Latest news with #CatEccles
The National
19 hours ago
- General
- The National
SNP slam Labour over MP lobbying trip to Israel amid Gaza genocide
The National previously reported that the party's most prominent pro-Israel group, Labour Friends of Israel (LFI), sent a delegation of parliamentarians to the country last week. This included LFI chair Jon Pearce, as well as fellow Labour MPs Cat Eccles, Kevin McKenna, Peter Prinsley, Mark Sewards and Labour peer Luciana Berger. READ MORE: Jeremy Corbyn brings in bill for public inquiry into UK complicity in Gaza genocide Israel's actions in Gaza have been described as genocide by leading international experts including Amnesty International, UN special rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese, and the UN special committee investigating Israel's action in Palestine. The International Court of Justice has also said that there is a plausible risk of Palestinians' right to be protected from genocide being violated. But this didn't stop the Labour MPs from smiling and being pictured with a host of Israeli officials over the course of the four-day delegation (below), including president Isaac Herzog. (Image: LFI/Twitter) Herzog has previously been criticised after photographs showed him signing Israeli bombs set to be dropped on Gaza. His comments in the wake of the October 7 attack were also cited in South Africa's International Court of Justice case as expressing genocidal intent. Meanwhile, they also met with deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, Israel's Leader of the Opposition, Yair Lapid, as well as with Yair Golan, leader of Labour's sister party, the Democrats. Golan said in October 2023: 'I think that in this battle, it is forbidden to allow a humanitarian effort. We need to say to them: listen, until the [captives] are released, from our side, you can die from starvation. It's totally legitimate.' Now, the SNP have hit out at Labour over the trip, saying it is a 'new low' for the party. "The Labour Party has repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of the appalling destruction and slaughter of Gaza and the Palestinian people. But Labour MPs posing for pictures with these individuals is a new low,' the party's Middle East spokesperson Brendan O'Hara said. "Children are starving to death in Gaza and the Labour Government continues to allow the sale of component parts for the jets that bomb them to pieces - all the while too many Labour MPs sit silent and now we see some of them all smiles with the very state dropping the bombs.' He added: 'It is brutally and blatantly clear that the Netanyahu Government will continue to act with impunity unless and until there are consequences for their actions - smiling for pictures with these men does exactly the opposite and people in Scotland will be appalled." Labour have been approached for comment.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Conservation and heritage groups have their say on historic hotel extension plan
NATIONAL conservation charities and heritage groups have had their say on a planning application submitted to Dudley Council detailing plans to extend an historic hotel in Stourbridge Town Centre, adding 10 additional rooms. The application submitted to the council to extend The Talbot Hotel in the High Street and repurpose its conference room into new bedrooms has sparked controversy since its submission on March 18. A planning, design, access and heritage statement, submitted by AP Architects on behalf of the Talbot Hotel, details plans to construct a two-story flat roof extension and a single story pitched roof extension at the back of the building, which in total would allow for seven extra bedrooms, a space for laundry storage and a boiler/plant room. The plans also request permission to divide the historic conference room to create two additional bedrooms and make internal alterations to the hotel's lobby and reception areas, the bar and its toilet facilities, including relocating the accessible toilet. The hotel was bought by Birmingham-based hospitality operators, Rosevine Ltd, at the end of 2024, with the new owners looking to revamp the hotel. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1600s, with the application having attracted strong criticism from over 100 objectors, including the town's MP, Cat Eccles and local councillors including ward councillor, Andrew Tromans. Echoing the concerns of objectors, conservation charity The Georgian Group have submitted recommendations to the council saying the plans pose 'serious concerns'. Read more Hotel management issues statement over application to extend historic town landmark On behalf of the group, James Darwin said: 'These proposals cumulatively have the potential to cause a considerable degree of harm to the listed building. 'The proposed works are both poorly explained and justified, and thus fail to meet the minimum requirements set out by the Secretaries of State within the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework). 'The group is particularly concerned by the extremely poor standard of the information provided in support of this application and by its failure to adequately assess the impact of the proposed alterations on the significance of the listed building.' Historic England have also criticised the application, voicing concerns bout the 'level of detail' in terms of potential harm to the listed building that the applicant has included, and the degree of harm the alterations would cause overall. Benjamin Williscroft from the organisation said: 'Fenestrated with sash windows, [The Talbot] has a commanding presence within the streetscene, and makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.' He continued: 'Overall, it is considered that these external and internal alterations, including two storey extensions to existing extensions and that to the conference room, would result in a significant degree of incremental alteration, and harm to the significance of the existing designated heritage asset, especially where the legibility of historic internal spaces would be compromised.' The building, which is mostly located within the Stourbridge High Street Conservation Area, has many historical features including original timber framing, red brickwork, timber sash windows and a 'good' 18th century staircase. The planning, design, access and heritage statement submitted by the application said that the proposals have been 'designed to be sympathetic and in-keeping with the character of the existing building', with the two rear extensions being designed to 'echo the aesthetic, forms and feature of the immediate host' and continue the form of the existing building, therefore 'minimising' the impact on neighbouring buildings. The Georgian Group and Historic England are both statutory consultees, whose views the council are obliged to take into account when deciding on applications to alter listed buildings. The relevant applications P25/0222 and P25/0223 are available to view on the council's planning portal and will go before Dudley Council Planners.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Angela Rayner 'jockeying to take over from failing Starmer' as panicking PM 'looks to placate Labour Left by axing two-child benefits limit' after winter fuel U-turn
