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PRESS RELEASE : Museums can now apply for £20 million of funding to invest in their future [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 9 April 2025.

Treasured civic museums supported with new £20 million grant to help safeguard access to local culture and secure their futures.
- Funding will ensure museums can continue to serve communities, care for and share collections, and tell our national story at a local level
- Support will boost access to culture, delivering the government’s Plan for Change by increasing opportunities for all
Museums across England can now apply for a share of £20 million to safeguard community access to their collections and invest in upgrading their services.

The new £20 million Museum Renewal Fund, which is now open to applications, is designed to support valued regional museums, with a local authority link. It will improve public access to collections and buildings, as well as community and educational programmes which will help ensure they are fit for the future.

These museums help keep memories alive across generations through their broad, diverse public collections. As well as being a crucial resource for schools, they help communities to connect with their local story by highlighting an area’s distinctive industrial, archaeological, natural and artistic heritage.

The money will boost community programmes, support and grow schools activities, driving more visitors to museums. It will also enhance revenue generation, investing in organisational change and IT upgrades, whilst also supporting jobs in the local community.

This follows the announcement from the Culture Secretary last month of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

Our local and civic museums are the storytellers of our nation’s history, with a shared mission to educate, inspire and entertain.

They are key to preserving our national heritage at a local level through their collections and creative programmes, which draw in thousands of people from across the country, driving the growth and opportunity central to our Plan for Change. I am delighted that we have been able to provide this support, helping them to continue to flourish.

The programme will be delivered by Arts Council England and will run from April 2025 until March 2026. It will be open to regional and local museums, with a funding or governance link to a local authority, across England to support them to safeguard access and services and invest in resilience measures.

The government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and leaders, as co-investors in culture.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, commented:

Regional museums make a vitally important contribution to the way people engage with culture where they live and gain a deeper understanding of their communities and place. It is therefore vital that access to their collections is protected for generations to come. The Museum Renewal Fund will help these cherished institutions address immediate pressures and enable them to look ahead and plan a sustainable future serving their communities.

Notes to editors:
- In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth.
- The online portal to apply for the Museum Renewal Fund will open at 10am on 9 April 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on the Arts Council England website.
- This Fund is intended to safeguard public access to nationally and regionally significant collections at risk, as set out in the eligibility criteria. Museum Renewal grantees will be expected to undertake additional work to boost business and financial sustainability beyond 31 March 2026.
April 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Overhaul of local audit will restore trust in broken system [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 9 April 2025.
- Road to recovery outlined in new commitments for local audit reform to streamline and fix the fragmented and broken system
- Reform will ensure local authorities get their books in order to restore transparency, provide better value for taxpayers and create effective public early warning system
- And up to £49 million in funding announced to support local authorities in clearing the backlog as part of the Plan for Change
New reforms to repair the ‘broken’ local audit system will boost taxpayers’ confidence in council spending and streamline the sector so it’s fit-for-purpose, legal and decent.

Today, 16 commitments have been set out to achieve this, including simplifying financial reporting requirements and increasing capacity to avoid reliance on a small number of auditors.

The reforms will be backed by up to £49 million of support to help councils clear their backlogs and cover the additional cost of restoring audit assurance. Releasing funds to councils will be reliant on compliance with statutory backstops and linked to the publication of audited accounts and audit fees being paid.

In addition, a further £15m of grant was paid to local bodies in March 2025 as part of an existing package to help meet the wider costs of meeting audit requirements and fees.

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:

We inherited a broken local audit system, not fit for purpose, inefficient, fragmented and with a massive backlog.

Taxpayers’ expect and deserve to have confidence in the way their money is being spent locally. A functioning local audit system is the bedrock of local transparency and accountability so we are fixing the foundations of local government as part of our Plan for Change.

We are working in lock-step with local bodies to clear the backlog and move towards a simplified streamlined system.

The 16 new measures follow an open consultation on the local audit strategy, which attracted hundreds of responses.

The measures build on an existing commitment to set up the Local Audit Office as an independent and unified body, which will stop fragmentation in the system by co-ordinating functions spread across different organisations including the Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd, the National Audit Office and the Financial Reporting Council.

These reforms will be crucial to fixing the foundations and bringing long-term stability to local government as committed in the Plan for Change.

