Latest news with #AnnaTurley
BBC News
29-04-2025
- BBC News
Eston Hills wildfires 'devastating' impact on wildlife
Fires started deliberately are having a "terrible" impact on nesting birds and wildlife at a beauty Fire Brigade said it was having to respond to dangerous incidents in Eston Hills on Teesside "far too often" and pull resources away from other Anna Turley is assembling a taskforce to tackle the issue and exploring the possibility of adding the land to the North Yorkshire Moors National resident Rita Richardson said she was "upset" about the impact the fires were having on wildlife. She said: "Kids have been starting fires in the hills for what feels like forever."The last one was huge, I headed up to see what was happening and it was heart-breaking."It's nesting season and I spoke to fire fighters who have been up on the hills and they are seeing bird nests that have been destroyed by the fire."Cleveland Police said it had been carrying out regular patrols in the area and had been deploying drones to monitor for signs of smoke. Ms Turley said: "The people of TS6 and the wider community are absolutely sick of the constant damage being done to Eston Hills."These deliberate fires are putting huge pressures on our emergency services, destroying our beautiful green spaces, devastating local wildlife and making people feel unsafe in areas that should be for everybody to enjoy."She said the taskforce would "pull together" the police, fire service, council and local organisations to take "coordinated action". A fire brigade spokesperson urged anyone with information on the culprits to report it anonymously through FireStoppers."As the weather improves and more people head outdoors, deliberate fires remain a concern. "They put lives at risk, destroy local wildlife habitats and damage a much-loved space used by families, walkers, and the wider community."Our crews respond to deliberate fires like this far too often. It's not only dangerous but also disheartening." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Redcar steelworks 'could have been saved' if legislation was passed earlier, say MPs
Redcar's steelworks "could have been saved" if new "bittersweet" legislation passed today had been implemented a decade earlier, politicians across the North East have stressed. Crucial legislation to protect British steelmaking that Prime Minister Keir Starmer "hangs in the balance" has been passed by MPs in an unprecedented Saturday sitting in the Commons. MPs from across the country were summoned to Westminster today (April 12) after being unexpectedly recalled from recess to debate emergency legislation to protect the future of British Steel's Scunthorpe plant in North Lincolnshire. MPs debate in the commons. (Image: PA) The debate was called after negotiations with British Steel's Chinese owners, Jingye, appeared to break down. Owner Jingye's plans to close the blast furnaces and switch to a greener form of production would also have an impact on the steel fabrication and supply chain in Teesside at Lackenby and Skinningrove. But, the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, which was passed today by MPs, gives the Government the power to instruct steel companies in England to keep facilities open, with criminal penalties for executives if they fail to comply. The bill has now passed through the House of Lords, and Royal assent was granted to the now Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act. Ministers said these measures were necessary to keep the Scunthorpe blast furnaces open and protect both the UK's primary steelmaking capacity and the 3,500 jobs involved. However, whilst this is welcome news for the region's MPs, it is "bittersweet". Some have reiterated that if similar steps had come into force ten years ago, Redcar's Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant that closed in 2015 and was demolished in 2023 may not have been lost. Redcar MP Anna Turley. (Image: HOUSE OF COMMONS) Before heading down to Westminster today, Redcar MP Anna Turley said: "The action taken by the Labour government today is vital to securing the future of British Steels' blast furnaces. "It is quite a bittersweet day of course because it's hard not to think about how different things would have been if David Cameron implemented these powers ten years ago and intervened to save the Redcar blast furnaces." Referring back to 2015, she told The Northern Echo: "We declared wanted the government to intervene and take control of the assets - the blast furnace and the coke ovens. "The government refused to intervene and let SSI go to the wall. Emergency powers like this world have saved our blast furnace, steel making on Teesside and crucially the 2,300 jobs that were lost." Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald added: "We do remember 2015 very, very well and one of the issues that we are talking about at Scunthorpe is the quality of the coke that is being provided. Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald. "I can't help thinking that in 2015 we had the best coke ovens in the country. But that was then, this is now. We've got to make sure that we preserve our core industries." Recommended: Calls to nationalise British Steel could affect Teesside MPs face choice on British Steel as ministers aim to 'take back control' Darlington MP Lola McEvoy added: "Where the Tories passed the buck year after year, I'm proud we've got a Labour Government that has stepped up to protect thousands of jobs and save steelmaking for our nation. "Steel is a critical industry for the UK and one that really should be thriving. Instead it has been neglected for years, passed from pillar to post. As my neighbour Anna Turley said: if David Cameron had stepped up like Keir Starmer has today, we could have saved Redcar too. "Today I am feeling hopeful with this bold action that we can restore that pride once again."
