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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 September 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 4 September 1924

    4 SEPTEMBER 1924

    It is reported in Cairo that Zaghlul Pasha is returning to Egypt on the 22nd inst. without entering into negotiations with the British Premier.

    Ramsay MacDonald, the Prime Minister, arrived at Geneva, and will speak in the Assembly of the League of Nations to-day on the problem of security and disarmament.

    Georgia and Azerbaijan are reported to have risen against the Soviet forces.

    In Morocco the Riffs are attacking vigorously. An official Spanish communiqué admits that several outposts have been taken, and that others were only saved by the brilliant defence of the troops. The Directory in Madrid state that Spain much reply not only from a sense of pride, but for self-preservation. No commentary prejudicial to the troops or the authority of the Government will be tolerated.

    Two Federal by-elections in Quebec Province have been won by the Government candidates. The Prime Minister, Mr Mackenzie King, has expressed satisfaction with the results, as an endorsement of the Government’s policy of a moderate tariff.

    Mr. SP Gilbert, a former U.S. Treasury official has been appointed Permanent Agent-General for Reparation Payments.

    Interviewed by a Press representative, Mr George Terrell, President of the National Union of Manufacturers, said that, without a shadow of doubt, the proposed loan to Germany under the London Pact was detrimental to British manufacturing interests.

    That the National Debt formed a dead-weight charge upon industry and reduced the ability of industry to create fresh productive capital was contended by two representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, who appeared as witnesses before the Committee on National Debt and Taxation.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 3 September 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 3 September 1924

    3 SEPTEMBER 1924

    The Duke and Duchess of York spent a busy afternoon in Glasgow, where they each fulfilled several engagements. Great public interest was taken in the visit, and their Royal Highnesses were everywhere received with much enthusiasm.

    Mr Ramsay MacDonald, the Prime Minister, left London for Geneva, where he is to attend the Assembly of the League of Nations.

    Mr MacDonald, who had a cordial welcome in France, stated in an interview that the importance of the present Assembly of the League was great, for it was the first time that it had met after a real step had been taken to establish European peace. The road was more clear than ever for a real discussion of armaments and national security.

    An official report has now been received regarding the disastrous hurricane which struck the Leeward Islands on the 25th ult. Many lives were lost, and much valuable property was destroyed, especially in Montserrat and Tortola.

    General Obregon, in his closing address as President of Mexico, vigorously attacked the policy of Great Britain in connection with the suspension of diplomatic relations and the expulsion of Mr Cummins, the British agent.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 2 September 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 2 September 1924

    2 SEPTEMBER 1924

    The Fifth Assembly of the League of Nations opened at Geneva. M. Hymans, Acting President, said he trusted that the London Agreements would be put into effect, and thus give the world the relief which it so urgently needed. They would mark the beginning of a new era, a successor to the age, the iron age of trial, sacrifice, and suffering. He added that all eyes were turned in the hope that it would find a solution to the problem of security. All motions at this moment towards the League of Nations, the President of the Assembly, was elected

    Mr. A. A. Purcell, M.P., chairman of the Trade Union Congress, in his presidential address at Hull, said that their first task must be to bring their Union organisation to the highest point of efficiency and strength. The highest Labour party was only strong and healthy in proportion to the health and strength of a united and scientifically organised Industrial movement. Referring to the Dawes Scheme, he said that the German eight-hour day must be firmly re-established. Workers’ sacrifices were not at an end. The German army and with it a proper minimum wage to safeguard the German workers’ standard of life.

    Mr. Ponsonby, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs replying to Mr. Runciman’s recent criticisms of the Russian Treaty, declared there was no question of dictation, threats, surrender or anything of the kind. After the breakdown he accepted an invitation from some of his friends in the House of Commons who were ready to act as intermediaries with a view to the resumption of conversations between the two delegations. By this means they were able to discuss in a satisfactory formula, and the Treaty was agreed to. He could see nothing irregular in the proceedings.

    Mr. C. R. Das’s declaration of his future policy for India and his admission of his advocating a revolutionary movement are agitating Calcutta.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 1 September 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 1 September 1924

    1 SEPTEMBER 1924

    The London Agreement was signed at the Foreign Office, London, by representatives of the Allied-German Governments. The proceedings were of a purely formal character, and no speeches were delivered.

