News: ديسمبر 2014

Hawk-Eye is popular with players currently on the tennis tour but retired grand slam champion Andy Roddick says he would get rid of -- or significantly change -- the instant replay system. Why? Arguments make for good entertainment.

source CNN.com - Sport http://ift.tt/1xgmQ8c

News story: New Year’s Honours for health and social care

People from the health and care community make up 7% of all honours, including 8 nurses who received MBEs.

Also awarded an MBE is Dr Kate Granger, doctor in elderly care medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, for services to the NHS and improving care.

Dr Granger was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive and terminal cancer in July 2011 and has since written two books, ‘The Other Side’ and ‘The Bright Side’, to give healthcare professionals a better understanding of what it is like being a patient. She shows healthcare professionals how their behaviours, no matter how small, can have a big impact on the people they look after. She donated all profits from the sale of the books to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre where she has been treated and has so far raised over £110,000 for the Centre. She also founded the #hellomynameis campaign.

Dr Granger said:

I was totally bowled over and extremely proud to discover I was to be awarded an MBE. I am so passionate about my work in the NHS and to improve patient care in general that to be publicly recognised in this way is amazing. My support network of family, friends and colleagues is brilliant and this honour is dedicated to all of them.

Professor Nilesh Samani, Professor of Cardiology at University of Leicester, is knighted for services to medical research. He has investigated and discovered the causes of some of the most common and important diseases of our times, coronary artery disease and hypertension.

Professor Samani said:

I was both surprised and delighted at receiving the award. It is not something you ever expect. For me personally, it is obviously a great honour, but it is also a tribute to my family and many colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. I am also glad that the work in medicine and medical research is recognised in this way.

Dr Anthony Sam Everington, Chair of NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, is also knighted, for services to primary care. Dr Everington has worked as a GP in Tower Hamlets, the second most deprived London borough, for over 20 years. His work has pioneered solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing the NHS. In Tower Hamlets he pioneered the Bromley-By-Bow medical centre, which was designated a ‘Healthy Living Centre’ in 2000 and is now serving as a model nationally and internationally.

Dr Everington said:

What a lovely surprise. I feel tremendously lucky to work with a wonderful group of partners and colleagues in the Bromley by Bow Centre, Tower Hamlets and nationally who are so inspirational and committed to delivering high quality health care to patients in the community.

The full list of health and care New Year Honours is:

Knighthoods

Dr Anthony Sam Everington, OBE, Chair, NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group. For services to primary care.

Andrew Valentine Morris, OBE, chief executive, Frimley Health NHS Westwood Foundation Trust. For services to the NHS.

Nilesh Jayantilal Samani, DL, Professor of Cardiology, University of Leicester. For services to medicine and medical research.

Professor Norman Stanley Williams, Past President, Royal College of Surgeons of England. For services to surgery.

Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire

Professor Sir John Irving Bell, FRS. For services to medicine, medical research and the UK life science industry.

Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Eileen Sills, CBE, Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Experience, Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust. For services to nursing.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Professor Alistair Stanyer Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia. For services to health and social care particularly dementia care.

Kate Lampard, DL, Independent Overseer, Department of Health and NHS Investigation into Jimmy Savile. For services to the NHS and to the community in Kent.

Dr Alice Mary Maynard, lately Chair, Scope. For services to people with disabilities and their families.

Professor Julienne Elizabeth Meyer, Professor of Nursing Care for Older People. For services to nursing and older people.

Professor Sharon Jayne Peacock, Professor of Clinical Microbiology, University of Cambridge. For services to medical microbiology.

Professor Fiona Mary Ross, Professor of Primary Care Nursing, Kingston University and St George’s and Director of Research, Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. For services to nursing.

Professor Rosalind Louise Smyth, Director, Institute of Child Health and Professor of Child Health, University College London. For services to regulation of medicines for children.

Dr Anna Danielle van der Gaag, Chair, Health and Care Professions Council. For services to health and care.

Michael Wheeler, Non-Executive Director, Department of Health. For services to healthcare.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Professor Peter Riven Braude, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King’s College London. For services to reproductive medicine.

Dr Hilary Dawn Cass, President, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. For services to child health.

Dr Beverly Jane Collett, Consultant in pain management, University Hospital Leicester. For services to pain management.

Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive Officer, Together for Short Lives, Bristol. For services to improving care services for children.

Francis Xavier Hester, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, TPP. For services to healthcare.

Elizabeth Jones, Postgraduate Dental Dean, London. For services to dental education.

Eve Sarah Richardson, lately Chief Executive, National Council for Palliative Care. For services to end of life care.

Professor Nigel James Sparrow, Senior National GP Adviser, Care Quality Commission. For services to primary care.

Professor Valerie Wass, Head, School of Medicine, Keele University and Elected Member, Medical School Council Executive. For services to medical education.

Sharon Mary White, Founding Member, School and Public Health Nurses Association. For services to public health nursing for school children.

Margaret Willcox, Commissioning Director for Adults, Gloucestershire County Council. For services to vulnerable people.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Margaret Aldwin, founding member and trustee, Ichthyosis Support Group. For services to people with genetic disorders and their families.

Fiona Jane Andrews, Director, Smokefree South West. For services to public health and tobacco Control.

Deborah Louise Bone, mental health nurse, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. For services to children and young people.

Teresa Jane Chinn. For services to nursing.

Andrea Dawn Crossfield, Chief Executive, Tobacco Free Futures. For services to public health and tobacco control..

Dr Gillian Davies, Specialist in Dental Public Health, Greater Manchester and the Dental Observatory, Public Health England. For services to dental public health.

Eileen Valerie Davison, Lead Scientist, West Midlands. For services to genomic technologies.

Angela Jane Charlotte Dickson, founder trustee, the Brain Tumour Charity. For services to brain tumour research and support.

Neil Alan Dickson, Chair of Trustees, the Brain Tumour Charity. For services to brain tumour research and support.

Edward Barry Farwell, co-founder and chief executive, Children’s Hospice South West. For services to children’s palliative care.

Alice Jane Formby, founding trustee and fundraiser, Princess Alice Hospice. For services to end of life care.

Professor Jennifer Elizabeth Gallagher, Professor of Oral Health Strategy, Kings College London. For services to oral health.

Dr Kate Miriam Granger, doctor in elderly care medicine. For services to the NHS and improving care.

Raymond Guy, Practice Manager, Ellergreen Medical Centre, Liverpool. For services to patient care.

Margaret Carol Ann Hannibal, Director of Operations, MOSAIC. For services to bereaved children and their families in Dorset.

Kerry Hearsey, Chief Executive, Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire. For services to carers in Hampshire.

Matthew Hodson, consultant nurse, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. For services to respiratory care.

Maureen Hudson, Chair, Musgrove Leukaemic Group, Somerset, South West. For charitable services to Healthcare.

Dr Stefan Maria Josef Stanislaus Janikiewicz, lately Clinical Director, Drug and Alcohol Services, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. For services to reducing drug misuse.

Jacqueline Kelly, lately Chief Executive, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. For services to healthcare.

Dr Jean King, lately Director of Tobacco Control, Cancer Research UK. For services to cancer prevention.