Further information:
- Up to £49 million in funding for clearing the local audit backlog will be paid in two stages during 2025/26, in the form of a non-ring-fenced grant. Allocations will be based on the size of bodies’ audit fees and the number of modified audit opinions received.  Allocations will be reviewed before the second stage of payments in 2025/26 to take into account revised cost estimates.
- Funding of £15 million for 2024/25 was paid on 31 March to eligible local government bodies towards the rise in audit fee expenditure. This includes allocations to 537 eligible bodies allocated as a proportion of Public Sector Audit Appointment fee scales.
- The full government response to the local audit reform strategy consultation can be found on Gov.uk here.
- Following the 13 December 2024 backstop, the system has taken a significant step forward. The vast majority of bodies (approximately 95%) published audited accounts for all years up to and including financial year 2022/23.
- While the government has been clear the broken system requires fundamental long-term fixes that cannot happen overnight, decisive and immediate action has already begun. In July, we announced a series of backstop dates to clear the backlog of hundreds of missing and overdue accounts which resulted in 95% of audited accounts being published.
April 11, 2025
NEWS STORY : Professor Anjali Goswami Appointed as Defra’s New Chief Scientific Adviser

STORY

The UK government has confirmed the appointment of Professor Anjali Goswami as the new Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Professor Goswami, a renowned evolutionary biologist and Research Leader at the Natural History Museum, will assume her role on 1 July 2025, succeeding Professor Gideon Henderson after his six-year tenure.

Professor Goswami brings a wealth of experience to Defra, having served as President of the Linnean Society of London and being a Fellow of the Royal Society. Her accolades include the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal, the Palaeontological Association President’s Medal, and the Humanists UK Darwin Day Medal. Beyond academia, she has authored a children’s book on palaeontology, reflecting her commitment to science communication.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Professor Goswami stated, “I am delighted to be joining Defra at this critical time for the UK and the planet. The UK public is rightly concerned about the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, which are increasingly evident in our everyday lives. Fortunately, there is immense scientific innovation that can support Defra’s mission, from cleaning our waterways and restoring nature to improving the resilience of our rural communities and our food supply to global change. I look forward to joining the Defra team and ensuring that the most cutting-edge scientific understanding is being harnessed to meet the complex challenges we face and deliver for the UK public.”

Defra’s Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Professor Goswami’s extensive expertise and her anticipated contributions to the department’s leadership. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, also expressed his support, emphasising the crucial role of scientific advice in addressing key environmental challenges.

April 11, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Chief Scientific Adviser appointed [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 April 2025.

Professor Anjali Goswami has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Professor Goswami, who is currently a Research Leader in Evolutionary Biology at the Natural History Museum, will join the department from 1 July 2025. She will succeed Professor Gideon Henderson, who is leaving Defra after six years in the role.

Professor Goswami is a celebrated scientist who has served as President of the Linnean Society of London and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. In addition to her academic achievements, she has authored a children’s book on palaeontology and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal, the Palaeontological Association President’s Medal, and the Humanists UK Darwin Day Medal.

Defra Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein said:

“World-leading science is fundamental to the research and development which underpins this department’s diverse responsibilities. I offer my sincere thanks to Gideon for his dedication and drive throughout his time at Defra for his scientific leadership and his wider leadership of the department. He has been an inspiring colleague bringing his values and commitment to innovation to bear to the benefit of citizens.

“Professor Goswami brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her career in academia and at the Natural History Museum. I am delighted to have her as part of the Defra leadership team, providing her science expertise both in Defra and the wider government scientific community.”

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

“I would like to thank Professor Henderson for his exceptional leadership and expert insight as Chief Scientific Adviser.

“Supporting nature’s recovery, protecting people and animals from disease outbreaks, strengthening food security – all our key areas of focus rely on the world-class advice of our scientists. I welcome Professor Goswami and look forward to working with her as this government secures Britain’s future under the Plan for Change.”

Professor Anjali Goswami said:

“I am delighted to be joining Defra at this critical time for the UK and the planet.

“The UK public is rightly concerned about the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, which are increasingly evident in our everyday lives. Fortunately, there is immense scientific innovation that can support Defra’s mission, from cleaning our waterways and restoring nature to improving the resilience of our rural communities and our food supply to global change.

“I look forward to joining the Defra team and ensuring that the most cutting-edge scientific understanding is being harnessed to meet the complex challenges we face and deliver for the UK public.”

Current Defra Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Gideon Henderson said:

“It’s been a challenging but hugely enjoyable privilege to be the Chief Scientific Advisor at Defra for the last six years.

