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Scotsman
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Let's make Scotland's transport future work for everyone
More must be done to give disabled people access to EV chargepoints Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Stand and watch the traffic on any road in Scotland and you'll see the change for yourself. Once a lesser-spotted breed, electric vehicles (EVs) are now a common sight on the country's highways and bypasses. Delivering his Programme for Government this year, First Minister John Swinney committed to introducing a new rural and island EV infrastructure grant, which will support the aim of having 24,000 additional public charging points by 2030. Meanwhile, Transport Scotland has announced £20 million in 2025-26 to encourage and enable more households and businesses with lower incomes to buy EVs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These are welcome steps. But the EV transition must be fair – and right now, it isn't. Too many charging points are inaccessible to disabled people (Picture: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images) As manufacturers move production to electric, Motability Operations is working to ensure disabled people, including over 87,800 customers in Scotland, are not left by behind. However, our recent EV Transition Tracker found that while 40 per cent of Scottish drivers feel nervous about going electric, the worry is even worse for disabled drivers, with 71 per cent believing they'll only switch when they have no other choice. The reasons are clear. For too many disabled people, public charging simply isn't accessible. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Through a community of over 1,000 drivers on the Motability Scheme, we've gathered detailed, first-hand experiences of public EV charging across Scotland. The issues are widespread and persistent: bays that are too small for wheelchair users, charging cables that are too heavy, and instructions that are too difficult to follow. It's not just frustrating for users; it's a barrier to independence. But fortunately, this is a solvable problem. Almost three years ago, the Motability Foundation worked with the British Standards Institution to publish PAS 1899, a national accessibility standard for public EV chargepoints. It sets out minimum requirements – such as bay sizing, lighting, signage, and equipment usability – to ensure chargepoints are accessible to disabled people. Positively, Transport Scotland is already using PAS 1899 to assess local authority requests for chargepoint funding, and a revised version of the accessibility standard is expected next year, following further consultation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But here's the issue: the standard remains voluntary. There is no legal requirement for charging providers to follow it. It is our view that PAS 1899 must be made mandatory, ensuring that every new public chargepoint meets basic accessibility criteria. The charging network is growing rapidly – and if we don't legislate now, we'll lock in years of inaccessible infrastructure that will be costly and difficult to retrofit when the problem at hand is finally acknowledged. It's not enough to hit charge point installation targets. If people can't use the infrastructure, we're not solving the right problem. However, the solution is within reach and by making accessibility a requirement, Scotland can lead the way in building an EV network that works for everyone and ensures that no one is left behind. It's time we build a system that enables every driver, regardless of their circumstances, to keep moving forward.
Newsweek
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Fires Back at US Allies: 'Political Manipulation'-
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China's embassy in the United Kingdom has issued a sharp rebuke after Britain and Australia raised concerns over Beijing's actions in the Asia-Pacific, slamming the two countries for "unwarranted accusations and political manipulation." Why It Matters The statement followed the arrival of the U.K.'s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, in the port of Darwin just three days earlier to take part in Australia's Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The U.S. and its allies—both within the Asia-Pacific and beyond—have been stepping up security cooperation in response to China's increasingly assertive actions in the region, as President Xi Jinping seeks to challenge American primacy. Newsweek reached out to the Australian Department of Defence and the U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office via emailed requests for comment. What To Know The Chinese embassy on Sunday pushed back against a joint statement issued by the U.K. and Australian foreign and defense ministers following their ministerial consultations in Sydney on Saturday. "We firmly oppose the groundless accusations against China in the U.K.-Australia joint statement. Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang [Tibet], and Hong Kong affairs are all China's internal affairs, in which no foreign country has the right to interfere," an embassy spokesperson said, responding to criticism of Beijing's domestic actions. British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is escorted by tugboats as it leaves from Portsmouth Naval Base on the south coast of England, on April 22 for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is escorted by tugboats as it leaves from Portsmouth Naval Base on the south coast of England, on April 22 for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images The joint statement cited China's "destabilizing" military activities around Taiwan—the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its territory and has vowed to unite with, through force if necessary. Also mentioned were alleged human rights abuses in Tibet and Xinjiang, and suppression of free speech and democracy in Hong Kong. The spokesperson also objected to the statement's depiction of China's behavior in the South China Sea, saying, "The U.K. and Australia should stop hyping up the issue and stirring up trouble." China claims most of the busy waterway as its territory—claims that overlap with those of several neighbors and have led to a bitter territorial dispute with U.S. treaty ally the Philippines. The spokesperson also rejected the joint statement's call for China to prevent its companies from supplying dual-use civilian-military goods to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. "China has been working actively to promote a ceasefire and peace talks, and has kept dual-use items under strict control," the official said. While China has presented itself as neutral in the conflict, it has never called Russia's actions an invasion, and booming trade with Moscow has helped sustain Russia's wartime economy—prompting NATO to label China a "decisive enabler." What People Have Said John Haley, British defense secretary, told the Telegraph regarding a potential war over Taiwan: "If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the U.K. are nations that will fight together. We exercise together, and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together." Haley added, however, that he was speaking in "general terms" and that London preferred to see disputes solved "peacefully." What's Next Exercise Talisman Sabre will conclude on August 4. This year's iteration—the 11th and largest yet—involves 30,000 military personnel from 19 countries, including the United States.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ravindra Jadeja hailed for taking India close but Gavaskar rues lack of risk
