Latest news with #PaulNowak
The Guardian
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
UK union leaders express fear over erosion of right to protest in open letter
More than 20 union leaders have expressed their deep concern over the apparent erosion of the right to peaceful protest, piling pressure on the Metropolitan police over its handling of pro-Palestinian marches at the start of the year. Paul Nowak of the Trades Union Congress, Christina McAnea of Unison, Daniel Kebede of the National Education Union, Matt Wrack of the NASUWT and Eddie Dempsey of the RMT are among 22 trade union general secretaries who have criticised the Met's decision to arrest and charge former union members who took part in peaceful protest on 18 January. The joint statement from the union leaders follows frustration shared over the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action, despite concerns the move could risk criminalising legitimate protest. While the statement from the union leaders does not express support for the proscribed group, they say the arrest and subsequent charges brought against those who attended a peaceful pro-Palestinian protest on 18 January mark an 'attack on our right to protest'. The former NEU executive member Alex Kenny and the general secretary for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Sophie Bolt, were arrested alongside more than 70 other people including Ben Jamal, the director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and Chris Nineham, the vice-chair of the Stop the War coalition. In the joint statement – whose signatories also include Dave Ward of the Communication Workers Union and Mick Whelan of Aslef – they call for all these charges to be dropped and note: 'We believe these charges are an attack on our right to protest … the freedoms to organise, of assembly and speech matter; we must defend them.' They add: 'We are deeply concerned that the Metropolitan police are bringing charges against former NEU executive member Alex Kenny and Sophie Bolt, CND secretary, following the peaceful protest for Palestine in London on 18 January. 'These charges follow the decision to prosecute Chris Nineham, Stop the War Coalition vice-chair, and Ben Jamal, Palestine Solidarity Campaign director. Alex Kenny is a longstanding and widely respected trade union activist who has organised peaceful demonstrations in London for decades. 'He was chief steward for the NEU national strike demonstration in March 2023. He has played a leading role in many demonstrations organised in the TUC region covering London and the south-east. 'We believe these charges are an attack on our right to protest. The right to protest is fundamental to trade unions and the wider movement. 'The freedoms to organise, of assembly and of speech matter; we must defend them. We call for the charges against Alex Kenny, Sophie Bolt, Chris Nineham and Ben Jamal to be dropped.' In the wake of the protest in January, dozens of legal experts signed a letter calling for an independent inquiry into the Met's policing of the demonstration, describing it as 'a disproportionate, unwarranted and dangerous assault on the right to assembly and protest'. MPs, peers and Amnesty International had also expressed concerns about the policing of it, with the Green party London assembly member Zoë Garbett telling the assembly's police and crime committee meeting that she had been contacted by more than 150 people who recalled incidents of kettling and police violence towards children, pregnant women and older people. At the same protest, the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the former shadow chancellor John McDonnell were voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the march, before being 'released pending further investigations'. Their criticism was followed by demands from MPs and peers, who also wrote to the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, calling for a review of legislation limiting protest, which was introduced by the Conservative government.
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Heatwave relief on the way for Brits after temperatures soar hotter than Brazil
Showers are predicted for many parts of the country this week, but the mercury could rise again next weekend, with highs of 30C forecast in London and the South East Brits sweltering in the midst of the latest UK heatwave are facing some relief as the period, which saw temperatures higher than in Brazil, is coming to an end after a blistering spell of hot weather. A cooler Monday has been forecast after Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their hottest day of the year so far. Showers are predicted for many parts of the country this week. But the mercury could rise again next weekend, with highs of 30C forecast in London and the South East. The latest heatwave has prompted a nationwide inspection of workplaces organised by the TUC. More than 1,000 trade union health and safety reps have signed up to check that workers are able to cope with the heatwave. Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and - in the most extreme cases - loss of consciousness. Trade union reps will check workplace temperatures, and will discuss with employers the protective steps they can take, including keeping buildings cool, shaded areas for outdoor workers and allowing flexible hours. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "Everyone should be safe at work. But working in a heatwave can be dangerous, especially when your employer wants you to carry on regardless. "That's why union reps are taking action this week to keep their workmates safe in the heat, and it's why we're calling on the government to strengthen legal protections with a maximum working temperature. A lot of the best safety steps are just common sense. For example, employers should allow flexible hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. And indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes." The third heatwave of the summer hit its peak at the weekend. Temperatures hit 32.2C in Aviemore on Saturday, the hottest day ever recorded there. It was only the 7th time the temperature had been that high in Scotland since 1961. In Wales, a high of 33.1C was recorded at Cardiff's Bute Park. In Northern Ireland, it was 30C in Londonderry. It resulted in two weather-related deaths in Scotland. In Glasgow, a 15-year-old boy died in the River Kelvin. Hours earlier, a 63-year-old woman fell by a waterfall in East Dunbartonshire. