Latest news with #HouseofLords
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Chan Chun Sing meets counterparts from Five-Power defence nations, other defence ministers
(Clockwise, from second left) Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing hosted breakfast for Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, United Kingdom Minister of State (Minister for the House of Lords) Lord Vernon Coaker, New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC and Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE – Defence ministers from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) reaffirmed their countries' commitment to the grouping's role in regional security during a meeting hosted by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on May 31. Mr Chan hosted breakfast for Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, United Kingdom Minister of State (Minister for the House of Lords) Lord Vernon Coaker, New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC, and Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, which took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. At the meeting, a regular feature of the security forum, the ministers commended the grouping's progress in implementing their nations' guidance to raise the complexity of FPDA exercises to stay relevant to current security challenges. The 2024 edition of the FPDA's Exercise Bersama Lima (XBL24) saw the inaugural participation of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets from Australia and the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft from New Zealand. 'Looking ahead, the Ministers look forward to the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group's participation in XBL25, which would be a milestone achievement for the FPDA, and reaffirm the importance of committing high-end assets to FPDA exercises to enhance their professional value,' said Singapore's Ministry of Defence in a statement. The ministers also affirmed the continued strategic relevance of the FPDA as a constructive, transparent and peaceful defence arrangement that supports regional security architecture, it added. Formed in 1971, the FPDA brings together Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in a consultative security framework. The arrangement was established in the wake of the British military withdrawal from South-east Asia, providing a platform for defence cooperation and consultation. Mindef said that the FPDA continues to play a key role in promoting regional cooperation through regular exercises, dialogues and platforms for sharing professional knowledge and experiences. As part of his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr Chan met Japan Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen on May 31. Mr Chan welcomed Mr Nakatani, who had attended the inaugural edition of the forum in 2002, back to the dialogue. As the country coordinator for Asean-Japan dialogue relations, Mr Chan reiterated Singapore's commitment to work closely with Japan to enhance regional peace and security, including through the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), Mindef said. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (right) meeting Japan Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Both ministers also reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan, and discussed strengthening defence cooperation to tackle shared challenges, such as through cyber exchanges and enhancing research and collaboration in defence technology. The Shangri-La Dialogue is taking place in Singapore from May 30 to June 1, bringing together defence ministers, military chiefs and security experts from around the world to discuss key security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MSPs back tobacco ban plan for 'smoke free generation'
MSPs have given their consent to UK legislation which aims to create a "smoke-free generation". The Scottish Parliament passed a legislative consent motion, which means MSPs agree to Westminster passing a law which affects a devolved area. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is UK-wide legislation that would ban tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009. It would also bring in restrictions on the advertising and sale of vapes, as well as reviewing the packaging of e-cigarettes. How many people still smoke in the UK? A quick guide to smoking bans across the world Public health minister Jenni Minto welcomed the "landmark legislation", with MSPs approving her motion unanimously. She said: "We have worked closely across the four nations to ensure a consistent approach and I am determined to ensure a tobacco-free Scotland, where people live longer and healthier lives, by 2034. "The Bill, once passed, will also ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children, stopping the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine." The legislation has passed votes in the House of Commons and is currently going through the House of Lords. It includes a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours and packaging of vapes in an attempt to reduce their appeal to children. It is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling the health effects of smoking, one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability and ill health. Smoking rates have fallen in recent years but vaping rates have risen sharply, especially among under-35s and those who have never used cigarettes.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
MSPs back tobacco ban plan for 'smoke free generation'
MSPs have given their consent to UK legislation which aims to create a "smoke-free generation".The Scottish Parliament passed a legislative consent motion, which means MSPs agree to Westminster passing a law which affects a devolved Tobacco and Vapes Bill is UK-wide legislation that would ban tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, would also bring in restrictions on the advertising and sale of vapes, as well as reviewing the packaging of e-cigarettes. Public health minister Jenni Minto welcomed the "landmark legislation", with MSPs approving her motion said: "We have worked closely across the four nations to ensure a consistent approach and I am determined to ensure a tobacco-free Scotland, where people live longer and healthier lives, by 2034."The Bill, once passed, will also ban vapes and nicotine products from being deliberately promoted and advertised to children, stopping the next generation from becoming hooked on nicotine." The legislation has passed votes in the House of Commons and is currently going through the House of includes a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours and packaging of vapes in an attempt to reduce their appeal to is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling the health effects of smoking, one of the UK's leading causes of preventable death, disability and ill rates have fallen in recent years but vaping rates have risen sharply, especially among under-35s and those who have never used cigarettes.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
The Lobbying Act is more loophole than law
The Guardian's project examining the commercial interests of the House of Lords is vital (Watchdog investigates Tory peer over nuclear firm's meeting with minister, 28 May). But the fact that identifying potential lobbying has fallen to a national newspaper demonstrates the frailty of Westminster's Lobbying Act. The 2014 Act, introduced in near-cosmic irony by the Cameron government – whose head ended up embroiled in the Greensill affair – sought to prevent lobbying becoming the next big scandal by creating an open register to allow the public to see who was seeking to influence whom. More loophole than law, the act contains six key exemptions that serve to keep the overwhelming majority of activity off the register and out of public view. Indeed, when the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists watchdog investigated two of the incidents reported by the Guardian for suspected unregistered lobbying, one individual was found to be exempt from signing because they weren't VAT registered and another hadn't received payment. Few would deny that lobbying is a vital part of democratic process, or that those in office shouldn't hear the insights of businesses affected by their decisions. But still fewer would deny that lobbying ought to take place in the open – for it is in the dark where public mistrust foments even when activity is above board. It's time we introduced a proper lobbying GerlisHead of public relations and policy, Chartered Institute of Public Relations Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Ambulance Service staff recognised at House of Lords
Head of inclusion and engagement Kat Cobley and organisation development manager for equality, diversity and inclusion, Hayley Jones Dunne, were among the guests at the Women Mastering Change event in London. Hosted by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and curated by Bernie Davies, the event was held to share practical insights on navigating change as women and strategies to embed diversity. It was the first time the Welsh Ambulance Service had representation at the event. Ms Cobley said: "We were delighted to be invited to the House of Lords for a truly inspiring discussion on Women Mastering Change. "It was an incredible opportunity to connect with leaders from across various sectors and share insights on fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated." The trust has also become a member of Race Equality Matters, a UK-wide initiative fighting for racial equality in the workplace. Ms Jones Dunne said: "Joining Race Equality Matters also marks a proactive step to address challenges and demonstrate the Trust's dedication to meaningful change, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered."
