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STV News
20 hours ago
- STV News
Former Lord Provost contacted ex-partner 122 times during stalking campaign
A former Lord Provost of Glasgow has admitted stalking his ex-partner. Philip Braat, 49, contacted the woman 122 times between July and September 2024. The messages included claims that Braat wished to end his life as a result of the woman ending their three-year relationship. Braat has represented the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward since 2007 and is subject to an investigation by Scottish Labour. Braat was the deputy Lord Provost in 2017 before taking on the senior role in 2020 until 2022. He left the position after the 2019 resignation of Eva Bolander amid criticism of her expenses claims. Braat was also the former convener of the Strathclyde Police Authority (SPA) and represented Glasgow at COP26. Braat was a member of the Law Society of Scotland, an honorary captain in the Royal Navy Reserves, and a member of the Glasgow Tree Lovers' Society. He pleaded guilty last month at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of stalking, and a narrative of the facts was heard on Friday. The court heard that the pair entered a relationship in 2021 and went on to live together. The woman told Braat that she was ending the relationship in July 2024. She received an email the next day from Braat, which included a purported resignation letter to his employer sent from his professional account. Prosecutor Paige Phillips said: 'The woman thought that this was fake and to get her attention as well as to make her feel guilty.' She later contacted Braat to emphasise the end of their relationship during a 'very emotional and distressing' call. The woman also stated that she did not love him and wanted to get on with her life. Braat attempted to persuade her that the pair should be together and stated that he could 'not live' without her.' He said: 'You better visit my parents and you better keep my legacy alive.' The woman believed that this was in reference to Braat ending his life, and he said: 'I don't want to live without you.' When asked if it was in reference to ending his life, Braat replied: 'Maybe.' Between July and September, the woman received 18 emails, 51 Instagram messages, 15 text messages, 37 WhatsApp messages, and a LinkedIn message. Some of the emails contained 'goodbye' letters to the woman and Braat's own family. The woman contacted the police, and Braat was traced to his parents' address, where he was found 'safe and well'. Braat's LinkedIn message, congratulating her on a professional award she received, resulted in the woman going to the police. She stated that the messages were not nasty, but there was 'no escape' from Braat, and she could 'not cope any longer'. Braat gave a 'no comment' interview to the police after his arrest. Solicitor advocate Andrew Seggie, defending, told the court: 'He was at a low point and felt suicidal, and his focus was on winning the woman back during the period of the charge. 'As a result of the passage of time, he accepts his behaviour overstepped the mark. He is genuinely remorseful. 'He was the Lord Provost during the pandemic, and he said he felt additional pressure to assist those who lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic, together with his own constituents. 'He was trying to manage this and juggle his own family issues, and the end of the relationship caused him to suffer a mental health breakdown during this period.' Sentencing was deferred again until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan to be addressed on the terms of a non-harassment order. The sheriff stated that Braat, of the city's Broomhill, will be ordered to 60 hours of unpaid work when sentencing is imposed. Sheriff Mullan added: 'It should not have taken the passage of time and hindsight to reach the conclusion that perhaps you overstepped the mark – that is why you are here today. 'I understand that you have made it clear that it must have been traumatic and stressful for the woman concerned.' 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
STV News
20 hours ago
- STV News
Former Lord Provost contacted ex-partner 122 during stalking campaign
A former Lord Provost of Glasgow has admitted stalking his ex-partner. Philip Braat, 49, contacted the woman 122 times between July and September 2024. The messages included claims that Braat wished to end his life as a result of the woman ending their three-year relationship. Braat has represented the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward since 2007 and is subject to an investigation by Scottish Labour. Braat was the deputy Lord Provost in 2017 before taking on the senior role in 2020 until 2022. He left the position after the 2019 resignation of Eva Bolander amid criticism of her expenses claims. Braat was also the former convener of the Strathclyde Police Authority (SPA) and represented Glasgow at COP26. Braat was a member of the Law Society of Scotland, an honorary captain in the Royal Navy Reserves, and a member of the Glasgow Tree Lovers' Society. He pleaded guilty last month at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of stalking, and a narrative of the facts was heard on Friday. The court heard that the pair entered a relationship in 2021 and went on to live together. The woman told Braat that she was ending the relationship in July 2024. She received an email the next day from Braat, which included a purported resignation letter to his employer sent from his professional account. Prosecutor Paige Phillips said: 'The woman thought that this was fake and to get her attention as well as to make her feel guilty.' She later contacted Braat to emphasise the end of their relationship during a 'very emotional and distressing' call. The woman also stated that she did not love him and wanted to get on with her life. Braat attempted to persuade her that the pair should be together and stated that he could 'not live' without