Latest news with #Tapp
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Votes for 16 year olds – what teachers think revealed with intriguing age split
Teachers are broadly in favour lowering the general election voting age but those 50s-plus are marginally against, a survey of over 9,000 shows They are arguably the best judge on 16-year-olds getting the vote but teachers are split on the issue – depending on their age. Teachers are broadly in favour but those 50s-plus are marginally against, a survey shows. It comes after it was revealed 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote at the next general election, under government plans. Critics may question the maturity of those that young helping decide who runs the country. But the move represents a win for supporters who think youngsters old enough to join the Army are ready for the responsibility. Sir Keir Starmer has described it as 'important' for 16 and 17-year-olds to have the vote. The PM highlighted how 'they're old enough to go out to work, they're old enough to pay taxes,' adding: 'I think if you pay in you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on.' And, overall, teachers are in favour of the move – with 47% either strongly or slightly agreeing the general election voting age should be 16. Only 38% disagreed, either strongly or slightly, and 15% neither agreed nor disagreed, according to a poll of over 9,000 teachers. But when the figures are looked at closely, a fascinating difference can be observed depending on teachers' age. Those in their 20s back the change 51% for to 35% against, with 30-somethings behind it 49% to 35%. Teachers in their 40s also support the move, 45% to 39%. But it is a different story for those aged 50s-plus. Though they are marginally opposed to it overall – 44% against compared to 43% backing – a gap opens up among those who feel most passionately. Among the 50-plus aged teachers who answered, 27% strongly disagreed. Teacher Tapp surveyed 9,626 secondary and primary teachers in England on 18 July on the statement 'The voting age for General Elections should be 16'. The results were weighted to reflect national teacher and school demographics. It comes after Labour 's manifesto last year pledged: 'We will increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy, by giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in all elections.' And earlier this month, the government confirmed the move with Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali declaring: 'By delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy…' Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was "a brave choice set to benefit generations to come". But in the Commons, Tory shadow communities minister Paul Holmes questioned: "Why does this Government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're voting in?" The Greens and Lib Dems both welcomed the decision. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969. And 16-year-olds are already able to vote in Scottish and Welsh elections.
Hamilton Spectator
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Driving safer workplaces: ASSP launches innovative Safety Trekr AI
Park Ridge, Illinois, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Society of Safety Professionals has launched ASSP Safety Trekr AI, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered search tool designed to fundamentally change how safety professionals access critical workplace safety and health guidance. This innovative solution will accelerate and enhance the work of safety professionals, ultimately reducing the risk of on-the-job injuries, illnesses and fatalities. It also removes communication barriers by engaging safety professionals across multiple languages. Safety Trekr AI is an expertly engineered online tool that leverages AI capabilities to rapidly and effortlessly navigate the vast knowledge contained within the Society's 'Safety Professionals Handbook, Third Edition.' The comprehensive reference guide is a leading go-to resource for environmental health and safety professionals and students. Several universities use it as a classroom text, showcasing safety research, case studies and practical applications from more than 90 industry experts. Safety Trekr AI instantly scans and synthesizes the 1,330-page handbook to answer questions and provide precise safety guidance that is based on trusted data and real-world experiences. What once took considerable time through traditional search methods is now available in moments, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient compliance with workplace safety standards. The advanced tool is easily accessible from mobile devices, supporting safety professionals wherever their work takes them. 'While safety professionals can still choose to review specific sections of the handbook, it's now possible to get immediate and trusted guidance when time is of the essence,' said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. 'In today's dynamic work environments, Safety Trekr AI empowers safety professionals to perform their jobs with unprecedented speed and effectiveness.' Safety Trekr AI covers essential topics like regulatory guidance and risk management, summarizing information into checklists while dissolving language barriers by translating content. 'It's truly remarkable how this sophisticated tool leverages natural language processing techniques to comprehend a question and communicate the answer in the user's native language,' Tapp said. 'When obstacles are removed, work environments everywhere can be improved, fostering a truly global culture of safety.' Unlike open AI platforms, Safety Trekr AI is a closed model, ensuring complete accuracy, credibility and transparency by only accessing trusted sources within the handbook and referencing them. Safety Trekr AI will be demonstrated in the ASSP Marketplace at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition from July 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. There will be a related Tech Talk on the expo floor. Details are available in the Safety 2025 mobile app. The 'Safety Professionals Handbook' and the Safety Trekr AI tool can be found in the online ASSP Store . About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago's suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession by providing member communities, serving as a trusted advisor, and elevating safety through workforce development. Its flagship journal, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit and find us on Facebook , LinkedIn and YouTube .