Susan Kirk, Former Board Member, Macmillian Cancer Support. For services to supporting people with cancer.

Professor Carole Margaret Longson, Director, Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. For services to healthcare.

Beatrice Helen McBride, lately Director of Policy and Communications, British Heart Foundation. For services to cardiovascular healthcare.

Winston Anthony McDowell, Bank Staff Nurse, Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health NHS Trust. For services to mental health.

Anne Macgregor McPherson. For services to nursing.

Dr Caron Morton, accountable officer, clinical commissioning group, Shropshire. For services to primary care.

Bridget Bernadette Murphy, volunteer, Samaritans, Bedford. For services to vulnerable people.

Deirdre Nutt, Chair, Dartmouth Caring. For services to older people.

Professor Richard Thomas Ramsden, Lately Professor of Otolaryngology, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Honorary Professor, University of Manchester. For services to otolaryngology.

Lynda Rowbotham, Head of Legal, Royal Mencap Society. For services to people with learning disabilities and their families.

Anita Ruckledge, lead nurse for dementia, Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. For services to nursing.

Professor John Joseph Scarisbrick, founder, Baby Hospice and Life Fertility Care Programme. For services to vulnerable people.

Zubeda Seedat, Policy Officer, Department of Health. For services to public health.

Bryony Simpson, Chair, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist. For services to speech and language.

Sally Jane Tyler, children’s epilepsy specialist nurse, Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust. For services to nursing.

Beverley Anne Williams, founder, Social Worker of the Year Awards. For services to the social work profession in England.

Dr Michael Vaughan Williams, lately consultant clinical oncologist, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. For services to oncology.

Maureen Wilson, Chair, Skegness Group of Friends. For charitable services to cancer care.

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Franklin Christopher Boucher, TD, volunteer, Royal National Institute of Blind People. For services to the blind and partially sighted.

Maureen Kathleen Collins, manager, New Park Day Centre, Islington. For services to the care of older people.

Jenny Susan Pearce. For services to people with visual impairments.

Dr Shazad Saleem, dentist, Manchester. For services to dentistry.

Read the full New Year Honours list.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-years-honours-for-health-and-social-care

Press release: Drivers advised of resurfacing work to continue on A1 in Northumberland

The remaining resurfacing work will take place between 8 and 18 January and when complete, will provide safer smoother journeys for drivers. The roadworks taking place in the New Year are over a shorter road length as much of the resurfacing work has already taken place.

Highways Agency project manager, Shaun Cullumbine, said:

Due to the poor weather experienced in December, there have been delays to the resurfacing work. We need to return to complete the work in January, however the roadworks at Felton will be much shorter in length. This is essential maintenance work which will improve the road surface, enhance the reflectivity of the road markings and improve safety for road users. It will also minimise the need for future work at these locations. During the closures drivers should allow extra time when travelling in the area.

Resurfacing work will take place overnight on the northbound and southbound A1 between Earsdon and Burgham, between 8pm and 6am.

For safety reasons, during the work there will be a 40mph speed limit in place between Fenrother Lane junction and Felton junction. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation and drivers will travel in convoy at 10mph through the roadworks area.

Work will also be taking place on the A1 southbound carriageway between Newton Low Hall and Felton, south of Alnwick.

The southbound carriageway between Hitchcroft junction and Felton North junction will be closed during the day and night, with drivers in contraflow on the northbound carriageway. For safety reasons, during the work there will be a 50mph speed limit in operation.

During both road schemes there will be restricted access on to A1 and diversion routes will be in place.

During the roadworks drivers are advised to plan their journeys and allow more time for travel. Drivers can get up-to-the-minute travel information by phoning the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the Agency’s website. Drivers can also download the Highways Agency’s iPhone app or follow updates via Twitter at @HAnews_neast

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drivers-advised-of-resurfacing-work-to-continue-on-a1-in-northumberland

Press release: Planning reforms put power back in the hands of local residents

The New Year will bring new powers to make it quicker and easier for communities to create their own neighbourhood plan, says Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis.

More than 5.2 million people live in one of the 1,274 areas across England where the community is working together to create a neighbourhood plan.

But agreeing an area for a neighbourhood plan to cover takes an average of 19 weeks.

Today’s (31 December 2014) measures will cut weeks off this process – encouraging even more communities to have a greater say over the future development of their area.

Making it easier for residents to take control of their neighbourhood

More than 160 communities have been consulted on draft neighbourhood plans with 31 plans now in force and used for determining planning applications.

These frontrunners include:

Arundel, West Sussex

The neighbourhood plan approves proposals to turn disused buildings into office space, and supports the development of business within the built up area boundary of the market town.

The plan also encourages the use and development of ‘Live Work Units’ that are especially suited to small businesses in the arts and cultural sectors, which are common to Arundel.

Cringleford, Norfolk

The community has identified priority projects that the parish council will fund using community infrastructure levy money. These include playing fields and changing facilities, an extension to the community centre, new allotments and a community orchard.

In areas where the community infrastructure levy has been adopted, communities with a neighbourhood plan in place will benefit from 25% of the levy revenues arising from the development that takes place in their area.

Woodcote in the Chilterns

In previous surveys of residents around 70% of respondents regularly said ‘no’ to any new housing in the village. Earlier this year, 91% of residents voted ‘yes’ at referendum to a neighbourhood plan allocating land for 76 homes across 5 sites.

Thame, Oxfordshire

The neighbourhood plan allocates 770 new homes to 6 sites dispersed around the Oxfordshire market town, departing from the local planning authority’s proposal to put almost all of the housing on one site on the edge of Thame.

The plan also sets out what infrastructure (such as roads, schools and community facilities) are needed to make development acceptable.

Exeter St. James Forum

Has produced a successful neighbourhood plan and created a community trust to deliver the projects identified in the plan.

Their first successful project was the regeneration of the Queen’s Crescent Gardens, and new projects include the development of sustainable homes, improving allotments and heritage walks in a neighbourhood close to the centre of Exeter.

Felpham, Sussex

The neighbourhood plan protects 8 areas of local green space in the Sussex seaside village. The spaces have been identified for their environmental, recreational, or historic significance to the community, and no development will be permitted on them except in very special circumstances.

Today’s changes will enable even more communities to follow in their footsteps: councils will have just 13 weeks to consider a community’s application to create a neighbourhood area.

This timeframe is reduced to 8 weeks where the neighbourhood area follows a parish boundary, and where applications cover an area straddling more than one planning authority the period for consideration will be extended to 20 weeks.

But the government is also clarifying the information that must be submitted with the neighbourhood plan. This will ensure independent examiners have sufficient information to assess the plan’s environmental effect.

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:

We’re seeing a genuine neighbourhood planning movement with communities in almost two-thirds of local authorities already using these powers to shape what gets built where in their local area. This means more than 5 million people now live in a neighbourhood planning area and so far there have been some great proposals from renovating disused building to creating new community orchards and playing fields.

Now I want to go further and see more communities making the most of the powers we’ve put in their hands. Today’s measures will speed up the process, making it quicker and easier to get a neighbourhood plan together so that the views of local people are written clearly in black and white for developers and councils to see, and ensure that future development in those areas delivers the homes communities themselves want to see.

