Scotland’s mental health strategy: what you need to know
The SNP Scottish Government has launched it’s new ten-year Mental Health Strategy, setting out 40 actions to improve access to services and ensure people get help earlier.
News story: UK personnel arrive in Poland and Estonia
The British Army’s Light Dragoons have arrived in Poland as part the UK commitment to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, taking the total deployment in the region to nearly 1,000.
Supporting the US led battle group in Poland, 150 UK personnel have travelled from their base in Catterick Garrison to arrive this week in Orzysz, Poland in Jackal and Coyote light reconnaissance vehicles.
The regiment will be based in Poland for at least six months, when they will be replaced by another unit to carry on our enduring commitment to the region.
Meanwhile the arrival of the remaining UK personnel into Estonia this week, forming part of a nearly 800-strong British-led battle group, means nearly 1000 troops are providing deterrence in Eastern Europe.
Soldiers from 5 Rifles battle group, based in Bulford, Wiltshire and The Queen’s Royal Hussars, based in Paderborn, Germany, have travelled to Estonia to work under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wilson.
The commitments in the Baltic region will be augmented by the deployment of RAF Typhoon aircraft to Romania later this year, to carry out a NATO Air Policing mission in the Black Sea.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
The UK is stepping up its support for NATO’s collective defence through our deployments across the alliance.
British personnel are playing a leading role in NATO: delivering deterrence and defence in Estonia and Poland and air policing in Romania underlines our commitment to the security of Europe.
On Monday, Defence Minister Earl Howe, joined by His Excellency Mr Lauri Bambus, Estonian Ambassador, bade farewell to Estonia-bound personnel at RAF Brize Norton.
Defence Minister Earl Howe said:
The men and women of 5 Rifles have travelled to Estonia as a part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation, standing by our allies and working closely with forces from across the Alliance.
The final UK vehicles also departed Marchwood, UK last week, carrying nearly 200 vehicles including Warriors and Panthers vehicles.
Last week also saw two trains carrying French vehicles arrive in Tapa, Estonia, supporting the UK-led battalion.
This latest broken promise is symptomatic of the Tories’ dysfunctional approach to Brexit – Abbott
Diane Abbott, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Theresa
May’s remarks on freedom of movement, said:
“Theresa May has let the cat out of the bag. Freedom of movement
will continue after we have left the EU.
“But this is not what voters were told either before or since the
referendum.
“This latest broken promise is symptomatic of the Tories’
dysfunctional approach to Brexit.
“EU workers and their UK employers deserve certainty about their
future but are being badly let down by this Government.”
Jeremy Corbyn statement on Ken Livingstone’s suspension
Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party said:
“Ken Livingstone’s comments have been grossly
insensitive, and he has caused deep offence and hurt to the Jewish community.
“Labour’s independently elected National
Constitutional Committee has found Ken guilty of bringing the party into
disrepute and suspended him for two years.
“It is deeply disappointing that, despite his long
record of standing up to racism, Ken has failed to acknowledge or apologise for
the hurt he has caused. Many people are understandably upset that he has
continued to make offensive remarks which could open him to further
disciplinary action.
“Since initiating the disciplinary process, I have
not interfered with it and respect the independence of the party’s disciplinary
bodies. But Ken’s subsequent comments and actions will now be considered by the
National Executive Committee after representations from party members.”
Ends
News story: Veterans’ Gateway
Updated: Veteran’s Gateway formally launches to the public
There is a huge network of organisations supporting the armed forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be tricky.
Veterans’ Gateway will make it quick and easy by being your first point of contact for whatever support you need, whether you are based in the UK or abroad.
Many of the team are veterans themselves so they understand the issues that people face after leaving the armed forces and they will work with people on a one-to-one basis, connecting them with the right support as soon as possible.
You can find out further information and contact the team via their website www.veteransgateway.org.uk
.