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Emergency vote on nationalising British Steel as future 'hangs in balance'
The government is considering nationalising British Steel in a bid to protect the Scunthorpe plant from closure - a move that could cause ripple effects across Teesside. Parliament will be recalled on Saturday - the first time on this day since 1982 - to debate giving Government the power to direct steel companies in England. Both the Commons and the Lords will return to debate a law aimed at securing the future of British Steel's Scunthorpe plant in North Lincolnshire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the future of British steel 'hangs in the balance". Owner Jingye plans to close the blast furnaces and switch to a greener form of production - which would have an impact on the steel fabrication and supply chain at Lackenby and Skinningrove. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the Government has his full support, adding that they 'sometimes have no choice but to step in'. Redcar MP Anna Turley added that Labour is 'determined to stand by our steel communities and do everything we can to support the jobs, skills, and industries that built this country.' Meanwhile, a Number 10 spokesperson said there is a "bright future for steel in the UK" and that "all options remain on the table". Shock and fear has been racing across Teesside in recent weeks after the news that the owners were holding talks about closing huge parts of the Scunthorpe operation. While the firm said the consultation did not concern the Teesside Beam Mill, the news meant hundreds of workers there and at the Skinningrove plant would be concerned about the future. British Steel previously said that, despite investment of more than £1 billion, there had been losses of more than £700,000 every day and 'the blast furnaces and steelmaking operations are no longer financially sustainable'. Earlier this year, plans for the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) on Teesside were scrapped as British Steel moved to make Scunthorpe the sole location for the EAF. This was despite a 'serious deal' being on the table with planning permission secured, the land prepared, and the workforce 'standing by'. Regarding the news of Parliament being recalled, Ms Turley said: 'The decision to recall Parliament to discuss British Steel shows just how serious the situation is — and just how different things are under this government. Anna Turley (Image: NQ) 'In 2015, when Redcar faced the loss of its steelworks, the Tory government turned its back. This time, we have a government that's willing to act. 'Steel is absolutely vital to our economy, our national security, and to communities like ours on Teesside. 'The uncertainty facing Scunthorpe has national implications, including for the steel fabrication and supply chain here in our region. 'We know what it means when the steel industry is left to decline. Labour is determined to stand by our steel communities and do everything we can to support the jobs, skills, and industries that built this country.' Mr Houchen said: 'It looks like the government is set to nationalise British Steel over the coming days. Is it ideal? Ben Houchen (Image: TVCA) 'No - but when governments of all parties have failed for decades, you sometimes have no choice but to step in. 'It's exactly the same as what we did with Teesside Airport. We didn't want to nationalise it - but we had to. If we hadn't, it would be gone. 'Sometimes you have to step up and do what's needed, even when it's not easy, cheap or fashionable. 'British Steel is no different. It will be expensive. Managing a poor, ageing site at Scunthorpe won't be simple. 'But protecting thousands of skilled jobs and defending our national security is priceless. I will NOT criticise the Government for doing what needs to be done. They have my full support. 'We now need to see a serious plan for the years ahead. Nationalisation must not be a slow drift into decline - it must be the starting point for rebuilding Britain's industrial base. 'Crucially: Ministers will soon control where investment happens. They used to say, 'we can't tell a private company where to invest.' Now they can. So let's get on with it and build in Teesside. 'Teesside is ready to build an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). The planning permissions are secured, the grid is connected, the land is prepared, and the workforce is standing by. We have everything needed for a new EAF - and the drive to make it a success. 'I'll keep fighting for Teesside every step of the way - and I urge unions, MPs and local leaders to do the same. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure Britain's future. We can't waste it.' The Commons Saturday sitting will begin at 11am, when MPs will debate 'legislative proposals to ensure the continued operation of British Steel blast furnaces is safeguarded', according to the office of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The House of Lords will sit from midday. Ministers say all options are on the table (Image: PA) In an indication of how seriously the Government is taking the issue, this is the first time Parliament has been recalled to sit on a Saturday since 1982, when MPs returned after the Falklands War began. Other significant recalls during recent years included a midweek sitting during the summer recess in August 2021 to debate the evacuation from Afghanistan. In a letter to MPs shared with the PA news agency, Sir Lindsay said he was satisfied the 'public interest' requires the recall. Unions welcomed the move to recall Parliament. Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB union national officer, said: 'GMB has long called for nationalisation as the only way to save the UK steel industry. 'Tomorrow looks like the first step in that process. 'The Business Secretary must be given huge praise for acting decisively to safeguard this vital industry and the thousands of jobs that rely on it.' Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of steelworkers' union Community, said: 'It is in the national interest that a solution is found to secure a future for British Steel as a vital strategic business. 'We can't allow Britain to become the only G7 country without primary steelmaking capacity.' A Number 10 spokesperson said: 'The Prime Minister has been clear, his government will always act in the national interest. All actions we take are in the name of British industry, British jobs and for British workers. Read More: A1 crash: Woman released after seven officers rushed to hospital Estabulo 'reviewing future plans' of Darlington restaurant Locals fight to save The Bridge Inn in Whorlton from closure Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. . 'Tomorrow Parliament will be recalled to debate the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill. The Bill provides the government with the power to direct steel companies in England, which we will use to protect the Scunthorpe site. 'It enables the UK Government to preserve capability and ensure public safety. It also ensures all options remain viable for the future of the plant and the livelihoods it supports. 'We have been negotiating with British Steel's owners in good faith ever since coming to office. We have always been clear there is a bright future for steel in the UK. All options remain on the table.'
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Four MPs visit North East baby hospice struggling to survive on local fundraising
Zoe's Place baby hospice in Middlesbrough welcomed four local MPs as they highlighted the need for greater financial support to sustain and expand its services. Anna Turley (MP for Redcar), Luke Myer (MP for Middlesbrough South and Cleveland), Andy McDonald (MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), and Chris McDonald (MP for Stockton North) visited the hospice to witness firsthand the essential care provided to some of the region's most vulnerable children. MPs around the table with the leadership team of Zoe's Place Middlesbrough (Image: ZOE'S PLACE) The visit, on Friday (February 7), provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by the hospice, particularly around funding and long-term sustainability, to ensure families continue to receive the vital care they rely on. With 70 per cent of its income dependent on local fundraising, Zoe's Place, like many other children's hospices, faces growing financial pressures. The announcements in last year's Budget of increased Employers NI and minimum wage costs mean that they cannot increase their opening hours, leaving families waiting for the specialist care they desperately need. MPs with Joan Stainsby Exec Trustee (Image: ZOE'S PLACE) While demand for its services remains high, funding constraints mean the hospice cannot currently recruit additional staff, thereby limiting its capacity to offer more support to families in the region. Despite these challenges, Zoe's Place remains committed to delivering the highest standard of care, offering palliative and respite support that brings comfort, relief, and joy to families facing incredibly difficult circumstances. MPs being given a tour round the hospice by Deputy Head of Care, Ashleigh Rickards (Image: ZOE'S PLACE) The MPs' visit helped highlight the need for more equitable and sustainable funding for children's hospices and explored ways to work together to safeguard these essential services into the future. READ MORE: Zoe's Place Middlesbrough needs help fundraising as Liverpool closes When Zoe's Place, Middlesbrough made a desperate appeal Annual Christmas Light Switch-On at Zoe's Place Baby Hospice Joan Stainsby, Executive Trustee at Zoe's Place, said: 'At Zoe's Place, we are dedicated to creating a warm, loving environment for babies and young children with complex medical needs. "We know how much our care means to the families we support, and we want to ensure we can continue providing this essential service for years to come. "We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome local MPs and discuss how we can work together to strengthen and improve hospice care for the future.'