“The department can be proud of the way it values science and scientists as it cares for the air, water, food and natural environment that we all rely on. I will miss working with passionate colleagues who make sure Defra’s wide range work is always informed by up-to-date and accurate science and analysis.

“I am pleased to hand over to Anjali who will be a great leader of Defra’s scientific community. She will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight and I’m confident will continue to put science and analysis at the heart of Defra’s work.”

Professor Anjali Goswami Biography
- Professor Anjali Goswami is a Research Leader in Evolutionary Biology at the Natural History Museum and President of the Linnean Society of London. Her previous roles include Dean of Postgraduate Education at the Natural History Museum and Professor of Palaeobiology at UCL.
- Her research focuses on vertebrate evolution and development, with a focus on using mathematical approaches to understand the impact of life history and environmental change on biodiversity.
- Professor Goswami was elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society of London in 2024 and has been awarded the Linnean Society Bicentenary Medal, the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal, the Hind Rattan Award, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Robert L. Carroll award, the Palaeontological Association President’s Medal, and the Humanists UK Darwin Day Medal.
Notes to editors
- The Defra Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for overseeing the quality of evidence that the Department relies on for policy decisions, providing ministers with scientific advice and setting the priorities for scientific research and evidence-gathering.
April 11, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Decides Against Separate Pay Structure for NHS Nurses

STORY

The UK government has announced it will not proceed with establishing a separate pay spine for nursing staff within the National Health Service (NHS). This decision follows a comprehensive call for evidence initiated in January 2024, aimed at evaluating the potential benefits and challenges of such a move.

The initiative to consider a distinct pay scale for nurses emerged from concerns regarding career progression and professional development under the existing Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. However, after analysing feedback from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and organisations, the government concluded that the issues faced by nurses are not unique to their profession but are shared across other NHS roles. Consequently, the evidence did not substantiate the need to separate nursing pay from the broader AfC framework.

Additionally, significant legal implications associated with creating a separate pay structure were identified, further influencing the government’s decision to maintain the current unified pay system.

In response to the concerns raised during the consultation, the government has committed to alternative measures aimed at enhancing career progression and professional development for nurses and other NHS staff. These measures include investing in improved local job evaluation practices and empowering the NHS Staff Council to refine the existing pay structure.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) had previously expressed opposition to the idea of a separate pay spine for nurses, labelling it as “divisive and unfair.” The RCM argued that such a move could erode morale and foster resentment among different healthcare professions working collaboratively within the NHS.

While the government has decided against implementing a distinct pay scale for nurses, it acknowledges the necessity of addressing the broader challenges within the NHS pay structure. The focus will now shift to collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to develop solutions that support the career advancement and professional growth of all NHS staff.

April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Rollout begins on new Employment Support programme with £40 million boost to West London [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 April 2025.

West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work.
- West London becomes first area granted funding as part of DWP’s ‘Connect to Work’ programme, which will ultimately support 100,000 people per year.
- The £42.8 million cash injection will fund five years of support for local disabled people and those with health conditions, and complex barriers to employment to find a suitable pathway into a job.
- Follows record £1 billion employment support package, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary last month, to unlock work for sick and disabled people, encourage financial independence, and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work.

As many as 100,000 people a year are set to receive tailored support nationally – including one-to-one employment advice and skills development – as rollout begins of Connect to Work, a new programme dedicated to help those facing some of the greatest barriers to work.

Over the next five years, a partnership of Local Authorities in West London will receive a total of £42.8 million to provide targeted help to up to 3,500 people per year by:
- matching people with job opportunities that suit their needs and circumstances,
- providing essential skills training to help people get into and on at work,
- working with employers to recruit and retain disabled workers.
West London will receive almost £9 million of the £115 million already committed to run the programme in its first year – a downpayment on their full five-year deal, allowing local leaders to hit the ground running on tackling inactivity in their area.

Work and Pensions Secretary Rt. Hon Liz Kendall MP, said:

As part of our Plan for Change we are fixing the broken welfare system – getting more people into work, putting more money in people’s pockets, and putting the benefits bill on a sustainable footing.

The welfare system we inherited has shut too many talented people out of the workplace – with no support, no prospects, and no opportunities.

We are changing this. That’s why I’m delighted to see our Connect to Work programme kick off, with over £40 million of funding so local leaders in West London can give people in their area the tools they need to get in and on at work in a way that’s right for them.

