[unable to retrieve full-text content]The AAIB has sent a team to investigate a light aircraft accident in Northamptonshire.
Jun182017
News story: The AAIB has sent a team to Northamptonshire.
Jun182017
EU channels extra support for Portugal to help with forest fires
This morning President Juncker and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides immediately offered the EU’s full readiness and capacity to do all possible to help and expressed their condolences to all those affected.
The European Commission is in constant contact and coordination with the Portuguese authorities. Earlier this morning Commissioner Stylianides called Portugal’s Minister of Interior de Sousa to express the Commission’s solidarity to the people of Portugal and its authorities.
In addition to immediate EU support mobilised already this morning, further assistance is now on its way.
“Portugal is not alone in these difficult times. Europe is about solidarity and we have acted quickly to send concrete support since the early hours. Following France’s three firefighting planes dispatched this morning, let me now thank Italy and Spain who have also offered four additional planes through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism.
This vital support will help the heroic Portuguese firefighters who are risking their lives to bring the fires under control. I encourage participating states to now also offer firefighters to Portugal, following their latest request for assistance. The EU continues to be ready to provide additional emergency support Portugal requires,” said Commissioner Stylianides.
Portugal activated the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism today, requesting firefighting aircraft. It has now requested firefighters.
The European Commission, through its 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), has been in constant contact with EU Member States to channel support through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism.
A liaison officer from the ERCC has arrived in the country to help coordinate offers of assistance.
Background
The planes channelled through the Civil Protection Mechanism will operate in the affected areas such as Vila Real, Coimbra and Leiria.
Through the mechanism France has offered three planes, Spain two and Italy two. Spain also offered four on a bilateral basis.
The European Commission coordinates voluntary offers made by participating states though the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and can co-finance the transport of relief items and experts to the country in question.
The mobilisation of assistance is coordinated through the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which closely monitors developments and offers the possibility of transport co-financing for the offered assistance.
The assistance can consist of items for immediate relief as well as experts and supporting intervention teams. In the case of fires, this can include fire-extinguishing aircraft. The Commission cannot send planes or equipment itself via the Mechanism.
Overall, the Mechanism facilitates the cooperation in disaster response among 34 European states (28 EU Member States, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey).
Jun182017
UN chief ‘deeply saddened’ by the many lives claimed by raging wildfires in Portugal
18 June 2017 – ‘Shocked and horrified’ at the many lives claimed by the devastating fires that hit the Pedrógão Grande region of Portugal, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today expressed his deep sadness and condolences to the Portuguese Government and people.
In a statement, the Secretary-General said he spoke earlier today with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and with the Prime Minister, António Costa, expressing his “deep sadness.”
According to news reports, the fast-moving wildfires ripped through the forested Pedrógão Grande central region of Portugal, some 150 kilometers (95 miles) northeast of Lisbon, leaving dozens dead and more injured.
“I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. At this time of loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” said Mr. Guterres.
The UN chief went on to commend the Government, firefighters, emergency responders and civil society organizations who are sparing no efforts to battle the wildfire and help people in need.
“The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way possible,” the Secretary-General concluded.
Jun182017
Wokingham Choral Society at All Saints
Yesterday I enjoyed the concert put on by Wokingham Choral Society in All Saints Church. Patrick Allies conducted the choir well as they sang a number of pieces about evening. The music included soothing lullabies and Evening service music, with works by Rachmaninov, Benjamin Britten, Herbert Howells , Elgar, Holst and others.
I would like to thank all involved in organising the evening and in performing. The singing was great, and the organ pieces were well played by Benedict Lewis-Smith.
Jun182017
Press release: Details of Grenfell Tower Residents’ Discretionary Fund
- every household whose home has been destroyed as a result of the fire will receive a guaranteed £5,500 minimum down payment from the fund. This will be made up of a £500 cash payment and £5,000 delivered through the Department of Work and Pensions into bank accounts or similar in a single payment
- the £500 cash payment has already begun to be made available to those affected and further payments are available immediately from the Council at the Westway Centre or from Monday through the Post Office in Portobello Road, as and when families need it
- the £5,000 payment will be available from Monday and support workers will assist households in accessing it – including those who do not have bank accounts
- the discretionary fund is also being made available to meet funeral costs, and to top up payments for those households with complex or additional needs. The fund under be kept review and will increase if necessary
Access to the fund is one element of the support being made available, and comes on top of:
- support for the council through the Bellwin scheme to meet the immediate and uninsurable costs of responding to the disaster
- a guarantee of funding for temporary accommodation for those whose homes have been destroyed as a result of the fire while permanent homes are found
- funding for legal representation for residents to ensure their voices are heard during the inquiry An additional £1.5 million to pay for mental health support to the Emergency Services through Mind’s Blue Light Programme
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
As we continue to respond to the needs of the community, our focus is on ensuring that all of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy get the right support as quickly as possible.
My government will continue to do absolutely everything possible to help all of those affected through the difficult days, weeks, months and years ahead.