In Australia, journalists aren’t being killed, editors aren’t being horsewhipped and newspapers aren’t being closed down as they are in some countries. But there is a disturbing pattern of erosion of newsworthy information, an example of a systemic defect in the common law. for more click here
British businesses need to do more to combat human rights abuses in China, Amnesty International said as it launched its campaign against abuses in China before the Beijing Olympics next year. for more click here
MINISTERS stepped up pressure on local authorities, the NHS and the Ministry of Defence yesterday to release more land for affordable housing.
Scotland is currently suffering from a shortage of homes to buy or rent, with an extra 270,000 more houses needed in the next nine years. for more click here
Effective enforcement will be a key factor in ensuring the forthcoming Licensing Act helps tackle Scotland’s alcohol problems, according to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Speaking at an ACPOS seminar on licensing Mr MacAskill said that a well-enforced Act would help turn off the tap of cheap booze, put the brakes on alcohol fuelled violence, remind licensees of their responsibilities and help change our alcohol culture.
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The Housing Supply Task Force, a new body charged with tackling obstacles that are hampering the provision of more homes, held its first meeting today.
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell chaired the session with a membership drawn from local authorities, house-builders, the housing association movement, and housing interest groups - people in a position to bring about real change.
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PARENTS at an under-threat city high school have started planning their fight against the council.
Mark Lazarowicz MP and Malcolm Chisholm MSP turned out to show their support for Drummond Community High. for more click here
European shares have seen mixed trading on Wednesday as US housing and credit woes continue to cast a shadow over global stock markets. After initially falling 43 points, the UK’s FTSE 100 index was up 24 points to 6,126 by early afternoon. Germany’s Dax had lost 11 points to 7,419. for more click here
I thought it would be useful to organise an informal discussion to bring those organisations supporting the Leith Museum Campaign up-to-date with progress to date, and possible next steps. I’m meeting with the Director of the National Museum of Scotland at the end of August and I’ve therefore arranged a meeting for Monday 3rd September, at 7.30pm in South Leith Parish Church Halls (not in the Church itself), 6 Henderson Street (courtesy of Ian Gilmour!)
This is planned as a meeting for supporting organisations. I will be suggesting we organise a public meeting later in September to keep informed the 3000+ people who’ve now signed the petition.
Many thanks, Mark Lazarowicz MP
CITY leaders have begun moves to bring back ceremonial robes in a bid to “set themselves apart from the hoi polloi”.
Council leader Jenny Dawe and Lord Provost George Grubb are spearheading the return of the traditional red and black robes, and their accompanying tricorn hats. The decision to ask for a report on the plans likely to cost the council thousands of pounds - has sparked fury at a time when schools are under the threat of the axe. for more click here
Just when everyone was starting to get complacent again, the market has come back and slapped investors in the face.Yesterday’s triple-digit plunge in major stock markets was a not-so-gentle reminder that this isn’t a one-week summer storm in a teacup, as some commentators have already been suggesting.
The truth is, this crisis has barely even begun to get going…
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