Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south. Grain ships collateral damage in the Black Sea as Russian risk appetite increases, UK intelligence shows.
The 2024 BRICS summit is the sixteenth annual BRICS summit, currently taking place in Kazan, Russia, from 22 to 24 October 2024. This is the first BRICS summit to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as members following their accession to the organization at the 15th BRICS summit.
In England and Wales, 5,448 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in 2023, the equivalent of 93.0 deaths per million people, and higher than the rate recorded in 2022 (84.4 deaths per million, 4,907 deaths); the age-standardised mortality rate for deaths related to drug poisoning has risen every year since 2012. Among males, there were 127.6 drug-poisoning deaths registered per million in 2023 (3,645 deaths), compared with 59.8 deaths per million among females (1,803 deaths).
Jonathan Reynolds will announce Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund on visit to Brazil including his first G20 meeting. New £2.3million Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund will help to unlock export opportunities worth nearly £5 billion for UK companies over five years .
Ukraine will receive further funding to purchase essential military equipment to defend itself against Russia's illegal invasion, as the Chancellor today announces that the Government will loan a further £2.26 billion in new money to Ukraine. UK announces £2.26 billion loan to Ukraine backed by profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets.
The Highland Council is undertaking a retrofit project in Caol for Swedish Timber properties which aims to enhance the energy efficiency of homes, reduce carbon emissions and reduce energy demand and costs. This initiative is part of the Council's efforts to meet its 2045 Net Zero targets, in line with the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.
The CyberFirst Girls Competition aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security. The competition is being run by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Santander UK has committed to a three-year sponsorship of a programme of Department for Business and Trade (DBT) events. Santander UK has committed to a three-year sponsorship of a programme of Department for Business and Trade (DBT) events, which will help UK businesses of all sizes realise the opportunities presented by global trade.
The Highland Council has called a Housing Challenge Summit, designed to bring together all parties from National and Local government. Also private sector interests, both large and small, from across the fields of energy, housing development and commerce, to focus on the Housing Challenge in Highland.
In November 2023 SSEN announced a huge investment of £20billion in projects. SSEN Transmission to recruit 400 new roles across the north of Scotland in the next 12 months as £20bn clean energy infrastructure programme gathers pace.
Borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £16.6 billion in September 2024, £2.1 billion more than in September 2023 and the third highest September borrowing since monthly records began in January 1993. The interest payable on central government debt was £5.6 billion in September 2024, £4.6 billion more than in September 2023.
SSEN Transmission has committed to support the building of more than 1,000 homes for workers across the north of Scotland. The aim is to build 400 homes in the Highlands and a further 400 in Aberdeenshire to deal with housing shortages as the regions increase work in energy infrastructure projects.
DINGWALL, Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, (October 18th) sold 263 Rams at its Second Continental Ram Sale. Texels (78) sold to £1,800 gross for a Shearling from Mr W.
Scotland's first Trade Envoy to Japan has been appointed to secure international investment. Stephen Baker will identify new opportunities in Japan's thriving energy transition, pharmaceuticals, med-tech and food sectors.
A new disability benefit for people of State Pension age opens today for new applications from people living in five local authority areas. Pension Age Disability Payment is the 15th benefit administered by Social Security Scotland.
Ten million working people across the country to benefit from an overhaul of workers' rights as the Government's landmark Employment Rights Bill returns to Parliament. Impact assessment shows the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive direct impact on economic growth.
Hazards relating to poorly marked equipment, and consideration of how these can be avoided, feature in a new report and safety leaflet for fishers. The Static Fishing Gear Safety Working Group Report 2024 dives into the problems relating to the marking and rigging of static fishing gear (fishing equipment that is set in place and does not move), UK regulations, and what can be improved.
Keir Starmer has said he wants a bonfire of red tape. That is the same goal that ended at Grenfell when David Cameron promoted it.
A story in The Telegraph highlights the latest issues for the ferries being built for the Scottish Government. The latest issue surrounds the need for replacement parts.
Keir Starmer wants high-tech investment in the UK that will demand massive new electricity supply and water supplies we simply have not got, and all for not many new jobs. Why doesn't he grow UK small business instead? .