Jul202017

China man arrested for killing 4 over family dispute

East Asia

A man has been arrested for allegedly killing four people, including his wife and son, over a family dispute in northwest China’s Gansu Province, local police said Thursday.

Following a dispute with his wife, the suspect, Zhang Xiaojun, killed his son, father-in-law and nephew at his father-in-law’s home in a village in the city of Jiuquan at about 12:50 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.

Zhang, 37, also injured his wife, mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and his wife later died due to severe injuries.

The suspect then fled the scene.

Police arrested him on Wednesday in a nearby township.

Zhang, a native of Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, lived with his family in a village in Suzhou District, Jiuquan.

A police investigation is under way.

Jul202017

Ambitious for our country; ambitious for our party – Vince Cable’s Leadership Manifesto

Liberal Democrats

Vince Cable, the new Leader of the Liberal DemocratsI want to lead the Liberal Democrats because I am ambitious about our future.

I believe we are the only party that can represent the millions of liberal-minded people alarmed by the direction this country is taking: people, whether they voted remain or leave, who hate the intolerance, xenophobia and division that the Brexit vote unleashed.

I want the Liberal Democrats to be at the centre of political life: a credible, effective party of national and local government, and a voice of sanity on Europe.

To achieve this, we will have to fight for every vote and every seat.

It can be done: we have a record membership and the enormous energy that thousands of new members have brought to the party.

I believe I have the ability to give that energy a lead, to hit the headlines and to put our party at the centre of political debate.

Vince

Vince Cable

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Go to Source
Author:

Jul202017

Visit to National Grid

John Redwood MP

I had the pleasure of attending the National Grid graduation day for their interns. Under their theme of “Employability” they give young people a better chance of a future job by good intern programmes. One of this year’s intake has been offered a job with National Grid, who are helping the others find jobs or College or work placements elsewhere. Contracting companies of National Grid are encouraged to participate in their Employability programme. The current special school partner is Addington.

I welcome this good scheme to give students a better chance of employment, by concentrating on their many abilities.

Jul202017

News story: FCO launches its Annual Human Rights report for 2016

HM Government

Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy puts human rights centre stage of foreign policy.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published its 2016 Annual Human Rights Report. The report covers the period from January to December 2016 and for the first time includes a dedicated section on modern slavery – a key UK Government priority.

This report focuses on how the Government is working to protect and promote human rights around the world. It also sets out our 30 Human Rights Priority Countries (HRPCs).

The key themes include:

  • modern slavery;
  • rights of women and girls;
  • torture and the death penalty;
  • LGBT rights;
  • and the increasing pressure faced by civil society organisations.

The Minister for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, said:

In too many countries across the world, human rights and rule of law are neither respected nor valued as they should be.

Standing up for human rights is not only the right thing; it also helps to create a safer, more prosperous and progressive world.

This report documents the serious concerns we have about the human rights situations in a range of countries and also highlights our work protecting and promoting the value of universal rights and democracy.

Safeguarding, promoting and defending human rights internationally is an important UK priority and our Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy supports crucial frontline work.

British diplomats put human rights at the heart of everything they do, working in partnership with foreign governments and civil society – particularly in our 30 HRPCs – to promote safer, more inclusive, prosperous societies.

Video available here

Further information

Jul202017

BCC comment following PM’s Business Council meeting

British Chambers of Commerce

Following his attendance at the Prime Minister’s business council meeting, Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The increased tempo of engagement with business in recent weeks is welcome, as is the Prime Minister’s commitment to sustain that engagement over the crucial months ahead.  

“High-level discussions with the Prime Minister and her Cabinet must continue, but we also need to see sustained and structured discussion with business on the dozens of practical, real-world questions that firms face as a consequence of Brexit. Only by working together on the detail can we minimise disruption and maximise confidence for firms across the UK. 

“Our research shows clear support among the business community for the UK to reach a comprehensive agreement with the EU, and for a transition period which will prevent firms facing a cliff-edge. The prospect of multiple, costly, adjustments to trading conditions is a concern for many, so starting discussions on transition arrangements as soon as possible would go a long way to boost business confidence.

“Economic growth is slowing, with Brexit-related uncertainty part of the story. As we work to get the best possible deal with the European Union, the government must not forget to underpin confidence here at home. A domestic agenda that puts the economy and business growth front and centre remains absolutely critical.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce’s post-election survey received responses from 2,422 business people from all regions of the UK online between Monday 12 June and Wednesday 14 June 2017. Of the businesses surveyed, 91% were SMEs, 25% operate in the manufacturing sector, and 75% operate in the services sector. The results were weighted to align to the BEIS 2016 business population estimates.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Senior Press Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812