Keir Starmer is struggling to quell chaos in his Cabinet today amid claims Angela Rayner is jockeying to replace him. The PM signalled an extraordinary U-turn on cuts to winter fuel allowance yesterday as he bowed to a growing revolt on his benches. And the humiliating move could only be the start with signs Sir Keir is also considering giving ground on the two-child benefit cap, amid alarm at Labour 's poll plunge. The pressure intensified as it emerged Ms Rayner's office wrote to embattled Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Spring urging her to hike taxes again instead of cutting welfare. The Deputy PM's aides have denied leaking the memo, and argued that such discussions are routine within government. However, some Labour MPs believe that Ms Rayner is 'on manoeuvres' to ensure she does not have 'blood on her hands' from failed policies. 'Angela has been loyal in public but she knows she needs to distance herself from some of the unpopular policies,' one backbencher told The Times. 'Starmer is not under any kind of threat now but if things have not improved closer to the next election that could change. Angela is ambitious and she needs to be credible if she is to present herself as the candidate of the left.' Labour MP Cat Eccles admitted the government's communications had been 'really poor', suggesting she blamed the PM's advisers and Ms Reeves for not 'listening'. 'It's annoying that we did raise these exact concerns at the time. And it's only now or down the line after we've had those local election results, as you say, that all of a sudden, they're all ears to their MPs,' she told Times Radio. 'Oh, what do you think the issues are? It's like, well, actually, we told you months ago. So I think there's a lot of us that are feeling slightly less buoyant than we did back in July last year.' The winter fuel allowance move was seen as an humiliation for Ms Reeves - who is at a G7 meeting in Canada. Stripping around nine million pensioners of the payments was one of the first announcements the Chancellor made after Labour's landslide election victory last year. But it has been widely blamed for the party's disastrous collapse in support. Labour campaigners reported it was toxic on doorsteps during May's local elections, which saw the party lose councillors and the Runcorn and Helsby Parliamentary by-election. Left-wing Labour MPs rallied behind Ms Rayner's push on targeting taxes instead of welfare, prompting the Tories to claim that the Cabinet was in 'open warfare'. Kemi Badenoch taunted Sir Keir that his deputy was 'on manoeuvres' and 'calling the shots' on the economy. Labour MPs have been insisting the government must fully reverse the winter fuel allowance cuts, rather than merely extend eligibility. Many also believe that ministers will be unable to bring in changes in time for this winter, as the PM said plans would not be revealed until the Budget in the Autumn. Former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown underlined demands for the two-child benefit cap to be lifted overnight - something Sir Keir has resisted up to now. Making his winter fuel announcement at PMQs yesterday, Sir Keir said he understood 'that people are still feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, including pensioners'. He added: 'As the economy improves, we want to make sure people feel those improvements in their days as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure that, as we go forward, more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments.' The move could open the door for ministers to back down on an overhaul of disability benefits, which has seen a large number of Labour MPs threaten to rebel.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oldswinford beauty salon crowned best in West Midlands and Warwickshire
A STOURBRIDGE beauty salon has beaten competition from across the West Midlands and Warwickshire to be crowned the best in the region. Scratch Nail and Beauty Salon has won the coveted regional 2025 Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Beauty Salon/Clinic, with the team 'delighted' at the result. Scratch Salon's owner, Chantal Chambers, said she was 'over the moon' just to have been shortlisted, let alone to have taken the top prize. She said: 'It means the world to the scratch team to have won the best salon/clinic in the West Midlands. 'We are delighted with the results! The support off our loyal and supportive customers in the local community has been incredible. 'We are so happy with our win and can't wait to attend the awards ceremony in June to collect our award and celebrate!' Scratch has been in Oldswinford for over two decades, with Ms Chambers at the helm for the past 12. Offering everything from immaculate manicures and spray tans to waxing, massages and facials, Scratch offers something for every beauty lover. Now having taken the regional crown, Scratch could then be in the running for the 'Best of the Best' National Muddy Awards. The winner is voted for by Muddy Stilettos' readers, with the public being the sole deciders of who is crowned the best in every region across the country. The lifestyle publication said a total of half a million votes were cast this year, marking the 12th anniversary of the awards. Hearing the news of their win, local MP, Cat Eccles, wrote to the salon's team sharing her congratulations. In her letter, she said: 'This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the strength of competition in such a large and dynamic region. 'The fact that this recognition comes from public votes makes your success even more special.' Cat Eccles MP added: 'For over two decades, Scratch has been a cornerstone of Oldswinford, and under your leadership over the past 12 years, it's clear the business has gone from strength to strength.'
