#John Spellar

[ianchisnall]

Debate on bid for visas for Palestinian refugees

Today in Parliament, Cat Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood has published an “e-petition 648577, relating to a visa scheme for Palestinians” to “Create a Palestinian Family Visa Scheme for Palestinian people affected by war”. Back at the end of October 2023, the York MP, Rachael Maskell, raised a similar theme in a question to the Government, “To ask the Secretary of State for…

[wankerwatch]

Lords Vote

On: Holocaust Memorial Bill

Baroness Deech moved, as an amendment to the motion that the bill be now read a second time, at end to insert “but this House regrets that the Bill fails to allow for a full appraisal and consultation on any preferred site for a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre; and that in preparing the bill the Government have failed to establish the true cost of the project or deal with issues of security around the Memorial”. The House divided:

Ayes: 49 (49.0% Con, 24.5% XB, 12.2% LD, 6.1% , 4.1% Bshp, 2.0% Lab, 2.0% Green) Noes: 99 (79.8% Lab, 10.1% Con, 5.1% DUP, 3.0% , 2.0% XB) Absent: ~683

Likely Referenced Bill: Holocaust Memorial Bill

Description: A Bill to make provision for expenditure by the Secretary of State and the removal of restrictions in respect of certain land for or in connection with the construction of a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre.

Originating house: Commons Current house: Lords Bill Stage: 2nd reading

Individual Votes:

Ayes

Conservative (24 votes)

Attlee, E. Balfe, L. Bellamy, L. Black of Brentwood, L. Blencathra, L. Bottomley of Nettlestone, B. Eccles, V. Fookes, B. Forsyth of Drumlean, L. Herbert of South Downs, L. Howard of Rising, L. Howell of Guildford, L. Mancroft, L. Meyer, B. Minto, E. Noakes, B. Robathan, L. Sandhurst, L. Sassoon, L. Strathcarron, L. Strathclyde, L. Taylor of Holbeach, L. Trenchard, V. Tugendhat, L.

Crossbench (12 votes)

Berkeley of Knighton, L. Carlile of Berriew, L. Chartres, L. Craigavon, V. Deech, B. Greenway, L. Hunt of Bethnal Green, B. Kerr of Kinlochard, L. Lisvane, L. Meacher, B. O'Loan, B. Turnbull, L.

Liberal Democrat (6 votes)

Addington, L. Beith, L. Fox, L. Hamwee, B. Lee of Trafford, L. Thomas of Winchester, B.

Non-affiliated (3 votes)

Fox of Buckley, B. Inglewood, L. Taylor of Warwick, L.

Bishops (2 votes)

Southwark, Bp. St Albans, Bp.

Labour (1 vote)

Campbell-Savours, L.

Green Party (1 vote)

Jones of Moulsecoomb, B.

Noes

Labour (79 votes)

Adams of Craigielea, B. Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent, B. Anderson of Swansea, L. Armstrong of Hill Top, B. Bach, L. Bassam of Brighton, L. Beckett, B. Blake of Leeds, B. Blower, B. Bradley, L. Browne of Ladyton, L. Chakrabarti, B. Chandos, V. Chapman of Darlington, B. Clark of Windermere, L. Crawley, B. Davies of Brixton, L. Drake, B. Gale, B. Golding, B. Goudie, B. Grantchester, L. Griffiths of Burry Port, L. Hacking, L. Hain, L. Hannett of Everton, L. Hanson of Flint, L. Harris of Haringey, L. Hayman of Ullock, B. Hazarika, B. Healy of Primrose Hill, B. Hendy of Richmond Hill, L. Hendy, L. Hunt of Kings Heath, L. Jones of Whitchurch, B. Kennedy of Cradley, B. Kennedy of Southwark, L. Khan of Burnley, L. Knight of Weymouth, L. Lawrence of Clarendon, B. Layard, L. Liddle, L. Livermore, L. Mann, L. McIntosh of Hudnall, B. McNicol of West Kilbride, L. Merron, B. Monks, L. Morgan of Drefelin, B. Morgan, L. O'Grady of Upper Holloway, B. Pitkeathley, B. Ponsonby of Shulbrede, L. Ramsay of Cartvale, B. Ramsey of Wall Heath, B. Ritchie of Downpatrick, B. Robertson of Port Ellen, L. Sherlock, B. Sikka, L. Smith of Basildon, B. Smith of Malvern, B. Spellar, L. Stansgate, V. Taylor of Bolton, B. Taylor of Stevenage, B. Thornton, B. Timpson, L. Tunnicliffe, L. Turnberg, L. Twycross, B. Vallance of Balham, L. Warwick of Undercliffe, B. Watson of Invergowrie, L. Watson of Wyre Forest, L. Whitaker, B. Wilcox of Newport, B. Winterton of Doncaster, B. Young of Norwood Green, L. Young of Old Scone, B.

