Latest news with #CEAC
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
‘We're all pro-Europeans now': Rudd seeks to rebuild Tory-Europe relations
Almost a decade after the Brexit referendum, Amber Rudd is hoping to rebuild bridges between the Tories and Europe. The former home secretary is one of the driving forces behind a new informal Conservative European Affairs Council (CEAC) that aims to encourage pro-European Tories and help the party talk to Europe. And with US President Donald Trump stepping back from European defence and Russia continuing to threaten the continent, she sees an even stronger case for improving Conservative relations with Europe. In an interview with the PA news agency, she said: 'I would say that now, under the current international circumstances, we're all pro-Europeans.' But the former Remain campaigner, who resigned from Boris Johnson's cabinet over his handling of Brexit, insisted she was not looking to re-run the Brexit referendum. She said: 'Former Remainers like myself are not campaigning to rejoin, we are not campaigning for another vote. 'All that is finished, it's in the past, and I think it's quite important to say that that's all in the past. 'What we want now is what's the best relationship within the Conservative Party to position ourselves for the future, for a future Conservative government facing towards Europe.' Instead, the CEAC will look to engage with all of Europe, not just the EU, to improve the party's 'understanding of what is happening in individual European countries, in the EU and outside of it', according to Conservative councillor Max Austin, who is the group's co-convenor alongside Ms Rudd. Bringing together other Conservative Party groups, it will also look to build relationships with other centre-right parties in Europe to learn how to appeal to younger voters and take on more populist parties. 'It's trying to show the Conservative Party is not one of those nationalist parties. It's outward-looking, and it's outward-looking towards what's on its doorstep, as well as beyond,' Ms Rudd added. It is on defence and security that Ms Rudd suggested there could be an opportunity for more engagement between Conservatives and Europe, saying the party 'must not be left behind' as Sir Keir Starmer 'changed the agenda' and put together the 'coalition of the willing' on Ukraine. She said: 'We have to be more assertive about wanting to lead Europe on the defence side, and that's exactly what Keir has done. 'And most people, unless they're really committed against Labour, but most people who are sort of middle-of-the-road Conservatives are saying 'Gosh, he's doing quite well, Keir Starmer, on that side'. 'And it seems in a moment of crisis, like Europe is in at the moment, the combination of Trump stepping back and the Russians leaning even further into Ukraine, that's where the UK should be, and we need to be able to say that we are pro-European from that point of view.' It is a point of view that many in the Conservative Party may be receptive to, given the interest already shown in the CEAC from a cross-section of the party. The group's formation was formally announced at a reception hosted by the Irish embassy last month, addressed by shadow minister Mark Garnier and attended by shadow cabinet member Andrew Bowie and former deputy prime minister Baroness Therese Coffey along with representatives from Kemi Badenoch's office and former Vote Leave campaigners. Ms Rudd said she was 'slightly surprised' that pro-Brexit campaigners had attended the event, but added that they had said they were 'here because we think you are doing something which is right for us all'. Mr Austin said: 'We need to disentangle Europe from the EU. Those two concepts have been entwined for far too long. 'But also, you can be a pro-European Brexiteer, and there is no home for that category. 'We've had some members come who are committed in their belief on the future relationship between the EU and the UK, but are still interested and see the importance of understanding what is going on on the broader European continent and with the EU.' He added: 'It's not about people being right or wrong in the past, we don't expect people to say I was right or wrong on anything. 'It's recognising that the chapter has changed and what we're doing really matters.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 reasons you can't miss the equitable futures discussion
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary's Committee on Equality and Access to the Courts (CEAC) and the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center are hosting a public program to address sustainable solutions for the future of Hawaiʻi's justice system. This is part of a five-part series that is aimed at creating connections and collaborations across Hawaii's justice discussions will explore ways to improve law, policy and institutional practices for better public awareness, safety and wellbeing. Program 2 is titled Resources and Operations: Sustainable Solutions for the Future of Hawaiʻi's Justice System. This panel will dive into how Hawaiʻi's justice departments can creatively find and maintain resources to improve public safety and wellbeing. Panelists from legal, advocacy and oversight sectors will share experiences and ideas for overcoming political, financial and logistical barriers to reform. The discussion will focus on making the justice system more efficient, sustainable and equitable. Learn about justice reform in Hawaiʻi: Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities within Hawaiʻi's justice system, especially regarding resource allocation and sustainability. The discussion will provide valuable information on how the system can evolve to serve the community better. Engage with experts and thought leaders: The panel features professionals like Salmah Y. Rizvi, Executive Director of the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and Steve Alm, Prosecuting Attorney for Honolulu. They'll share their expertise on civil rights, legal advocacy and innovative approaches to reform. Discover innovative solutions: The program will explore creative solutions to resource challenges within the justice system, such as trauma-informed care and new programs designed to reduce incarceration and improve outcomes for at-risk youth. Build connections and collaborations: This event is an opportunity to connect with stakeholders across Hawaiʻi's justice system. Whether you're a student, advocate or professional, you'll have the chance to network and collaborate on ideas for creating a more equitable system. Contribute to positive change: By attending, you'll be part of a larger movement working toward lasting change. You'll gain knowledge on how to support reforms that can impact the future of Hawaiʻi's justice system and the wellbeing of its residents. Equitable and Sustainable Futures Speaker Series is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Aliʻiōlani Hale in the Supreme Court at 417 S King Street. You can click to learn more and to RSVP. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 This is a chance to be part of an important conversation and learn from experts dedicated to creating a more just, equitable future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
