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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces reappointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 8 August 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of four Commissioners to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Helen Henderson, Jonathan Kearney, David Lavery and Stephen White will take up their appointments with effect from 1 September 2023 for a term of three years.

    A competition will be held shortly for one further Commissioner vacancy details of which will be advertised on the Public Appointments website.

    Background

    The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (the ‘NIHRC’) was created by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, as part of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
    The NIHRC was established in 1999 and operates as an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
    Its powers and duties are set out in legislation, and it operates in compliance with UN General Assembly resolution 48/134 (the ‘Paris Principles’) on National Human Rights Institutions. The NIHRC’s functions include keeping under review the adequacy and effectiveness in Northern Ireland of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights and promoting understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland.

    Further information about the work of the Commission can be found at: https://nihrc.org/about-us

    Terms of appointment

    • These positions are part-time for a period of three years ending on 31 August 2026.
    • The positions receive a fixed annual remuneration of £7,500.
    • The positions are not pensionable.

    Biography of Appointees

    Helen Henderson has a background in global education, community development and peace building within the third sector. She is managing Director of St Columb’s Park House, a peace and reconciliation centre and is a former board member with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority

    Jonathan Kearney is an independent consultant with a focus on policing and human rights. He has undertaken research into international policing and worked as a sessional academic.

    David Lavery is currently Chief Executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and former Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

    Stephen White is currently a self-employed freelance Security Sector Reform Specialist.

    Political Activity

    All appointments are made on merit and with regards to the statutory requirements. Political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories to be made public. All of the appointees have declared that they have not been politically active in the last five years.

    Regulation

    The Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment (OCPA) regulates appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

    Statutory Requirements

    The Secretary of State makes appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (03/08/2023)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (03/08/2023)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 3 August 2023.

    I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

    There were many meetings today. Different ones. International work, internal security, defense of the state.

    The meeting on the Crimea Platform – the content of the summit, the international presence at the summit, its impact on our ability to keep up the pressure for the liberation of Crimea – we are working on the details. And we are already preparing not only the Crimea Platform Summit at the level of leaders in August, but also the parliamentary dimension of the Crimea Platform, which will be held in the autumn.

    Today is the second day of an important meeting with the ambassadors of Ukraine in Zakarpattia region.

    Yesterday and today we had the highest political and highest military levels of communication. The ambassadors had very substantive conversations with the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, Commander of the Air Force, Vice Admiral Neizhpapa, the Commander of the Naval Forces, Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Lytvynenko, and NSDC Secretary Danilov. All of them. I specifically asked Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny, the commanders and Mr. Kuleba to hold such a meeting to discuss the key things that our warriors and defense forces need so much, so that they could convey all this to the ambassadors.

    Prime Minister Shmyhal, Yulia Svyrydenko, Stefanishyna, Kubrakov also attended the meeting today. There was also a meeting between the ambassadors and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk on parliamentary diplomacy, which can be very effective if it is fully consistent with our overall state strategy.

    It is important that the ambassadors of Ukraine are fully informed about every need of Ukraine in great detail. Weapons, equipment, munitions, finances, specific political decisions… I thank everyone who was active at this meeting in Zakarpattia, and I thank Zakarpattia for such a welcome.

    Today, there were reports from Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Malyuk and Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko. In particular, one of the issues is the inspection of the “military commissars”.

    We talked in detail. The inspection reveals many abuses. Frankly disgusting ones. All the facts revealed by law enforcement officers will be presented to the public and investigated in the framework of criminal proceedings. The conclusion is obvious: the recruitment system needs people who understand the value of defending Ukraine. The value, not the price of decisions. People who have seen the war and gone through it should work in the “military enlistment offices”. There are those who, unfortunately, lost their limbs, but did not lose their dignity and did not lose Ukraine. I am grateful to them.

