The scheme is funded, meaning that both MPs and the Treasury make contributions into a fund that is invested and used to pay the promised pensions.
    • Development of the scheme: The scheme was established under the Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1987 and has undergone several reforms over the years. In 2015, it was reformed alongside the main public service pension schemes, with pensions being based on an MP’s average salary over their career instead of their final salary.
    • McCloud judgment and the MPs’ Pension Scheme: The McCloud judgment, which found that the government had discriminated against younger members of other public service pension schemes, led to changes in the MPs’ Pension Scheme as well. These changes allowed all members to choose whether the benefits they accrued during the transitional protection period should be based on their final salary or their average salary.

    The briefing also details the governance of the scheme, the roles and responsibilities of IPSA and the scheme’s Trustees, and the funding mechanism. It concludes with a brief overview of the scheme’s development, including the transfer of responsibility to IPSA in 2011 and the review of public service pensions that led to significant reforms.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 30 May 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 30 May 1924

    30 MAY 1924

    The critical debate in the House of Commons on the Government’s unemployment resulted in the rejection of the Opposition amendment by 300 votes to 252. Eight Liberals voted against the Government. Herbert Asquith and all other front bench Liberals present supported the Government.

    The miners’ delegate conference by a majority accepted the proposed terms of settlement, and a new wages agreement for 12 months, subject to one month’s notice on either side, will now be signed.

    The King and Queen of Italy left London on the conclusion of their visit to the British sovereigns.

    The arsenal at Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is reported to have been destroyed through an explosion caused by a spark from a locomotive.

  • PRESS RELEASE : G7 Leaders’ statement on Gaza [June 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : G7 Leaders’ statement on Gaza [June 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 June 2024.

    The leaders of G7 countries issued a joint statement on Gaza.

    We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), fully endorse and will stand behind the comprehensive deal outlined by President Biden that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza, and an enduring end to the crisis, with Israel’s security interests and Gazan civilian safety assured. We reaffirm our support for a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two State solution.

    We call on Hamas to accept this deal, that Israel is ready to move forward with, and we urge countries with influence over Hamas to help ensure that it does so.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long [June 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Defence confirms the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long [June 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.

    It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long.

    Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mark was 43 years old.

    While studying Economics at the University of Warwick, Mark learnt to fly on the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. He graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2003 and was subsequently sent to RAF Linton on Ouse to fly the Tucano, gaining his ‘wings’ in 2004. His Advanced Flying Training was on the Hawk and he was selected to remain on 208(R) Squadron to take on the role of an Instructor.

    On completion of his instructional tour, Mark converted to the Harrier GR7/9 and was posted to 1(F) Squadron, RAF Cottesmore. He was the last RAF Harrier pilot qualified to conduct operations off an aircraft carrier.

    In 2012 Mark joined the Typhoon Force, and was assigned to XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby, before an assignment to 29 Squadron in 2014 on instructional duties. In 2016 he was the Typhoon Display Pilot. His primary role was to teach the student pilots how to operate the Typhoon.

    In addition to his instructional duties, Mark contributed to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace by undertaking Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, both in the UK and in the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (Falklands Islands), and additionally conducting QRA duties whilst on Baltic Air Policing Operations in Lithuania.

    Mark lived in Lincolnshire with his wife, two daughters and dog. 2024 was his fourth season with the BBMF.

    Mark’s family said:

    Mark lived his life with an unwavering passion with laughter, love, and dedication to his family. His talent for flying was there for all to see, and his ability to connect to everyone he met was infectious.  Mark will be cherished and deeply missed by us all.

    Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, Officer Commanding Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, said:

    In life, we are occasionally privileged to meet incredible people like Mark. Mark touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself. The epitome of a military fighter pilot, he personified the very best of the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We were lucky to have him as part of the team and part of our BBMF family. Always a vision of calm, Mark faced life’s obstacles with a wry smile, a knowing nod and a pint of tea. Above all, he was a devoted husband and a proud father. Whilst words alone cannot adequately convey our loss, he will remain forever “the best boss that BBMF never had.

    Wing Commander Andy Shaw, Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, said:

    Mark was a humble, kind, generous family man as well as an outstanding fighter pilot, instructor, and Display Pilot. He inspired every single Typhoon pilot in the RAF, and taught many of them, bringing an infectious enthusiasm to every task. His loss will be keenly felt both throughout the Typhoon Force and by those who knew him in his Display and BBMF roles.

    Throughout, he mentored and cared for all those around him. Personally, he was a great support and friend to me as squadron commander but, more tellingly, he mentored many of our more junior members, some of whom have been selected to be trained as pilots themselves. As a member of 29 Squadron for the last decade, Squadron Leader Mark Long will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and those who loved him at this time.

    Group Captain Billy Cooper, Commander Air Wing, said:

    My deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time. Mark was a hugely respected fighter pilot, instructor, and friend, and one of the most talented aviators I have flown with. His service over many years has contributed such a huge amount to not only the operational effectiveness of the Typhoon Air Wing, but also had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. He was selected to be the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2016 season, followed by his time with BBMF.

    Nothing better demonstrates his outstanding skill as a pilot, his exemplary leadership, and his engaging and infectious personality than this unique achievement. Mark was the quintessential RAF Officer; respectful, humble, upbeat, and driven by an innate sense of service and professionalism and doing the right thing by others. His time as an instructor and leader has touched everybody on the Typhoon Air Wing and people’s lives are better because of him.

    Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, said:

    I was deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident over the weekend and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family and his loved ones.

    A superbly talented Combat Air and Display Pilot, Mark inspired all those he met with his truly infectious energy, across both the Combat Air Force and all those serving at Royal Air Force Coningsby.

    Having seen first-hand the difference Mark made within the Typhoon Force, the Display Wing, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, I know his talent and energy will leave a lasting legacy, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine [June 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine [June 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 June 2024.

    The drones will be procured as part of the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine, co-led by the UK and Latvia.

    In February, the UK and Latvia announced that they would lead the new Drone Capability Coalition, designed to rapidly supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of first person view drones.

    Today, the UK and Latvia have opened the bidding for companies to supply FPV drones to Ukraine, on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition. This competition aims to produce these drones at scale and at an affordable price point, leveraging the strength of Western industry.

    Industry can find the details of how to apply via the Defence Sourcing Portal. This competition is open to industry from any nation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

    Companies have until 28 June 2024 to submit their proposals, which will then be considered by the Drone Capability Coalition members and evaluated. Successful companies will receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine and, upon receipt of positive operational feedback, the intent is to place larger, follow up orders for FPV drones. Additional FPV competitions are expected to take place through 2024, building on the lessons learned from this first competition.

    First person view drones have proven highly effective on the battlefield since Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing Ukrainian operators with situational awareness to target enemy positions, armoured vehicles, and ships with explosive ordnance.

    Members of the coalition include: UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. Further countries are considering joining the coalition.