Latest news with #MichaelMcBride
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Graeme Souness demands councillors excuse themselves from vote in £350m deal row
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: Football legend Souness claims some North Lanarkshire councillors may have breached impartiality rules. Scotland football legend Graeme Souness has called for councillors to excuse themselves from voting on a £350million deal that could bring thousands of jobs to North Lanarkshire. Souness's Orchard Brae firm is proposing a development near Coatbridge which is due to be voted on this month, on June 12. The development would be built on green belt land between Calderbank and Carnbroe. Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group, which opposes the plans, has held several public meetings about the development. Souness claims he has 'evidence' attending councillors made their views clear on how they would vote on the application at these meetings – breaking impartiality rules. One attendee, Labour councillor Michael McBride, has previously stated he would 'oppose development on the green belt' on campaign material and was involved with the Woodhall campaign group. Souness said: "I believe there are more than just Michael McBride who have crossed that line and should exclude themselves. [McBride] has clearly excluded himself from my understanding of the rules. "I have evidence he is not alone in going to objectors' meetings and declaring a stance on it, which should automatically exclude them from taking part in a vote on this application." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, a spokeswoman for the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig group said: 'At all meetings it has been clearly stated by the group, councillors are there to observe only and not to provide comment. 'Ultimately, the council's legal services will decide who is eligible to vote on this decision which will greatly affect the local communities surrounding this behemoth of an application site.' We revealed last week that Amazon and delivery firm Evri are in talks to operate from the site, which could create up to 2000 jobs following the closure of the Amazon depot in Gourock in 2023. Councillor McBride was contacted for comment.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
O'Neill and Foster to appear before Covid Inquiry
The Northern Ireland First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, and former First Minister Arlene Foster will appear before the Covid Inquiry on Wednesday. The sitting in London will concentrate on Stormont's approach to testing, tracing and isolation during the pandemic. It will also hear from the former Ulster Unionist health minister, Robin Swann, and Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride. The inquiry was ordered by the then prime minister Boris Johnson in May 2021 and public hearings began almost two years ago. Hearings are due to end next February. O'Neill, who became first minister in February 2024, faced claims she broke coronavirus guidelines in June 2020 when she attended the funeral of leading Irish Republican Bobby Storey. She had previously apologised for the hurt caused by her actions and any undermining of the public health message, but not for her attendance. She once said she would "never apologise for attending the funeral of a friend". But at the Covid Inquiry in May 2024 she said: "My actions compounded the hurt, my actions also angered families. I am sorry for going and I am sorry for the hurt that's been caused." When asked by the chair, Baroness Hallett, if she was aware of the hurt and anger at the time, O'Neill replied: "I didn't and I ought to have." Those hearings in Belfast also revealed the anger felt by former chief medical officer Michael McBride at how the executive had behaved during the pandemic The inquiry was shown a text message sent by him which described it as "politics at its worst" and that they should "hang their heads in shame", although he did not refer to anyone in particular. Baroness Foster, the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, was first minister during the pandemic. When the inquiry met in Belfast last May she rejected suggestions the executive had "sleepwalked" during the pandemic. In reply to a claim by Clair Dobbin KC that it was "really difficult" to understand why basic response plans were not activated by the time it was declared, she said the idea "we would expose constituents to this in a wilful way is frankly offensive". She said she "totally and absolutely" rejected the claim, as the executive had been determined to work for the people of Northern Ireland. The former first minister insisted the executive had been receiving advice from health officials, and that the Department of Health was taking the lead on the initial response to the virus. Baroness Foster was Northern Ireland's first minister from 2016 to 2017 and during the pandemic from January 2020 until she resigned on 14 June 2021. She was leader of the DUP from 2016 to 2022. She told the inquiry she accepted responsibility for how the executive handled the Covid pandemic, saying Northern Ireland should have locked down sooner than it did to prevent more deaths. But she added: "We felt we had time and we didn't have time, and that's a source of great regret." It was, said Baroness Foster, the most difficult time of her political career. The inquiry also heard Baroness Foster questioned about her party's controversial use of a cross-community vote mechanism in autumn 2020 to prevent some Covid rules from being extended. Ministers didn't sleepwalk into pandemic - Foster Woman shares 'horrendous' experience of parents dying from Covid Stormont 'not really listened to' during Covid, inquiry hears
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Craigneuk school celebrating UNICEF UK's Rights Respecting School Gold Award
