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Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
Euro 2028, the European Athletics Championships next year and the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs in 2027 are among the key events set to be hosted in the country that will benefit from more than half a billion pounds in funding. At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Lisa Nandy said the investment represented 'major backing' to deliver world-class sporting events (Gareth Fuller/PA) Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The peloton rides past as stage two of the Tour de France passes York Minster, Yorkshire in 2014 (John Giles/PA) The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Lisa Nandy said the investment represented 'major backing' to deliver world-class sporting events (Gareth Fuller/PA) Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The peloton rides past as stage two of the Tour de France passes York Minster, Yorkshire in 2014 (John Giles/PA) The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Major sporting events and grassroots sport to receive £900 million funding
Euro 2028, the European Athletics Championships next year and the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs in 2027 are among the key events set to be hosted in the country that will benefit from more than half a billion pounds in funding. At least £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities nationwide after the funding was outlined in last week's Spending Review, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be co-hosting Euro 2028, with the showpiece men's football tournament expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value alone, the DCMS said. Lisa Nandy said the investment represented 'major backing' to deliver world-class sporting events (Gareth Fuller/PA) Other major events scheduled to be held in the UK include the women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Invictus Games, founded by the Duke of Sussex, in Birmingham in 2027. Earlier this month, more than 100 athletes called on the Prime Minister to support a London bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships. But the Government is yet to commit to the bid, but has not ruled it our either, with a spokesperson saying it was working with UK Sport to secure a series of major sporting events up until 2035. However, the DCMS confirmed that work was continuing to develop a bid for the UK to host the women's Fifa World Cup in 2035. Sporting bodies and local leaders for grassroots initiatives will work closely with the department to establish what each community needs before further plans are laid out. It said the investment will not only help create jobs and boost regional prosperity, but would also reduce barriers to opportunity and 'bring communities together through shared national moments'. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 'Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can, uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage. 'This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our plan for change. 'Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.' The peloton rides past as stage two of the Tour de France passes York Minster, Yorkshire in 2014 (John Giles/PA) The announcement comes after Ms Nandy previously pledged £100 million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK, including new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, back in March. Nick Webborn, chairman of UK Sport, praised the new funding as having 'huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation'. He said: 'We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country's social fabric. 'We are really excited to be working with the Government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.' Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said: 'Funding for major sporting events and grassroots sport is welcome – but the spending review was no boon for British sports. 'Rachel Reeves' tax hikes are forcing schools to sell playing fields and driving up business rates for stadiums. 'At the same time, Labour have scrapped the Opening Schools Facilities fund and the National Citizen Service – depriving young people of sporting opportunities. 'Labour must recognise that their economic mismanagement is dealing a devasting blow to the sports sector.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Call for paddleboarders to act ‘responsibly' around marine mammals
The study, which covered the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands areas, documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals, many of which occurred in sensitive or protected areas. Dr Emily Hague, from Heriot-Watt University, explained that a third of all observed disturbances were caused by 'non-motorised craft like kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats'. She explained: 'In one case, seals resting on a beach became visibly agitated as kayaks passed by, beginning to move around and then many left the haul-out site and slid into the water, a clear disruption of their resting behaviour. 'Signs of stress aren't always dramatic or obvious; it can be more subtle, such as a change in breathing rate, swimming direction or their diving behaviour.' A paddleboarder heads for the sea during the morning sunshine (Image: Gareth Fuller) Another third of the disturbances were caused by small motorboats, with the researchers saying that in one case they saw a speedboat 'repeatedly pursue' bottlenose dolphins, which changed direction and lengthened their dives, regrouping only after the boat left. The scientists added that many small motorboats do not carry automatic identification system tracking, meaning their presence and behaviour are 'effectively invisible' to regulators and conservation authorities. Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Clyde, Forth and Tay and Moray Firth areas, while powered vessel disturbances, including those from speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), occurred in all five areas. Dr Hague explained that the land-based sightings were 'opportunistic', reflecting 'what happened to be observed, not necessarily how often disturbances occur'. She added: 'Just because no incidents involving kayaks were recorded in Orkney or Shetland doesn't mean they don't happen.' READ MORE: The scientist appealed to all water users to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code in order to minimise their impact on marine mammals. 'The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals,' she said. 'Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species. 'We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife. 'Kayakers, paddleboarders, surfers, recreational boaters and everyone else in the water should follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, which offers clear advice on how to minimise your impact on marine mammals. 'With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home.' A third of marine mammal disturbances observed in a study were found to be caused by unmotorised craft (Image: PA) The research, which was conducted with the support of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, forms part of the Scottish Vessel Project, led by Heriot-Watt University. The project aims to capture marine vessel data around Scotland's coastline to better understand the amount of exposure to boats that whales, dolphins and seals experience at different locations.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
National Housing Bank ‘will boost delivery of new homes'
The National Housing Bank, a subsidiary of Homes England, will be publicly owned and act as a consistent partner to the private sector, bringing stability and certainty to housing developers and investors, the Government said. It will be designated as a public financial institution and will work with mayors and local leaders to back housing projects meeting regional priorities. It is hoped the bank will help to unlock a wide range of sites, including bigger ones which struggle to get upfront lending given their risk and complexity. The Government also said the move will help SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to grow and build out their housing pipeline more quickly. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the Government's foot is 'firmly on the accelerator' (Gareth Fuller/PA) The bank will deploy some of the £2.5 billion in low-interest loans announced at the spending review to support the building of social and affordable homes. It will be backed with £16 billion of financial capacity, on top of £6 billion of existing finance to be allocated this Parliament, the Government said. It said the new public investment could help build more than 500,000 new homes. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: 'Our foot is firmly on the accelerator when it comes to making sure a generation is no longer locked out of homeownership – or ensuring children don't have to grow up in unsuitable temporary accommodation, and instead have the safe and secure home they deserve.' The announcement builds on plans for a 10-year affordable homes programme and comes ahead of a 10-year infrastructure strategy to be published on Wednesday, setting out plans to 'rebuild the UK' over the decade ahead. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: 'The new National Housing Bank will unlock £53 billion of additional private investment.' Homes England chairwoman Pat Ritchie said: 'Establishing the National Housing Bank, as a part of Homes England, builds on the agency's expertise at providing a wide range of finance to partners and places to unlock the delivery of new housing and mixed-use schemes.' A spokesperson for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said: 'The launch of a National Housing Bank is an exciting innovation which could propel much-needed investment into housebuilding. 'The industry, and especially SMEs, need all the support they can get for the country to build. 'Confidence is key if the Government is to meet its 1.5 million home target and new streams of investment and support should invigorate new and existing projects.' The Conservatives warned the remit of the new bank must be 'laser-focused'. Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing secretary, said: 'While the ambition to increase housing supply is welcome, history teaches us that governments are often poor at picking winners and Homes England has very mixed results. 'The new National Housing Bank must be laser-focused: it must not crowd out private capital, must not subsidise developments that would have proceeded anyway and must not be lured into funding pie-in-the-sky or unviable projects – instead its role should be limited to de-risking only those schemes that are genuinely unable to attract finance, to ensure taxpayer money is not wasted and private investment is not crowded out. 'But beyond this we must look at the root cause of the housing problem – including why SME developers have been driven out of the market and why financing has become so unattractive that the Government needs to step in. Only Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives are doing the deep thinking necessary to address these root issues.'
