The UK Government condemns the terrorist attack in Egypt. I was deeply saddened and appalled to hear about the tragic loss of life. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, and with the Egyptian Government and people following this abhorrent … read more
On 21-24 May 2017, the Rt Hon Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, visited South Sudan. This visit raised awareness of the work the UK is undertaking to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the country and to encourage the leaders in South Sudan to take action.
Whilst in South Sudan, the Minister met with the new Chief of the Defence Forces and government officials to urge them to end the conflict, stop attacks on civilians and enable humanitarian aid to reach those in need across the country. She also met David Shearer, the Special Representative to the Secretary General for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), to hear about the challenges the mission is facing to fulfil its mandate to protect civilians.
The Minister met with civil society groups, NGOs and UN agencies during a UK-funded UN Population Fund workshop, to look at the challenges around tackling the stigma that many survivors of sexual violence face.
On a visit to the town of Malakal, Baroness Anelay spoke with UK troops deployed to UNMISS, who are providing engineering and medical support. She also heard the challenges and risks women and girls face living at the UN Protection of Civilians camp.
The CMA is consulting on proposals by David Lloyd to resolve concerns over its proposed acquisition of Virgin Active gyms in Brighton and Brentwood.
Earlier this month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found competition concerns in these 2 locations because the companies’ gyms are situated close to each other and would face limited competition from other operators after the acquisition.
The CMA was concerned that the acquisition could have resulted in higher prices or a worse deal for gym users. David Lloyd has now proposed not to acquire these gyms, which will instead remain under Virgin Active ownership.
David Lloyd was originally proposing to buy 16 Virgin Active gyms in total. The CMA has found no competition concerns in the other areas affected.
The CMA believes these proposals will address the concerns identified and has provisionally accepted them. It is now consulting formally on whether they are sufficient to address its competition concerns before reaching a final decision. Interested parties are invited to submit their responses by 10 June 2017.
The consultation on the undertakings and all other information relating to this merger investigation can be found on the case page.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]The AAIB has sent a team to the Mull of Kintyre to investigate a light aircraft accident. read more
The Charity Commission has launched its annual safer giving campaign to help British Muslims continue giving generously to registered charities this Ramadan.
As Muslims in the UK enter Ramadan today (Friday 26 May), the Charity Commission says there are simple steps people can take to check before they give, to ensure their zakat goes where it is intended this Ramadan.
The Muslim Charities Forum has estimated that Muslims across Britain donate around £100 million during Ramadan and research suggests that disaster relief, children and education are the top three causes to benefit from the practice of zakat (charitable giving).
The Charity Commission have produced a video encouraging people to check before they give. It shows how they can make sure their generosity helps those in need by giving to genuine, registered charities.
All year round, and especially at Ramadan, the generosity of British is Muslims amazing – your money is having a massive impact in your communities and for causes around the world.
We want to help you to continue giving safely, confident that your donation is going to those who need it most. Check before you give by going to gov.uk/find-charity-information and make sure that your zakat gets to the people you want to help.
We know that Muslims in Britain take their zakat duties very seriously and are enormously generous in their charitable giving, especially at Ramadan. Around £100m is donated each year during Ramadan across Britain.
We at MCF see first-hand the difference that generosity makes. That’s why we are endorsing the Commission’s campaign and encouraging Muslims to check before they give to ensure you are giving to a genuine registered charity and that your zakat is going where it is intended.
The Commission’s ongoing safer giving campaign encourages people giving at key times of the year, such as Christmas, Ramadan, during emergencies and humanitarian crises, to make sure their donations go to registered charities.
Ends.
PR 43/17