This award recognises Berryhill Primary's commitment to embedding children's rights in every aspect of school life. A Craigneuk school is celebrating a prestigious gold accreditation from a worldwide charity. UNICEF UK has awarded Berryhill Primary School and Nursery the coveted Rights Respecting School Gold Award. This award recognises the school's commitment to embedding children's rights in every aspect of school life. The Gold Award is UNICEF UK's highest accolade and is a testament to the school's dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where the rights of every child are upheld and celebrated. 'We are absolutely delighted to receive the Gold Award. It is a wonderful recognition of the hard work and commitment of our pupils, staff, and families,' said the school's headteacher Carrie Nicol. 'At Berryhill Primary, we believe that every child has the right to feel valued and heard, and this accolade reflects our dedication to promoting children's rights in all that we do.' The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) encourages schools to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into their ethos and curriculum. Berryhill Primary and Nursery's journey to Gold included rigorous self-assessment, engagement with children's rights initiatives, and active involvement from pupils in advocating for their rights. North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy and education convener Michael McBride joined pupils and staff to celebrate the achievement. Councillor Michael McBride, the council's Convener of Education, Children and Families, congratulated the school. He said: 'This award is a fantastic achievement for Berryhill Primary School and Nursery. 'It reflects the commitment of the staff and the enthusiasm of the pupils to make children's rights a central part of their school culture. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud of this recognition.' The award reflects Berryhill Primary's ongoing dedication to creating a school culture that respects and values every child's rights. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
New recruitment campaign to help find more Scots foster carers launches to mark Foster Care Fortnight
The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. A new recruitment campaign to help find more foster carers has been launched to mark Foster Care Fortnight - and people across North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to consider if they could provide "a safe, supportive foster home for a child or young person". The Scottish Government initiative, which was announced by First Minister John Swinney, aims to support the recruitment of more local authority foster carers and raise awareness of the benefits of fostering. The Fostering Network estimates that Scotland needs at least 400 additional foster carers. The campaign highlights how the "ordinary" - from eating together, to watching TV together - can be extraordinary in the life of a child in foster care. Councillor Michael McBride, who leads on education, children, and families, said: " North Lanarkshire Council is proud to support this campaign, which aims to encourage more people to think about becoming foster carers. "Fostering can have a hugely positive impact on children's lives. "We strongly encourage anyone who can offer a safe, caring, and supportive home to learn more about how to get involved and the difference it can make." Sarah Bennett, who has been a foster carer for 14 years, added: 'People often speak about how foster caring changes children's lives, but he's changed our lives completely. "Every child needs a safe, loving environment, and somebody in their corner to fight for them, advocate for them, and think they're the best thing since sliced bread. "If you can do that by becoming a foster carer, the rewards can be huge. "It's an amazing experience; there are lows as well as highs, of course, but my family and I have learned so much about ourselves as people. It's been so positive for us." As he met foster carers at the new campaign launch, First Minister John Swinney said: "Foster carers play a vital role supporting and providing safe and loving foster homes to children and young people. "They are key to our ambition of delivering The Promise by 2030. "Across Scotland, foster carers provide stability, care and connection to support children and young people to thrive. "Our campaign importantly focuses on how the everyday 'ordinary' can be extraordinary for a child in foster care. "Fostering can be transformational for a child or young person and by stepping forward, foster carers offer not just a home, but the relationships and support that help shape brighter futures." Anne Currie, assistant director for Scotland at The Fostering Network, added: "We welcome the launch of the Scottish Government's national campaign to recruit foster carers, and hope this leads to more people stepping forward from North Lanarkshire to become foster carers in Scotland, and raises awareness of the vital role fostering plays. "The need has never been more urgent - as over 350 foster carers leave each year, it's critical that we take action now." The campaign will run across TV, radio, digital and press throughout May and June. A new website and dedicated advice line have been launched to support those interested in finding out more. For more information on how to become a foster carer, visit here or call the Fosterline service on 0141 204 1400. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Daily Record
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Dykehead Primary in Shotts receives positive inspection report
Dykehead Primary School in Shotts has received a positive inspection report from Education Scotland. Inspectors praised the school's calm and purposeful learning environment and recognised improvements in children's attainment in mathematics. They also noted the wide range of support strategies helping more pupils to make good progress. Sara Perera, head teacher of Dykehead Primary School, said: 'We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection as it reflects the hard work of our pupils, staff and families. 'We are committed to continuing to raise attainment and provide the best possible education for all our children. 'Our goal is that they leave our school with high aspirations, the skills for learning and work, and a lifetime of memories. 'Dykehead Primary is a dynamic school within the heart of the Shotts community. Our children are bubbling with personality, proud of their school, inquisitive and keen to learn and we are delighted that the inspectors found so many positives to comment on.' Councillor Michael McBride, the council's Convener of Education, added: 'This is an excellent report for Dykehead Primary and everyone associated with the school should be proud of the progress that has been made. 'Congratulations to everyone at the school on your achievements and for delivering a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for every child.' The school will continue to build on its strengths and address the areas for improvement identified by inspectors, with no further visits planned. * Don't miss the latest he adlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!
