Collision between ro-ro freight ferry Petunia Seaways and historic motor launch Peggotty on the River Humber.
MAIB’s report on the investigation of the collision between the ro-ro freight ferry Petunia Seaways and the historic motor launch Peggotty on the River Humber, UK on 19 May 2016 is now published.
The report contains details of what happened and the subsequent actions taken.
14 February 2017
Jean Lambert MEP: “While the European Parliament is moving forward on whistleblower safeguards, the UK appears determined to move backwards”
The European Parliament has today (Tuesday, 14 February) voted in favour of a report calling for the protection of whistleblowers across the EU.
At the same time, the Conservative government is desperately attempting to defending its proposals to launch a ‘full frontal attack‘ on whistleblowers in the UK.
Commenting after today’s vote, Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and a member of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties committee, said:
“At a time when Theresa May is failing to convincingly defend her government’s proposals for a damaging and chilling attack on whistleblowers, the European Parliament has once again called for the EU to implement new protections for whistleblowers across the EU.”
“Green MEPs have long been pushing for EU-wide legislation that would protect whistleblowers in all areas of EU competence. This way, citizens across Europe will be able to speak up about environmental crimes, human rights violations, and other wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.”
“While the European Parliament is moving forward on whistleblower safeguards, the UK appears determined to move backwards; undermining freedom of the press and the fundamental principles of democracy along the way.”
14 February 2017 – Intensified fighting between Government and non-Government forces near densely populated areas in eastern Ukraine is endangering civilians, the senior United Nations humanitarian representative in the country told reporters in Geneva today.
“The situation in eastern Ukraine is actually quite serious, you will be aware that between 21 January and 3 February the fighting intensity increased,” said Neal Walker, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, citing frequent violations of the ceasefire and fighting near the towns of Avdiivka, Yasynuvata, Makiivka and Donetsk.
“There was extremely intense fighting from the 29th until the 3rd of February,” Mr. Walker recalled, noting that that the number of ceasefire violations exceeded 30,000 in a week or so, compared to less than 30,000 over the course of a month.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in March 2014. A ceasefire was eventually negotiated in Minsk, Belarus, in February 2015 but there have been frequent violations. The latest truce began on 23 December last year.
“The approximation of fighting forces, armed separatists in the east and Government troops, the distance separating them has narrowed, has narrowed incredibly,” Mr. Walker said. “And they are now face to face. You also have an increased presence of heavy weapons directly in violation of the Minsk accord.”
Mr. Walker also mentioned that the humanitarian situation is quite critical. “Let’s not forget temperatures in the past weeks have been between 10 and 20 below zero centigrade,” he said.
The UN Resident Coordinator also warned about environmental damage to critical civilian infrastructure due to shelling. “We have for instance a phenol chemical plant which has enormous potential to do severe environmental damage if the shelling is continued and it is damaged further,” he said.
“There are probably between 800,000 and one million IDPs (internally displaced persons) in government controlled areas of Ukraine,” Mr. Walker estimated. “We estimate another 200,000 have actually returned to non-government controlled areas from government controlled areas,” he added.
Since the beginning of the conflict, around 10,000 people have been killed in the violence, with civilian deaths on the rise.
Rebecca
Long-Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on reports that General Motors is in talks to sell its European arm
Opel, which includes the UK’s Vauxhall, said:
“In light
of plans by General Motors to explore the option of selling Vauxhall and Opel,
the Government should be pushing protection of our automotive sector right to
the top of their agenda.
“Workers
and investors need confidence that this industry will be robustly supported by
Government for many years to come so that jobs are secure and investors are
able to make long term decisions.
“I would
also urge General Motors to work very closely with trade unions in progressing
any deal to ensure that jobs are protected.”
Ends
Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with US President Trump.
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, as part of their regular engagement. They discussed a range of issues, including trade and security and also discussed the President’s upcoming state visit to the UK. The Prime Minister said she looks forward to welcoming him later this year.