The Work and Pensions Secretary is set to visit a community hub in Shepherd’s Bush to meet people already helped into work by West London’s existing support offer, including:
- Arman who had to step away from his job as a bookmaker due to his mental health. With support from West London Alliance Programme, he attended mental health workshops, got help to boost his CV, and found volunteering opportunities, before ultimately landing a new job.
- Midula who has learning and speech difficulties. West London Alliance Programme is improving her prospect of getting into work through tailored interview prep and giving her the confidence boost she needs to succeed.
- Bill who has been able to keep working at Harrow Council for 40 years, despite his physical heath deteriorating, thanks to adjustments made so he could stay in his job.
David Francis, Director of West London Alliance, said:

The West London Alliance Boroughs are proud to be at the forefront of the ‘Connect to Work’ initiative, demonstrating the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to improving employment outcomes for West London residents.

This programme provides vital and tailored support to those facing challenges in the labour market, helping them to secure sustainable employment and build better lives.

The Connect to Work Programme is one of a number of initiatives being launched to help towards the government’s aim for an 80% employment rate.

Work has already begun on the plan to Get Britain Working, with South Yorkshire becoming the first of nine ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch their community-led effort to help people into a job.

This comes as the government unveiled sweeping welfare reforms – backed by a record £1 billion to deliver tailored job support for sick and disabled people – opening doors to opportunity, giving people a chance at financial independence, and boosting living standards, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health – one of the highest rates in the G7 – the government is also combating health-related inactivity at its root by investing £26 billion in the NHS and delivering 2 million extra appointments to reduce medical waiting lists, giving people and the economy a chance to get back on track.

Additional Information:
- The West London Alliance Partnership covers Ealing, Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow Local Authorities. Their Connect to Work service will be delivered under contract by Shaw Trust.
- The West Midlands and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities received a year’s funding for employment support as part of their Integrated Settlements – giving Mayors the power to make funding decisions in their area.
- Guidance issued on 26 November 2024 invited areas covering all of England and Wales to develop their plans to deliver Connect to Work over the next 5 years. Last autumn’s Spending Review confirmed £115 million for year 1 (25/26), subsequent funding for the programme will be confirmed through Spending Review 2025.
- Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation to get Britain working – GOV.UK
- Integrated Settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities – GOV.UK
April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Distributes Over £35 Million in Cold Weather Payments During Harsh Winter

STORY

The UK government has provided substantial financial support to vulnerable households during the recent winter, issuing over 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments totalling approximately £35 million in England and Wales. These payments were made between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, in response to severe cold spells where average temperatures were recorded or forecasted at or below 0°C for seven consecutive days. Eligible recipients received £25 for each qualifying cold period.

A significant portion of this aid, around £9 million, benefited approximately 385,000 pensioners receiving Pension Credit. This initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to support low-income pensioners, which has resulted in about 50,000 additional Pension Credit awards since the summer—a 64% increase compared to the same period last year.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, emphasised the government’s commitment to assisting vulnerable populations, stating:

“We supported millions of households this winter through Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments, alongside extending the Household Support Fund and the Warm Home Discount. For pensioners, this will have come on top of the State Pension, which is set to increase by up to £1,900 over this parliament for millions, thanks to our commitment to the Triple Lock.”

In addition to Cold Weather Payments, the government has extended the Household Support Fund from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, providing further assistance with essentials such as food, heating, and bills. Working-age individuals receiving qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance, may also be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if they meet specific criteria related to employment status, health conditions, and caregiving responsibilities.

April 10, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Over £35 million in Cold Weather Payments support paid this winter [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 April 2025.
- Over 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments were made this past winter.
- This represents around £35 million in support, in addition to other benefits.
- Over £9 million of this was issued to those in receipt of Pension Credit.
Over 1.4 million Cold Weather Payments – worth around £35 million in total – were paid this past winter to people in England and Wales, according to statistics released today [09 April].

Cold Weather Payments are issued to vulnerable households when the average temperature in their local area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below over seven consecutive days.

Those eligible received £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Of those who received a Cold Weather Payment, 385,000 were also in receipt of Pension Credit – equating to around £9 million.

It comes as the government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to around 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said:

We supported millions of households this winter through Pension Credit and Cold Weather Payments, alongside extending the Household Support Fund and the Warm Home Discount.

For pensioners, this will have come on top of the State Pension which is set to increase by up to £1,900 over this parliament for millions, thanks to our commitment to the Triple Lock.

Pensioners who receive Pension Credit automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments. This is alongside extra support available such as the Household Support Fund, which was extended from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.

