Photo : RADEK PIETRUSZKA/EPA
16 January 2024, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #731
Europe in Brief
By Meenakshi R, Alka Bala and Rosemary Kurian
THE UK
Budget cuts "torpedo" Scottish climate change targets
On 15 January, the BBC reported on the failure of the Scottish government to achieve its woodland cover targets due to a budget cut by the British government. Afforestation in 14,000 hectares of land would be cut down to 9,000 hectares. Scotland's Forestry Grant Scheme supporting the creation of woodlands has been cut down by 41 per cent, according to forestry groups Woodland Trust Scotland and Confor. Stuart Goodal, the CEO of Confor, noted that the Scottish government's ambitious efforts had been falling short over the last five years, but the new budget cuts could widen the gap. This could affect Scotland's aim of net zero emissions by 2045. Mairi Gougeon, the Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary, stated that the government will try to maximise its efforts at creating woodlands, which, despite the cuts, would be more than the rest of the UK's forest cover. (Kevin Keane, “Climate change target warning over forestry cuts”, the BBC, 15 January 2024)
Heavy snow alert disrupts travel in Scotland
On 16 January, the BBC reported on new travel warnings released by Scotland's transport services as temperatures drop to minus four degrees Celcius. Public transport agencies have warned of difficult driving conditions with 20 centimetres snow above the surface. The transport resilience team announced that they would be managing resources based on the situation. Transport Scotland will minimise the effects of any disruptions that may befall the transport sector. Drivers have been urged to stay careful and travellers to postpone their plans due to a yellow alert for ice and snow throughout Scotland. Railway passengers were urged to check the ScotRail website to know the status of trains. As schools closed down due to extreme weather conditions, the situation is expected to persist until Thursday. (“Travel warning as snow and ice alert extended to all of Scotland”, the BBC, 16 January 2024)
Northern Ireland to witness mass union strikes
On 16 January, the BBC reported on the upcoming union strikes by members from 15 unions due to a prolonged lack of pay rise amid heightened inflation. Many including nurses, bus drivers, teachers and civil servants will join the strike on 18 January due to significant pay rise in the rest of the UK. Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary, allocates the budget to Northern Ireland, which the employers suggest is not enough to match up to workers' demands. The strike is potentially the biggest in Northern Ireland since the Ulster Workers' Council strike of 1974. Transportation services and schools are expected to be affected on Thursday, as will be health services. Several hope that a settlement with the DUP could potentially dilute the protests. (Finn Purdy, “'Who is going on strike on Thursday?' And other questions answered,” the BBC, 16 January 2024)
Impending job losses as Welsh Gwynedd Shipping Company ceases operations
On 15 January, BNN Breaking reported the closure of Holyhead-based Gwynedd Shipping Company engaged in services of shipping, transport, warehousing, and customs clearance leaving the local community worried about the job losses. An Anglesey Council spokesperson has stated the County Council’s commitment to alleviate the effects of closure and provide opportunities to the displaced while working in close collaboration with the Welsh government and other partners. The company’s closure directly impacts the livelihood of the employed 50 staff and spreads a broader fear of potential job loss. (Saboor Bayat, “Gwynedd Shipping Ceases Operations: A Blow to North Wales’ Shipping Industry,” BBN Breaking, 15 January 2024, “Gwynedd Shipping: Reports Welsh logistics company has shut,” BBC, 16 January 2024)
Rwanda Bill likely to be shot down; faces opposition from both sides
On 16 January, BBC reported the decision of more than 60 Tory MPs to toughen up the Rwanda Bill through amendments to ensure that it’s watertight as the discussion resumes in the House of Commons today. The legislation faces opposition from both sides of the Conservative Party, as the right feels it would not prevent legal challenges while the One Nation Party group feels any amendments to the bill would risk breaking international law. However, the decision of Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith, two Deputy Conservative chairmen, to vote for the amendments is viewed as a rift within the Conservative MPs. (Kate Whannel, “Tory deputy chairmen back move to 'beef up' Rwanda bill,” BBC, 16 January 2024)
Government designates Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terrorist organization