    The French Government replies to the manifesto of the German Government denying that Germany was responsible for the war by reminding Germany that the world has already pronounced judgement upon the nation which, many years before the war broke out, had made up its mind to march through Belgium.

    At a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at Geneva, the question of the manufacture and traffic in arms and ammunition was discussed, and in the interests of peace and security the calling of an international conference was suggested.

    The League of Nations Council held its thirtieth session at Geneva. Among the subjects discussed were reports on slavery, the opium traffic; the protection of women and children in the Near East, the financial reconstruction of Hungary, and the Turkey-Iraq frontier.

    Efforts are being made to disperse the Chinese war clouds. The Peking Foreign Office has assured the British, American, French, and Japanese Ministers that it does not want civil strife, and is endeavouring to avert warfare.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New wetlands project brings boost for people and nature [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New wetlands project brings boost for people and nature [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 September 2024.

    An £80,000 project to reduce flood risk and bring a boost to wildlife and habitat in West Yorkshire is complete.

    The project at Chellow Dene Wetlands, near Bradford, took three months to complete and includes improvements to a wetland area to help slow the flow of water during heavy rain.

    It’s been delivered by Aire Rivers Trust working together with the Environment Agency, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Britvic, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Rivers Trust, and Friends of Bradford’s Becks.

    As part of the work, meanders have been created in Chellow Dene Beck to bypass a weir and create a more natural flow, allowing fish to move freely and creating better habitat for wildlife.

    A leaky dam, made of natural materials, has been installed in the beck. This will temporarily slow the beck’s flow during periods of heavy rain, allowing more flood water to enter the plain and reducing flows downstream. This water will then gradually make its way back into the beck.

    It’s expected the wetlands will hold approximately an extra 180 cubic metres of water.

    Wildflowers complete the project

    The project has been completed by the planting of wildflower seeds, which will produce a vibrant display of wetland wildflowers, attracting pollinators and other important wildlife.

    The local Scout group has also planted Alder and Bird Cherry trees on site that will provide food and shelter to birds and insects.

    Simon Watts, Operations Manager at the Aire Rivers Trust said:

    Urban wetlands are vital spaces for nature in our cities. This project shows how they can bring multiple benefits to Bradford.

    With the help of our funders, we’re contributing to reducing water pollution and flood risk and allowing nature to flourish on our doorsteps. It will be exciting to watch the site develop alongside our volunteers over the coming year.

    Ineke Jackson, Project Manager for the Environment Agency, added:

    This important project is helping to improve biodiversity and water quality and help naturally slow the flow of water, bringing a variety of improvements for people and wildlife.

    Improving the wetlands and the wildlife they support will bring further benefits by connecting people with nature.

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

    Here in West Yorkshire, we know all too well the devastating impact that flooding can have on our communities.

    That’s why we’re investing in our flooding hotspots to slow the flow of water, protect homes and businesses, and support habitats and wildlife.

    We’re dedicated to working with our partners at the Environment Agency and the Aire Rivers Trust to build a greener, more secure West Yorkshire.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Towns Taskforce set to deliver major housebuilding push [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Towns Taskforce set to deliver major housebuilding push [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 September 2024.

    The New Towns Taskforce held its first meeting and confirmed the final list of members as it pushed ahead to identify potential sites for new towns.

    • Eight seasoned experts join New Towns Taskforce to deliver new towns that could provide hundreds of thousands of new homes.
    • Group’s first meeting was held today in post-war new town Milton Keynes.
    • Taskforce to report back on potential locations to ministers next year.

    Ambitious plans for the largest post-war housebuilding programme are moving at pace as the final members of a new specialist Taskforce were appointed today.

    Eight industry experts now have a seat at the table of the New Towns Taskforce, alongside Chair, Sir Michael Lyons, and Deputy Chair, Dame Kate Barker. They include key players across planning, infrastructure delivery, architecture and urban regeneration.

    The group will now push ahead with the vision for new towns – creating largescale communities that could deliver hundreds of thousands of high-quality homes to tackle the national housing crisis and drive economic growth across the country.

    The Taskforce met for the first time today in Milton Keynes, a successful post-war town, confirming the responsibilities for each member, laying the groundwork to identify appropriate locations and learning the lessons from previous efforts to build new towns.