Conservative (10 votes)

Bridgeman, V. Cameron of Chipping Norton, L. Courtown, E. Effingham, E. Gold, L. Harding of Winscombe, B. Leigh of Hurley, L. Polak, L. Scott of Bybrook, B. Shinkwin, L.

Democratic Unionist Party (5 votes)

Browne of Belmont, L. Dodds of Duncairn, L. Hay of Ballyore, L. McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown, L. Morrow, L.

Non-affiliated (3 votes)

Altmann, B. Austin of Dudley, L. Patel of Bradford, L.

Crossbench (2 votes)

St John of Bletso, L. Wolf of Dulwich, B.

[how2skinatiger]

This is ridiculous.

Plenty of scientists and conservationists have spoken out against a ban on trophy hunting and how it would do more harm than good. Why is campaigning from celebrities who know nothing about the subject being listened to over actual scientists who understand the nuances of this issue?

Here’s a great article by Resources Africa that explains how the voices of African people are also being ignored and how harmful this law would be

The Bill has been framed as a way for the UK to show “conservation leadership” internationally. In reality, it seems to be an effort to score easy political points with British voters, whilst disrespecting the sovereignty of every nation this Bill may affect. Far from showing international leadership, the UK is engaging in paternalistic neo-colonialism where the possibility of gaining a few domestic votes outweigh the needs and perspectives of people living in developing countries.

A verbal evidence session held on the 2nd of November for the UK parliamentary committee regarding the Animals Abroad Bill reveals extreme disregard for the people who may be affected by UK policies. As its name suggests, this Bill is all about UK policies that are meant to affect animal-based economic activities that involve UK citizens in other countries. Yet perspectives from these other countries on why these economic activities exist in the first place have been effectively blocked.

[projectourworld]

Moving forward and long overdue. Trophy hunters face seven years' jail as stars urge support for new law

Labour MP John Spellar’s plan is supported by celebrities and across the political divide, including Tory MPs. It would make importing threatened or vulnerable species an offence #love #nature #bantrophyhunting #projectourworld

[armeniaitn]

26 British MPs support bill on Armenian Genocide recognition

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/26-british-mps-support-bill-on-armenian-genocide-recognition-77886-26-08-2021/

26 British MPs support bill on Armenian Genocide recognition

Twenty-six British MPs have cosigned the bill calling on the UK to recognize the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian National Committee of UK informs.

The bill was introduced by MP John Spellar (Labor – Warley) in July 2021.

The bill will have its second reading and be debated by the House of Commons on December 10.

Read original article here.

[greatnowimconfused]

KOKO’S Curfew

‘KOKO’ is a venue in Camden town known best for its concerts, club nights and stage performances. ‘The Camden Theatre’ opened in 1900 with performers such as Ellen Terry and in 1909 was renamed ‘The Camden Hippodrome’ where Charlie Chaplin regularly performed. The venue also ran as a cinema and put on novelty nights with a line up of different guesses and it also became a BBC theatre. In 1970 it was brought back to life as ‘The Music Mashien’ and grabbed the hearts of punk, it hosted legendary names such as ‘Iron Maiden, Sex Pistols and The Cure’. Since then the venue has hosted all the top charted names, being a venue every artist wants to play in.

There is a pub called ‘Hope and Anchor’ that sits next door to ‘KOKO’ and could be imagined to be a great pub to have a drink before heading to see a concert. It was shut down in 2013 and has been left empty since. Plans to demolish the building where being made by the land owner soon after which were to be made into flats and on January 6th, Camden counsel agreed for these plans to take place.

Obar Camden (KOKO owners) has got reports because of noise before. However their community have supported the culture and importances of the venue, and no major claims or closures were made. This has reoccurred multiple times however in this situation they was worried the new flat tenants would have an issue with the loud music and late timings and have more of a case in which could cause closing ‘KOKO’. London has the largest amount of live music venues and more than half of them are at risk of shutting down due to noise complaints or updated safety risks.  