And I want to look at what more can be done to speed up the neighbourhood planning process through further consultation with communities.

Today the government has published its response on neighbourhood planning measures in the 2014 technical consultation on planning. This posed questions about how to make it easier for residents and business to come together to produce a neighbourhood plan or a neighbourhood development order.

Office address and general enquiries

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General enquiries: please use this number if you are a member of the public 030 3444 0000

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Please use this number if you're a journalist wishing to speak to Press Office 030 3444 1201

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/planning-reforms-put-power-back-in-the-hands-of-local-residents

Press release: Alan Eccles awarded CBE in 2015 New Year Honours List

Public Guardian and Chief Executive of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), Alan Eccles, has been awarded a CBE in the 2015 New Year Honours List. Alan has received the honour for services to the Administration of Justice and Vulnerable Adults.

Alan joined OPG in April 2012 and during his 30 year career in the Civil Service, Alan has held various roles within HM Courts Service/HM Courts and Tribunal Service.

OPG protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance. It also helps people plan ahead for someone to make certain important decisions for them, should they become unable to do so because they lack mental capacity. OPG supports the Public Guardian in carrying out the legal functions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Notes to editors:

The full 2015 New Year Honours List

More information about the Office of the Public Guardian including forms and details about lasting powers of attorney.

For more information, call the Ministry of Justice press office on 020 3334 3536. Follow us on twitter @MoJGovUK.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/alan-eccles-awarded-cbe-in-2015-new-year-honours-list

Press release: Further British aid for refugees fleeing South Sudan

With almost a quarter of refugees reaching camps in Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya suffering from acute malnutrition, the new £16.4 million package will provide:

£7.4 million to the UNHCR and WFP to assist 200,000 refugees in Ethiopia where recent flooding has destroyed camps. As well as food, shelter and sanitation, solar powered lamps will be distributed to help reduce the risk of violence against women and girls, by allowing them to move safely at night;

£5.8 million to WFP for 360,000 refugees in Uganda including food for all children under two and targeted supplementary feeding for children under five;

£3.2 million to WFP to help fill a gap in its food supply in Kenya, without which it would be forced to reduce the size of the rations provided to refugees.

International Development Minister, Desmond Swayne said:

“Millions of people have fled intolerable violence in South Sudan only to face uncertainty and further hardship where they seek refuge.

“This additional funding from the UK will help ensure these families have their basic needs met. Ultimately, though, only a political solution to the conflict will allow them the peace and security they deserve.”

This new money brings the UK’s total support for refugees who have fled South Sudan to over £58 million since December 2013, as well as more than £130 million for the 1.4 million people who have been displaced from their homes but remain in the country.

Notes to editors

The UK has contributed more than £58 million to the refugee crisis, to organisations including UNICEF, the WFP and UNHCR to help South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and Kenya.

Since December 2013, in South Sudan UK support has:

provided more than 100,000 people with food, and is providing more than 400,000 people with livelihoods support;

provided more than 170,000 people with clean water, and improved hygiene and sanitation for 180,000;

provided health support for more than 100,000 people; and

provided more than 80,000 people with protection interventions.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-british-aid-for-refugees-fleeing-south-sudan

Press release: Queen's New Year Honours for MOD scientist and engineer

News story: Government boost to get kids saving at Christmas

At a time when families are taking stock of their finances following the expensive Christmas period, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrea Leadsom, today (31 January 2014) announced that the government will fund a pilot programme to help children develop good financial habits at a young age by setting up savings clubs in primary schools in partnership with credit unions.

Research indicates that children develop their attitudes towards money long before they reach secondary school age, with the Money Advice Service suggesting that most children have formulated their financial habits by the age of seven.

The ‘LifeSavers’ project, which is led by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s task group on responsible credit and savings, will therefore seek to equip children with good financial habits by educating them about the benefits of saving at an early age. It will also introduce children to credit unions, which play a key role in providing financial services to more than a million customers across Britain.

Encapsulating the credit union spirit, ‘LifeSavers’ will involve the whole community and will engage the help of teachers, parents and community volunteers to ensure its success. The project will pilot in six schools in its first year in south-east London (Lewisham/Bromley), Bradford and Nottingham, before rolling out to up to 100 schools over the next four years, benefitting up to 30,000 pupils.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrea Leadsom said:

A key part of our long term economic plan is to secure peoples’ financial futures. And at a time when young people are exposed to financial decisions earlier than ever, LifeSavers is a welcome initiative from the Church of England and the credit union movement. The project will help to tackle the root cause of money problems and develop good savings habits as early as possible.

Credit unions provide an invaluable service to a growing number of members, many of whom are on lower incomes, and make a real difference to their communities. The government wants to see British credit unions go from strength to strength, and I’m hoping the money we’re announcing today is the kind of Christmas present the sector needs to ensure the next generation understand the benefits of saving with credit unions.

Sir Hector Sants, chair of the Archbishop’s task group on responsible credit and savings, said:

I am delighted that the government has agreed to support our savings club initiative in church primary schools. Understanding how to manage money responsibly is a key factor in living a fulfilled and contented life, and it is vital to help children build this understanding from as early an age as possible. The savings clubs will also help promote the development of a larger and more vibrant community finance sector in this country.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said:

It is great news that the government has announced this funding for the ‘Lifesavers’ pilot programme, enabling us to begin a programme of establishing savings clubs at church schools across the country. This project has the potential to help establish sensible, positive attitudes to money and the habit of saving in children and young people - habits we hope will stay with them for life. I am immensely grateful that HM Treasury has endorsed the ‘Lifesavers’ approach by providing this invaluable practical support.

As well as promoting financial education, the project will raise awareness and increase active membership of credit unions among children, school staff, parents, and the wider community.

The Economic Secretary announced the funding for this project, which totals £150,000, as part of the government’s response to its recent consultation: ‘British Credit Unions at 50: A Call for Evidence’. The response sets out the next steps the government will take to provide a positive environment in which credit unions can truly prosper.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-boost-to-get-kids-saving-at-christmas

News story: New Year Honours list 2015: education and children’s services

Almost 100 people working in education and children’s services are recognised today (30 December 2014) for their service to education, children and families in the 2015 New Year Honours list. Six of those awarded received knighthoods or damehoods, while 19 have been given the British Empire Medal.

Chris Wormald, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, said:

Congratulations to everyone on the New Year Honours list working in education and children’s services. Their endeavours are making a positive difference to children and families every day and they should take pride in their achievements.

Those honoured today include teachers, foster parents and headteachers from across England.

