Latest news with #MarkFryer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Council pulls cash from arms firms supplying Israel
A council has begun the process of withdrawing its investments from companies which supply arms to Israel. Cumberland Council's leader Mark Fryer, Labour, said the decision had been made following the "disproportionate aggression" by the current Israeli government against the people of Gaza. He has written to the council's chief executive, Andrew Seekings, to request the changes to the local authority's investments and for similar changes to be made to its pension scheme. But local Conservative leader Mike Johnson accused Fryer of "trying to be foreign secretary" and said he should focus on council issues such as "the harsh financial pressures it is currently facing". "Companies that the council would be boycotting would include, for example, BAE, JCB, Google and Airbnb," Johnson said. "And every single penny of lost investment income from these companies into the pension fund will have to be made up by council taxpayers." Fryer's request to divest from the Israel-linked companies follows on from a letter he sent to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month, in which he called for the government to take "any action necessary to secure an immediate lifting of aid restrictions" in Gaza and for a ceasefire to be encouraged. The local Liberal Democrat and Green Party members supported the council's divestment plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Councillor Roger Dobson, Lib Dems, said his party fully supported "applying all legitimate pressure on the Netanyahu government to enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and to agree to an immediate ceasefire". The Prime Minister has said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to meet certain conditions, which include addressing the humanitarian crisis, implementing a ceasefire and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution. But Starmer insisted the move did not mean he supported Hamas and said the "terrorist organisation" could play "no part in any future government". Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Council vows finance problems 'will be addressed' Council's finances had 'significant weaknesses' Related internet links Cumberland Council
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Cumberland Council pulls cash from arms firms supplying Israel
A council has begun the process of withdrawing its investments from companies which supply arms to Council's leader Mark Fryer, Labour, said the decision had been made following the "disproportionate aggression" by the current Israeli government against the people of has written to the council's chief executive, Andrew Seekings, to request the changes to the local authority's investments and for similar changes to be made to its pension local Conservative leader Mike Johnson accused Fryer of "trying to be foreign secretary" and said he should focus on council issues such as "the harsh financial pressures it is currently facing". "Companies that the council would be boycotting would include, for example, BAE, JCB, Google and Airbnb," Johnson said."And every single penny of lost investment income from these companies into the pension fund will have to be made up by council taxpayers." Fryer's request to divest from the Israel-linked companies follows on from a letter he sent to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month, in which he called for the government to take "any action necessary to secure an immediate lifting of aid restrictions" in Gaza and for a ceasefire to be encouraged. The local Liberal Democrat and Green Party members supported the council's divestment plans, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Roger Dobson, Lib Dems, said his party fully supported "applying all legitimate pressure on the Netanyahu government to enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and to agree to an immediate ceasefire". The Prime Minister has said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to meet certain conditions, which include addressing the humanitarian crisis, implementing a ceasefire and reviving the prospect of a two-state Starmer insisted the move did not mean he supported Hamas and said the "terrorist organisation" could play "no part in any future government". Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
29-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Maryport Christ Church window damage delays museum opening
Damage to the windows of a Grade II listed church have been blamed for yet another delay in its Church in Maryport, Cumbria, is undergoing major renovation to reopen as the town's Maritime was initially expected to finish in spring 2024, but Cumberland Council, which is behind the project, said the museum would now open in autumn authority said some of the building's windows were more damaged than initially thought, leading to delays in repairing and replacing them. "Our priority for Christ Church is to preserve and protect a building which is part of the fabric of Maryport and give it a long and successful future," said Mark Fryer, the Labour council's said working on old buildings was "never an exact science" and it was difficult to know what materials had been used in the initial construction and how they had been treated over time."While it is frustrating that the restoration has proved complicated, we are determined to get it right," he council said the issue did not affect the stained windows of the church, just those containing leaded Church is more than 150 years old and the local authority said the building had "suffered decades of deterioration" before it was bought in 2020. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbrian councils pass milestone on path to further devolution
Cumbria has taken a step towards further devolution, and additional powers. Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils have passed the Government's statutory devolution tests and can now move forward in the process, which could see the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority for the region. Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "This important milestone towards devolution in Cumbria is another step forward in bringing transformational change to our region. "Devolution will unlock more funding and more powers for our area, with decisions being made in Cumbria rather than in London. "We have seen the long-term benefits of devolution for communities and local economies in areas that have directly elected mayors and this announcement is the start of our journey to match the growth we see in other regions." The decision follows a written ministerial statement by MP Jim McMahon, Local Government Minister, who confirmed the Government believes a mayoral authority would improve Cumbria's economic, social and environmental well-being. Both councils will now formally consider whether to move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, with decisions expected in September. Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "We welcome the agreement to the deferment of an election, if it is required, and confirmation that Cumbria has passed the Government's statutory tests. "It will now be down to local elected members to make a final decision on whether to move forward with devolution. "Before that, and to ensure we reach a decision that is in the best interests of those we represent, we will be engaging with our key partners to understand their perspectives, and carefully considering the public feedback from the consultation." If approved, the new mayoral authority could become a legal entity in early 2026. The Government also confirmed it has agreed to a joint request from the councils to delay a proposed May 2026 election. If the councils do move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, an election would be held in May 2027, alongside elections for the two authorities. A public consultation held earlier this year received more than 1,300 responses from residents, businesses, and organisations. The feedback is set to be considered as part of the decision-making process in September. Last week, the Government published its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which sets out the powers and responsibilities that would be available for new Mayoral Strategic Authorities. These include transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, health, wellbeing and public service reform, and public safety.
ITV News
18-06-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
New 10m sports village in West Cumbria could open within the next two years
A new 10m sports village in West Cumbria could open within the next two years. The development includes a stadium for Workington Reds and Workington Town League club which will be built on the existing Borough Park site. Those behind the scheme say the stadium will hold 3,700 sitting and standing spectators. Floodlights and parking facilities will also be adjusted to fit the facility. Both Workington AFC and Workington RLFC will have the opportunity to hold engagement events over the summer. With a planning application set to be submitted by the end of July 2025, its expected construction work will begin in early 2026, finishing within 18 months. The existing pitch will also be replaced with a 3G pitch suitable for both football and rugby. Dave Bowden, spokesman for Cumberland Sports Village, said: "We're pleased to be part of such positive progress on the Cumberland Sports Village project. "It's a project built on partnership and shared vision and we're excited by the potential it holds to create lasting benefits for Workington AFC, Workington Town RLFC, and the whole community. "We thank everyone involved in reaching this stage and look forward to continue working hard to make this vision a reality." Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, added: 'We remain fully committed to supporting Cumberland Sports Village Ltd in delivering the Sports Village project. "I have been fighting for West Cumbria to have a top-class stadium for many years and it is fantastic that we now have some revised detailed designs for a venue which will cement our status as major players on the sporting map.' A spokesperson from Workington Town RLFC added: "This development marks a significant step forward for both the club and the wider area, offering modern infrastructure to support rugby league, local sport, and community events. 'We believe that the project will inspire future generations to want to watch and play sport in this facility. "We feel that the project is of the right scale, with a sensible and realistic approach, and will provide lasting benefits for Workington and West Cumbria. We're excited to play our part in this ambitious and transformative project.' A spokesperson from Workington AFC said: 'The proposed development will provide a modern, high-quality facility to support first-team performance, youth development, and the ongoing delivery of our club's community programmes across West Cumbria. "It also presents valuable commercial opportunities to help secure long-term sustainability. The Board of Workington AFC looks forward to help make these plans a reality for our club and community.'