Typical noise sources from any venue may include vents, bar movements, taxi’s and delivery vehicles, outdoor areas for smoking and any amplification systems. All venues have a legal responsibility to keep the noise at a responsible level to keep the public happy. Direct noise can be a public nuisance that is easily prevented. Ways in which ‘KOKO’ and venues like them could lower the complaints include things like making sure the noise cannot be heard at sensitive locations such as hotel and places of business. Public facilities are not to be disturbed and if plans for operations is planned to be later than 11pm, greater permission is needed. Within the premises of the venue, keeping windows and doors (not emergency exists) closed, providing sound proofing and using house speakers to control a DJ’s set will help contain the noise reducing the chance of causing any public nuisance.

In 2018 an MP John Spellar put forward a new law that state any property developers have to take into account the repercussions of any pre-existing businesses around where they plan to develop. This was only a small idea not so long ago with the name of ‘Agent of Change’ but has now taken a big step forward and has the backing of ‘Music Venue Trust’ and ‘The Musicians Union’. This would mean if the flats were to be built next to ‘KOKO’ that they would have to build with extra precaution of their old neighbours such as sound proofing and age advising who lives there. This would benefit music venues all over as they will hopefully not be restricted to much in what they are able to do. Unfortunately this was not in action when they was fighting the flats however I believe it would have made their case go faster and easier.

In 2015 ‘Obar Camden’ won the battle under the terms that the court was ‘significantly misled’ by the planers. The plans for the space where ‘Hope and Anchor’ stands has been changed quite a few times since winning the case and ‘Vavil’ has brought the land along with 2 buildings nearby in cooperation with ‘Obar Camden’. It was discussed that it could be made into a 3 story extension making the bottom floor into an estate agents or shops; however this was also denied with talks about it not fitting in with the culture or theme of Camden. Along with the ideas of what was happening with ‘KOKO’ the reconstruction of the sky dome, the fly tower and fly gallery being restored to its former glory, they had also been given permission by the council to add a rooftop terrace, restaurant and recording studio within the premises matching the relevance of music and creating an environment more people can enjoy for longer once again. After more plans being worked on and the current plans are for the 3 locations to be made into boutique hotels. The aim of these plans is to “ensure the building’s uses are truly complementary, ensuring a viable and sustainable future as a live music venue and cultural hub”.

[libertaridan]

Gutless Rebellion

It could have promised so much, but delivered so little. The potential rebellion of about 80 back bench Tory MPs over the renewal of the Coronavirus Act was thwarted, first by the Speaker who didn’t select the Brady Amendment due to legal uncertainty it might bring about (though he had strong words for the Government about treating Parliament with contempt it was, just that – words). Then it was thwarted by the MPs themselves by failing to vote against renewal – something which might have put a rocket up the Government by sealing words with actions – except most didn’t. Such is the power of the party Whip perhaps, or such is the tendency for some representatives to obey the party line.

What they accepted, instead, was a mealy mouthed assurance they would be consulted more if it was convenient, with so many caveats it’s not worth the toilet paper its written on in terms of restraining the Government. Perhaps this is not surprising, safety in numbers and all that – weak MPs are unwilling to really take a stand when they can make a token gesture and then hide behind the cabinet and sit tight. What sounded like big talk was offered just enough of what sounded like a worthless compromise to let rebels save face while continuing to go along to get along. What is also not surprising is that this has been hailed in some places as the government ‘caving in’ rather than the tiresome brushing-off it really offered. How some media sources love to spin drama out of very little.

The ‘compromise’ contains nothing by way of guarantees, didn’t amend a single line of legislation, and is worth as much as anything we’ve been told… yes, that little. Matt Hancock’s statement contains enough loopholes and ‘buts’ as to make the compromise sound, well, like business as usual in the new normal:

“We will consult parliament,” he said, “and wherever possible, we will hold votes before such regulations come into force. But of course, responding to the virus means that the government must act with speed when required.

“And we cannot hold up urgent regulations which are needed to control the virus and save lives. I am sure that no member of this house would want to limit the government’s ability to take emergency action in the national interest as we did in March.”

In other words, crisis is still the rallying cry of the tyrant. Nothing has changed. Our rights are still watered down, and Government may still do whatever it wants to dilute them further within the Act and might let Parliament have a say first… and might not.

So, who did have the guts to stand against this extaordinary amount of unaccountable ’emergency’ power?

Seven Tories: Peter Bone, Philip Davies, Philip Hollobone, Esther McVey, Desmond Swayne, Charles Walker, William Wragg.

Six Labour: Rebecca Long-Bailey, Dawn Butler, Kevan Jones, John Spellar, Graham Stringer and Derek Twigg.