Award	Nominee title	Forename	Surname	Short citation
Knight	Sir	Theodore	Agnew	For services to education
Damehood	Dame	Kate	Dethridge	Principal of Churchend Primary School, Reading, and National Leader of Education. For services to education
Damehood	Dame	Oremi	Evans	Headteacher of The Brookfield School, Herefordshire. For services to education
Knight	Professor Sir	Julian	Le Grand	Richard Titmuss Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics. For services to social science and public service
Damehood	Dame	Esther	Rantzen	For services to children and older people through ChildLine and The Silver Line
Knight	Sir	John	Townsley	Executive Principal of The Gorse Academy Trust, Leeds. For services to education
CBE	Ms	Virginia	Beardshaw	Chief Executive of I CAN children’s charity. For services to children with special needs and disabilities
CBE	Mrs	Catherine Marie	Garside	Headteacher of St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School, Swinton, Salford. For services to education
CBE	Ms	Uma	Mehta	Chief Community Services Lawyer of London Borough of Islington. For services to children
CBE	Mr	Tim	Oates	Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge Assessment. For services to education
CBE	Ms	Amanda	Phillips	Executive Principal of Paradigm Trust, Tower Hamlets, London. For services to education
CBE	Mrs	Judith	Salter	Headteacher of Glenwood Special School, Essex. For services to education
CBE	Professor	Caroline	Whalley	Founder of The Elliot Foundation, and Trustee of Support and Help in Education (SHINE). For services to education
OBE	Mr	(Gulfaraz) Gugsy	Ahmed	Headteacher of Parkinson Lane Primary School, Halifax. For services to education
OBE	Mrs	Lorraine	Allen	Principal of Whitley Academy, Coventry. For services to education
OBE	Ms	Stephanie	Brivio	Assistant Director of Child Protection, Safeguarding Group, Department for Education. For services to child protection and to the community in the Medway
OBE	Professor	Margaret	Brown	For services to mathematics education and to governance of schools in south London
OBE	Mr	Adam	Chedburn	Headteacher of Whitley Bay High School, Tyne and Wear. For services to education
OBE	Dr	Lesley	Curtis	Headteacher of Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, Liverpool. For services to education
OBE	Mr	Peter	Dahlstrom	Headteacher of Hope Special School, Wigan. For services to education
OBE	Mrs	Lynn	Greenwold	Chief Executive Officerof the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties. For services to children with special educational needs
OBE	Mr	Ian	Hart	Department for Education Liaison Officer of the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment. For services to children
OBE	Mr	David	Hudson JP	Executive Headteacher of Wickersley School and Sports College, Rawmarsh Community School and Clifton Community School, Rotherham. For services to education
OBE	Mrs	Joan	Hunt	Honorary Professor at Cardiff Law School. For services to children
OBE	Mr	Nicholas	Hurn	Executive Headteacher of Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead and of St Robert of Newminster School, Sunderland. For services to education
OBE	Mrs	Patricia	Jones	Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Bristol exia Centre. For services to education
OBE	Mr	Richard	Millington	Executive Principal of Chepping View Primary School, Buckinghamshire. For services to education
OBE	Mr	John	Morris	Headteacher of Ardleigh Green Junior School, Havering. For services to education
OBE	Ms	Julie	Morrow	Head of Appletree and Stoneygate Nursery Schools and Children’s Centres, Lancashire. For services to children and families
OBE	Mr	Graham	Mungeam	Non-executive Chairman of Oasis Community Learning. For services to children and families
OBE	Mr	Michael	Pears	Assistant Director of Academies Group, IFD, Department for Education. For services to education and to the community in Hounslow
OBE	Ms	Jenny	Preece	Bill Principal and Manager of Childcare, Special Educational Needs and Children’s Strategy, Department for Education. For services to children
OBE	Ms	Maura	Regan	Principal of Carmel College and Chief Executive of the Carmel Education Trust. For services to education
OBE	Ms	Margrit Wendy	Scott	President of Association for the Professional Development of Early Years Educators. For services to education
OBE	Dr	John	Simmonds	Director of Policy, Research and Development at the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. For services to children and families
OBE	Professor	Iram	Siraj	Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Insititute of Education, University of London. For services to education
OBE	Mrs	Mardy	Smith	Principal of New College, Worcester. For services to education
MBE	Ms	Shabana	Abasi	Head of Service at Cafcass, Greater Manchester. For services to children in Greater Manchester
MBE	Mrs	Shahnaz	Akhtar	Foster Carer, Slough. For services to children and families
MBE	Mr	Michael	Andrews	Lately Foster Carer, Hampshire County Council. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Valerie	Andrews	Lately Foster Carer, Hampshire County Council. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Cindy	Blake	Foster Carer, Hampshire County Council. For services to children and families
MBE	Mr	Kenneth	Blake	Foster Carer, Hampshire County Council. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Patricia	Bolton	Founder of Gateshead ADHD Support Group and of the Parents In Power parent-carer forum, Gateshead. For services to children with disabilities and their families
MBE	Pastor	Gbolahan Ayorinde	Bright	Volunteer Maths Teacher at Bright Maths Club, Dagenham Heathway Library. For services to education
MBE	Ms	Roma Lynn	Charlton	Chief Executive Officer of After Adoption. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Lynda	Clapham	Librarian of Sidney Stringer Academy, Coventry. For services to education
MBE	Mr	Raymond	Coe	Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Royal Docks Community School, London Borough of Newham. For services to education and to the community in Newham
MBE	Mr	Ian	Courtney	Chair of the Dartmoor Federation. For services to education
MBE	Mrs	Barbara	Drummond	Holiday Camps Organiser of Derby Deaf Children’s Society. For services to children with special needs and disabilities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire
MBE	Mrs	Susan	Flohr	Manager of the British Dyslexia Association National Helpline and Policy, Berkshire. For services to dyslexic people
MBE	Ms	Liz	Formby	Team Leader of Children’s Social Care, Department for Education, and Trustee of Akamba Children’s Education Fund. For services to children and to charity
MBE	Mrs	Elizabeth	Garnham	Chair of Governors of Uffculme and Hamilton Special Schools, and Vice Chair of Parents Views Count, Birmingham. For services to education
MBE	Mr	John	Greener	Foster Carer for Foster Care Associates, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Linda	Greener	Foster Carer for Foster Care Associates, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. For services to children and families
MBE	Mr	John	Hall	Chair of Trustees, Hollybank School Trust, West Yorkshire. For services to children and adults with special needs and disabilities
MBE	Ms	Teresa	Harper	Head of Teacher Development of the Education Standards Directorate, Department for Education. For services to education and to the community in Redbridge
MBE	Miss	Margaret	Hawkes	Foster Carer, Merseyside. For services to children and families
MBE	Mr	Stephen	Hill	Deputy Headteacher of St. Joseph’s RC School, Shaw, Oldham. For services to education and charity
MBE	Mr	Brian	Jones	Lately Foster Carer, Worcestershire. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Jillian	Jones	Lately Foster Carer, Worcestershire. For services to children and families
MBE	Dr	Kenneth	Jones	Holiday Camps Organiser for Derby Deaf Children’s Society. For services to children with special needs and disabilities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire
MBE	Mr	Abdul Razaq	Khan	Foster Carer in Slough. For services to children and families
MBE	Mrs	Susan	Kirkham	Lately Curriculum and Assessment Specialist of the Association for Schools and College Leaders. For services to education
MBE	Rabbi	Barry	Marcus	For services to Holocaust education
MBE	Mrs	Julie	McLean	Director of Work-based Learning and School Partnerships at City College Plymouth. For services to education
MBE	Ms	Judith	Miln	Deputy Headteacher of Clapton Girls’ Academy, Hackney. For services to education
MBE	Mrs	Valerie Anne	Morris	President of Birmingham Branch and Divisional Vice President of NSPCC. For services to children
MBE	Mrs	Maureen	Murray	Lately Programme Manager of The Children’s Society, Solihull. For services to disabled children and their families
MBE	Mr	Anthony	Scott	Chief Examiner and Principal Moderator for GCSE Physical Education of Edexcel Exam Board. For services to education
MBE	Mr	Alan	Sefton	Head of Arsenal in the Community. For services to education and to young people in the UK and abroad
MBE	Mrs	Sandra	Simmons	Chair of Governors of Kilgarth School, Merseyside. For services to education
MBE	Mr	Charlie	Stripp	Chief Executive of Mathematics in Education and Industry. For services to education
MBE	Mrs	Janet	Thethi	Divisional Vice President of the North East NSPCC. For services to children
MBE	Mr	Christopher	Wells	Chair of Governors of Federated Schools of Gislingham and Palgrave, Suffolk. For services to education
MBE	Mrs	Deborah	Withers	Lately Headteacher of Wren Spinney Special School, Kettering. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Audrey	Apperley	For services to children and young people in Tillington, Herefordshire
BEM	Mrs	Patricia	Burns	Staff Governor of Appleby Grammar School, Cumbria. For services to education
BEM	Ms	Lesley	Calvert	Manager of Funfishers Out of School Club and Playgroup, York. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Tracy	Cullen	Business Manager of Queensbridge Primary School, London Borough of Hackney. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Jane	Doherty	Manager of Ashford Family Nursery, Kent. For services to children and families
BEM	Mrs	Ashley	Hall	Fundraiser and Volunteer of Rocklands Special School, Lichfield. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Maureen	Higham	Founder of Stay and Play Group, Warrington. For services to children and to the community in Radley Common
BEM	Mrs	(Monica) Susan	Hill	Community Volunteerof Mothers and Toddlers Group, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. For services to children and families
BEM	Mrs	Janet	Inglis	School Teacher of Immanuel College, Bradford. For services to education
BEM	Mr	James	Jackson	Head Caretaker of Woodhouse College, London. Borough of Barnet For services to education
BEM	Mr	Nicholas	Martin	Co-founder and Fundraiser of Miracles To Believe In Charity, Leicestershire and Rutland. For services to children and families
BEM	Mr	Timothy	Meynell	School Governor and Volunteer Music Teacher at Alconbury Church of England Primary School, Cambridgeshire. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Margaret	O’Prey	Voluntary Nursery Assistant at Petts Wood Playgroup for Children with Special Needs, Kent. For services to children and to the community in Petts Wood
BEM	Mrs	(Nanette) Lynne	Pullinger	Lately Learning Support Assistant at Burford School, Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire. For services to education
BEM	Ms	Effat	Rahimi-Kaloujeh	SIMS Operational Manager (Inclusion) of Westminster Academy, London. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Diana	Robinson	School Volunteer and Chair of the Old Girls’ Association, Bury Grammar School Girls. For services to education
BEM	Ms	Margot	Small	Volunteer of Failsworth Children’s Centre, Burnley, Manchester. For services to children and young people
BEM	Mrs	Pamela	Smith	Volunteer at Ivington Church of England Primary School, Hereford. For services to education
BEM	Mrs	Sandra	Wevill	Manager of Broughton Astley Playgroup, Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. For services to children and families