On 16 January, James Cleverly, the UK Home Secretary declared that Hizb ut-Tahrir will be designated as a terrorist group due to the organisation's support for terrorism on the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. They characterised the organisation as antisemitic and underlined that the action was intended to stop it from operating. The plan which is yet to be approved by members of the parliament, a vote is anticipated this week, is expected to come into effect on 19 January. Approved individuals who are supporters or members of Hizb ut-Tahrir may face criminal charges under the UK Terrorism Act, which carries a maximum term of 14 years in prison and a fine of up to GBP 5,000. The group has previously been outlawed in a number of other nations, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and Germany. ("UK to label Hamas-backing Islamist group as a terrorist organization," Politico, 16 January 2024)
Met Office issues snow warnings
On 16 January, the BBC reported of the Met Office’s yellow warnings over the Northern Ireland, Scotland, and north Norfolk due to Arctic winds bringing snow and freezing temperatures to the UK. Schools in northern Scotland closed due to heavy snowfall, and more snowfall is predicted in the affected districts. A severe weather alert was issued for northwest England by National Highways and drivers were advised to expect travel interruptions. Up to 15 centimetres of snow was predicted to fall in certain places, and temperatures below. ("UK weather: Cold blast brings snow to many parts of UK," BBC, 16 January 2024)
REGIONAL
Poland’s ambitious climate action plans ripple through the EU
On 15 January, Politico reported Poland’s increased efforts in tackling climate change, as confirmed through Urszula Zielińska, a senior official from Poland’s new government urged the EU to adopt the ambitious 90 per cent emission reduction targets by 2040. So far, Denmark, Poland and Bulgaria have rallied to the EU on the adoption of stricter targets, as it also faces prominent opposition to green legislations, as the EU’s Green Deal project garnered criticism from conservative politicians. 2040 targets are a middle ground between the 2030 goal of slashing 55 per cent emissions and 2050’s goal of reaching climate neutrality. However, a Commission assessment showed that the EU might only achieve the 51 per cent emissions target set for 2030, highlighting the need to ramp up its efforts. (Zia Weise, “Poland’s climate surprise pressures EU to pitch ambitious 2040 target,” Politico, 15 January 2024)
Nicholas Schmit as the lead Socialists’ candidate for the EU elections
On 15 January, Politico reported that Nicolas Schmit, the EU commissioner for jobs and social rights would be the front-runner from European Socialists, who would go against Ursula von der Leyen if she agrees to run for another term. Schmit enjoys support from Germany’s Social Democratic Party and the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). In the absence of strong centre-left candidates who enjoy popularity throughout Europe and can withstand the politics outside, Schmit positions himself as an experienced candidate both in the national politics of Luxembourg and European politics. (Barbara Moens, Eddy Eax and Jacopo Barigazzi, “Nicolas who? Socialists close in on challenger to take on Ursula von der Leyen,” Politico, 15 January 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
“Limited, single action taken in self-defence” says Sunak against Houthis
On 16 January, in response to reports of more attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea, Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister withheld military actions in response to the new attacks, while also reiterating the nation’s commitment to protect its security and interests when required. Backed by opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer US-UK strikes as “targeted action” and highlighted that escalation in the Middle East should be avoided. Sunak outlined the risks of inaction “…weakening of security and damage to freedom of navigation and the global economy” to justify the strikes. (Becky Morton, “Rishi Sunak: Strikes on Houthis intended as 'limited, single action',” BBC, 16 January 2024)
The WEF continues to be the perfect networking opportunity
On 15 January, the Financial Times in an opinion juxtaposed the relevance of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the changing world order with its continued reverence. Attendants of Davos were described by Samuel Huntington, a revered political scientist, as those with fluid national borders and no national loyalty, a notion that has changed in recent years. The WEF’s 54th annual summit will be attended by 300 public figures and 1,600 leaders in business in an attempt to discuss the most pressing economic, political and social concerns globally. The raison d’etre of Davos expanded from Klaus Schwab, the founder’s 1971 dream of an avenue to share management practices among leading businesspersons. Davos offers the golden opportunity to network with industry experts. Therefore, despite exorbitant attendance expenses, membership costs (starting at EUR 50,000) and vague themes, thousands are willing to attend the WEF every year. The scale and consistency of the opportunity that the festivities offer journalists, politicians and business leaders at Davos is unmatched, and as the Financial Times points out, becomes cause for regular attendance due to the “simple fear of missing out.” (“Is Davos still worthwhile?,” The Financial Times, 15 January 2024)