Nine Lib Dems: Daisy Cooper, Ed Davey, Tim Farron, Wera Hobhouse, Christine Jardine, Layla Moran, Sarah Olney, Jamie Stone, Munira Wilson.

One Green: Caroline Lucas.

One Alliance Party: Stephen Farry.

Notably missing was Graham Brady the amendment proposer, and Steve Baker who allegedly spearheaded the rebellion and may be remembered for his emotional criticism of the Act when it was first approved – before promptly voting in favour of it, and then voting to renew it 6 months later. So much hot air, and no action.

My thanks go to the MPs who actually did stand against the extension of powers. There are better ways of handling this than that Act, these few MPs know it, I know it, lots of the public know it. It’s time the Government and rest of Parliament acted like they knew it too.

[labourpress]

A victory for everyone who has campaigned to protect live music - Tom Watson MP

Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, commenting on changes to planning regulations around music venues, said:

“This is great news for music venues, artists and music lovers, and a victory for everyone who has campaigned to protect live music. John Spellar deserves huge credit for bringing his private members' bill forward and building such a broad coalition of support. The campaign mobilised the whole of the UK's music industry to call for change - and it won.

“I'm delighted that this policy from Labour's 2017 manifesto is being accepted by the Government. We must now all make sure that the commitments made today are carried forward as promised by Ministers, so that new building developments take the needs of existing music venues into account.”

[politicalsci]

Right-wing faction using Venezuela to try to smear Jeremy Corbyn again

That’s right – alas Angela Smith, Graham Jones and John Spellar between them have never made a single contribution in the House of Commons about Venezuela.

Not one.

The trio have shown no interest in the nation before. Ever. Yet suddenly, they are eager to form part of an APPG that supposedly exists to discuss nothing else.

In John Prescott’s eyes, there’s only one viable reason – they hate Jeremy Corbyn and want another opportunity to attack him.

Sure enough, they wasted no time setting about proving him right:

[x]

[talhaghafoor2019-blog]

Victory for live music as venues are given protection from future Bristol city centre flats

Live music fans have been celebrating after ministers agreed to a law change which will protect venues against new city centre developments.

Housing secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Thursday January 18 that the “agent of change principle” will be written into the National Planning Policy Framework, meaning that responsibility lies with housing developers – and not music venues – to ensure residents are protected from outside noise through proper sound-proofing.

Chris Sharp, owner of The Fleece venue, praised the announcement, calling it a “common sense” decision.

Politicians had ramped up the pressure in recent days, with Labour MP John Spellar proposing his own law – Planning (Agent of Change) Bill – which received backing from a cross-party selection of MPs, including from Bristol’s Kerry McCarthy and Thangam Debbonaire, as well as considerable support from big music stars.

Household names such as former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, the Kinks’ Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders all threw their support behind the Bill.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney supported agent of change

Out of the main music venues in the city, six – Fiddlers, The Fleece, Thekla, The Louisiana, The Exchange and the O2 Academy – all have flats next to them or plans for them to be built.

Cabinet minister Mr Javid, who grew up in Bristol’s Stapleton Road, said he wanted to “right the wrong” of the soundproofing “burden” being placed on venues in the past.

“I have always thought it unfair that the burden is on long-standing music venues to solve noise issues when property developers choose to build nearby,” said the former Downend School pupil.

Read More

Mr Sharp, owner of the 450-capacity former wool shed in Redcliffe, fought a three-year campaign against a plans to convert an office block next to The Fleece into flats.

The conversion went ahead but in 2015 Mr Sharp successfully argued for agent of change to be included in planning guidelines, in what he called “a big breakthrough”. The latest change announced by the Government goes one step further, moving agent of change from a recommendation to a requirement for developers.

Chris Sharp, owner of The Fleece music venue

The Blue Aeroplanes bassist said the planning protection, which exists already in countries such as Canada, would not give venues “100 per cent protection” but would help other owners at least avoid the struggle he went through.

Mr Sharp said: “It doesn’t mean anything for The Fleece, because the building next to us has already been built. But it is great for venues that are facing what we have been through – it is great for them.

“We were fighting for it even though it was too late for us. It was about the general scene across the UK, so this is really good news.

Read More

“It doesn’t provide 100 per cent protection as all you need is one resident to complain still, but it means there is a lot more common sense applied and it is down to the developer to make sure their property is properly soundproofed. It gives us an extra layer of protection, whereas there was none before.”