The full New Year Honours list is also available.

DfE enquiries

Central newsdesk 020 7783 8300

General enquiries 0370 000 2288

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-year-honours-list-2015-education-and-childrens-services

Press release: 10th anniversary of Freedom of Information Act

Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Justice Minister Simon Hughes has hailed the legislation ‘a triumph for transparency’ and revealed more than 400,000 information requests have been made since 1 January 2005.

The volume of requests made to monitored central government bodies has risen steadily since 2007 to the point where almost 1,000 are now received every week.

FOI has seen some groundbreaking release of data that has greatly informed public debate and understanding of how public services are performing. An early example was publication of the individual mortality rates for all heart surgeons working in the NHS that highlighted varying performance levels across UK hospitals. The act has also led to a greater culture of transparency; information such as public sector salaries higher than £150,000 was first released under FOI but is now routinely published.

An incredible £50,000 spent on dealing with hoax calls to the emergency services in the East Midlands and the antics of a 99-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of burglary in the West Country are among examples of other information revealed by the act.

This government has built on the success of the act by extending FOI to more than 100 new organisations as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency.

Justice Minister Simon Hughes said:

The FOI Act has been a triumph for transparency and this government has built on its continued success by extending its reach.

FOI is not only about the high-profile, headline-making releases of information but about the right of the individual to find out about the issues that matter to them. It is a fundamental right of all citizens to be able to hold their government to account and that is why transparency is vital.

We have extended FOI to more than 100 new organisations as well as making changes to allow the earlier release of historic central government records.

We are not stopping there and as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the FOI Act we look forward to making government even more transparent by publishing more information and further extending the reach of FOI.

Since 2010, FOI has been extended to cover academies, companies wholly owned by more than one public authority, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and the Financial Ombudsman Service. Earlier this year the government announced that the act will also be extended to Network Rail in 2015.

This government has also reduced the point at which historic records are made available at the National Archives and other places of deposit, from 30 to 20 years. The latest publication in this phased transition has been made this week (30 December), featuring files from 1985 and 1986.

Facts and figures

The FOI Act was introduced in 2005 and now covers more than 100,000 public authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland ranging in size from central government departments to primary schools.

The most recent statistics show the volume of FOI requests answered by monitored public authorities has risen every year since 2007 – more than 50,000 requests were received last year.

Over 400,000 requests for information have been made to monitored central government bodies since the FOI Act was introduced.

Notes to editors

The latest published FOI statistics are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-foi-statistics.

‘Monitored central government bodies’ refers to authorities whose FOI performance is monitored by the Ministry of Justice. These include government departments and other agencies. A full list is available in the FOI statistical bulletins via the above link.

For further information, or to enquire about the possibility of speaking to the Minister on this subject, contact the MoJ press office on 020 3334 3524.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/10th-anniversary-of-freedom-of-information-act

Real Madrid target Middle East growth

Football club Real Madrid is growing its Middle East fan base with lucrative deals. CNN's Amir Daftari reports.

source CNN.com - Sport http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_sport/~3/QNDkRo43nxU/pkg-daftari-real-madrid-expands-in-middle-east.cnn.html

IOC to tackle Rio super bug

Olympic chiefs have pledged to arrest fears that sailors and windsurfers at the next Games will not just have to deal with their rivals on the water but a potential super-bug under it.

source CNN.com - Sport http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_sport/~3/2mTJvZEkm7o/index.html

News story: Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Adjudications

In both instances the ASA has upheld that the advertisements breached the Code in 4 out of the 5 points that were raised by the IPO. The full report is available on the ASA website

This is the second time that Trademark Renewal Service Ltd has been subject to a ruling by the ASA. The earlier ruling was published by the ASA on the 5 June 2013.

Since last year trading standards are acting as legal backstop for the ASA. This means that trading standards will consider taking action against persistent offenders who break the rules through misleading, aggressive or otherwise unfair non-broadcast advertising.