her.' He said: 'You better visit my parents and you better keep my legacy alive.' The woman believed that this was in reference to Braat ending his life, and he said: 'I don't want to live without you.' When asked if it was in reference to ending his life, Braat replied: 'Maybe.' Between July and September, the woman received 18 emails, 51 Instagram messages, 15 text messages, 37 WhatsApp messages, and a LinkedIn message. Some of the emails contained 'goodbye' letters to the woman and Braat's own family. The woman contacted the police, and Braat was traced to his parents' address, where he was found 'safe and well'. Braat's LinkedIn message, congratulating her on a professional award she received, resulted in the woman going to the police. She stated that the messages were not nasty, but there was 'no escape' from Braat, and she could 'not cope any longer'. Braat gave a 'no comment' interview to the police after his arrest. Solicitor advocate Andrew Seggie, defending, told the court: 'He was at a low point and felt suicidal, and his focus was on winning the woman back during the period of the charge. 'As a result of the passage of time, he accepts his behaviour overstepped the mark. He is genuinely remorseful. 'He was the Lord Provost during the pandemic, and he said he felt additional pressure to assist those who lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic, together with his own constituents. 'He was trying to manage this and juggle his own family issues, and the end of the relationship caused him to suffer a mental health breakdown during this period.' Sentencing was deferred again until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan to be addressed on the terms of a non-harassment order. The sheriff stated that Braat, of the city's Broomhill, will be ordered to 60 hours of unpaid work when sentencing is imposed. Sheriff Mullan added: 'It should not have taken the passage of time and hindsight to reach the conclusion that perhaps you overstepped the mark – that is why you are here today. 'I understand that you have made it clear that it must have been traumatic and stressful for the woman concerned.' 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
The Herald Scotland
21 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Details of Philip Braat's stalking emerge as sentencing deferred
The messages included claims that Braat wished to end his life as a result of the woman ending their three-year relationship. Braat has represented the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward since 2007 and is subject to an investigation by Scottish Labour. Braat was the deputy Lord Provost in 2017 before taking on the senior role in 2020 until 2022. He left the position after the 2019 resignation of Eva Bolander amid criticism of her expenses claims. Braat was also the former convener of the Strathclyde Police Authority (SPA) and represented Glasgow at COP26. Braat was a member of the Law Society of Scotland, an honorary captain in the Royal Navy Reserves, and a member of the Glasgow Tree Lovers' Society. Read More He pleaded guilty last month at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of stalking and a narrative of the facts was heard. The court heard that the pair entered a relationship in 2021 and went on to live together. The woman told Braat that she was ending the relationship in July 2024. She received an email the next day from Braat which included a purported resignation letter to his employer sent from his professional account. Prosecutor Paige Phillips said: "The woman thought that this was fake and to get her attention as well as to make her feel guilty." She later contacted Braat emphasise the end of their relationship during a "very emotional and distressing" call. The woman also stated that she did not love him and wanted to get on with her life. Braat attempted to persuade her that the pair should be together and stated that he could "not live" without her." He said: "You better visit my parents and you better keep my legacy alive." The woman believed that this was in reference to Braat ending his life and he said: "I don't want to live without you." When asked if it was in reference to ending his life, Braat replied: "Maybe." Between July and September, the woman received 18 emails, 51 Instagram messages, 15 text messages, 37 WhatsApp messages and a LinkedIn message. Some of the emails contained "goodbye" letters to the woman and Braat's own family. The woman contacted the police and Braat was traced to his parents' address where he was found "safe and well." Braat's LinkedIn message, congratulating her on a professional award she received resulted in the woman going to the police. She stated that the messages were not nasty but there was "no escape" from Braat and she could "not cope any longer." Braat gave a "no comment" interview to police after his arrest. Solicitor advocate Andrew Seggie, defending, told the court: "He was at a low point and felt suicidal and his focus was on winning the woman back during the period of the charge. "As a result of the passage of time, he accepts his behaviour overstepped the mark. He is genuinely remorseful. "He was the Lord Provost during the pandemic and he said he felt additional pressure to assist those who lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic together with his own constituents. "He was trying to manage this and juggle his own family issues and the end of the relationship caused him to suffer a mental health breakdown during this period." Sentence was deferred again until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan to be addressed on the terms of a non-harassment order. The sheriff stated that Braat, of the city's Broomhill, will be ordered to 60 hours of unpaid work when sentencing is imposed. Sheriff Mullan added: "It should not have taken the passage of time and hindsight to reach the conclusion that perhaps you overstepped the mark - that is why you are here today. "I understand that you have made it clear that it must have been traumatic and stressful for the woman concerned."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gender equality In Indian workplaces remains uneven