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hotel management issues statement over application to extend historic town landmark
A PLANNING application submitted to Dudley Council to extend a historic hotel in Stourbridge Town Centre and repurpose its conference room into new bedrooms has sparked controversy since its submission. The owners of The Talbot Hotel on Stourbridge High Street are seeking planning permission from Dudley Council to build two rear extensions and divide the conference room, more commonly known as the ballroom, to create 10 additional bedrooms. The hotel was bought by Birmingham-based hospitality operators, Rosevine Ltd, at the end of 2024, with the new owners looking to revamp the hotel with two rear extensions and internal alterations, submitting plans on March 18. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 1600s, with the application having attracted strong criticism from over 100 objectors, including the town's MP and local councillors. Cllr Andrew Tromans said: 'In my role as an elected representative for Stourbridge Town, I have objected to the planning applications submitted to make significant alterations to the Grade II-listed Talbot Hotel. 'I do not believe that they would be of benefit for our town.' 'If these applications are not thrown out, I have signalled my intention to speak against them at a future planning meeting.' Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles added: 'The Talbot Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Stourbridge and is deservedly well loved by many of our residents here, me included, not just as an MP but as someone who has grown up in this area my entire life. 'The Talbot standing tall on our high street feels ingrained in Stourbridge's identity.' She continued: 'As Member of Parliament for Stourbridge, I have been very clear and consistent on just how much the heritage of our constituency is something we deserve to be proud of and therefore warrants protecting and respecting. 'I think the overwhelming support for the video I put out on social media is evidence of the fact that The Talbot is a part of that heritage. 'Therefore, any significant changes, and the potential knock-on effects of them, will be relevant to all of us in the community here, who still frequent the high street and recognise the importance of buildings like this in our area.' The historic grade II listed building is an iconic feature of the high street (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest) Concerns have been raised that 'irreparable damage' could be done if Dudley Council planners give their approval, with the proposed alterations impacting the historical character of the building. There have also been fears that, should this application be approved, the owners will seek to apply for a change of use to operate The Talbot as an HMO. In her objection, Cat Eccles MP said: 'While this application does not state that explicitly, it is clear from the removal of the kitchen facilities, proposing a laundry and additional bedrooms, that this is their plan. 'We should not be allowing underhand tactics like this, which later result in a retrospective change of use application. 'The location of the hotel makes it totally unsuitable for an HMO, and there is vast amounts of evidence locally showing that large unmanaged HMOs cause issues within the area.' The application submitted by Birmingham-based AP Architects does not mention anything that explicitly states an intention to change the hotel into an HMO, with the architects also claiming their designs are in keeping with the existing building and would not detract from its heritage assets. There have also been unsubstantiated rumours circulating that, if it were to become an HMO, the hotel could be used to house migrants. Cllr Tromams has said the hotel is not currently being used to house asylum seekers and has urged people to avoid repeating rumours that have not been proven. He said: 'I have been alarmed by the speculation that the hotel is being used as temporary accommodation for migrants and have spoken to the relevant authorities, who confirmed this is not the case. 'The planning applications for the Talbot Hotel will be scrutinised through the proper process, but I urge calm. 'We need to deal with this issue on the basis of facts, not fear. Please do your part by not repeating unsubstantiated rumours.' A spokesperson for The Talbot Hotel's management told the Stourbridge News that the application to build more rooms is to meet demand for extra bookings and has nothing to do with plans for an HMO. The spokesperson said: 'We operate as a commercial hotel with guests largely coming via Expedia, etc, and public walk-ins. 'Currently, there is a requirement for extra rooms, hence the application to extend the Talbot Hotel. 'Seven extra rooms have been applied for as well as extra space to cater for the hotel's own laundry requirements, such as for bed linen and towels and storage of linen, which is currently outsourced due to limited space. 'Reconfiguration is also required to modernise and redesign the bar and restaurant area for our guests, mostly just moving the toilets away from the frontage of the high street to create open space there. 'The planning application is all in line with our business plan for a commercial hotel. 'I don't know what 'HMO' has got to do with this planning application. 'Also, last Friday (meaning April 25), we had an on-site meeting with the local MP and councillor, who were satisfied with what we are doing and what the planning application is for.' The relevant applications P25/0222 and P25/0223 are available to view on the council's planning portal.