We are continuing to work closely with Newport trading standards, lawyers and the City of London Police to stamp out the problem of misleading mail.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advertising-standards-authority-asa-adjudications

الثلاثاء، 30 ديسمبر 2014

Press release: Pensions Minister’s radio surgeries extended into 2015

A series of live radio phone-ins, in which a DWP minister takes calls from listeners on all things pensions – from automatic enrolment to the new State Pension – is to be extended into the new year.

Pensions Minister Steve Webb’s weekly appearances on national and local radio stations have proven a hit with listeners all over the UK – from Scotland to the south west of England.

Members of the public have been calling in to BBC and commercial stations to quiz the Minister live on air about how the government’s radical pension reforms will affect them, since he kicked-off his tour with a session on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show in November.

Since then, Mr Webb – the longest-serving Pensions Minister in decades – has also talked to listeners on BBC radio stations in Manchester, Scotland, Somerset and Newcastle, plus the independent London-based station Share Radio.

And now listeners in even more areas will get the chance to have their questions answered, as the programme has been extended into 2015. The first session of the new year takes place on BBC Radio Kent on 8 January, followed by BBC Radio Humberside on 15 January and BBC Radio Cornwall on 19 January.

Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said:

From automatic enrolment, to the new State Pension, to unparalleled freedoms for people to access their own pension pots, this coalition government has done more than any other in the post-war period to overhaul the system and put fairness back at its heart.

I have been fascinated to take questions from people from all walks of life, to hear their experiences as well as help them understand exactly what our changes mean for them and how they can make the most of our reforms. That is why I’m extending this programme into 2015.

With people now living longer than ever before, as well as a range of radical pension reforms having been legislated for, it’s more important than ever that people understand their options. The Minister’s aim is to help bring clarity to what can, for some, be a daunting subject by engaging directly with members of the public who want to find out more.

Typically the radio sessions have lasted between 45 minutes and an hour. As well as answering live questions, he has responded to questions and comments sent in by listeners using email, text, Facebook and Twitter.

The Minister has also been engaging with the public through live web-chats, and in November he spent an hour answering questions posed by members of online forum Gransnet. A similar event taking place on 8 January will see the Minister answering questions put to him live by readers of the Financial Times website.

Readers of print media have also been invited to have their questions answered, and in December he took part in a question and answer session in partnership with the Daily Telegraph.

More information

The new State Pension

When the new flat-rate State Pension takes effect in 2016, it will create a simplicity that hasn’t existed in decades, giving people a greater sense of economic security and peace of mind in retirement.

The reforms will tackle inequalities of the past, with women, carers, lower earners and the self-employed to benefit the most.

In the first 10 years, analysis suggests that around 650,000 women are expected to benefit, receiving on average £8 a week more in State Pension.

Automatic enrolment

Instead of choosing to join a workplace pension scheme, individuals now have to actively decide that pension saving is not for them and opt out.

We have now auto-enrolled more than 5 million people into a workplace pension giving them the opportunity to save for the first time or to save more.

We have legislated for a charge cap on default schemes to ensure the pensions into which people are automatically enrolled offer value for money.

Pension Freedoms

The coalition government has scrapped the rule that people paying into private pension schemes had to buy an annuity.

From April, savers in private schemes will be able to withdraw their cash in one lump sum once they reach the age of 55, offering them greater freedom and flexibility.

To find out more about pension reforms, or to book the Minister for Pensions Steve Webb to appear on your station, call Stuart Woledge on 020 3267 5134.

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release – 0203 267 5134

Press Office

Caxton House

Tothill Street

London

SW1H 9NA

London Press Office (national media and London area enquiries only – not questions about personal claims) 020 3267 5144

Out-of-hours (journalists only) 076 59 108 883

England and Wales (local media enquiries) 029 20 586 then 097 or 098 or 099

Scotland (local media enquiries) 0131 310 1122

Follow DWP on:

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/dwppressoffice

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LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/company/dwp

YouTube – www.youtube.com/dwp

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensions-ministers-radio-surgeries-extended-into-2015

Press release: English and Welsh sparkling wines a cork popping success

More flutes of English and Welsh sparkling wine are set to be clinked across the world at midnight tonight than ever before with sales of wine produced here predicted to hit almost £100 million next year.

Cases of home grown bubbles, which make up 66% of our total wine production, are now being shipped to more than 13 countries.

Today revellers in champagne-loving France and new world wine winner Australia are set to toast the New Year with English and Welsh sparkling wine as our vineyards, a number of which are only 150 miles north of Champagne, report growing trade with these countries.

The rush on our bubbles has led to the acres of vines planted across England and Wales more than doubling in the last decade. Total acres of vineyards now stands at more than 4,500, up from 1,879 in 2004, with 470 vineyards now open for business.

As part of our long term economic plan the government has opened around 600 trading markets across the world since 2010 for food and drink businesses, with 199 being negotiated since the beginning of last year.

We’ve also helped more than 2,500 food and drink businesses sell their produce abroad - more firms than ever before - generating £300 million for the UK economy.

Our growing food and farming sector is now worth a record £103 billion to the UK economy and employs 1 in 8 people – overall our food and drinks exports now stand at £18.9 billion, their highest ever.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:

This industry is fizzing. It shows our long-term economic plan is helping our exporters thrive and generate the jobs we need to secure the recovery.

These figures are testament to the hardworking can-do attitude of our world class food and drink industry and shows the UK is a place the world comes to buy trusted, quality produce.

There has never been a more exciting time for the English and Welsh sparkling wine industry and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength, taking its rightful place alongside champagne.

Ridgeview wines based on the South Downs in Sussex has had its best year yet for overseas sales of its sparkling wine. It now exports to 12 countries making up 15% of its sales, rising from just 2% in 2010. It aims to double the size of its production from 250,000 to 500,000 bottles in the next five years.

This month, English sparkling wine gained royal reputation when a bottle of Ridgeview’s best Bloomsbury 2011 was served to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their recent tour of New York.

Mardi Roberts, Sales and Marketing Manager of Ridgeview, said:

We’re seeing exports go from strength to strength and it is our ambition to grow this to 30% over the next five years as we double our current productions.

We are selling our product to twelve countries which would have been unheard of in the English wine industry 20 years ago. Exporting is the best step to increase sales and most importantly, raising the profile of Ridgeview and English sparkling wine in general.

Alongside Ridgeview, Kent based Chapel Down is seeing strong growth internationally with global sales rising over the last five years. They now welcome more than 50,000 visitors each year to their vineyards. Recent investment in the company will see the expansion of the winery, a new distribution centre built, improvements to visitor facilities and a new brewery created.

Frazer Thompson, CEO of Chapel Down, said:

‘Brand England’ and its food and drink reputation is getting stronger. And with our wines winning international medals and gaining recognition with leading wine critics, and our production growing rapidly, we are now in a great position to grow our exports.

At Chapel Down, we have stepped up our international focus – we are exporting to a number of countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, Norway, Finland and Belgium, our PR activity is no longer limited to the UK, we exhibit at trade fairs in Europe and Asia, and we invite international journalists to the winery throughout the year.

Both locations, Kent and Sussex, where some of the most famous English sparkling wine originates, are only about 150 miles north of the Champagne region. They benefit from the same chalky soils around the North and South Downs that are very similar to the earth used to plant grapes for famous names such as Bollinger.

