Latest news with #Purvis
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Embassies should see cars clamped for congestion charge debts
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb said the Government had 'far too much patience' with indebted foreign governments, while Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit. Responding, Foreign Office minister Baroness Chapman of Darlington described diplomacy as 'an art'. A congestion charge sign in London (Philip Toscano/PA) She said the fee for driving in inner London was a 'charge' rather than a tax, which embassies should pay. According to Transport for London, the US embassy based south of the River in Nine Elms owes almost £15.5 million in congestion charge debts. The Japanese mission faces debts of more than £10.6 million, while the Chinese embassy racked up a £10.3 million debt between 2003 and March 31 2025. Lord Purvis referred to a diplomatic reception held at the Foreign Office in central London and asked: 'Should we not start instituting a drop-off and collection fee at King Charles Street just as long as we get our money back?' The Liberal Democrat also said Mr Trump 'would certainly not want a reputation of not paying fines' and said: 'When he comes for the state visit, can we ensure that this is part of the agenda so that there's no congestion in the city of London from the American delegation and they pay us what they owe?' Baroness Chapman replied that there was a 'whole range of measures' open to the Government, and that she would 'take on board' the one which Lord Purvis suggested. 'Others include encouraging the use perhaps of public transport or cycling or walking around our wonderful city, but he suggests that we raise these matters directly with our counterparts, and I can assure him that we do just that,' the minister added. Former London Assembly Labour leader Lord Harris of Haringey asked: 'Would it, for example, be possible to clamp the cars that have done this, because I suspect that might concentrate the minds?' Following him, the Green Party's Baroness Jones said: 'This has been going on ever since the congestion charge first came in. 'They've racked up these debts and I love Lord Harris's idea – we should clamp them all. 'We have a record of which cars have infringed the congestion charge. We clamp them all.' Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) Baroness Chapman told peers: 'All I would say is that diplomacy is an art and it comes more naturally to some than to others perhaps.' She added: 'I think it's right that we don't escalate this issue above some of our very real concerns around security and defence and trade that we seek to work very closely with our counterparts on.' Their exchanges were triggered by a question from Labour peer Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who asked about Government efforts to claw back unpaid business rates, parking fines and London congestion charges in April and May. Baroness Chapman said that the Government had received 31 responses to the exercise earlier this year. 'Some agreed to settle debts, other disputed charges, and some refused to pay the London congestion charge claiming exemption under the Vienna Convention,' the minister said. 'FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) action since April 3 2025 has helped reduce national non-domestic rates debt by £287,142, car parking fines debt by £7,035 and London congestion charge debt by £7,430.' To laughter, Conservative shadow foreign office minister Lord Callanan said: 'I think there is unity across the House on this one. 'I think we're all amused by the prospect of some poor parking warden having to put a ticket on President Trump's limousine and what might happen to him from the actions of the secret service. 'But it is of course that conduct of diplomatic staff is a reflection of important values, respect, dignity and mutual recognition between nations, so following on from the reply that she gave to the Liberal Democrats, will (Baroness Chapman) consider linking future privileges or engagement opportunities to the good standing of diplomatic missions in their civic responsibilities, so as to encourage greater accountability?' The minister said she would keep the situation 'under close consideration'.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Embassies should see cars clamped for congestion charge debts
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb said the Government had 'far too much patience' with indebted foreign governments, while Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit. Responding, Foreign Office minister Baroness Chapman of Darlington described diplomacy as 'an art'. A congestion charge sign in London (Philip Toscano/PA) She said the fee for driving in inner London was a 'charge' rather than a tax, which embassies should pay. According to Transport for London, the US embassy based south of the River in Nine Elms owes almost £15.5 million in congestion charge debts. The Japanese mission faces debts of more than £10.6 million, while the Chinese embassy racked up a £10.3 million debt between 2003 and March 31 2025. Lord Purvis referred to a diplomatic reception held at the Foreign Office in central London and asked: 'Should we not start instituting a drop-off and collection fee at King Charles Street just as long as we get our money back?' The Liberal Democrat also said Mr Trump 'would certainly not want a reputation of not paying fines' and said: 'When he comes for the state visit, can we ensure that this is part of the agenda so that there's no congestion in the city of London from the American delegation and they pay us what they owe?' Baroness Chapman replied that there was a 'whole range of measures' open to the Government, and that she would 'take on board' the one which Lord Purvis suggested. 'Others include encouraging the use perhaps of public transport or cycling or walking around our wonderful city, but he suggests that we raise these matters directly with our counterparts, and I can assure him that we do just that,' the minister added. Former London Assembly Labour leader Lord Harris of Haringey asked: 'Would it, for example, be possible to clamp the cars that have done this, because I suspect that might concentrate the minds?' Following him, the Green Party's Baroness Jones said: 'This has been going on ever since the congestion charge first came in. 'They've racked up these debts and I love Lord Harris's idea – we should clamp them all. 