    They were also joined by the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister who spoke remotely with members during the day.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:

    Today marks a momentous step in our journey to deliver the next generation of new towns and transform the lives of millions of working people in every part of the country.

    We want to see new communities with real character –providing genuinely affordable, safe and secure homes, much-needed infrastructure and well-paying jobs.

    With a strong team of experts standing by his side, I have every confidence in Sir Michael’s leadership and his Taskforce is working at pace to make sure our long-term ambition becomes a reality.

    The Taskforce’s mission is already underway, with members leading a series of workstreams, and set to report back in 12 months. Its areas of work will include:

    • Identifying and reviewing high potential locations for new towns.
    • Agreeing principles and standards that must be met to provide good quality places.
    • Exploring new ways to attract future funding and investment.
    • Finding practical solutions to remove barriers that will unlock the delivery of new towns.

    This work will form the publication of the final report due to land on ministers’ desks next year, with plans to engage with mayors, local leaders and communities in the coming months.

    Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

    I am really pleased that the New Towns Taskforce has held its first meeting today.

    It brings together a wealth of experience from across the industry, and I look forward to engaging with it over the months ahead as it works to identify the most suitable locations across the country for large-scale new communities.

    Today’s meeting also confirmed working arrangements for the Taskforce who will report back to the Deputy Prime Minister on a monthly basis, and they will be supported by officials across the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Homes England every step of the way.

    This involves the creation of a New Towns Code that developers will have to follow to ensure new towns are great places to live and will include the golden rule of 40% affordable housing.

    Chair of the New Towns Taskforce, Sir Michael Lyons said:

    I am very pleased to chair the first meeting of the Taskforce today. We have an important agenda to work through over the next 12 months to ensure that the next generation of new towns deliver the government’s plans for economic growth and housing ambitions.

    I look forward to working with our very experienced Taskforce members to provide the Government with robust recommendations within a year.

    The government is already taking immediate action to ramp up housing supply and boost economic growth by reintroducing mandatory housing targets for councils through an updated National Planning Policy Framework to help deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

    Large housing sites facing blockages in the development system will also be fast-tracked through the New Homes Accelerator programme, which will see planning experts deployed on the ground to support local councils and housebuilders to get Britain building again.

    This is alongside the landmark £150 million partnership recently signed by Homes England to act as a master developer that will unlock largescale brownfield developments across the country, ranging from 1,000 to more than 10,000 homes.

    New Towns Taskforce Members:

    Sir Michael Lyons

    • Sir Michael Lyons is the Chair of the New Towns Taskforce.
    • Sir Michael is the non-executive Chairman of the English Cities Fund, a joint venture set up by three partners – including Homes England – which has large scale regeneration developments in London, Liverpool, Plymouth, Salford and Wakefield.
    • He is also the non-executive Chairman of SQW Ltd and has spent 26 years in local government, including 17 years as Chief Executive of three major UK local authorities including Birmingham City Council.
    • He has been a member of the boards of Redrow homes and Sage Housing as well as a strategic adviser on public asset management and regeneration to the commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE. He was also a former Chair of the BBC.
    • He previously chaired the Housing Commission in 2014 established by Ed Miliband, which set out how the UK can boost housing supply. He also led the national ‘Lyons Inquiry into Local Government’ in 2007 about workings and funding of local government which argued for greater devolution and emphasised the local authority’s role in ‘placeshaping’.

    Dame Kate Barker

    • Dame Kate Barker is the Deputy Chair of the New Towns Taskforce.
    • Dame Kate chairs the trustee for the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and is also a Church Commissioner for the Church of England. She chairs the Governing Council of the Productivity Institute.
    • She was a former non-executive director at Taylor Wimpey plc, at Man Group plc and at the Yorkshire Building Society. She was an external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee between 2001 and 2010.
    • During that time, she was commissioned by the government to conduct a major independent policy review of UK Housing Supply in 2004 followed by a review of Land Use Planning in 2006. She has also authored a book titled ‘Housing: where’s the plan’ and was previously a Commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission.

