Jun182017

UN chief ‘deeply saddened’ by the many lives claimed by raging wildfires in Portugal

United Nations
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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 &#8220deep sadness.&#8221

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.

&#8220I 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,&#8221 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.

&#8220The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way possible,&#8221 the Secretary-General concluded.

Jun182017

Wokingham Choral Society at All Saints

John Redwood MP
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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

HM Government
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  • 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.

Jun182017

News story: John Griffith-Jones confirms plan to leave the FCA and PSR in March 2018

HM Government
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John Griffith-Jones confirms he will leave both organisations at the end of his term of office, on 31 March 2018.

John Griffith-Jones, Chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), has confirmed that he will leave both organisations at the end of his term of office, on 31 March 2018.

John Griffith-Jones commented:

I committed to a five year fixed term to chair the FCA and, in so doing, to help ensure that conduct regulation became a respected part of the UK financial landscape. It has been, and continues to be, a great privilege to be responsible for the work of both the FCA and the PSR. I like to believe that I will leave both in good shape to regulate well in the future.

John Griffith-Jones was appointed as the first FCA Chair with effect from 1 April 2013; he became Chair of the PSR when it was established in April 2014; his term of office at both organisations expires on 31 March 2018.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, commented:

I want to thank John Griffith-Jones for his work as Chairman of both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator.

Both undertake a vital role in ensuring that the UK financial markets work well and that the interests of consumers and users of those markets are protected. John Griffith-Jones has provided strong leadership to both Boards during his tenure, helping to establish them as key parts of the UK financial regulatory system.

HM Treasury will now commence the process for recruiting a new Chair for the FCA.