Working age people who receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance can also receive a Cold Weather Payment if they meet further criteria relating to employment, health conditions and caring responsibilities for young children or a disabled child.

Additional Information
- A breakdown of Cold Weather Payments issued can be found on GOV.UK: Cold Weather Payment estimates: 2024 to 2025 – GOV.UK
- There have been an estimated 1,402,000 Cold Weather Payments in the year 2024/25.
- There have been an estimated 220,000 more Cold Weather Payments in 2024/25 compared to the 2023/24 season, including an additional 21,000 to those receiving Pension Credit.
- Eligibility criteria for Cold Weather Payments can be found on GOV.UK: Cold Weather Payment: Eligibility – GOV.UK
April 10, 2025
NEWS STORY : US President Bows to Pressure in Embarrassing Tariff U-Turn, Stirring Relief Across UK and EU

STORY

In a dramatic reversal that has raised eyebrows on both sides of the Atlantic, the President of the United States has performed a humiliating U-turn on recently announced tariffs, sparking widespread relief among officials in the UK and European Union. Just weeks after the White House unveiled a series of aggressive tariffs on key European exports, including steel, agricultural goods, and luxury items, the administration has now scrapped the measures entirely, citing the need for “recalibrated cooperation with allies.” The reversal comes after fierce diplomatic pressure, coordinated retaliation threats, and rising alarm from American industries caught in the crossfire.

European leaders wasted no time in responding. A senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the U-turn as “a necessary correction to a deeply misguided policy” and a “welcome return to reason.” In the UK, government insiders privately characterised the move as “a climbdown dressed in diplomatic waffle,” with one official joking that the White House “had gone from tariffs to tea and sympathy.”

The now-abandoned tariff plan had triggered weeks of tense negotiations and mounting transatlantic tension, with Brussels preparing a counter-package targeting American tech, whiskey, and motorbikes. The UK had also indicated it was ready to align with EU action, despite post-Brexit sensitivities. British trade officials say the tariff reversal is a vindication of a firm but measured diplomatic approach. “We made clear that unjustified tariffs on British products would not go unanswered,” one source said. “It’s encouraging that common sense has prevailed, even if it took a bruising for it to happen.”

For many in Europe, the episode has also reinforced concerns about the unpredictability of US trade policy under the current administration. “We’re pleased with the outcome,” said a spokesperson for the European Commission, “but the initial decision did serious damage to trust. We need more stability, not less, in global trade.”

American industry groups had lobbied intensely against the tariffs, warning of price spikes and job losses. Their pressure, combined with the diplomatic backlash, ultimately forced the President’s hand—though the administration has portrayed the shift as a strategic pause rather than a full retreat. Still, for observers in London, Brussels, and beyond, the optics are hard to ignore. As one EU official dryly remarked, “They came in swinging, and they left with a handshake. That tells you everything you need to know.”

April 10, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 7 March 1925

7 MARCH 1925

The House of Commons, discussing the second reading of Mr Macquisten’s Political Levy Bill, listened to an impressive speech by the Prime Minister, who submitted an amendment expressing the view that a measure of such importance should not take the form of a private member’s Bill. The amendment was carried by 325 votes to 153.

The Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restriction Continuation) Bill was introduced by the Minister of Health in the House of Commons, and read a first time. Second readings were given to the Clydebank Burgh Extension, &c., Bill and the Renfrew Burgh Bill, and the Lords’ Amendments to the West Lothian (Bathgate District) Water Order Confirmation Bill were accepted.

Mr Austen Chamberlain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, arrived in Paris. After dinner at the British Embassy, he discussed there with M. Herriot, the French Premier, the various current questions.

Mr Austen Chamberlain has been selected by the Unionist Association of Glasgow University as their candidate at the Rectorial election next October.

The Faculty of Advocates decided at a meeting yesterday to ask the Government to appoint a Royal Commission or other body to examine the possibility of reforms in the procedure of the Court of Session with a view to increasing efficiency and minimising the expense and delay of litigation.

The text has been issued of the Bill presented by Mr Neville Chamberlain to continue for a further period the Rent Restriction Acts.

Mr Kirkwood referred to his suspension from the House of Commons in a speech to his constituents in Dumbarton.

Opposition to the Government of Northern Ireland is threatened by the Churches and the Orange Order. They have combined in demanding an amendment of the Education Act, so as to secure that religious teaching and Bible reading shall be given by teachers whose opinions are acceptable to the parents.

April 10, 2025