Human rights groups have published a report laying bare the extent to which the government’s “hostile environment” immigration policies have spread into all areas of UK life, encouraging “discriminatory” and “racist” behaviour. The report, by Liberty, the National Union of Students and the Migrants Rights Network, among others, shows immigration controls are embedded at the heart of the UK’s public services, and that they: Encourage discrimination against black and ethnic minority (BAME) and visibly “foreign” people. Disproportionately affect young people, homeless people and those on lower incomes, who are less likely to have a passport or other form of ID. Shatter the carefully cultivated relationships of trust between public servants and those they serve. Prevent frontline workers from supporting people they know are in dire need, while burdening them with complex immigration-related tasks. This approach of … [Read more...] about Rights groups decry Theresa May’s ‘hostile environment’ immigration policy
Environment
Donald Trump shrugs off ethics concerns to back embattled environment chief Scott Pruitt
Donald Trump’s environment chief has lost the support of senior officials, has been condemned by liberals for his use of public money and for a rental deal linked to an energy lobbyist, but at the weekend won fresh support from the only person that really matters – the president himself. Mr Trump waded into the growing row over embattled Scott Pruitt by insisting that the head of the Environment Protection Agency’s travel and security expenses were justified. Senior aides have told the president to fire Mr Pruitt amid reports that he has spent $3 million on security and at a time when he has attracted ridicule for installing a soundproof booth. But supporters insist he is an effective figure, delivering on election promises to roll back Obama-era regulations designed to protect air and water quality. Mr Trump took to Twitter to suggest Mr Pruitt’s position was safe for now. “While Security spending was somewhat more than his predecessor, Scott Pruitt … [Read more...] about Donald Trump shrugs off ethics concerns to back embattled environment chief Scott Pruitt
US environment chief Scott Pruitt spends millions in taxpayer money on 20-strong full-time security team
Scott Pruitt, the US environment secretary, has spent millions of dollars in public funds on a 20-strong full-time security team. Documents show he has blown through overtime budgets and diverted officers away from investigating environmental crimes, in order to give himself added protection. Mr Pruitt who was picked by Donald Trump to head up the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), faces a growing list of potential ethics scandals, including the revelation two aides were granted huge pay rises against White House direction. Read more Trump doubles down on defence of EPA chief Scott Pruitt EPA secretary Scott Pruitt 'fires security chief over siren use' EPA officials 'sidelined after questioning Scott Pruitt' Shortly after taking the reins, last February, Mr Pruitt demoted the career staff member heading his security detail and replaced him with EPA senior special agent Pasquale "Nino" Perrotta, a former Secret Service … [Read more...] about US environment chief Scott Pruitt spends millions in taxpayer money on 20-strong full-time security team
Environment Ministry to investigate Vittoriosa pigeon culling
The Environment Ministry condemned the pigeon culling in Vittoriosa yesterday, which occurred in broad daylight. The ministry said that this went against government policy in terms of how to remove wild pigeons, and that it is giong to investigate and take all necessary steps on this case. The Ministry stressed that alternative methods exist in terms of the removal of pigeons for public health, methods which are more secure. According to The Times of Malta, Mayor John Boxall was yesterday seen urging a news photographer to stop taking pictures of the controversial practice. … [Read more...] about Environment Ministry to investigate Vittoriosa pigeon culling
Pier funding is confirmed by the Environment Agency
The Environment Agency has confirmed funding of nearly £3million towards repairs on Seahouses pier. The £2.9million scheme, which will protect 140 properties and the town’s picturesque harbour, is a Northumberland County Council project.Leila Huntington, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “This funding is fantastic news for the North East which ensures Northumberland County Council’s vital work at Seahouses can go ahead imminently.“The council’s plan to refurbish the iconic Seahouses pier – an important coastal defence – will start in April, ensuring it will continue to protect the community into the future.”In Hexham, £3.7 million has been allocated towards a £5million flood alleviation scheme which will be delivered by the Environment Agency at Tyne Mills and Bridge End Industrial Estates. Work is ongoing to secure the remainder of the funding to progress this scheme.Coun Glen … [Read more...] about Pier funding is confirmed by the Environment Agency