In the last 16 years English sparkling wines have won 14 international sparkling wine trophies – no other country has achieved this. This year is also predicted to be a vintage year for English and Welsh sparkling wine, helping grow the industry further.

Increasing our exports of sparkling wine has helped grow the UK’s Food and Drink industry, which remains the country’s biggest manufacturing sector, greater than cars and aerospace combined.

To celebrate the New Year and the growth in sales, the English Wine Producers are calling on barmen across the country to serve up English bubbly for New Year and use English fizz to create a quintessentially English cocktail.

Julia Trustram Eve, Marketing Director of English Wine Producers, said:

It is a very exciting time for English sparkling wine, with more producers coming on to the market, more wine available to buy, year on year competition success and moving in to new export markets. We’ve every reason to raise a glass or two in celebration.

Notes to editors

In 2013 exports of UK food and drink were worth £18.9 billion, an increase of £1.2bn since 2010.

Statistics from the English Wine Producers show that the ongoing growth in volume, sales of English and Welsh wine are forecast to grow to nearly £100m in 2015.

Based on English Wine Producers statistics, 66% of all English wine produced is now sparkling wine.

Acreage of vineyards in production sourced by Wine Standards Branch, Food Standards Agency, May 2014 via English Wine Producers.

An English sparkling wine has been selected by P&O Cruises to launch their latest cruise ship next year, Britannia. Wiston Estate is producing Nebuchadnezzas (a 20-bottle bottle) for the launch.

More information is available on the English Wine Producers website.

UK Trade & Investment, working with the best of private sector expertise, is helping more companies sell their products and services internationally than ever before through its partners and network of trade officials:

Last year it helped 47,960 companies from small businesses exporting for the first time, to established exporters trade abroad and is well on course to smashing the target of helping 50,000 companies by 2015.

These companies created or safeguarded 220,440 additional jobs (up 45 per cent since 2012-13). While the value of additional sales attributed to UKTI reached £49.1 billion.

89% of these companies are SMEs, or 42,684 companies.

Image credit: solarseven/iStock/Thinkstock

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/english-and-welsh-sparkling-wines-a-cork-popping-success

Speech: 'A just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is long overdue'

Thank you, Mr President

The United Kingdom understands, and shares, the deep frustration at the lack of progress on the Middle East Peace Process and the unacceptability and unsustainability of the status quo. A just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is long overdue.

We will continue to spare no effort to turn our ambition - the creation of a sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living in peace and security side by side with Israel – into reality.

We have long believed that direct negotiations towards a two-state solution need to be on the basis of clear, internationally agreed, parameters. I recall that in February 2011 I set out in this Chamber our view of what these should be in a joint United Kingdom, France, and Germany Explanation of Vote on a resolution on Settlements. We therefore welcome the idea of a Security Council resolution on the Middle East Peace Process which sets out these parameters.

However agreeing such a resolution requires proper time for consultation, and negotiation of the draft resolution, including on its timing. We consider President Abbas a man of peace and understand the pressure that the Palestinian leadership has been under to act and their frustration at the lack of progress. But we are disappointed that the normal, and necessary, negotiation did not take place on this occasion.

The United Kingdom supports much of the content of the draft resolution. It is therefore with deep regret that we abstained on it. The United Kingdom stands by the parameters I set out here in 2011 and which were reiterated by the European Union Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of July 2014. Our views on settlements, including in East Jerusalem, are clear: they are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and seriously damage prospects for a two-state solution. All settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, should cease immediately. We call on all parties not to take unilateral steps which would make the search for peace based on negotiations harder.

Mr President

Given the fact that this draft resolution has not been adopted today, the United Kingdom would like to work with partners to revisit the idea of a parameters resolution on the Middle East Peace Process in 2015. We are convinced that it is possible, with further time and effort, to secure for the first time ever a resolution which commands full Security Council support.

I thank you.

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/a-just-and-lasting-resolution-to-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-is-long-overdue

News story: New Year Honours for service personnel and defence civilians 2015

31 civilians have also been honoured either for work in the Ministry of Defence or in other aspects of UK Defence.

The 156 defence personnel named in the New Year Honours List for 2015 are listed below.

Royal Navy Awards

Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath

As Companion

Vice Admiral Peter Derek HUDSON CBE

Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As Knight Commander

Vice Admiral David George STEEL CBE DL

As Commanders

Brigadier Mark William DUNHAM OBE

Rear Admiral Russell George HARDING OBE

Rear Admiral Ian Michael JESS

Captain Paul MARSHALL

As Officers

Captain Paul Richard CASSON

Lieutenant Colonel Simon CHAPMAN Royal Marines

Captain Steven HOLT

Commander Ian Herbert LYNN

Lieutenant Colonel James Patrick MCLAREN Royal Marines

Commander Stephen Mark Richard MOORHOUSE

Captain Peter James TOWELL

As Members

Lieutenant Jack BRIGHT

Warrant Officer 2 (Communications Technician) Stephen BULLEN

Chief Petty Officer Airman (Aircraft Handler) John CAMPBELL

Lieutenant Commander Shatadeep CHATTERJEE

Warrant Officer 1 (Physical Trainer) Darren Sean CHILDS

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Luciano DE REYA Royal Marines

Chief Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering Submarines) Colin DUGUID

Major Darren HUNT MM Royal Marines

Warrant Officer 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major Paul Wilson) MCARTHUR Royal Marines

Lieutenant Commander Rachel Mary SINGLETON

Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant Commander) Graham THORLEY

Lieutenant Commander Peter James WHITEHEAD

Warrant Officer 1 Air Engineering Technician Stephen Paul WOOD

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Warrant Officer 2 Brian Robert JONES Royal Marine Reserves

Associate of the Royal Red Cross

2nd Class

Lieutenant Sarah Kay THOMPSON Queen Alexandraís Royal Naval Nursing Service

Army Awards

Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath

As Knight Commander

Lieutenant General Christopher Michael DEVERELL MBE, late Royal Tank Regiment

As Companions

Major General Michael David CONWAY, late Adjutant Generalís Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)

Major General John CRACKETT TD, late Royal Corps of Signals Army Reserve

Major General Richard Roderick DAVIS CBE, late Corps of Royal Engineers

Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As Knight Commander

Lieutenant General Gerald William BERRAGAN CB, late Royal Regiment of Artillery

As Commanders

Major General Benjamin John BATHURST OBE, late Welsh Guards

Brigadier William James Frank BRAMBLE OBE, late Royal Regiment of Artillery

Major General Alastair Scott DICKINSON, late Corps of Royal Engineers

Colonel James Jefferson LEARMONT, late Royal Regiment of Artillery

Brigadier Timothy Patrick ROBINSON OBE, late The 9th/12th Royal Lancers

Colonel Mark John THORNHILL, late Royal Regiment of Artillery

As Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy John Simon ALLEN, Royal Corps of Signals

Lieutenant Colonel Robin BAKER, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Colonel Christopher Brendan Kevin BARRY, late The Royal Welsh

Lieutenant Colonel Karen GRAHAM, Adjutant Generalís Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Martin HART, The Royal Irish Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Keith Mark HUGHES, The Royal Logistic Corps