India is facing increasingly grave consequences of climate change, with approximately 5.4 million people internally displaced due to floods, droughts or erratic weather. Ranked sixth globally in terms of climate vulnerability, India must navigate the challenge of balancing development with sustainability. India accounts for 7.4% of global emissions, making it the world's sixth largest emitter. The primary sources are electricity and heat production, followed by the transport sector, which contributes 12.9% of emissions. Although renewables now contribute 47.4% of installed capacity, coal use continues to rise - production has grown 58% between FY 2013-14 and FY 2022-23, still fuelling over 70% of CO2 emissions. In response, India introduced the Panchamrit strategy at COP26, which outlines key climate goals for 2030 and 2070. These include installing 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity, sourcing 50% of energy from renewables, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, cutting carbon intensity by 45%, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. Regulatory mechanisms are being put in place to support these targets. These include a carbon market framework, GHG Emission Intensity Target Rules for high-emission sectors, and a Climate Finance Taxonomy to steer investment into sustainable projects across nine national missions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Environmental disclosures through frameworks such as Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) are now mandatory for the top 1,000 listed companies. Compliance with international standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) is increasing. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has emerged as a frontrunner in corporate climate action. The company aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and has committed to substantial reductions in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. M\&M's efforts include using 100% renewable energy by 2030, expanding its electric vehicle fleet, and afforestation through Project Hariyali, which has planted over 1 million trees. Start-ups are also contributing to the climate movement. Takachar, for example, has developed portable technology that converts agricultural waste into bioproducts, offering alternatives to harmful stubble burning and opening new revenue streams for rural communities. Despite these advances, challenges remain. While 92% of SMEs surveyed consider ESG a priority, over half cite cost as a major barrier. Other obstacles include fragmented regulations, limited resources, and insufficient awareness. Overcoming these will require coordination among businesses, regulators, and civil society. The Times of India, over the years, has launched hugely impactful campaigns and organised summits with powerful messaging and impact on the social sector. To recognise and reward work in the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) space, The Times of India is holding a two-day Social Impact Summit on July 11 and 12, 2025, in Mumbai. The event, presented by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, has Ernst & Young as the knowledge partner. The Summit will see business leaders, NGOs, and policymakers address these issues. As Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India, recently remarked this decade presents a crucial opportunity for India to steer its infrastructure investments toward climate resilience and low-carbon growth.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
New Zealand departs climate action group
New Zealand has left the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, a group of governments advocating a shift to cleaner energy sources, becoming the first nation to do so. In a decision that confirms the coalition government's embrace of fossil fuels, Climate Minister Simon Watts told parliament on Wednesday he had written to the alliance to signal their departure. Since taking office in November 2023, Chris Luxon's government has repealed a Jacinda Ardern-era ban on exploration for offshore oil and gas, and fast-tracked mining projects, including for coal. Mr Watts said those acts meant New Zealand no longer sat comfortably inside the grouping. "The New Zealand government made the decision to withdraw, in good faith, our associate membership, and informed the alliance of this decision on 21 June, 2025," he said. New Zealand was approached to join the alliance by co-founders Costa Rica and Denmark and did so in late 2021 alongside COP26, the UN climate conference of that year held in Glasgow. A released cabinet paper showed Kiwi officials believed joining would be a "useful vehicle for advancing effective global climate action" and also "does not involve binding legal commitments". Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Amanda Larson was scathing of the government's embrace of both mining and agriculture through "intensive livestock", which she said were two of the world's most polluting industries. In May, the government was also named by the Financial Times for accounting practices which downplay the impact of methane from agriculture. "It is the first time in Luxon's political or business career that he has made the front page of the Financial Times - and it was humiliating. He should expect more international criticism to come," Ms Larson said. New Zealand was an associate member, alongside California and Belize, but as of Wednesday, was scrubbed from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance website. Resources minister Shane Jones called the grouping "an indulgent, vanity-belief community". New Zealand has left the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, a group of governments advocating a shift to cleaner energy sources, becoming the first