'We have a record of which cars have infringed the congestion charge. We clamp them all.' Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) Baroness Chapman told peers: 'All I would say is that diplomacy is an art and it comes more naturally to some than to others perhaps.' She added: 'I think it's right that we don't escalate this issue above some of our very real concerns around security and defence and trade that we seek to work very closely with our counterparts on.' Their exchanges were triggered by a question from Labour peer Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who asked about Government efforts to claw back unpaid business rates, parking fines and London congestion charges in April and May. Baroness Chapman said that the Government had received 31 responses to the exercise earlier this year. 'Some agreed to settle debts, other disputed charges, and some refused to pay the London congestion charge claiming exemption under the Vienna Convention,' the minister said. 'FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) action since April 3 2025 has helped reduce national non-domestic rates debt by £287,142, car parking fines debt by £7,035 and London congestion charge debt by £7,430.' To laughter, Conservative shadow foreign office minister Lord Callanan said: 'I think there is unity across the House on this one. 'I think we're all amused by the prospect of some poor parking warden having to put a ticket on President Trump's limousine and what might happen to him from the actions of the secret service. 'But it is of course that conduct of diplomatic staff is a reflection of important values, respect, dignity and mutual recognition between nations, so following on from the reply that she gave to the Liberal Democrats, will (Baroness Chapman) consider linking future privileges or engagement opportunities to the good standing of diplomatic missions in their civic responsibilities, so as to encourage greater accountability?' The minister said she would keep the situation 'under close consideration'.
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Embassies should see cars clamped for congestion charge debts
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb said the Government had 'far too much patience' with indebted foreign governments, while Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit. Responding, Foreign Office minister Baroness Chapman of Darlington described diplomacy as 'an art'. A congestion charge sign in London (Philip Toscano/PA) She said the fee for driving in inner London was a 'charge' rather than a tax, which embassies should pay. According to Transport for London, the US embassy based south of the River in Nine Elms owes almost £15.5 million in congestion charge debts. The Japanese mission faces debts of more than £10.6 million, while the Chinese embassy racked up a £10.3 million debt between 2003 and March 31 2025. Lord Purvis referred to a diplomatic reception held at the Foreign Office in central London and asked: 'Should we not start instituting a drop-off and collection fee at King Charles Street just as long as we get our money back?' The Liberal Democrat also said Mr Trump 'would certainly not want a reputation of not paying fines' and said: 'When he comes for the state visit, can we ensure that this is part of the agenda so that there's no congestion in the city of London from the American delegation and they pay us what they owe?' Baroness Chapman replied that there was a 'whole range of measures' open to the Government, and that she would 'take on board' the one which Lord Purvis suggested. 'Others include encouraging the use perhaps of public transport or cycling or walking around our wonderful city, but he suggests that we raise these matters directly with our counterparts, and I can assure him that we do just that,' the minister added. Former London Assembly Labour leader Lord Harris of Haringey asked: 'Would it, for example, be possible to clamp the cars that have done this, because I suspect that might concentrate the minds?' Following him, the Green Party's Baroness Jones said: 'This has been going on ever since the congestion charge first came in. 'They've racked up these debts and I love Lord Harris's idea – we should clamp them all. 'We have a record of which cars have infringed the congestion charge. We clamp them all.' Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to discuss outstanding fees with US President Donald Trump during his September visit (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) Baroness Chapman told peers: 'All I would say is that diplomacy is an art and it comes more naturally to some than to others perhaps.' She added: 'I think it's right that we don't escalate this issue above some of our very real concerns around security and defence and trade that we seek to work very closely with our counterparts on.' Their exchanges were triggered by a question from Labour peer Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who asked about Government efforts to claw back unpaid business rates, parking fines and London congestion charges in April and May. Baroness Chapman said that the Government had received 31 responses to the exercise earlier this year. 'Some agreed to settle debts, other disputed charges, and some refused to pay the London congestion charge claiming exemption under the Vienna Convention,' the minister said. 'FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) action since April 3 2025 has helped reduce national non-domestic rates debt by £287,142, car parking fines debt by £7,035 and London congestion charge debt by £7,430.' To laughter, Conservative shadow foreign office minister Lord Callanan said: 'I think there is unity across the House on this one. 'I think we're all amused by the prospect of some poor parking warden having to put a ticket on President Trump's limousine and what might happen to him from the actions of the secret service. 'But it is of course that conduct of diplomatic staff is a reflection of important values, respect, dignity and mutual recognition between nations, so following on from the reply that she gave to the Liberal Democrats, will (Baroness Chapman) consider linking future privileges or engagement opportunities to the good standing of diplomatic missions in their civic responsibilities, so as to encourage greater accountability?' The minister said she would keep the situation 'under close consideration'.