    Minister Klymenko reported separately and in detail on the training of our National Guardsmen – the provision of ammunition and equipment is a priority. He also spoke about the protection of critical facilities, including nuclear power plants. We discussed the situation in the regions after the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, and the provision of all necessary supplies to people. The Minister also reported on measures taken to combat crime. There were informative reports on the entire range of work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    And, of course, the frontline.

    The battles are tough, the occupiers are trying their best to stop our guys. The assaults are very fierce. Kupyansk, Lyman, Bakhmut, Maryinka, Avdiivka directions. Southern directions. It is difficult everywhere. But no matter what the enemy does, it is the Ukrainian force that dominates. And I am grateful to everyone on the frontline for this!

    Today I would like to recognize the warriors of the 15th operational brigade of the National Guard. Melitopol direction. Thank you, guys! I would also like to mention the warriors of the Izmail border guard detachment who, together with the maritime units, counter Russian “Shahed” attacks.

    In total, the terrorists have already launched at least 1961 “Shaheds” against Ukraine, and a significant number of them have been shot down. Unfortunately, not all of them. We are working to shoot down more – to shoot down as many as possible. We are working to have more air defense systems. In particular, this is a task for each of our ambassadors, all representatives of Ukraine.

    Everyone must work for the victory, for the protection of life. The lives of people and the protection of our beautiful Ukraine! We will definitely win.

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/08/2023)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (02/08/2023)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 2 August 2023.

    I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

    It was a long and very busy day.

    In the morning, we received reports from our warriors, from air defense on the downing of “Shaheds”. There were 37 “Shaheds” in total during this one night. Some of them were shot down. But only part of them. Fortunately, people were not injured. There were hits in the southern areas – Odesa region, our ports.

    We are doing our best with our partners to increase the supply of air defense systems. It is very important for the world not to get used to this Russian terror. Every hit is a common problem. Not only for Ukraine, but also for all those in the world whose stability Russia is trying to destroy by attacking our ports and infrastructure.

    Now, for the Russian state, this is a battle not only against our freedom, not only against our state. Moscow is fighting a battle for a global catastrophe: these lunatics need the world food market to collapse – they need price crises, supply disruptions. Someone in Moscow thinks they can make money on this… Someone in Moscow hopes they will be able to bargain for something… These are very, very dangerous hopes.

    In particular, we talked about food security today with our ambassadors – I held an extraordinary large meeting with all the heads of Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

    We gathered in Zakarpattia. On the eve of a new political season in our partner countries. For 16 months of full-scale war, we have been working together – the entire diplomatic team of Ukraine, everyone who works in the field of our foreign policy – to make sure that the world sees events in a completely truthful way. The way they are happening, not the way Russian propaganda wants to depict them. Most countries in the world stand with Ukraine. We have achieved extremely significant results in supplying weapons to our troops. There are powerful sanctions against Russia for terror. Now there are new tasks for Ukrainian diplomats – to attract defense production to Ukraine… equipment, artillery, shells. To expand training missions for our warriors. To ensure the supply of F-16s. Long-range missiles for Ukraine.

    And always – absolutely always – political decisions in favor of our country, our freedom. The Crimea Platform, the UN General Assembly, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the Global Food Summit, and the very important Peace Formula Summit, to which we are inviting the world’s majority, are ahead. The launch of accession negotiations with the European Union is a task for this year. Preparing more in our relations with NATO is also a task that our diplomats have to fulfill. Today we talked about all this in great detail.

    Ukrainian diplomacy has very clear, significant accomplishments. In all areas. We do not forget about the sphere of national memory, our history. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor, and we are constantly active in communicating with partners to recognize the historical truth – to recognize the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. Already 28 states have recognized the Holodomor as genocide – this is at the state level. In four more countries, one of the chambers of national parliaments has adopted a decision. And during the full-scale war alone, 17 such recognition decisions were made. This is a very high pace. And all Ukrainian diplomats should maintain this pace – remain that active in the interests of Ukraine. Every day, every week, every month, they should prove with concrete results for Ukraine that our diplomacy can and will be a global leader.

