Blog masonry

National News

Mental health warning as hundreds of applicants to Government fund miss out

Hundreds of community mental health projects could miss out after just over half of applications for funding were granted by ministers, Scottish Labour has warned. The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Third Sector Interface (TSI), authorised 1,461 projects set up to offer local support by March 2023. However, the scheme, which delivers funding to community initiatives across Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, received 2,585 applications to the fund in 2022/23 –Read More

today 82

National News

Prospects of UK US free trade agreement very low says Business Secretary

The chances of the UK securing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States are “very low”, according to the Business Secretary. Kemi Badenoch said the change of administration from Donald Trump to Joe Biden following the 2020 US election is the reason why the UK has not made progress on such a deal. Conservative MPs have described an FTA with the US as the “greatest prize of all” and the ability to strike new trade deals, particularly withRead More

today 14

National News

Archbishop of Canterbury pays tribute to his mother after her death at 93

The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to his mother who has died aged 93. Lady Jane Williams passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, Lambeth Palace said. The Most Rev Justin Welby said she led a “remarkable” life, working for Winston Churchill and Nobel Prize winner Professor Sir Ernst Chain. Mr Welby said he will treasure many memories of her which are “full of grace, laughter and joy.” He added: “It’s with profound sadness that I mourn the loss ofRead More

today 17

National News

UK signs off membership to major Indo Pacific trade bloc

Kemi Badenoch has signed off UK membership to a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc, bringing British businesses a step closer to being able to sell to a market of 500 million people with fewer barriers. The Business and Trade Secretary signed the accession protocol to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in New Zealand on Sunday. Britain is the first new member and first European nation to join the bloc – comprising Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia,Read More

today 13

National News

Protestors turnout to celebrate Trans Pride in Brighton despite wet weather

Crowds have gathered in Brighton to mark the Trans Pride protest calling for equal rights for transgender people. Organisers expect between 5,000 to 10,000 people to take part, half the original estimate after a yellow weather warning for wind and rain forced a change of route. Flags and banners were waved as the volunteer-led community event, now in its 10th year, began outside Brighton Library with speeches and applause. Brighton and Hove’s first openly trans councillor, Raphael Hill, said addressingRead More

today 41

National News

Arsenal confirm signing of Declan Rice in British record 105m deal

Declan Rice has completed his transfer from West Ham to Arsenal in a British record £105million deal. The England midfielder’s departure from the club he joined a decade ago was confirmed by the Hammers on Saturday morning, with Arsenal announcing the switch had been completed in the afternoon. Rice’s move to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract sees him become the most expensive English player in history and follows on from the former Irons captain having guided his oldRead More

today 41

National News

Councils call for 2024 ban on single use vapes

Local authorities in England and Wales have called for disposable vapes to be banned in the UK by 2024 on environmental and health grounds. The Local Government Association (LGA) said the sale and manufacture of single-use e-cigarettes should be stopped next year in line with other European countries. France is considering a ban by the end of 2023, with the European Union expected to follow suit in 2026. The LGA said it is “crucial” a ban comes into force “rapidly” to stopRead More

today 17

Local News

Lynn man accused of seven rapes to appear in court later this summer

A Lynn man accused of committing seven rapes will return to court this summer.Americo Ferreira, 51, of St Edmundsbury Road in North Lynn, appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court on Thursday for an opening hearing.He has been charged with seven counts of rape, with the offences alleged to have been committed between 2014 and 2019 against underage girls.Americo Ferreira appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on ThursdayFerreira has also been charged with the assault of a 10-year-old girl by sexual touching,Read More

today 70

Local News

Year 11 students enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean-themed prom night

It was an “arr-mazing” night for students last week as their secondary school was transformed into a pirate haven for their prom night.Students leaving the Churchill Park Academy in Lynn ended their final year with a swashbuckling celebration on Thursday.Year 11 students at the complex needs school were clapped and cheered on by staff and families as each of them arrived.The Year 11 students celebrated their final year at the school in style. Pictures: Adam FairbrotherStaff from Churchill Park, alongRead More

today 21

0%