Latest news with #publicConsultation
Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Rayner backs down in Islamophobia free speech row
Angela Rayner has backed down on 'secretive' plans for a new definition of Islamophobia after free speech campaigners threatened legal action. The Deputy Prime Minister has expanded and extended a public consultation over the proposals, which critics fear will rubber-stamp a controversial definition. The consultation will now run for an extra week and a link for responses to the plans has been made public. The move followed complaints by the Free Speech Union (FSU), which said the new definition was being drawn up behind closed doors. The FSU wrote to Ms Rayner expressing concern that the process would enshrine a definition which treats Islamophobia as a type of racism. The definition has been criticised for being so expansive that it could threaten free speech, act as a de facto blasphemy law and stifle legitimate criticism of Islam as a religion. In his letter, Lord Young, the general secretary of the FSU, said the consultation questions appeared to be 'heavily weighted' in favour of a 'predetermined outcome', endorsing a definition 'closely aligned' with that put forward by the all party parliamentary group (APPG) on British Muslims. The APPG definition was adopted by Labour and stated that 'Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness'. Lord Young said key groups that might challenge the definition over its impact on free speech and provide alternative views had not been invited to submit evidence. He listed Christian Concern, the Christian Institute, the Adam Smith Institute, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Ms Rayner's department has extended the deadline to July 20 and widened the consultees. Lord Young said it needed to give sufficient time to take on board all the responses to the plan. Lord Young said: 'I'm glad the working group has abandoned its plans to confine its consultation to a small group of hand-picked activists in response to my letter. 'But given that the group will now be carrying out a proper consultation and extending the deadline, I trust it will delay coming up with a definition of Islamophobia until it has had a proper chance to consider all the responses. 'Hoping to complete its work within a couple of months is now completely unrealistic.' A spokesman for Ms Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: 'The independent working group is listening to a broad range of views and perspectives. 'The call for evidence will enable them to build on the extensive consultation already undertaken, ensuring the advice provided to Government reflects diverse experiences and opinions, while also safeguarding our vital and unwavering right to freedom of speech.'
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans unveiled for massive new housing estate and park in Stockport
Plans for a large new housing estate with dozens of new homes in Stockport have been released. Housing developer Taylor Wimpey wants to build new 160 properties on land off Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove. They will range from one to five bedrooms and half will be designated as affordable housing, they say. READ MORE: Bosses issue new statement on why M60 shut for 30 hours READ MORE: Woman, 39, named as murder suspect after 93-year-old found dead at home Whilst the proposed development would also include a new 'pubic open space' including a play area and footpath connections to the Happy Valley Nature Reserve. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here Taylor Wimpey are currently working on an outline planning application. And they have opened a public consultation which will run until Thursday, July 31, where they are asking locals to have their say. "All feedback received will shape our planning application, which we intend to submit to Stockport Council at the end of summer 2025," they say. Join our Stockport WhatsApp group HERE They are holding an exhibition event at the Brookdale Club and Theatre, on Bridge Lane in Bramhall, from 3pm until 7pm today (Wednesday, July 9) where residents can meet members of the project team. Brigid Edwards, Senior Strategic Land & Planning Manager at Taylor Wimpey Manchester, said: 'Collating the views of local residents is an essential part of our development process, and we're keen to gather as much feedback as we can from residents about our plans for a new community in Hazel Grove. 'We understand that not everyone will be able to attend the public exhibition event, so we will be uploading a digital version of the exhibition boards to our consultation website, so everyone can view and review the proposals at their convenience. "We look forward to showcasing our plans in due course.' - For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Consultation for plans to change Isle of Wight fire services
A fire service has revealed plans to merge and close stations which "are not required or currently used".Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has launched a public consultation on potential changes to services on the comes after the announcement of a new fire station in East proposed changes are part of the service's safety plan for 2025-30, outlining its goals for the next five years. The plan is created by looking at different risks in communities, their potential impact and how the service could adapt to address them. In a statement, the service says it has identified ways to "rationalise operational response on the Isle of Wight".It has unveiled plans to combine Yarmouth and Freshwater fire stations, which would mean two fire engines could operate in the west of the are also proposals to stop operational responses from Bembridge fire station. 'We will continue to be there' The statement explained: "There has been no response from Bembridge since 2020 due to lack of available on-call firefighters. "During this time, Ryde fire station received investment to increase staffing to a full-time crew."The public consultation on plans will run until 29 July and there will also be community events to discuss the proposals in Bembridge and changes come as the fire service is testing the removal of less frequently used fire engines in four on-call stations in Romsey, Waterlooville, Petersfield and are also plans to introduce a new vehicle which would mean a reduction in 20 firefighter posts across Redbridge and Cosham, but the service has explained this would not result in fire officer, Neil Odin, said: "We are looking to make changes because we need to ensure that we have a modern, fit for purpose and efficient fire service. "The changes are about having the right resources in the right place to meet the identified risks in our communities. Public safety will always be our priority and, if you need us, we will continue to be there quickly, with the right people, vehicles and equipment." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Chelsois or Chelski: Chelsea, Que., accepting suggestions to name its residents
The municipality of Chelsea, Que., is looking for a distinctive name to identify its residents, with suggestions already proposing Chelsois or Chelski. The town north of Ottawa-Gatineau has launched public consultations to 'find a name for Chelsea residents' as part of its 150th anniversary. 'Since its first municipal Council in 1875, Chelsea has evolved and enriched itself with a vibrant history and a diverse population,' the town said in a statement. 'However, there is still no official name for residents. This strong identity project aims to find a distinctive name to embody local identity and pride for future generations.' The public is invited to submit a name suggestion that is 'well pronounced in both official languages' and 'is gender-inclusive or gender-neutral,' according to the municipality. Residents can submit suggestions until May 28. Here is a look at some of the suggestions: Chelsois and Chelsoise Chelseacois and Chelseacoise Chelski Chelseaite Chelois, Cheloise, Chelseas Ottawa residents are known as Ottawans.