    I held a meeting on the security and social situation in Zakarpattia. General Deyneko, Head of the State Border Guard Service, reported on border issues, which are strategic for the region. A thorough report by head of the regional administration Mykyta – it is clear that the region has the necessary results. Well done!

    Relocation of business and creation of new jobs in different communities of the region is an important area of work. Facilities for the rehabilitation of our warriors are the right projects. Many initiatives to develop the economy of Zakarpattia – those opportunities that have not been used for decades.

    In particular, the development of a salt deposit has already begun here in the region, which can provide all of Ukraine with table and industrial salt. There are other projects that we will discuss with government officials.

    Zakarpattia will definitely be one of the drivers of development for the whole of Ukraine, economic and social growth.

    I am finishing this day in Berehove with a meeting with representatives of the Hungarian community in Ukraine. It is an important meeting. Educators, doctors, representatives of public and religious organizations and, of course, our warriors, whom I had the honor to award. Brave and courageous warriors whom we are proud of – all of them. All of us, Ukrainians, all of us, citizens of Ukraine. Everyone defends our country and freedom, everyone strives for victory for Ukraine, to live in Ukraine and develop life here – for the sake of their families, for the sake of their children.

    I thank everyone who defends freedom! I thank everyone who is fighting for Ukraine! The 128th separate mountain assault brigade of Zakarpattia and the 101st separate brigade of the Territorial Defense… Thank you, warriors. Today – especially!

    Thank you all – Berehove, Uzhhorod, Mukachevo and all of Zakarpattia!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (01/08/2023)

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2023 Statement on the Situation in Ukraine (01/08/2023)

    The statement made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 1 August 2023.

    I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

    This day began with very informative reports from representatives of the defense and security forces of our country.

    Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Malyuk and Minister of Internal Affairs Klymenko on the liquidation of the consequences of Russian terrorists’ attacks on our cities: Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, Kherson, and our other cities.

    General Zaluzhny reported on the general situation in the defense. Generals Syrsky and Tarnavsky reported on the front and specific directions. Commander of the Air Force Oleshchuk reported on the results of the use of air defense. “We are constantly working with our partners on a daily basis to bolster our sky shield, step by step we are adding protection.

    There was also a separate detailed report by Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Budanov – the occupiers will definitely feel the consequences of our work. They will feel it strongly.

    We are preparing a number of international events – this week will be very important for Ukraine and our foreign policy.

    A month remains before the start of the new political season in our partner countries. And we will do everything possible to make this season as conducive as possible to our movement forward, to victory, to our desire to restore peace for the whole of Ukraine – without exception. More political support for Ukraine. More weapons for our warriors. Full responsibility of the terrorist state for everything it has done against Ukraine, against our cities, villages, and people.

    And today I would like to honor our warriors from the areas in Donbas and the south of our country more specifically, by name. Warriors whose bravery and courage are special. The story of each of them is a true heroism!

    Soldier Andriy Kalkutin, the 56th separate motorized infantry brigade of Mariupol. Soldier Pavlo Karasiov, the 28th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Viktor Konstantiuk, the 30th separate mechanized brigade. Soldier Roman Sydorchuk, the 33rd separate mechanized brigade.

    Senior Soldier Andriy Hora, the 5th separate assault brigade. Senior Soldier Dmytro Humeniuk, the 214th separate special battalion. Senior Soldier Mykola Zaruchevskyi, the 55th separate artillery brigade. Senior Soldier Yaroslav Ilkiv, the 24th separate mechanized brigade.

    Junior Sergeant Taras Vozniuk, the 3rd separate assault brigade. Junior Sergeant Serhiy Savchuk, the 36th separate marine brigade. Well done, guys!