Colonel Andrew David MOFFAT, late The Royal Logistic Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Charles MORGAN, The Royal Logistic Corps

Colonel Duncan Anthony Francis Harlidge PARKHOUSE QHP, late Royal Army Medical Corps

Colonel Simon Patrick PLUMMER MBE, late The Rifles

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Richard TRINICK, Royal Army Medical Corps Army Reserve

As Members

Acting Colonel Markham Patrick BRYANT, Army Cadet Force

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Thomas BURKE, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Lieutenant Colonel David Stewart CLOUSTON, The Royal Logistic Corps

Major Christopher Colin ELWORTHY, Corps of Royal Engineers

Captain Timothy Mathew FLEMING, The Parachute Regiment Army Reserve

Major James Richard Hamilton GAYNER, The Rifles

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan James GREAVES, Corps of Royal Engineers

Major Alec Ewart HARVEY, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Acting Major Darren David HEMBERY, Corps of Royal Engineers

Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Adrian HILL, The Yorkshire Regiment Army Reserve

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Matthew David INGHAM, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew Mark JAMES, Adjutant Generalís Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew George JOHNSON, Royal Corps of Signals

Warrant Officer Class 2 Benn LAIDLER, Army Air Corps

Major Brian David LAMONT, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major Andrew Mark LEWIS, Royal Army Medical Corps

Major Gerard LONG, The Princess of Walesís Royal Regiment Army Reserve

Colonel James Owen McCay LYTTLE TD, The Royal Irish Regiment Army Reserve

Major Norman MACKINNON, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Graham Alexander MARTIN, Adjutant Generalís Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch)

Major Guy John Nathaniel MASON, The Royal Logistic Corps

Warrant Officer Class 2 John McCLELLAND, Intelligence Corps Army Reserve

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Victoria Ellen McNEILL, Adjutant Generalís Corps (Royal Military Police)

Major Douglas Charles MUIRHEAD, The Parachute Regiment

Warrant Officer Class 2 Louise Victoria OíCONNELL, Adjutant Generalís Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Alan Francis OíFLANAGAN, Army Cadet Force

Major Colin Malcolm OLIVER, The Rifles

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin PEARS, Irish Guards

Major Karen PEEK, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Mark PEEK, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Captain Euan Gordon PHILBIN, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Acting Colonel Trevor Ernest RICHMOND, Army Cadet Force

Major David ROOK, Royal Corps of Signals

Captain William ROY, The Royal Irish Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Ian SIMPSON, Royal Army Medical Corps Army Reserve

Acting Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Benjamin SIMPSON, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major William STABLES, The Royal Logistic Corps

Captain Steven Andrew STEWART, The Royal Dragoon Guards

Major Hiroshi Thessalus THEODORAKAKIS, The Royal Logistic Corps

Sergeant Peter TRICKOVIC, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Lieutenant Colonel John WEETMAN, Army Air Corps

Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Julian WESTCOTT, Royal Corps of Signals

Captain Timothy Stephen WHITEWAY, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Captain Lee Duncan WILDEY, The Yorkshire Regiment

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Lieutenant Colonel Bibek BANERJEE, Royal Army Medical Corps Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Dominique Sara CAIRNS TD, Royal Corps of Signals Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael HANCOCK, The Mercian Regiment Army Reserve

Acting Brigadier Philip Rowland MIXER TD, late Royal Army Medial Corps Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Richard Edward RUDDOM, The Royal Logistic Corps Army Reserve

Royal Air Force

Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath

As Knight Commander

Air Marshal Barry Mark NORTH OBE

As Companion

Air Vice-Marshal Stuart David ATHA DSO

Promotions in and Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As Commander

Group Captain Gary Wayne BUNKELL QVRM ADC, Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Group Captain Stephen Franklyn LUSHINGTON

Air Commodore Carl Morrell SCOTT AFC

As Officers

Group Captain David Scott ARTHURTON

Wing Commander Anthony James BAKER

Group Captain David Lucien BRUCE MBE

Wing Commander Paul Andrew COLE

Group Captain Mark HUNT

Group Captain David Cyril MCLOUGHLIN

Group Captain John Clayton PRESCOTT

As Members

Flight Sergeant Vincent Roy BARTLETT

Senior Aircraftsman Adam John BRUERTON

Wing Commander Robin Anthony CAINE

Wing Commander Heather Ann CLARKE

Warrant Officer Sandra FLATT

Squadron Leader Gary Antony LANE, Royal Auxilliary Air Force

Warrant Officer John Joseph MORGAN

Flight Lieutenant Nigel Stephen PAINTER

Squadron Leader Andre PELCOT, Royal Air Force Reserve

Warrant Officer Philip Andrew RODD

Squadron Leader Thomas Leslie STEVENSON

Squadron Leader James Howard TURNER

Squadron Leader Colin WELSH

Queen’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Corporal Alan Michael HAYMAN, Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Civilians in Defence

Commanders of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Rodney Alan Rupert GREEN for voluntary service to the Order of St John and St John Ambulance

Alasdair Glen STIRLING for services to Defence

Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Colonel Edward Paul Ronald CAUTLEY, CMG, DL for voluntary service to the Cadet Forces

Lt Colonel James Wilfrid CHURCH for services to veterans

Ian ELGY for services in support of military operations

Colonel Robin Dewhurst GIBSON for services to the Armed Forces

Dr John William SCADDING for services to Medical Research and Defence

Eric Roger SMITH for services to First Aid

Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Robert Thomas ALLAN for voluntary service to Service personnel & Veterans

Frederick Thomas BARRETT for services to the Army

James Edward BOWYER for services to Defence

Richard George Hugh BURLEND for services to Defence

Stephen DAVISON for services to Armed Forces personnel

Ms Tammie Elizabeth GRAHAM for services to Royal Marines personnel and families

Dennis Anthony HOLLAND for services to Aviation Safety

Mrs Karen-Marie HORN for services to the Armed Forces & Service families

Mrs Helen KNIGHTS for services in support of military operations

Brian Alan Leslie LARCOMBE for services to UK Hydrographic Office and to Industrial Relations

Melvin Kenneth LEE for services to the Armed Forces

Mrs Alma Joan MURRAY for voluntary service to Service personnel & Veterans

Mrs Fiona Marshall ROBINSON for services to the Army

Mrs Carol SCOTT for services in support of military operations

Michael James WHATTON for services to the Armed Forces

Mrs Dawn Elizabeth WIGGINS for services to Defence

The British Empire Medal (BEM)

Jack ANDOW for voluntary service to Royal Navy veterans

Mrs Lisa CROWLEY for services to Defence and the community, particularly to Young People

Mrs Elizabeth Ann Stuart GLENDINNING-SMITH for voluntary service to the Sea Cadet Corps

Mrs Maureen Sylvia LEWSEY for voluntary service to St John Ambulance

Michael David MOGRIDGE for voluntary service to SSAFA

Mrs Renee OUNSLEY for voluntary service to Royal Air Force veterans

Maurice James WARSOP for services to Defence and for charitable Service to the Royal British Legion

from Announcements on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-year-honours-for-service-personnel-and-defence-civilians-2015