Business Upturn
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Driving safer workplaces: ASSP launches innovative Safety Trekr AI
Park Ridge, Illinois, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Society of Safety Professionals has launched ASSP Safety Trekr AI, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered search tool designed to fundamentally change how safety professionals access critical workplace safety and health guidance. This innovative solution will accelerate and enhance the work of safety professionals, ultimately reducing the risk of on-the-job injuries, illnesses and fatalities. It also removes communication barriers by engaging safety professionals across multiple languages. Safety Trekr AI is an expertly engineered online tool that leverages AI capabilities to rapidly and effortlessly navigate the vast knowledge contained within the Society's 'Safety Professionals Handbook, Third Edition.' The comprehensive reference guide is a leading go-to resource for environmental health and safety professionals and students. Several universities use it as a classroom text, showcasing safety research, case studies and practical applications from more than 90 industry experts. Safety Trekr AI instantly scans and synthesizes the 1,330-page handbook to answer questions and provide precise safety guidance that is based on trusted data and real-world experiences. What once took considerable time through traditional search methods is now available in moments, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient compliance with workplace safety standards. The advanced tool is easily accessible from mobile devices, supporting safety professionals wherever their work takes them. 'While safety professionals can still choose to review specific sections of the handbook, it's now possible to get immediate and trusted guidance when time is of the essence,' said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. 'In today's dynamic work environments, Safety Trekr AI empowers safety professionals to perform their jobs with unprecedented speed and effectiveness.' Safety Trekr AI covers essential topics like regulatory guidance and risk management, summarizing information into checklists while dissolving language barriers by translating content. 'It's truly remarkable how this sophisticated tool leverages natural language processing techniques to comprehend a question and communicate the answer in the user's native language,' Tapp said. 'When obstacles are removed, work environments everywhere can be improved, fostering a truly global culture of safety.' Unlike open AI platforms, Safety Trekr AI is a closed model, ensuring complete accuracy, credibility and transparency by only accessing trusted sources within the handbook and referencing them. Safety Trekr AI will be demonstrated in the ASSP Marketplace at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition from July 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. There will be a related Tech Talk on the expo floor. Details are available in the Safety 2025 mobile app. The 'Safety Professionals Handbook' and the Safety Trekr AI tool can be found in the online ASSP Store. About ASSP – Working together for a safer, stronger future Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago's suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. ASSP advances its members and the safety profession by providing member communities, serving as a trusted advisor, and elevating safety through workforce development. Its flagship journal, Professional Safety, is a longtime leader in the field. Visit and find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Spectator
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Mike Tapp: ‘I'll never insult or belittle someone who votes Reform'
'I'll never insult or belittle someone who votes Reform,' Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, tells me. 'We need to deliver.' It's a message Labour is increasingly keen to project – but Tapp sound like he really means it. Where others Labour MPs prevaricate on immigration, Tapp supports 'return hubs' (for failed asylum seekers). He finds merit in Denmark's deportation model, arguably the most hardline in Europe. It includes the confiscation of asylum seeker's cash or jewellery over a value of 10,000 Danish Kroner (around £1,100) to pay for their stay in the country. Tapp doesn't want to leave the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights), but he does acknowledge public impatience with Britain's immigration policies. 'It takes time,' he says. 'But Rwanda isn't the answer.' Only time will tell whether his plain-speaking approach will work. At the 2024 election, he beat his Reform rival by over 7,000 votes.
Sky News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Reform pledges to ban all flags except Union Jack, St George's Cross and county flags on public buildings
A row has erupted after Reform UK pledged to ban local authorities from flying any flags aside from the Union Jack or the St George's Cross in councils they control. In last week's local elections, Reform UK gained control of 10 councils, two mayoralties and won more than 500 council seats. And after saying last week they want to end all diversity and equality hire roles, another policy was announced this morning by party chairman Zia Yusuf. He said on social media that Reform-controlled councils will move "at speed" to ensure the only flag that will be flown on public authority buildings "will be the Union Jack and the St George's flag". He added: "No other flags will be permitted to be flown on flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls." The announcement quickly drew criticism from across the political divide - including from Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Labour MPs, including Dover and Deal's Mike Tapp, said this would stop councils flying the Ukrainian flag. Mr Tapp said: "Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country." He then branded the party: "Putin's puppets." This is an attack line often used by the prime minister in Prime Minister's Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing Nigel Farage of "fawning" over the Russian leader. During last year's election campaign, the Reform leader reiterated his belief that the West and NATO had "provoked" Russia's invasion of Ukraine - though said it was "of course" Vladimir Putin's "fault". In 2014, he said Mr Putin was the statesman he most admired. 1:50 Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, proceeded to mock Mr Tapp on social media, replying with a series of water drop emojis and saying "drip, drip, drip" - adding: "Oh, it's the Tapp again". However, the loudest criticism came from the Conservative ranks. Councillors and MPs attacked Reform's policy for potentially stopping regional flags like that of Kent or Yorkshire from being flown. A Reform spokesperson said: "Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's Flag and County flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history." It is understood that flags with "national heritage" will also be allowed. Among those criticising Reform was former Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat, whose constituency is in Kent. He said: "The White Horse has been the symbol of Kent for almost two thousand years. "The first king of Kent, Hengest, is said to have used the flag as he and his brother, Horsa, conquered their new kingdom. "Denying our flag is denying our history." Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, asked on social media if Reform would allow the Leicestershire county flag to fly. Similar comments were made by Tory councillors on social media, as well as some Liberal Democrats. The war of words comes after the Conservatives and Labour both suffered heavily at the hands of Reform in last week's local elections, as well as the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. As well as flags belonging to other countries, the measure will also prevent councils controlled by Reform from flying flags associated with movements, causes or anything else - for example the Pride flag. A Reform source said: "The Tories seem more upset about Reform councils flying the union flag than their councils flying the trans flag. It sums up the state of the Tory party, the sooner they're consigned to the dustbin of history, the better."