    Junior Sergeants Mykola Paytsan and Mykhailo Shcherban, Sergeant Ihor Apolitov – all three are from the 65th separate mechanized brigade. Junior Sergeant Ruslan Kryvalets, the 110th separate mechanized brigade.

    Sergeant Serhiy Datskiv, the 25th Sicheslav separate airborne brigade. Sergeant Oleksandr Pshenychuk, the 47th separate mechanized brigade. Senior Sergeant Andriy Samohalskyi, the 22nd separate mechanized brigade. Lieutenant Ihor Lytvyn, the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade. Major Yaroslav Volianskyi, the 44th separate artillery brigade.

    I thank you, guys, for the enemies you destroyed and for the brothers you saved! I am proud of your results! You are our pride, you are the pride of Ukraine.

    Glory to all our warriors!

    Glory to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, who is helping us bring our victory closer!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Andy Street – 2023 Comments on Crooked House Pub

    Andy Street – 2023 Comments on Crooked House Pub

    The comments made by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, on Twitter on 8 August 2023.

    We’ve asked @south_staffs to ensure the Crooked House Pub is rebuilt brick by brick, & any attempt to change its use blocked 🚫.

    @alex__claridge & I have also asked to be kept informed of the Fire & Police’s investigation.

    We will not let the Crooked House be consigned to history.

  • Andy Street – 2023 Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade on Allegations of Blocked Access to Crooked House Fire

    Andy Street – 2023 Letter to Staffordshire Fire Brigade on Allegations of Blocked Access to Crooked House Fire

    The letter sent by Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to Chris Noble (Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police) and Rob Barber (Chief Fire Officer in Staffordshire) on 7 August 2023.

    Dear Chris and Rob,

    We hope you are both keeping well.

    We are writing in regards to the fire at the Crooked House Pub in Himley over the weekend. As you will be aware, this historical pub is of real significance to the cultural heritage and history of the West Midlands, and so it is deeply upsetting to see it gutted in this way.

    Whilst we will avoid any speculation as to what has occurred, clearly there are major questions to be answered given how swiftly this fire happened following the sale of the pub to an unknown private developer. We are also intrigued by the fact that your officers faced blocked access when trying to get to the scene.

    Given the significance to the West Midlands, we would kindly ask that you keep us abreast of your investigation. If there is anything we can do to help, then please let us know.

    We are also copying the letter to Councillor Roger Lees, the leader of South Staffordshire District Council, who we have written to separately in regards to the future of the site.

    Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.

    Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.

    Alex Claridge, West Midlands Night Time Economy Advisor.

  • Julie James – 2023 Statement on Renewable Energy Developer

    Julie James – 2023 Statement on Renewable Energy Developer

    The statement made by Julie James, the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, on 2 August 2023.

    When I announced that Welsh Government would establish a Welsh state developer to benefit Welsh citizens, I committed to updating the Siambr on progress. I am happy to say that we are making progress at pace towards our launch date of April 2024.

    One of the early questions is about how people see the company. The name is an important first step in making sure that it is an organisation people can recognise and understand the role it has in delivering for the people of Wales. Our new developer will be called Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, making it absolutely clear that its intent is to power Wales into a clean and more prosperous future.

    I am also very pleased that we have secured an excellent and highly skilled Chief Executive to lead the company, following an open and fair competition that attracted a strong and able field of candidates. We have appointed Richard Evans, who has both a strong professional background as a developer and has worked across the public sector helping us deliver our energy ambitions through the Welsh Government Energy Service. I look forward to working with Richard to deliver the ambitions I have for this company to make a real difference to our communities.

    Our recruitment campaign is continuing throughout this year, as we look to staff the company with people with experience in energy development who want be part of this new and exciting company. We will also be searching for a Chair for an independent Board, which will have the important role of steering the company as it establishes itself and its projects.

