Latest news with #BritishRedCross
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Prince of Wales hosts Palestinian aid workers
The Prince of Wales has hosted Palestinian aid workers, after revealing concern over suffering in the Middle East. The Prince met with representatives from the British Red Cross and Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) on Thursday. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which is at the forefront of both charities' operations, is likely to have been a key topic of conversation. The Prince, who is increasingly positioning himself as a global statesman, has closely followed developments in Israel and Gaza since the Hamas terror attack on Oct 7 2023. A Kensington Palace spokesman said on Friday: 'The Prince of Wales continues to follow the humanitarian situation in the Middle East closely.' More than 1,600 staff and volunteers from the PRCS have been working to provide life-saving support in Gaza, distributing emergency relief items, and providing medical support to more than 100,000 people. In March, eight PRCS medics were killed while on duty in Gaza, and one of their colleagues is still missing. The charity has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is 'unbearable' and rapidly deteriorating. In February 2024, the Prince called for an end to the fighting in a strongly-worded intervention that risked sparking a diplomatic rift with Israel. The Prince's statement was released as he met British Red Cross aid workers involved in the humanitarian effort and spoke to their colleagues working on the ground in the region. He explained that the violence had left him ' deeply moved as a father '. He warned that ' too many have been killed ', urging more humanitarian aid and the release of hostages as he called for 'an end to the fighting as soon as possible'. 'Brighter future' Invoking Sir Winston Churchill, he said: 'Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that.' His intervention was backed by No 10, which said the nation should speak with 'one voice'. The Prince previously joined a synagogue discussion with young campaigners against hatred, in the wake of a sharp rise in anti-Semitism caused by the ongoing violence. In October 2023, the Prince and Princess of Wales condemned Hamas's 'appalling terrorist attack upon Israel', warning that all Israelis and Palestinians would be 'stalked by grief, fear and anger' as 'Israel exercises its right of self defence'. The King condemned the 'barbaric acts of terrorism', and was said to be 'extremely concerned' about the conflict, asking to be kept abreast of developments. Later that month, the monarch, who is president of the British Red Cross, hosted representatives from five charities operating in the Middle East, including Gaza, to 'discuss the acute humanitarian situation'. He also held talks with Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the UK's chief rabbi, to discuss the impact on the Jewish population in the UK. The British Red Cross said at the time that the King had made a 'generous donation' to its Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory fundraising appeal. In 2018, The Prince of Wales made a four-day visit to Israel and Palestine, expressing his own hopes for 'lasting peace' in the region. It was the first official trip by a member of the monarchy to Israel and the Occupied West Bank and, during his visit, he sat down for separate talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Europe's 'hottest city' is a tourist hotspot but could be a desert in 30 years
Seville is a popular tourist destination in Europe and is famous for its hot weather - but it could be set to become a desert in the next few decades One of Europe's "hottest cities" is a major tourist hotspot, but recent scorching temperatures have left some scientists worried. Sunny Seville is celebrated for its stunning architecture, pulsating nightlife, and, not least, its glorious weather. With an enviable average of 12 hours of sunshine a day and pleasant temperatures around 21C in March, the Spanish city offers the perfect city break escape while England endures often drearier climes. Come summer, however, the story changes dramatically. The city faces blistering heatwaves with mercury levels that can soar to a staggering 45C, often proving too much for many tourists. In recent times, soaring temperatures have raised alarm bells among climate scientists who fear Seville could be on the brink of becoming a desert, dubbing it the "Iberian oven". Nestled at the base of nearby mountains, Seville's landlocked position means it receives hot winds from Africa, which sweep across its plains. Weather experts are issuing stark warnings, suggesting we are "walking into unknown territory... the city is turning into a desert." The peak of the scorching heat typically arrives towards the end of July and into August, although this can vary depending on wind patterns. Adventurous souls keen to explore this vibrant metropolis must heed the risks, particularly during the torrid summers when threats of heatstroke and dehydration are ever-present. August 2023 witnessed the mercury hitting an astounding 40C, with temperatures consistently sizzling in the high 30s throughout the season. Travel enthusiast Huw Owen recommends spring and autumn getaways for their gentler weather, but reminds summer tourists to find shade from midday until 7 pm and enjoy the cooler evenings. Seville's breath-taking Cathedral and Alcazar Royal Palace serve as idyllic sanctuaries from the intense Spanish sun, allowing guests to explore without overexposure. The British Red Cross has come forward with essential guidance for Britons embarking on sunny escapades this year. Dr Ellie Murtagh from the charity has offered invaluable advice: "If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe. This includes wearing sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the warmest hours of the day, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you're staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed." It's crucial to acknowledge that extreme heat brings significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, so stay cautious and care for one another.
Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
The Times Saturday Quiz: June 21, 2025
1 The word 'cerebral' derives from the Latin word for which human organ? 2 According to the British Red Cross, which British woman was 'the first professional nurse'? 3 Which primary colour on the national flag of Chad represents the Sahara desert? 4 On a brown road sign in England and Wales, what does a sandcastle symbol indicate? 5 Which Scottish fizzy drink's official tartan, originally called the Barr tartan, was created in 1969 by Howe Design? 6 Which 1984-85 event is the subject of Guthrie Hutton's book Coal Not Dole? 7 The job name of farrier derives from the Latin word for which metal? 8 The comic strip cat Garfield is known to hate which weekday? 9 Who was Kenneth Clarke's successor as chancellor of the exchequer? 10 In 2021, which East Midlands city unveiled 30 ram sculptures as part of a public art trail? 11 Ray Bradbury expanded the novella The Fireman into which 1953 dystopian novel? 12 Like Clockwork (1978) was the first Top 10 hit for which Irish band? 13 Which US theoretical physicist was called a 'cry-baby scientist' by president Harry Truman? 14 Gary Owen wrote the 2015 play Iphigenia in … which district east of Cardiff city centre? 15 A lottery winner reunites the fictional folk duo McGwyer Mortimer in which 2025 British film? 16 Recife is the capital of which state in northeastern Brazil? 17 In 1780, which writer and composer became the first African in Britain to receive a newspaper obituary? 18 Which football official (1959-2025) was the Premier League's first black referee? 19 Which Italian motorcycle racer won the MotoGP title in 2022 and 2023? 20 Which Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is pictured? Scroll down for answers Answers 1 Brain 2 Florence Nightingale 3 Yellow 4 A beach 5 Irn-Bru 6 Miners' strike 7 Iron — ferrum in Latin 8 Monday 9 Gordon Brown 10 Derby 11 Fahrenheit 451 12 The Boomtown Rats 13 J Robert Oppenheimer 14 Splott 15 The Ballad of Wallis Island 16 Pernambuco 17 Ignatius Sancho 18 Uriah Rennie 19 Francesco Bagnaia 20 Evita
The National
17-06-2025
- General
- The National
50 families to be rehomed and building demolished after Perth fire
Emergency services were called to the city's Scott Street at around 1.50am on Saturday after officers patrolling the area spotted the fire. A total of 12 fire appliances were called to the scene to deal with structural collapses at the height of the blaze. A man was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment. READ MORE: Misogynistic attacks on Nicola Sturgeon lead to real threats, Kate Forbes warns Perth and Kinross Council said it is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire, according to Sky News. The local authority added it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected. Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable. He said: 'As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.' The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion. (Image: Momchil Ivanov/PA Wire) Councillor Drysdale added: 'But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.' The British Red Cross said it is supporting the families who were evacuated and that volunteers are providing clothing, hygiene items and other items to those who need it whilst unable to access their belongings or homes. The charity also provided cash assistance, signposting and sourced beds for the rest centre. Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead for Crisis Response, said the charity's volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk following the distressing incident. She said: 'It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance. 'The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place. 'Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.' A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety. The restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us. 'Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.'
The National
17-06-2025
- General
- The National
Dozens of families to be rehomed following fatal Perth fire
Emergency services were called to the city's Scott Street at around 1.50am on Saturday after officers patrolling the area spotted the fire. A total of 12 fire appliances were called to the scene to deal with structural collapses at the height of the blaze. A man was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old girl and a 27-year-old man were taken to hospital for treatment. READ MORE: Misogynistic attacks on Nicola Sturgeon lead to real threats, Kate Forbes warns Perth and Kinross Council said it is looking to accommodate around 50 families in the aftermath of the fire, according to Sky News. The local authority added it is seeking support from local landlords and Airbnb owners to help provide alternative housing for those affected. Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of the council, said structural engineers have deemed the entire building unsafe and unsalvageable. He said: 'As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety. Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition.' The work is expected to take around 24 weeks for completion. (Image: Momchil Ivanov/PA Wire) Councillor Drysdale added: 'But it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.' The British Red Cross said it is supporting the families who were evacuated and that volunteers are providing clothing, hygiene items and other items to those who need it whilst unable to access their belongings or homes. The charity also provided cash assistance, signposting and sourced beds for the rest centre. Eleanor Stack, British Red Cross operations lead for Crisis Response, said the charity's volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk following the distressing incident. She said: 'It is extremely distressing to be evacuated from your home. Everyone experiences emergencies differently, and needs vary based on individual circumstance. 'The British Red Cross is helping people at hotels, working with other local partners, to help make sure support is in place. 'Our emergency response volunteers are specially trained to help people if they need to talk. Volunteers are also checking people have everything they need, be that clothing or toiletries and anything else they require to make them feel more comfortable.' A joint investigation into the incident has been launched by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Police said a temporary airspace restriction is also in place in the Scott Street and South Street areas until 1pm on Wednesday, June 18, for security and safety. The restrictions include drones and people must check if it is legal to fly in your area as it is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace. Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell, divisional commander for Tayside said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this fire. 'Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and we would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and support and officers remain in the area. 'Road closures and cordons remain in place to ensure safety and allow enquiries to be carried out. 'We are reviewing CCTV and speaking to residents and I would appeal for anyone with any information which could assist to contact us. 'Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0380 of June 14, 2025.'