    Bill Hughes

    • Bill is Global Head of Real Assets and Co-Head of Private Markets at Legal & General.
    • He plays an active role in the wider infrastructure and housing industry, having been Chair of the Property Industry Alliance since 2016.
    • Bill is also a Global Governing Trustee of the Urban Land Institute and is on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (NZCBS) Governance Board.
    • Previously, Bill was CEO at RREEF UK and Deputy Managing Director at Schroder Property Investment Management.

    Diane Coyle

    • Dame Diane Coyle is an economist and Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge.
    • She is also a Director of the Productivity Institute, a Fellow of the Office for National Statistics, and an academic adviser to the CMA.
    • Diane was awarded a DBE for her contribution to economic policy in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.

    Eamonn Boylan

    • Eamonn Boylan has over 40 years of expertise in local government, including Chief Executive of Stockport, Greater Manchester CA and Transport for Greater Manchester.
    • He is currently interim CEO of Manchester City Council and Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation.
    • Eamonn has significant experience in leading large regeneration projects, including Ancoats and Hulme in Manchester.

    Helen Gordon

    • Helen is the CEO of Grainger, the UK’s largest publicly listed residential landlord and Build to Rent developer.
    • She has been in position since 2016, having previously working at RBS and Legal & General.
    • Helen has a wealth of experience developing new towns, working on the development of Milton Keynes early in her career.
    • She was also formally the president of the British Property Foundation and is Vice Chair of the European Public Real Estate Association.

    Kate Henderson

    • Kate is the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, the voice of England’s housing associations.
    • She is currently a member of several government panels including the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel and the Social Housing Quality Expert Challenge Panel.
    • She was previously Chief Executive of the Town and Country Planning Association.

    Nick Raynsford

    • Nick is the current President of the Town and Country Planning Association and author of the 2018 Raynsford Review of Planning.
    • Nick was an MP from 1986 to 2015 and held multiple ministerial positions including Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Minister for London and Minister of State for Local and Regional Government.
    • Since leaving Parliament he has held a number of positions including Deputy Chairman of Crossrail, Chair of CICAIR and a Director of Pocket Living.

    Sowmya Parthasarathy

    • Sowmya is an architect and urban designer at ARUP, with over 30 years of global experience. She has been involved in award-winning masterplans, strategic plans, and urban design guides, such as London’s 2012’s Olympic Legacy Masterplan.
    • Sowmya is also a UK Design Council Ambassador, serves as a Design Advocate for the Mayor of London and sits on the London Design Review Panel.

    Wei Yang

    • Dr Wei is a town planner and urban designer. She is CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning and Chairman of Wei Yang & Partners.
    • Wei currently serves as the Chair of the Construction Industry Council and a member of the UN Habitat World Urban Campaign Steering Committee.
    • Previously, Wei was President of the Royal Town Planning Institute for 2021
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK government events in Mexico promote trade in legal services [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK government events in Mexico promote trade in legal services [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 17 September 2024.

    UK legal services will be at the forefront of one of the world’s biggest legal gatherings this week to promote the UK as a place to do business.

    • International legal professionals to meet UK legal services experts
    • GREAT Legal Services events take place alongside the International Bar Association Annual Conference
    • Roundtables and joint Law Society reception show UK government commitment to supporting UK legal sector and driving economic growth.

    The British Embassy in Mexico City will host a series of networking events on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 September to bolster connections between the UK legal sector and global partners to highlight the UK Government’s commitment to driving economic growth through legal services exports.

    Taking place alongside the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, the world’s largest global legal sector gathering, these events, held jointly with The Law Society of England and Wales, build on the success of previous GREAT Legal Services campaign activity which has resulted in millions of pounds worth of business deals.

    In the last financial year, the campaign generated over £5 million in projected business wins for UK lawyers, and more than 800 business connections for UK legal professionals, and reached over 2.6 million online in key markets across the world.

    Justice Minister, Heidi Alexander, said:

    I’m proud of our legal services’ world-leading reputation. These networking events allow us to share our expertise with others and learn from them to maintain our competitive edge.

    Importantly, promoting the UK’s legal sector abroad helps build connections and ultimately bring investment back to the UK. I would like to thank The Law Society for their role in helping to bring UK and international legal professionals together.

    The GREAT Legal Services campaign was launched in 2017 to promote and support the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market.

    Overall the UK’s legal sector generates billions for the UK economy with the latest figures showing it contributed £34 billion in 2022. In recent months key agreements have been made with other nations to strengthen the sector – including agreements with Japan, Greece and Malaysia – by allowing UK lawyers to practise abroad.