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Twins Jacob and Jojo Parker couldn't play catch with their dad. He got them to the MLB draft anyway
PHOENIX — Jop Parker grew up playing on the same baseball field that his sons, JoJo and Jacob Parker, used to transform themselves into potential first-round picks in the MLB Draft. At the same small Purvis, Mississippi high school. And with the same big dreams of playing professional baseball. JoJo and Jacob, fraternal twins, will almost certainly achieve part of their dream when they hear their names called in the upcoming MLB Draft, which begins on Sunday. It will be the culmination of years of hard work, and the beginning of an even more important journey. It will mean a lot to them, but be an even more poignant moment for their father, a two-sport athlete in high school with aspirations to play baseball professionally whose own dreams were cut short. Advertisement On Oct. 24, 1997 — a decade before his sons were even born — Jop lost virtually all ability to walk or move. Then a junior on the Purvis HS football team, Jop went to make a tackle. He broke his neck, paralyzing nearly his entire body. 'I'd love to play catch with them. I'd love to feed them baseballs,' Jop said. 'They'll tell you I'm their hitting coach, and it's almost an oxymoron. Your hitting coach is a guy in a wheelchair that can't pick up a bat. But they've come to understand and realize that communication is key in this life. 'It's been tough, but it's never been abnormal.' All JoJo and Jacob know is their father in a wheelchair. Jop's injury occurred at around the same age his sons are now. Instead of preparing for the MLB draft, he spent eight months in two different rehabilitation centers — learning how to adjust to his new life. Now, nearly 30 years later, Jop will watch with his whole family as his two sons take the next step towards formally beginning their professional careers. JoJo, a prototypical shortstop, is largely expected to go somewhere among the first 15 picks. Jacob — taller and heavier — is a power-hitting outfielder, projected to be taken somewhere in the top three or four rounds. JoJo ranked 10th in Keith Law's final top-100 prospect ranking, while Jacob ranked 69th. Wherever they get selected, they'll watch the draft at home with their whole family. It will be a 'surreal' experience, Jop said. He may or may not have ever been good enough to play professionally, but the chance to find out was taken from him. In that vacuum, his story and wisdom have made it possible for his children to actually reach that level. 'He's a confidence guy,' Jacob said. 'He gives us a ton of confidence. He's always uplifting. It's really amazing. 'We can see the hard work and the success he's had. His story is kind of crazy. There's really no excuse for us to not put in the work and not have the work ethic.' Advertisement Jop's life has not been defined by his injury. After his eight-month rehab, he returned to high school and was able to skip directly to his senior year. A year later, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he met Mechelle, who would become his wife two years later. He went to law school, became a lawyer, and now serves as a Lamar County Court judge. Which, as JoJo joked, meant his kids 'couldn't get away with anything growing up.' Jop couldn't be on the field with them. He couldn't have a catch, as sons and fathers do. But he attended every single game, went on recruiting trips, and provided the framework for achieving a goal through the example he set overcoming obstacles to lead his fulfilling life. 'I honestly think that's why God gave us a brother, to throw BP to each other,' JoJo said. 'My mom and dad have taught us to be great young men. I can't thank them enough to put us in that spot.' Mississippi is not known as a hotbed of high school baseball talent. Jacob said it wasn't until midway through this season that they started noticing a lot more interest from MLB scouts, and began to realize their 'helium' might translate into a legitimately high draft selection. They're used to playing with each other, doing everything together. They're both committed to Mississippi State, though are unlikely to reach campus. Their home visits from MLB teams have been joint meetings. Even many of their interviews have been done together. But the very nature of the draft means it's likely they'll be going their separate ways when they turn pro. 'It's a one-in-30 chance,' JoJo said. 