Apr132017

Research and analysis: Public dialogue on geological disposal and working with communities

DEFRA
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The department commissioned a public dialogue to inform the open policy making process in the area of community involvement in the siting of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

The project was jointly funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Sciencewise as a mechanism for exploring the views of small groups of members of the public on key policy issues relating to the geological disposal of radioactive waste.

The public dialogue project was run by 3KQ and the evaluation report was prepared by URSUS Consulting Ltd.

Apr132017

Jean Lambert: Dunkirk is burning, it’s time to throw refugee children a lifeline

Green Party
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13 April 2017

On Monday night, a fire ripped through Dunkirk refugee camp in northern France destroying 80% of the site including wooden shelters, community spaces, kitchens and the women’s and children’s centre [1].

The camp was home to approximately 1,500 people, including more than 100 unaccompanied children. According to legal organisation Safe Passage, there were 80 children living in the camp who have the legal right to be reunited with family members in the UK. Their names have been sent to the Home Office [2].

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and Green Party migration spokesperson, said:

“The situation in Dunkirk is desperately sad. As a result of Monday’s fire, more than 100 unaccompanied minors now find themselves homeless once again, facing the very real risk of violence and exploitation from people smugglers or of going missing among the chaos.

Legal mechanisms exist to help these young people. All 80 unaccompanied minors who have family members in the UK could be reunited with them immediately under the Dublin Regulation. More lone children who are particularly vulnerable should also be eligible for protection in the UK under the ‘Dubs’ scheme, which the government scrapped earlier this year after claiming there was no space for them.

I want the Home Office to know that there’s space in my constituency, London, where local authorities’ offers to take in so-called ‘Dubs’ children have been cruelly rejected. Many other cities including Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow are also ready and waiting to welcome more child refugees.

Theresa May’s hard-line government has so far showed a total lack of compassion for unaccompanied children in Europe, choosing to invest in fencing and barbed wire rather than in their safety and security. Now that Dunkirk is burning, it’s time to throw them a lifeline. I am calling for the Home Office to step up, and fulfill its moral and legal obligations.”

Notes: 

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39562742

2. http://www.citizensuk.org/need_for_urgent_transfer_of_80_children_from_fire_damaged_refugee_camp

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Apr132017

Declaration on behalf of the EU on the 15th anniversary of the decision on the border delimitation by the Eritrea-Ethiopia

EU
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On this day fifteen years ago, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) communicated its decision regarding the delimitation of the border between the State of Eritrea and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The EEBC had been established as part of the Algiers peace agreement signed by the leaders of Eritrea, President Isaias Afwerki, and Ethiopia, late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, in Algiers, Algeria on 12 December 2000. The EU signed as a witness alongside Algeria, the United States of America, the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity. 

The EU remains deeply concerned that the present stalemate continues to put regional stability at risk, with potentially negative implications on international peace and security as well as international trade, and hampers regional cooperation and development. 

The EU is convinced that the parties have all to gain from a full implementation of the provisions of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission’s decision. In this regard, the EU encourages all concrete steps that could lead to finally demarcating the border in accordance with the EEBC decision and to move to a phase of building constructive and peaceful relations. 

As part of its strong engagement on the Horn of Africa, the EU stands ready to support the process and any measures that will create conditions for a mutually beneficial relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia in the future.

Apr132017

Statement by the Spokesperson on political tensions in Zambia

EU
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Political tensions in Zambia have increased over past weeks and in particular with the events surrounding the arrest of opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in recent days.

Calm and to refrain from any actions and rhetoric likely to aggravate the situation are much needed.

The Zambian people expect all parties to engage in dialogue to contribute to a peaceful and democratic society and to respect the rule of law.

Apr132017

Grammar Schools need more than virtue signalling

UKIP
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DavidKurtenWeb.jpgUKIP Education Spokesman David Kurten AM said, “Despite her virtuous words of wanting to make sure that grammar schools cater to ‘ordinary families’, Education Secretary Justine Greening does not appear to have any coherent plan to ensure that this will happen.

“The best way to make sure that all ‘ordinary families’ have access to a grammar school is to roll them out over the whole country so that every town, city and borough has one and all children have the opportunity of a highly academic education if it suits them.

“There are only 164 grammar schools currently remaining in England. The government’s current plan is to deliver a few dozen new grammar schools through the free school system. This is not enough; the country needs hundreds more grammar schools distributed around the country and particularly in areas which don’t currently have one and where ‘ordinary families’ actually live.