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) asked people not to enter water to try to cool down. And they urged parents and carers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times. Phil Garrigan, NFCC chairman, said: 'We are urging people to take simple but vital safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this period of hot, dry weather. Our experience tells us that wildfires can start in an instant and escalate rapidly. That's why we're asking everyone to stay alert and act responsibly." Today, London (30C) was hotter than Barcelona (29C) Bangalore (27C) and Brasilia (24C) in Brazil. Amber heat health alerts were in place for the Midlands and the south east to 10am Monday. The alert warns of a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Beachgoers enjoyed temperatures of around 31C (87.8F) in England. But the forecast was for the mercury to dip marginally to bring some relief. Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "While we've seen the peak of the heat in this heatwave, it's still going to be very warm on Sunday before turning cooler for many of us on Monday. So we've got this ridge of high pressure extending across the UK, helping to keep things settled, but out towards the west an area of low pressure moving through Sunday night and into Monday. Temperatures will be falling away but also bring heavy spells of rain, or welcome rainfall, for many of us." Firefighters in Surrey tackled a wildfire on Hankley Common in Thursley, which spanned approximately eight hectares. Scottish fire crews tackled a wildfire in Perth near the M90 in the Craigend area, due to an "extreme" wildfire. HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for people heading to the coast, saying data shows most drownings occurred in July over the past three years. Harrow Council warned of an increase of sudden branch drop syndrome, made worse by the heat waves. A pod of dolphins performed an incredible aerial acrobatic display for delighted tourists off the UK coast. The 12 mammals leapt into the air while hunting for a fish supper in the waters around Amble, Northumberland. Pensioner Linda Johnson couldn't believe her luck when the pod came just 50m (164ft) away from the town's pier. One photo appeared to show one dolphin balancing another on its nose as they leap and dive beneath the waves. Showers are forecast across many parts of the UK by Wednesday, some of which could be heavy and thundery
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits face scorching 36C heatwave within days as maps pinpoint exact date
It will be a sweltering start to Wimbledon 2025 but it's not London where the highest temperatures are expected, with Manchester, Stoke and Leeds soon set to bake in 36C heat It won't be long until the scorching summer resumes with parts of the UK set to be hotter than Barcelona within days. After the mercury tipped 32C last Saturday, it has been a cooler start to this week but that is all going to change after the weekend. New weather maps show another heatwave could hit the UK on Monday, just in time for the start of Wimbledon, and will stay around for days. It's going to be a sweltering start to the tennis Championships, but that's nothing compared to what Brits will face in Manchester, Stoke and Leeds with the cities set to sizzle in temperatures of 36C. London, Birmingham and Liverpool, could see conditions range between 32C and 34C. That puts even Barcelona in the shade, with the Spanish hotspot expected to see highs of 31C from this weekend. According to a weather map by WXCharts, which uses Met Desk data, temperatures will have creeped back up by Monday. The Met Office declared the the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday afternoon as Charlwood in Surrey reached 33.2C. Since then, the barmy heat has dropped off a little as figures hovered around a more bearable low to mid-20s for the next few days. However, the blisteringly hot days and sticky nights in bed look like they will soon return. Monday's scorcher will come a little late in the day. By 6pm, much of the Midlands could see temperatures hit a staggering 35C. While in and around London is forecast to hit around 33C or 34C at around the same time. In Wales, the capital Cardiff is predicted to enjoy 30C with even Wick could hit a potential 21C. Belfast in Northern Ireland could also see a pleasant 20C. In the coming days, the Met Office forecasts warm of humid conditions, with outbreaks of rain. It says: "Largely dry for many. Plenty of sunny spells across the south, variable amounts of cloud in the north with a few showers. Windy across the country, particularly in the north. "Feeling fresher than of late but warm in the sunshine." Looking at tonight, it adds: "Cloud will thicken from the west tonight with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Staying dry in the east with clear spells. Remaining breezy and warm overnight." The recent heatwave has prompted calls for bosses to ease up on dress codes, offer more breaks and promote flexible working hours to help staff cope with the excessive heat. Ditching jackets and ties is recommended, while providing a regular flow of cold drinks has been put forward by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). The union body also recommends employees should allow workers to either start work earlier or finish later to avoid hot rush hour travel conditions. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: "Most of us will welcome the chance to enjoy some proper summer weather, but this weather isn't much fun if you're stuck in an overheated workplace. "Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. Employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing. This comes on the heels of a World Weather Attribution (WWA) group analysis made public on Friday, revealing the likelihood of heatwaves has risen substantially. Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, Grantham Institute lecturer at Imperial College London, said: "Heatwaves are silent killers – people who lose their lives in them typically have pre-existing health conditions and rarely have heat listed as a contributing cause of death."