'I think we're going to support each other any way we go. We'll stay in touch. 'Whatever happens happens. If we play for the same team, that'd be really cool.' It's all perspective they've learned from their father, that potential disappointments are not life- or career-defining. Jop said his sons know that being a baseball player is not who they are, it's just what they do. It's what they enjoy. Advertisement They also understand that it can be taken away from them at any moment. That reality accompanies them every day, in a way that's both painful and inspirational. 'They've never known anything different,' Jop said. 'And I've really never known anything different with them.' When they were little, they'd throw their father baseballs. He could wheel over to them, but couldn't throw them back. As they've grown up, they have come to understand their father's limitations. Physically, he will never be the athlete he'd hoped to be when he was a teenager. He'll never do the same things that most fathers do with their ball-playing sons. But, Jop has never been defined by his limitations, and his accomplishments have set the foundation for his sons as they take the next step in life. Jop's journey has also given them perspective on what they are about to experience. That no matter what happens in their careers, they'll always be their father's sons. They'll always be a family with a deep love for the game, whether or not they're able to play it. 'It's been fun to watch them grow up in the same area and community that I grew up in,' Jop said. 'They got to traverse the same field that I played on. Our family are baseball players. We just have enjoyed this game.' (Top photo of Jacob, left, and Jojo: Mark J. Rebilas/ USA TODAY)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch after arrest in overdose case, weeks after teenage son's death
Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV's 16 and Pregnant, has reportedly been placed on suicide watch while in custody. The 33-year-old reality star is currently being held in a Georgia jail after being arrested on Sunday in connection with the overdose death of John Mark Harris. The news comes just weeks after Purvis mourned the loss of her teenage son, Weston Jr., in June. Whitney Purvis placed on suicide watch, undergoing detox According to a report from TMZ, Purvis was medically designated within the jail system after making suicidal statements. She is also said to be undergoing drug detox. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that jail staff acted after hearing disturbing comments from Purvis, leading to increased monitoring. Her emotional state and recent personal losses have raised serious concerns about her well-being behind bars. Charges against Purvis Whitney Purvis was arrested on Sunday, July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and using a communication device to commit a felony. Authorities allege that she provided the drug "tranq"—a "dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine—that contributed to the fatal overdose of John Mark Harris. Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Atlanta Division, confirmed her arrest in a statement: 'DEA Atlanta and local law enforcement arrested Whitney Purvis in Floyd County, GA, on charges of involuntary manslaughter due to fentanyl poisoning. This investigation is ongoing.' TMZ noted that Purvis had written a heartfelt tribute to Harris following his death, sharing memories and expressing her grief over losing someone she described as a caring, supportive friend. Who is Whitney Purvis? Reality TV star and grieving mother Purvis first gained public attention in 2009 when she appeared on season one of MTV's 16 and Pregnant. Her episode followed her journey as a teenage mother navigating life with her then-boyfriend, Weston Sr. and their baby, Weston Jr. In 2014, she gave birth to a second son, River, also with Weston Sr. In June 2025, tragedy struck when her son Weston Jr. died unexpectedly. TMZ reported that the cause of death was ruled as natural causes. Days after his death, the reality star shared a heartbreaking post on her Instagram account in memory of her baby boy. Purvis had previously lost custody of both sons and, in 2023, was reportedly arrested for failure to pay child support. Her story, once known for youthful struggle and resilience, has turned into one marked by heartbreak, addiction, and loss. As she sits in jail awaiting further legal proceedings, many are reflecting on how drastically her life has changed since her reality TV debut.
