News Archive

World Record RAF Flight Powered By Synthetic Fuel

The RAF and Zero Petroleum have won a Guinness World Record for the world's first successful flight using only synthetic fuel.   In a world-first, an Ikarus C42 microlight aircraft flown by Group Captain Peter Hackett, completed a short flight powered by synthetic gasoline at Cotswold Airport earlier this month.  

New Offence To Tackle Dog Theft Moves Step Closer

Government announces plans to bring forward a new criminal offence for pet abduction in Kept Animals Bill.   A new criminal offence to crack down on dog theft and put people who steal these much loved pets behind bars for up to five years has been set out in the Government's Kept Animals Bill today.  

Ending Conversion Practices - Expert group to advise on ban in Scotland

An expert group will be established to advise the Scottish Government on the banning of conversion practices, which aim to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.   The group will include people with personal experience of conversion practices as well as representatives from LGBTI organisations, faith and belief communities, mental health professionals and academics.  

Amazon Visa Cancellation: Searches for ‘Mastercard' explode 1,300% after rival Visa dropped by Amazon

Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for Visa's rival Mastercard exploded 1,300% on the 17th November in the UK, the day when Amazon announced it would no longer accept Visa credit cards from January 2022, due to the rising costs of working with Visa.   A new finding by Casinosites.org reveals that online interest in ‘Mastercard' exploded to 16 times the average volume in one day, an unprecedented spike in interest Mastercard, according to Google search data analysis.  

Public Urged To Think Twice Before Buying A Pet This Christmas

Public warned against being ‘Petfished' and to always research the person behind the pet Over a quarter (27%) of UK cat or dog owners say they noticed a suspicious seller or advert while purchasing their last cat or dog.   Defra's Petfished campaign film urges the public to think twice before buying a pet this Christmas.  

Why Having Bad Oral Health Could Raise The Risk Of Covid

Not brushing your teeth will get you in trouble with the dentist - but since the arrival of the pandemic, it could lead to bigger problems too.  There's growing evidence that poor oral health raises the risk posed by COVID.  

Business Ventilation Fund

A £25 million fund to improve ventilation in business premises and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission will open for applications next week.   Small and medium-sized businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms will be able to claim back costs of up to £2,500 to undertake work such as the installation of carbon dioxide monitors and remedial improvement work to windows and vents.  

Lifeline For Libraries

Innovative projects to reopen some of the libraries that closed during the pandemic, set up wellbeing cafes or provide home library services have received more than £1 million in funding.   The Scottish Government's £1.25 million Public Library COVID Relief Fund will support 23 projects around the country to re-connect communities with their libraries.  

£50 Million For Warmer, Greener Homes

Support available to help people save on heating bills this winter.   An additional £18 million will be available this year to help householders install energy efficient measures and reduce their heating bills, bringing the total support available through Home Energy Scotland to £50 million in 2021-2022.  

Acas publishes advice to help employers avoid fire and rehire practices

Workplace expert, Acas, published evidence on the use of fire and rehire practices at work in June.   In response, the Government asked Acas to produce guidance to help employers explore all other options first before considering fire and rehire to change employee contracts.