It was Bristol East MP Ms McCarthy – a live music aficionado who has seen her favourite band, New Order, live 24 times – who brought Mr Sharp to London originally to brief the Labour Party team on the need for agent of change.

Kerry McCarthy MP regularly attends live music gigs

The Labour MP said: “I’m sure today’s announcement will be welcomed by music lovers in Bristol, especially those that frequent small music venues like Thekla, the Exchange and the Fleece, which have all come under threat because of this in the past few years.

“The Music Venue Trust (of which I’m a patron) deserves a lot of the credit for starting this campaign – they’ve been brilliant in speaking up for small venues.

“Chris from The Fleece in particular deserves credit for his role, including challenging then-culture minister, Ed Vaizey, over the issue at Music Venues Day 2015 – which really helped plant the idea in the minister’s mind.”

Ms Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West – the constituency most of the city’s smaller venues are in – said the decision meant gig-goers could be safe in the knowledge that their favourite venues have a future.

“These venues and the people who love them no longer have to worry that one new resident next-door can scupper the place and close people’s favourite music venue down – and that is a great and amazing thing,” said the Labour Party whip.

“A tiny adjustment to the law makes a huge difference to music lovers and I’m delighted. The music scene is part of what makes Bristol great.

Thangam Debbonaire MP said agent of change was not trying to prevent regeneration in Bristol

“We have some big names who have come out of our city – Massive Attack, Portishead and the rest – but they all had to start in small venues. If they don’t exist, we won’t get the big stars of the future. But then people don’t go to venues just to see the next big thing – they go because they love music.”

Read More

The professional cellist said agent of change was not an attempt to prevent new housing from being built but instead an extra protection to ensure it was sympathetic to Bristol’s existing cultural scene.

She said: “I want regeneration – I am not a supporter of the ‘Make Bristol sh*t again' campaign. We need regeneration but we have to keep the balance, otherwise we will destroy Bristol’s USP (Unique Selling Proposition) – that we are a city of both culture and counter-culture.

“I think this change is in developers’ interests. They will be able to sell their properties because people want to live in a city centre which has a thriving cultural scene and where they can walk to great venues, bars and restaurants.”

This content was originally published here.

[ianchisnall]

Debate wrapped up in time for Easter break

Parliament is closed for two weeks and some of us wish an election would occur in May but there is no information about an voting listed for debate this week on the Government website. Many Sussex MPs however contributed to several other debates just before Parliament closed. Last Tuesday the theme of RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) Bicentenary was raised and one of the speakers was…

[l8in]

The likely candidates to replace Ealing as #Sandwell Labour leader — The SKWAWKBOX Sandwell Council HouseAs the SKWAWKBOX reported last month, the dramatic suspension of Sandwell council leader Steve Eling – a close ally of right-wing Labour MPs Tom Watson and John Spellar – by the Labour Party has thrown open the leadership of the Labour group on the council. Eling has said he intends to remain as… via The likely candidates to replace Ealing as Sandwell Labour leader — The SKWAWKBOX

[maxinereaves5-blog]

Exactly How Can You Undelete Deleted SMS Notifications Off Your Cellular Phone?

http://beautiful-clarense.info L.A (Hollywood Media Reporter) - Permit's obtain this a little wild in listed here," Robert Randolph advised prior to moving right into Shake Your Hips," which hastens that old woes riff ZZ Best repurposed for Los angeles Acreage." He then inquired the women in the crowd to follow dance onstage. Although, this final thought could just be actually assumed through looking at the significant picture, and the viewpoints of the amount of time; Gordy was careful to create sure his music never ever actually sounded like he was actually offering out, and this created all the distinction. Blue possesses a comforting impact on body, however stimulates imagination, exactly what creates it an excellent choice for research rooms and also offices. Due to those very early forums, collectors across the country managed to validate that music videos were without a doubt being omitted. This holds true that vinyl fabric music does possess some weak spots, including hiss as well as comes, but these are eliminated if the file is actually clean. That possesses 3D glass songs keep in minds on it. The details additionally possess a reflection under each one from them. That is actually also pointed out that the appropriate type of music may have you right into a deep feeling of self-awareness as well as practically to the verge from a self-induced trance. Mukherjee has actually made several music CDs for each amusement and therapy as well as is currently creating a publication on popular music treatment. My name is actually Andy I am actually 31 and I am actually from Manchester, UK I want to read a great deal (Discworld, Sci-Fantasy) and also listen to music (The Doors, Wu-Tang, Amy Winehouse, Kaiser Chiefs, Blondie, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix). He has actually continued to fuse different musical designs such as Indian symphonic music along with improvisations over intricate chords and time signatures. Along with this people have found decrease in their heart cost when they are actually subjected to a good songs.

