Latest news with #KC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
MSPs urged to 'seize historic opportunity' and back Ecocide Bill to jail polluters
Scotland could become the first UK nation to criminalise pollution under a landmark new law. Labour MSP Monica Lennon will today introduce the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, which would create a new offence of 'causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness'. The legislation could see individuals found guilty jailed for up to 20 years. Senior executives at companies where offences occur with their consent or neglect would also be held liable. As well as custodial sentences, convictions could lead to publicity orders, mandatory environmental remediation and unlimited financial penalties. READ MORE: MSP behind 'scary' Scottish Ecocide law says she hopes it's never used Polluters could have turnover seized and 20 years in prison under ecocide plans How Scotland's ecocide plans could help protect endangered orangutans in Indonesia Ms Lennon pointed to pollution in waterways and the legacy of contamination from heavy industry as examples of the damage the Bill seeks to tackle. Supporters argue the legislation fills a gap in the statute book and would bring Scotland in line with over a dozen countries and the European Union, which recently revised its Environmental Crime Directive to include conduct comparable to ecocide. An open letter urging MSPs to "seize this historic opportunity" and back the Bill has been signed by more than 100 figures from politics, law, science, business and civil society. Signatories include journalist George Monbiot, actor Will Attenborough, KC and author Philippe Sands, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, and former Finnish deputy prime minister Pertti Salolainen. Their letter states: "With this Bill, Scotland positions itself at the forefront of a global shift in environmental justice. "It joins a rising number of jurisdictions turning bold words into binding law — strengthening protections at home while helping to shape emerging international norms that reflect both scientific reality and moral necessity. "The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill sends a clear message: mass destruction of nature is beyond unacceptable — it's criminal. With political will, the law can and must align with public conscience." Ms Lennon said the Bill would send a strong message to polluters. 'I am delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support,' she said. 'With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. 'Environmental destruction is not some distant issue for the people of Scotland — it directly threatens health, livelihoods and the future of entire communities. 'From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. 'Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. 'This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature will not be tolerated here.' Monica Lennon's ecocide Bill has cross-party support (Image: Gordon Terris) Mr Vince told The Herald that ecocide should be treated with the same legal gravity as other serious crimes. 'For me, it is a great idea — that it should be illegal to purposely, knowingly and deliberately cause harm to the environment, especially the kind of harm that endures for generations, is perfectly sensible. 'We have not had such a law, and I guess that is why I am backing it as well. And you can see the harm being done around the world in pursuit of money, because there is no law to stop people doing that kind of stuff. 'We have environment regulations and stuff like that, but no actual law that says it is against the law to impact the environment.' He said Scotland could lead the way and send a message to the UK Government: 'Westminster needs a bit of encouragement to be bold on the environment." Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: 'This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. 'Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool — not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. 'While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime globally, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum and providing accountability now. 'They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. 'From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. 'Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law and in principle.' Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote due later this year. If passed, the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would require the Scottish Government to report on its operation after five years, including data on prosecutions, convictions and the law's environmental and financial impact.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland could become first UK nation to criminalise ecocide
The legislation could see individuals found guilty jailed for up to 20 years. Senior executives at companies where offences occur with their consent or neglect would also be held liable. As well as custodial sentences, convictions could lead to publicity orders, mandatory environmental remediation and unlimited financial penalties. READ MORE: Ms Lennon pointed to pollution in waterways and the legacy of contamination from heavy industry as examples of the damage the Bill seeks to tackle. Supporters argue the legislation fills a gap in the statute book and would bring Scotland in line with over a dozen countries and the European Union, which recently revised its Environmental Crime Directive to include conduct comparable to ecocide. An open letter urging MSPs to "seize this historic opportunity" and back the Bill has been signed by more than 100 figures from politics, law, science, business and civil society. Signatories include journalist George Monbiot, actor Will Attenborough, KC and author Philippe Sands, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, and former Finnish deputy prime minister Pertti Salolainen. Their letter states: "With this Bill, Scotland positions itself at the forefront of a global shift in environmental justice. "It joins a rising number of jurisdictions turning bold words into binding law — strengthening protections at home while helping to shape emerging international norms that reflect both scientific reality and moral necessity. "The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill sends a clear message: mass destruction of nature is beyond unacceptable — it's criminal. With political will, the law can and must align with public conscience." Ms Lennon said the Bill would send a strong message to polluters. 