    The IBA conference is the legal sector’s largest international event, with more than 5,000 attendees expected from law firms, governments, and regulators globally.

    Further information

    • Tuesday’s discussions on arbitration will cover key trends in Latin America, particularly in sectors such as energy, natural resources, renewables and infrastructure, with the aim of fostering dialogue and creating opportunities for UK lawyers in Latin American markets and related jurisdictions.
    • Wednesday’s finance roundtable will highlight Mexico’s growing significance as a market, assessing the key challenges and opportunities that face financial institutions and businesses in the region and how the legal sector can effectively support businesses and the market to thrive.
    • Also on Wednesday, for younger international lawyers, there is an event focusing on the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), providing the opportunity to learn more about working with English and Welsh Law.
    • Rounding off the events, the Ministry of Justice and The Law Society of England and Wales will co-host a drinks reception to celebrate relationships and partnerships forged, and enable more business connections to be made.
    • The events in Mexico City were supported by the Department of Business and Trade as part of broader work to grow trade between the UK and Mexico.
  • PRESS RELEASE : £1.9 Million Announced for Science, Technology and Innovation in West Africa [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1.9 Million Announced for Science, Technology and Innovation in West Africa [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2024.

    The UK government today has announced up to £1.9 million in funding to strengthen science, technology and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub.

    The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK government’s partnership with governments in Ghana and Nigeria on Science, Technology and Innovation, facilitate commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy and enhance government digital service delivery.

    Named after a medieval centre of learning in West Africa, Sankore will support the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. It will promote collaborative work between universities, research centres and the private sector, and help turn new ideas into useful products for industry and support projects that fit with Ghana’s tech goals.

    Launching a call for proposals at a press conference in Accra, Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, said:

    This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage. The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together.

    Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford said:

    Sankore will serve as a financing vehicle to catalyse the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy. This initiative is one of many initiatives the Ministry with the support of the UK Government intends to bridge the funding gap for Ghana’s Technological Innovation. We are happy to partner key actors in the innovation ecosystem to drive the economic transformation in Ghana through ST&I.

    British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson added: > The launch of Sankore sends a clear message: the UK sees enormous value in partnering with African countries on science, technology and innovation, and we are committed to bringing those partnerships to life. This grant will further strengthen our existing partnerships on science, tech and innovation, in line with our joint the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on enforced or involuntary disappearances [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 57 – UK Statement on enforced or involuntary disappearances [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 September 2024.

    UK Statement for the Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances. Delivered at the 57th HRC in Geneva.

    Mr Vice President, the United Kingdom would like to thank the Working Group for its report and for the insights provided.

    The UK strongly condemns all instances of enforced disappearance; they are clear violations of human rights. As we know, this issue deeply affects the families of victims and leaves a lasting impact on their communities, as well as damaging and undermining the effectiveness of the rule of law.

    We share concerns outlined in the report that limited records of disappearances do not accurately reflect the actual numbers of enforced disappearances in States, and that victims are likely to become subject to inhuman treatment and torture.

    We must collectively advocate for increased global engagement to eradicate instances of these grave human rights violations.

    The UK urges states to fully investigate all allegations of enforced disappearance and prosecute those responsible to provide justice for victims and their families. We must remain committed to promoting and protecting the rule of law internationally.

    Members of the Working Group,

    What tools for recording and raising allegations to the Working Group can be made readily available to those involved in investigating cases of enforced disappearances?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Loyd Grossman CBE reappointed as Chair of The Royal Parks [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Loyd Grossman CBE reappointed as Chair of The Royal Parks [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 September 2024.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Loyd Grossman CBE from 01 September 2024 to 31 May 2025, while the process to appoint a new permanent Chair of The Royal Parks is run.

    Loyd Grossman CBE

    Loyd is a broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer who has a long association with the arts and heritage sectors. He is Chair elect of The Royal Society of Arts.

    Loyd’s past appointments include as a board member of English Heritage, the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. He has been Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, Chair of the Heritage Alliance, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool and Vice Chair of the Royal Drawing School. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to heritage in 2015.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of The Royal Parks is not remunerated. This reappointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Loyd Grossman has not declared any significant political activity.