nation to do so. In a decision that confirms the coalition government's embrace of fossil fuels, Climate Minister Simon Watts told parliament on Wednesday he had written to the alliance to signal their departure. Since taking office in November 2023, Chris Luxon's government has repealed a Jacinda Ardern-era ban on exploration for offshore oil and gas, and fast-tracked mining projects, including for coal. Mr Watts said those acts meant New Zealand no longer sat comfortably inside the grouping. "The New Zealand government made the decision to withdraw, in good faith, our associate membership, and informed the alliance of this decision on 21 June, 2025," he said. New Zealand was approached to join the alliance by co-founders Costa Rica and Denmark and did so in late 2021 alongside COP26, the UN climate conference of that year held in Glasgow. A released cabinet paper showed Kiwi officials believed joining would be a "useful vehicle for advancing effective global climate action" and also "does not involve binding legal commitments". Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Amanda Larson was scathing of the government's embrace of both mining and agriculture through "intensive livestock", which she said were two of the world's most polluting industries. In May, the government was also named by the Financial Times for accounting practices which downplay the impact of methane from agriculture. "It is the first time in Luxon's political or business career that he has made the front page of the Financial Times - and it was humiliating. He should expect more international criticism to come," Ms Larson said. New Zealand was an associate member, alongside California and Belize, but as of Wednesday, was scrubbed from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance website. Resources minister Shane Jones called the grouping "an indulgent, vanity-belief community". New Zealand has left the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, a group of governments advocating a shift to cleaner energy sources, becoming the first nation to do so. In a decision that confirms the coalition government's embrace of fossil fuels, Climate Minister Simon Watts told parliament on Wednesday he had written to the alliance to signal their departure. Since taking office in November 2023, Chris Luxon's government has repealed a Jacinda Ardern-era ban on exploration for offshore oil and gas, and fast-tracked mining projects, including for coal. Mr Watts said those acts meant New Zealand no longer sat comfortably inside the grouping. "The New Zealand government made the decision to withdraw, in good faith, our associate membership, and informed the alliance of this decision on 21 June, 2025," he said. New Zealand was approached to join the alliance by co-founders Costa Rica and Denmark and did so in late 2021 alongside COP26, the UN climate conference of that year held in Glasgow. A released cabinet paper showed Kiwi officials believed joining would be a "useful vehicle for advancing effective global climate action" and also "does not involve binding legal commitments". Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Amanda Larson was scathing of the government's embrace of both mining and agriculture through "intensive livestock", which she said were two of the world's most polluting industries. In May, the government was also named by the Financial Times for accounting practices which downplay the impact of methane from agriculture. "It is the first time in Luxon's political or business career that he has made the front page of the Financial Times - and it was humiliating. He should expect more international criticism to come," Ms Larson said. New Zealand was an associate member, alongside California and Belize, but as of Wednesday, was scrubbed from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance website. Resources minister Shane Jones called the grouping "an indulgent, vanity-belief community". New Zealand has left the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, a group of governments advocating a shift to cleaner energy sources, becoming the first nation to do so. In a decision that confirms the coalition government's embrace of fossil fuels, Climate Minister Simon Watts told parliament on Wednesday he had written to the alliance to signal their departure. Since taking office in November 2023, Chris Luxon's government has repealed a Jacinda Ardern-era ban on exploration for offshore oil and gas, and fast-tracked mining projects, including for coal. Mr Watts said those acts meant New Zealand no longer sat comfortably inside the grouping. "The New Zealand government made the decision to withdraw, in good faith, our associate membership, and informed the alliance of this decision on 21 June, 2025," he said. New Zealand was approached to join the alliance by co-founders Costa Rica and Denmark and did so in late 2021 alongside COP26, the UN climate conference of that year held in Glasgow. A released cabinet paper showed Kiwi officials believed joining would be a "useful vehicle for advancing effective global climate action" and also "does not involve binding legal commitments". Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Amanda Larson was scathing of the government's embrace of both mining and agriculture through "intensive livestock", which she said were two of the world's most polluting industries. In May, the government was also named by the Financial Times for accounting practices which downplay the impact of methane from agriculture. "It is the first time in Luxon's political or business career that he has made the front page of the Financial Times - and it was humiliating. He should expect more international criticism to come," Ms Larson said. New Zealand was an associate member, alongside California and Belize, but as of Wednesday, was scrubbed from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance website. Resources minister Shane Jones called the grouping "an indulgent, vanity-belief community".
