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Sustainable travel
AN UPDATED framework with measures to protect the environment in new major road, rail, and rail freight schemes has been unveiled by the UK government. The framework has been updated to reflect legislation set out in the Environment Act, which requires developers to recognise new environmen tal targets and sets out further details on biodiversity net gains.
Transport Minister, Richard Holden, confirmed: “Transport has a vital role to play in levelling up our country, connecting people with good jobs and education opportunities across our cities, towns and villages and in growing the econo my.”
“This new framework is part of our mission to build a more sustainable transport system which protects our wonderful English countryside and wildlife .”
The updated framework supports plans for major infrastructure to be delivered in a greener, faster and more resilient. way.
MORE than 1,000 Passport Office workers will go on strike for five weeks over a dispute about jobs, pay and conditions.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union working across England, Scotland and Wales will take part in the action from April 3 to May 5.
Those working in Belfast are being balloted and could also join the strike.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the dispute was over an imposed 2% pay rise not being increased any further by the government. He added the strike action had come about because "ministers have failed to hold any meaningful talks with us, despite two massive strikes and sustained, targeted action lasting six months".
UK Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Dowden has announced on Thursday March 16 that TikTok will be banned from government devices, following in the footsteps of the EU Commission and several US administrations amid growing concerns around the Chineseowned video app.
The EU Commission and more than half of US states and Congress have already introduced a ban over concerns
He went on to say that the government was "ignoring our members" over their pay concerns but this would not make them "go away".
The union warned the action is likely to have a "significant impact" on the delivery of passports ahead of summer.
