BASC warns Minister against shotgun–firearms licensing merger
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) met the new Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP, on Wednesday 12 November, to raise concerns affecting the shooting community, including a forthcoming consultation on plans to merge shotgun and firearms licensing. During the meeting with the Minister, BASC underlined the sector’s commitment to high standards and public […]
BASC condemns Crimestoppers campaign against law-abiding firearms owners
BASC condemns Crimestoppers campaign against law-abiding firearms owners The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has today condemned a new campaign launched in Cumbria by Crimestoppers which encourages the public to make anonymous accusations against licensed firearms holders. “Crimestoppers are inviting people to make secret accusations with a 100 per cent guarantee that the […]
Success! RE to be included in the National Curriculum
Humanists UK has welcomed a ‘landmark’ recommendation from the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review to add Religious Education (RE) to the National Curriculum in England after a thorough review of its content to be conducted by an expert group in the coming months. Humanists UK has advocated for this for many decades and today hailed […]
BASC warns Natural Environment Bill poses risks to deer management
Ahead of tomorrow’s Stage 1 debate in the Scottish Parliament, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has warned that the Natural Environment Bill poses several risks to the balance of deer management in Scotland. BASC has briefed MSPs on its main concerns and is urging a rethink of proposals that could undermine effective […]
Terminally Ill Adults Select Committee won’t hear from the terminally ill
The House of Lords Select Committee for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has just announced its final oral witnesses, and it will not hear from terminally ill individuals or those who have assisted loved ones to die. Clare Turner, a terminally ill person, and Louise Shackleton, who accompanied her husband to Switzerland […]
Royal College of Psychiatrists’ approach to assisted dying ‘inconsistent with the membership’
A senior professor of old-age psychiatry has branded the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ (RCPsych) approach to the Assisted Dying Bill ‘inconsistent with the college membership’. Baroness Elaine Murphy, a prominent medical member of the House of Lords, has added her voice to a growing number of RCPsych members, including a former college president and vice-president, […]
Lords Assisted Dying Select Committee told: ‘patient autonomy is essential’
The House of Lords Select Committee on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) held the first oral evidence sessions today, where it heard overwhelmingly that patient choice and autonomy are enhanced by the introduction of assisted dying. The Bill sponsors and three representatives from Royal Colleges all said that patients will be able […]
Lords Assisted Dying Select Committee to begin taking evidence
The House of Lords Select Committee on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will hold two oral evidence sessions this week. It has been reported that the committee is weighted against assisted dying, with more opponents of legislation change than supporters. Humanists UK analysis suggests that, apart from the Bill Sponsors, the experts […]
What IBM’s AI at Wimbledon can teach Downing Street
IBM’s technology at the Championships is a model of how to deploy AI without the hype. The government’s own AI programme could learn from it. For two weeks each summer the All England Club becomes one of the most watched technology showcases in the country, though almost nobody thinks of it that way. IBM has […]
The Government’s 10 Year Health Plan – MDU response
Ahead of tomorrow’s launch of the Government’s long-awaited 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) has responded to the details announced so far. Dr Matthew Lee, Chief Executive of the MDU, said: On the 10 Year Health Plan overall “This is a big moment for the NHS. Our members are […]