    A key focus of the company is supporting value creation for the people of Wales. Procurement is a hugely powerful tool in driving the changes we want to see. We have successfully contracted with some very skilled organisations to support the Trydan team in establishing well-designed renewable projects. We have focused on involving Welsh companies and delivering social value to Wales, and I look forward to reporting on how we realise these immediate benefits as the development process begins.

    Though this is just another step in a long-term process and there is still much to do, I hope you will welcome these milestones on the way to the birth of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.

    This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Working together to save lives’ – Welsh Government teams up with police ahead of 20mph roll out [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 1 August 2023.

    On Sunday, September 17 Wales will become the first UK nation to introduce a new default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads.

    To prepare motorists for this significant change, the Welsh Government and the police are working with the fire service, Go Safe (Wales’ Road Casualty Reduction Partnership), local authorities and other community groups to educate motorists.

    At roadsides across Wales, fire service staff will work with partners, to stop speeding motorists in 20mph areas and offer them the opportunity to watch an educational video rather than face a fine of prosecution.

    The video warns about the dangers of excessive speeds and highlights the benefits of slower speed. It is only offered to those motorists not driving excessively over the speed limit.

    Supt Leanne Brustad, Gwent Police said:

    “Engagement, education, and enforcement plays a huge part in the rollout.

    “We will continue to work closely with our partners to educate drivers as much as possible as the new speed limit comes into force and help deliver all of the benefits of this policy.” 

    South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Group Manager Richie Smart said:

    “Our fire fighters see the devastating impacts that road traffic collisions, including those in built up areas where people and vehicles mix closely, can have. We are therefore pleased to support our partners to raise awareness of the importance of speed limits to keep everyone safe.” 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Results Day in Scotland 2023 [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 August 2023.

    Pass rates above pre-pandemic levels.

    Students getting their exam results today should be very proud of their achievements, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, with pass rates remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

    Data published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed the overall pass rate for National 5, Highers and Advanced Highers has increased from the 2019 pre-pandemic level, with a record number of passes in an exam year achieved at National 5.

    The number of vocational and technical qualifications achieved has also grown to a record high this year – with more than 72,000 qualifications awarded in 2023, an increase of 12.3% from 2022.

    The poverty-related attainment gap remains narrower than it was in 2019 across National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said:

    “I want to offer my congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard and demonstrated so much resilience not just this year but over the course of your studies.  Today is all about celebrating your achievements and you should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

    “I would also like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude for the continued dedication and commitment of those in our education system – thank you to all of Scotland’s teachers, lecturers, support staff as well as parents and carers for supporting our young people.

    “There is much to celebrate in what is another strong set of results showing a clear and continuing recovery from the pandemic – with pass rates at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher above the 2019 pre-pandemic level, a record number of passes at National 5 and the highest number of vocational and technical qualifications ever awarded.

    “While we know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds, these results show that the gap in attainment levels between the least and most deprived areas remains narrower than it was in 2019. We are determined to build on the progress that has been made and we are investing a record £1 billion in the Scottish Attainment Challenge during this parliamentary term.

    “For those who don’t get the results they were looking for, a free and direct appeals service will give all young people the right to request a review of their marked exam papers or coursework for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results this year. Additionally, as you consider your next steps there is help available to guide you. The Skills Development Scotland Careers Helpline can offer practical information and careers advice as well as support for wellbeing. The SQA helpline is also open and can help students and their families with queries relating to the Scottish Qualifications Certificates.”

    Background

    SQA Results 2023

    ‘Pre-pandemic’ refers to 2019 results.

    Skills Development Scotland helpline 

  • PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Exam results support for pupils [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 7 August 2023.

    Advice on next steps.

    More than 144,000 pupils across Scotland will be able to access a range of advice in the coming days, including a dedicated helpline, to assist them with their exam results.

    The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8th August) for four days. The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

    Ms Gilruth said:

    “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

    “Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

    SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said:

    “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year. It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

    Background

    The SDS helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th August. It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

    Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000. It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9 August.