Tough innings India's Ravindra Jadeja leaves the ball on the fifth day of the third cricket test match against England at Lord's cricket ground in London. Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP Image: Ben Stansall/AFP Ravindra Jadeja was praised Tuesday for almost taking India to an unlikely Test win at Lord's, but former greats said a little more risk-taking with the bat might have got his side over the line. Jadeja, batting at number seven, hit a painstaking unbeaten 61 as he shepherded the tail from 112-8 at lunch chasing 193 for victory against England in the third Test. But he eventually ran out of partners after more than four hours at the crease as India were all out for 170 after tea on a nerve-shredding final day. Jadeja, who came in at 71-5 and saw India slump to 112-8 at lunch, chose to protect Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj from England's attack by scoring singles to keep the strike and controlling his attacking instincts. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports that scoring quicker and putting pressure back on England's bowlers might have resulted in "a partnership of 60-70 would have made a difference". "India never got that (partnership)," he said. "You could say that Jadeja could have taken the odd chance and not necessarily the aerial route when Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir were bowling. But full marks to him (Jadeja)." Jadeja hit just four fours and one six in his 181-ball stay before Bashir bowled number 11 Siraj to trigger jubilant England celebrations. "I'd like to look a little deeper into that whole innings," former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo. "There was one attempt at playing a shot that went for six. "But I don't think there were too many attempted attacking shots. "For me, one telling moment was when he got to his fifty and India were still a few runs short. "You saw the reaction of the dressing room there were people applauding but I don't think there was excitement around and belief that Jadeja would take them through." India's greatest batsman Sachin Tendulkar lamented: "So near, yet so far." "Jadeja, Bumrah, & Siraj fought all the way till the end," he posted on X. "Well tried, Team India. England played well to keep the pressure on and produced the result they desired. Congratulations on a hard-fought win." England lead the series 2-1 with two to play. The fourth Test starts at Manchester's Old Trafford on July 23. AFP Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jadeja hailed for taking India close but Gavaskar rues lack of risk
India's Ravindra Jadeja was left high and dry on an unbeaten 61 after running out of partners (Ben STANSALL) Ravindra Jadeja was praised Tuesday for almost taking India to an unlikely Test win at Lord's, but former greats said a little more risk-taking with the bat might have got his side over the line. Jadeja, batting at number seven, hit a painstaking unbeaten 61 as he shepherded the tail from 112-8 at lunch chasing 193 for victory against England in the third Test. Advertisement But he eventually ran out of partners after more than four hours at the crease as India were all out for 170 after tea on a nerve-shredding final day. Jadeja, who came in at 71-5 and saw India slump to 112-8 at lunch, chose to protect Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj from England's attack by scoring singles to keep the strike and controlling his attacking instincts. Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports that scoring quicker and putting pressure back on England's bowlers might have resulted in "a partnership of 60-70 would have made a difference". "India never got that (partnership)," he said. Advertisement "You could say that Jadeja could have taken the odd chance and not necessarily the aerial route when Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir were bowling. But full marks to him (Jadeja)." Jadeja hit just four fours and one six in his 181-ball stay before Bashir bowled number 11 Siraj to trigger jubilant England celebrations. "I'd like to look a little deeper into that whole innings," former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo. "There was one attempt at playing a shot that went for six. "But I don't think there were too many attempted attacking shots. "For me, one telling moment was when he got to his fifty and India were still a few runs short. Advertisement "You saw the reaction of the dressing room there were people applauding but I don't think there was excitement around and belief that Jadeja would take them through." India's greatest batsman Sachin Tendulkar lamented: "So near, yet so far." "Jadeja, Bumrah, & Siraj fought all the way till the end," he posted on X. "Well tried, Team India. England played well to keep the pressure on and produced the result they desired. Congratulations on a hard-fought win." England lead the series 2-1 with two to play. The fourth Test starts at Manchester's Old Trafford on July 23. fk/dh
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Chelsea's Club World Cup surge marks a new era of belief
Chelsea players celebrate after their Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, which got them into the Champions League. Image: Ben Stansall / AFP CHELSEA'S run to the final of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup may have caught many by surprise, but it reflects a significant turning point in the club's evolution following seasons of transition and uncertainty. Once a dominant force under Roman Abramovich—clinching the UEFA Champions League in 2012 with coach Roberto Di Matteo in charge and in 2021 led by Thomas Tuchel—Chelsea have in recent years found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Despite continuing to spend big, the club has had to rebuild from the ground up under the new ownership led by Todd Boehly, adopting a strategy focused on youth, long-term development, and a more sustainable approach to success. That rebuild demanded patience, but their results in 2025 suggest that Chelsea are starting to turn the corner. The past two seasons have told a story of gradual progress. Under Mauricio Pochettino in the early months of last season, the team endured mixed results but with the introduction of Enzo Maresca halfway through, they managed to secure a return the Uefa Champions League. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Many believed the former Tottenham Hotspur coach, Pochettinho, had laid the foundation for a return to the club's former heights. But the arrival of Maresca exceeded expectations. His promising league-run in the first months of 2025 and the UEFA Conference League triumph were early statement, but their qualification for the Club World Cup final under his watch has truly raised eyebrows. More importantly, it has restored belief. This campaign has showcased a Chelsea side growing in maturity and tactical discipline. For stretches last season, they even kept pace with Liverpool before falling away due to the expected inconsistency of a young, developing squad. Yet even in that dip, the signs of potential were clear. Now, that potential is blossoming into performance. The young core has grown in confidence, and key additions like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have proved to be inspired signings—possibly the missing pieces that can elevate them from top-four hopefuls to serious contenders. The only lingering weakness remains in the goalkeeping department, which still needs attention. The current squad looks more balanced, more settled, and increasingly equipped to compete on multiple fronts.