'I am delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support,' she said. 'With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. 'Environmental destruction is not some distant issue for the people of Scotland — it directly threatens health, livelihoods and the future of entire communities. 'From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. 'Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. 'This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature will not be tolerated here.' Monica Lennon's ecocide Bill has cross-party support (Image: Gordon Terris) Mr Vince told The Herald that ecocide should be treated with the same legal gravity as other serious crimes. 'For me, it is a great idea — that it should be illegal to purposely, knowingly and deliberately cause harm to the environment, especially the kind of harm that endures for generations, is perfectly sensible. 'We have not had such a law, and I guess that is why I am backing it as well. And you can see the harm being done around the world in pursuit of money, because there is no law to stop people doing that kind of stuff. 'We have environment regulations and stuff like that, but no actual law that says it is against the law to impact the environment.' He said Scotland could lead the way and send a message to the UK Government: 'Westminster needs a bit of encouragement to be bold on the environment." Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: 'This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. 'Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool — not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. 'While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime globally, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum and providing accountability now. 'They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. 'From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. 'Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law and in principle.' Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote due later this year. If passed, the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would require the Scottish Government to report on its operation after five years, including data on prosecutions, convictions and the law's environmental and financial impact.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Billy Ray Cyrus takes romance with Liz Hurley to next level amid loving display
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley went public with their romance earlier this year, and the musician has now shared an update on their relationship after their red carpet debut Fans have been given an update on Billy Ray Cyrus and Liz Hurley 's relationship this week. The news comes after the couple, who announced their romance earlier this year, made their red carpet debut together just a few days ago. Billy Ray, 63, and Liz, 59, were among the guests at a dinner celebrating the launch of the Orizzonti / Rosso exhibition, promoting Valentino, in Rome on Saturday. They were joined at the event in Italy by Liz's son Damian Hurley, 23. Following the event, hosted by Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, musician Billy Ray posted about the experience on Instagram. It included sharing footage of himself and Liz attending the special occasion. They were seen walking arm-in-arm towards a car at the start of the video shared with fans. It then showed them holding hands inside the venue, with mannequins modelling red dresses visible behind the couple in that part of the clip. Alongside the video, Billy Ray confirmed that he's officially in a relationship with Liz. He told his followers that she has become his "girlfriend". He wrote in the caption of the post yesterday: "With my beautiful girlfriend in Rome." Billy Ray used KC and The Sunshine Band's That's the Way (I Like It) as the soundtrack of his post. Liz shared similar footage on her account recently and the actor instead used Sade's Paradise as the music accompanying her version. It wasn't the only content from the event that Billy Ray shared. He also posted photos of himself and Liz together, including a group photo that also included Damian. Referencing the Bellamy Brothers' song that he set to the post to, he wrote beside a heart emoji in the caption: "Let your love flow." Billy Ray and Liz announced their romance on the platform earlier this year, sharing a photo of themselves at Easter. They are said to have first crossed paths whilst working on the film Christmas in Paradise, released in 2022, and then reconnected years later. Liz spoke about their relationship, which she teased was "unexpected" and expressed hope that the couple have a future together. Speaking with E! News, she said: "It was unexpected. But we're very happy together. And hopefully we'll have a great life." Billy Ray is now expected to be part of the celebrations for her 60th birthday next month. Ahead of her birthday, Liz spoke about the special occasion in an interview with HELLO! magazine that was published earlier this month. She shared with the outlet that her partner is set to be in the UK for the occasion. Liz said: "I'm looking forward to celebrating with Billy Ray. He should be in England for my birthday. He'll be meeting my family - and my dogs - and hopefully, it'll be lovely."
