The Scottish government is considering awarding the contract for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services to existing operators CalMac without a competitive tendering process. Due diligence is being carried out to assess the award from financial, operational and legal perspectives, with a decision expected to be taken next summer. If awarded the contract, CalMac would… Continue reading CalMac could win ferries contract without tender
Category: UK News
More powers to protect war memorials from protesters considered
Recent protests in London have brought about discussions on whether the police may require new powers to prevent people from scaling war memorials. A breakaway group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators scaled the Royal Artillery Memorial at London’s Hyde Park Corner on Wednesday. Although the demonstrators’ actions were inflammatory, Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said that… Continue reading More powers to protect war memorials from protesters considered
What a falling inflation rate means for your finances
As the Christmas party season begins, some may assume that a slowing of inflation and a rise in wages means they can afford to let loose and spend more freely. However, financial experts warn that overspending could lead to a painful and long-lasting financial hangover. Despite official data showing that working people are typically better… Continue reading What a falling inflation rate means for your finances
GCSE students in England to get Covid support
The Department for Education has requested that the UK’s exams regulator Ofqual provides GCSE students in England with formulae and equations to limit the effects of Covid on their results. The additional support was designed to last until the next year and is being consulted on. During the pandemic, most students who will sit exams… Continue reading GCSE students in England to get Covid support
School strikes: Closures and disruption as non-teaching staff walk out
Thousands of non-teaching staff in Northern Ireland schools have gone on strike in protest of low pay, with one classroom assistant stating that he has to work three jobs to pay his bills. The strike has been called by four of the largest unions in an escalating dispute over wages and is expected to affect… Continue reading School strikes: Closures and disruption as non-teaching staff walk out
Matheson to give statement on £11k iPad data bill
Scotland’s health secretary, Michael Matheson, is expected to make a personal statement to the Scottish parliament over an £11,000 data roaming bill. Holyrood is yet to confirm if it accepted the request for Matheson to make the statement. The health secretary incurred the charges during a holiday to Morocco last year, which included more than… Continue reading Matheson to give statement on £11k iPad data bill
Return to River Street: Brechin flooding one month on
Residents of Brechin’s River Street have been struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the devastating flash floods caused by Storm Babet over a month ago. The floods struck when the South Esk burst its banks, submerging several properties. Some residents have been left homeless and are still living in temporary accommodation, unsure… Continue reading Return to River Street: Brechin flooding one month on
Labour ceasefire stance divides voters in target seats
The Jewish and Muslim communities in Bury have distinct attitudes towards the Israel-Gaza conflict and the political stance that UK politicians should adopt. With a higher than average Muslim and Jewish population, Bury is divided into two parliamentary constituencies: Bury North (Conservative) and Bury South (Labour). Both seats represent significant targets for the upcoming election. … Continue reading Labour ceasefire stance divides voters in target seats
Train drivers announce fresh round of strikes
A fresh round of strikes by train drivers over pay is set to take place, according to the Aslef union. Beginning on 2 December, the “rolling programme” of walkouts will run until the 9th, affecting different train companies on each day. The industrial action will also see drivers refusing to undertake overtime work from 1… Continue reading Train drivers announce fresh round of strikes
Most NHS maternity units not safe enough, says regulator
Maternity units in England have the poorest safety ratings of any hospital service that is inspected by the country’s healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), according to the regulator in an interview with BBC News. Analysis by the broadcaster of CQC records showed that two-thirds of maternity units are deemed not safe enough, up… Continue reading Most NHS maternity units not safe enough, says regulator