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Employers urged to allow flexible working hours as heatwave hits the UK
Ahead of a UK heatwave, the TUC has advised workers should be offered supplies of cold drinks, as well as urging employers are being urged to allow for more flexible working Brits brace themselves as temperatures are set to rocket beyond 30C this week, due to a rising area of high pressure sweeping across the UK. Employers are now being encouraged to loosen up on dress codes, offer more breaks and promote flexible working hours to help staff cope with the upcoming heatwave. Ditching jackets and ties is recommended, while providing a steady flow of cold drinks has been suggested by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). The union body also recommends that employees should have options to start work earlier or finish later to avoid the sweltering rush hour travel conditions. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak commented: "Most of us will welcome the chance to enjoy some proper summer weather, but this weather isn't much fun if you're stuck in an overheated workplace. "Indoor workplaces should be kept at comfortable temperatures, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. Employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing. "With heatwaves becoming more common, we need to adapt. We need new laws on maximum working temperatures, improvements to workplaces to keep them cool, and climate action to reduce global heating." Rachel Suff, employee relations adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), added: "During periods of hot weather employers should take proactive steps to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of their staff. "This includes offering flexible working arrangements where possible, for example allowing employees to work from home if they are more comfortable and productive there, or flexible working hours where roles can't be done from home. "Commuting can be arduous in very hot weather, so allowing people to stagger their start and finish times can help them to avoid peak hour travel." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! As warm conditions continue, Britain will be hotter than 30C Honolulu, Hawaii, amid a 1,000 mile-wide "blowtorch" heat plume from the Mediterranean, the latest maps show. The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: "The blowtorch is on the way. Forecast models show temperatures smashing the all-time 35.6C June record. There are astonishing heat signals." Met Office forecaster Tony Wisson said: "Temperatures in the low-30s are likely this weekend. Some forecast models even show temperatures to into the mid-30s by Monday, which is a lower-likelihood scenario."
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Union leaders call for Keir Starmer to immediately recognise Palestinian state
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, Unite's Sharon Graham and Unison's Christina McAnea are among the union chiefs putting their name to calls for the UK government to "immediately" recognise a Palestinian state Leaders of Britain's biggest trade unions have joined together, calling on Britain not to forget Gaza as Israel turns its sights on Iran. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, Unite's Sharon Graham and Unison's Christina McAnea are among the union chiefs putting their name to calls for the UK government to "immediately" recognise a Palestinian state. The Government's official position is to recognise the state of Palestine "at a time when it best serves the object of peace." 'Recognising Palestine is a vital first step towards a just and lasting peace - with a safe and secure Israel and a free and independent Palestine,' Mr Nowak wrote for the Sunday Mirror. 'A two-state solution that is consistent with international law, and promotes equality, democracy, and respect for human and labour rights.' He added: 'The TUC, alongside trade unions in Canada and France, is calling on our governments to act after their recent welcome intervention which demanded a ceasefire and access to aid.' GMB General Secretary Gary Smith, National Education Union chief Daniel Kebede, PCS leader Fran Heathcote, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright and former NASUWT boss Dr Patrick Roach all appear in a video calling for immediate recognition. We must not lose sight of Gaza By PAUL NOWAK, TUC General Secretary While the world focuses on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, we must not ignore what's happening in Gaza. With Israel's ongoing blockade of aid and the unrelenting military assault, the humanitarian crisis is getting worse by the day. People are starving, traumatised, and living under constant fear. We cannot afford to look away. Right now, we urgently need a permanent ceasefire. The bombs must stop and aid must be allowed in. But we also need something else: for the UK government to officially recognise the state of Palestine, and do it immediately. This is about taking a stand for peace. Recognising Palestine is a vital first step towards a just and lasting peace - with a safe and secure Israel and a free and independent Palestine. A two-state solution that is consistent with international law, and promotes equality, democracy, and respect for human and labour rights. The TUC, alongside trade unions in Canada and France, is calling on our governments to act after their recent welcome intervention which demanded a ceasefire and access to aid. Ministers must use every tool available - pressure, diplomacy, recognition - to help bring about justice, peace and security for all. I recently returned from the West Bank. The last time I visited was 2016. And things have got worse - much worse. Illegal Israeli settlements have spread fast. This isn't just a few homes here and there. It's a massive land grab backed by Netanyahu and his coalition government. Every new settlement makes peace harder to reach. Then there's the daily indignity and violence of the occupation. The endless military checkpoints, homes demolished, families displaced and the most exploitative working conditions imaginable. Even the few with steady jobs are struggling. Public sector workers told me they're only receiving 75% of their salaries and sometimes not even that. And there's the fear. Armed settlers roam the West Bank, intimidating and attacking Palestinians without consequence. In the village of Mujurat people told me they haven't had a full night's sleep in years. One trade unionist confided "everyone in Palestine suffers some form of mental trauma.' But even in the midst of all this I saw real hope. Palestinian trade unionists and activists are organising despite the risks. Israeli human rights groups like B'tselem are speaking out and standing up. Some ask why the TUC gets involved in global issues. The answer is simple: solidarity doesn't stop at the border. We've always stood with working people here and around the world. Now is the time for action. Immediately recognise Palestine. Demand a ceasefire. End the occupation. That's how to build a future based on justice and peace - not fear.
