0 Post a comment Saturday, 20 April 2019 - Politics Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has defended the decision to increase school bus fares by 10p per journey. But he appeared to leave some MHKs scratching their heads with some of the justifications he offered up for the increase, which could increase a pupil’s travel costs by about £38 a year.He argued that his department had been ordered to make savings on public transport - although some MHKs pointed out that a bus fare increase was not actually a saving.In the House of Keys on Tuesday Rob Callister (Onchan) branded it a ’stealth tax’ that disadvantaged hard-working families. He complained that there was no direct mention of bus fare increases in the recent Budget.Pressed for further explanation, Mr Harmer said the aim was to get more children walking or cycling, rather than using the bus for short journeys, and to increase revenue - although he also said that freezing fares on other routes had … [Read more...] about 10p school bus fare rise defended
Politics
4 Turkish soldiers killed on Iraqi border during anti-terror operation
Four Turkish soldiers were killed in action on Friday during operations against terrorists in the Turkey-Iraq border area. Six soldiers were also wounded during the operations, Turkey's Defense Ministry said in a statement early Saturday. The ministry had initially announced that two soldiers had been killed but later said that two other soldiers had succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. The statement said the terrorists came under heavy fire from Turkish air operations and fire support. It did not specify the name of the terrorist organization, but the Turkish military frequently conducts operations against the PKK terrorist group in the area. The Defense Ministry extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women … [Read more...] about 4 Turkish soldiers killed on Iraqi border during anti-terror operation
Diane Abbott apologises for drinking mojito on public transport
The shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, has apologised after a photo was circulated showing her drinking a mojito on public transport in London. The Labour frontbencher said on Twitter: “A photo of me drinking from a can of M&S mojito on the Overground has been circulated. I’m sincerely sorry for drinking on TFL.” She sent the tweet after the photograph was published in the Sun, and received widespread support, with many people saying she should not have to apologise. The therapist and writer Philippa Perry said: “Oh mate. We’ve all done it. Anyway thanks for travelling on the tube like most people have to do.” While the Labour MP David Lammy said: “Jah Rastafari! Why was the rum not Jamaican?” A mental health campaigner, Sam Thomas, said: “Why should you be sorry? We are all free to the freedom of choice. If you choose to drink on the underground, it’s fine. Meanwhile, for the serious crime that it isn’t, far worse … [Read more...] about Diane Abbott apologises for drinking mojito on public transport
4 Turkish soldiers killed on Iraqi border during anti-terror op
Four Turkish soldiers were killed in action on Friday during operations against terrorists in the Turkey-Iraq border area. Six soldiers were also wounded during the operations, Turkey's Defense Ministry said in a statement early Saturday. The ministry had initially announced that two soldiers had been killed but later said that two other soldiers had succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. The statement said the terrorists came under heavy fire from Turkish air operations and fire support. It did not specify the name of the terrorist organization, but the Turkish military frequently conducts operations against the PKK terrorist group in the area. The Defense Ministry extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women … [Read more...] about 4 Turkish soldiers killed on Iraqi border during anti-terror op
Greece violates international law by arming Aegean islands, Defense Minister Akar says
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Saturday urged Greece to take the necessary measures to adhere to the demilitarized status of the Aegean islands, as stipulated by international law and treaties. Akar said Greece violates international law and treaties by arming the Aegean islands, emphasizing that not only do these actions violate international law, but also the neighborly friendship between Turkey and Greece. "I am expecting my Greek colleague to take necessary measures in this and other issues within the framework of our sincere, constructive and good relations," Akar told reporters following a meeting with the top brass of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) at the Ministry of National Defense in Ankara. "We are in favor of good neighborly relations. We expect all our neighbors to behave in the same way," Akar said. Akar said that Turkey is working to solve the problems in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Cyprus by peaceful means through dialogue. He underlined, however, that "it is known … [Read more...] about Greece violates international law by arming Aegean islands, Defense Minister Akar says