If your boyfriend is actually extra into popular music in comparison to you are, decide to keep outside where you can easily smoke on your own to cancer cells; or inside, at the lesser part opposite the stage, where you may sit on the chair and also yap out. Due to the lots of simple facts offered in these posts that has been actually accurately revealed that rock-and-roll its own self is evil, despite exactly what words claim, the words could or could certainly not profane. Work MP John Spellar is to spearhead the initiative with a backbench Costs later on this year as he warned the live songs market need to be actually safeguarded".

[projectourworld]

ANOTHER sad, sick British Trophy Hunter named and shamed by the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting.

Next Friday sees John Spellar MP bring a Private Member’s Bill to the House of Commons to ban all hunting trophies. Ask your MP to demand the government back it!

#bantrophyhunting #projectourworld

[hudsonespie]

Royal Navy's "Build British" Debate Heats Up Once More

The UK Ministry of Defence's contract tender for three new fleet auxiliaries has begun again, nine months after it was suspended amidst concerns about foreign bidders. 

In May 2018, MoD posted a contract tender for up to three "Fleet Solid Support" ships to resupply the Royal Navy's fleet with dry stores. The specifications called for 250,000 cubic feet of cargo space, a cruising speed of 18 knots, an UNREPS speed of 12 knots and ship-to-ship transfer capacity of five tonnes per load.

the MoD invited overseas shipbuilders to participate in the bidding, drawing criticism from maritime unions and domestic shipbuilding advocates. Despite the domestic pressure, the FSS project attracted interest from multiple defense shipbuilders around the world, including Navantia, Fincantieri, Japan Marine United and DSME. All but Navantia ultimately dropped out.

In November 2019, the MoD published a sweeping outside review of the UK's National Shipbuilding Strategy. In the report, prominent businessman Sir John Parker recommended that "UK-only competition should be considered for future defence-funded vessels,” pointing to the benefits of sustaining the UK industrial base. The MoD suspended the FSS bidding process the next day, saying that it was "clear that the current approach will not deliver the requirement." 

With the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown and the contraction of the national economy, defense insiders raised concerns that the FSS project could be canceled altogether due to budgetary constraints, with scarce funds going towards warship acquisition instead. The MoD said that it was still working on FSS procurement despite declining tax revenues - and true to its word, it is reopening the procurement process with a series of events to gauge bidder interest. Controversially, it has also left the door open to "international suppliers," angering domestic shipbuilders once again.

"[This is] an absolute disgrace. The Defence Select Committee will undoubtedly be taking this up, which is presumably why they have sneaked this out in the [parliamentary] recess," said Labour MP John Spellar in a statement. "And spare us any bleating excuses about EU procurement rules, just buy and build British."

UK shipbuilding advocacy group Keep Britain Afloat warns that after the completion of the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, there will be a two-year gap in procurement before the next major naval vessel contract begins, putting about 40,000 jobs at risk. The group argues that the $1.7 billion contract for the FSS program should stay within the UK, supporting yards and local economies around Britain.  

"The FSS program is a perfect example of what the prime minister would call a shovel-ready project," said Shipbuilding and Engineering Union General Secretary Ian Waddell in a statement."It will get the post-coronavirus economy up and running as part of the levelling up agenda by injecting [$1.7 billion] into regional economies and could benefit every single shipyard in the UK."

Foreign construction would not be a new option for a Royal Navy fleet auxiliary. The service currently operates four DSME-built fleet oilers, which were launched in Okpo, towed to the UK, outfitted locally and delivered in 2017-2019. The total acquisition cost came to roughly $200 million per unit.

from Storage Containers https://maritime-executive.com/article/build-british-debate-over-royal-navy-acquisition-heats-up-once-more via http://www.rssmix.com/

[armeniaitn]

UK Parliament to debate bill on Armenian Genocide recognition in December

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/politics/uk-parliament-to-debate-bill-on-armenian-genocide-recognition-in-december-76158-11-07-2021/

UK Parliament to debate bill on Armenian Genocide recognition in December

The UK House of Commons will hold a debate on a bill on Armenian Genocide recognition of December 10, 2021, the Armenian National Committee of UK informs.

The bill has been introduced by MP John Spellar (Labor – Warley).

ANC UK says it supports this historic move, which would help correct the 106 year injustice of Armenian Genocide denial.

Read original article here.