STV News
5 days ago
- STV News
Limbs in the Loch killer in bid for freedom after being denied parole
A lawyer has urged a judge to throw out a legal challenge brought by 'limbs in the loch' killer William Beggs as he seeks to be freed from prison. Mark Lindsay KC told Judge Lady Drummond on Monday that parole board officials acted lawfully in a decision made by the organisation in February 2024. The Court of Session heard how staff refused to release Beggs on license from the life sentence given to him in October 2001 for murdering Barry Wallace. Lawyers for Beggs claim that the parole board's decision to deny their client's release from custody was incorrect – this has prompted them to raise a judicial review at Scotland's highest civil court. His legal team wants Lady Drummond to quash the February 2024 decision. They also want the parole board to convene a tribunal of new members to reconsider Beggs's bid for freedom. However, on Monday, Mr Lindsay said the decision made by the parole board was lawful. He told Lady Drummond: 'There's no merit in the grounds of appeal advanced on behalf of the petitioner. 'I invite your lady to dismiss the petition.' Beggs was jailed for life in 2001 after murdering and dismembering 18-year-old Mr Wallace after luring him back to his flat in Kilmarnock, in Ayrshire. He disposed of the limbs and torso in Loch Lomond and the head at sea. He was ordered to serve a minimum term of 20 years in jail before he could seek to apply for release on parole, but he completed that period in December 2019. Legal papers lodged in the case state that the petitioner is now 'five years over his punishment part.' A hearing in the action was due to begin at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in the absence of Beggs earlier this year. However, Lady Drummond agreed to discharge it so the murderer could either be brought into court or observe proceedings virtually via a video conferencing app called Webex. On that occasion, Lady Drummond was told that Beggs, 62, wanted to be able to respond to what was said in the judicial review as he was present at the Parole Board hearing. The court heard that Beggs had made a complaint to the prison authorities over a refusal to bring him to court and has had no response. Beggs's lawyer Simon Crabb said: 'He wishes to be able to fully participate in the hearing by attending to hear the arguments, to observe any judicial interventions, and to be able to see justice is done in his case.' Mr Crabb said Beggs felt he had been treated unfairly and added: 'He thinks it is important he should be present either in person or by Webex. This is a case that obviously involves his fundamental right to liberty.' On Thursday, Beggs observed proceedings from prison. He could be seen wearing a navy suit, a light blue shirt, and a royal blue tie. He sat beside a prison officer and had what appeared to be a number of legal files beside him. Lawyers acting for Beggs claim parole board officials made their decision partly on the basis of an 'irrelevant factor'. They claim that parole board officials considered his conviction for murdering student Gary Oldham, 28, in England in 1987. However, Beggs successfully appealed the conviction. Beggs's legal team claims that in their February 2024 decision, parole board officials considered the death of Mr Oldham in their deliberations. They believe the parole board had no lawful basis to do this. On Monday, Mr Lindsay said this wasn't the case and considered evidence that related to the level of risk posed by Beggs to the public. He added: 'They looked at the lack of insight and they looked at the lack of insight, focused work on the part of the petitioner. 'They looked at the lack of a supportive network for the petitioner. 'They were entitled to conclude that the level of risk posed by the petitioner cannot be, at this time, managed within the community.' Mr Lindsay also told the hearing that Beggs will have another chance to apply for parole at another hearing in August 2025. Lady Drummond told the lawyers that she'd issue her findings at some time in the near future. She added: 'I will take this to Avizandum.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
AI Training To Boost Public Sector Productivity
Hon Judith Collins KC Minister for Digitising Government Minister for the Public Service New artificial intelligence (AI) training will increase the uptake of AI and boost productivity in the public service, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says. 'Across the public sector, AI offers a real opportunity to improve decision-making and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders,' says Ms Collins. 'I want public service leaders to embrace AI and support their teams to use it safely and effectively. 'That's why the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) and the Public Service Commission's Leadership Development Centre have partnered to develop two new AI training programmes. A three-part AI Masterclass series is now available to senior leaders to improve the understanding of and use of AI within agencies. These sessions will cover core AI concepts and key decision-making considerations. The all-of-government AI Foundational Development Programme starts this month for general public service users. Around 50 participants from 10 agencies will be upskilled in basic AI concepts and present their own ideas for the use of AI. This will create a pipeline of agency-specific AI applications to improve productivity, cost efficiency and customer experience. The five-week online course will be piloted from 26 May to 30 June and be repeated throughout the year. Material from these sessions will be published on the LDC: Public Service Core Learning Hub. 'This initiative will enable greater use of AI in the public service, enhancing both the speed and quality of service delivery for Kiwis,' Ms Collins says. 'Government agencies are already seeing promising results and this training will build on them to transform the way our government serves New Zealanders.'
