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New in brief: April 19, 2022

HOMOPHOBIA: The Royal British Legion has apologised for past discrimination in refusing to recognise the sacrifices of LGBT+ military personnel.

Campaigner Peter Tatchell wrote to the legion criticising it for having described LGBT+ wreaths at the Cenotaph as “disgusting” and “an insult to the war dead.” 

Director-general Charles Byrne responded with an apology, saying that such behaviour "is not tolerated in today’s organisation."

 

ENVIRONMENT: The British Museum is facing fresh pressure over its sponsorship agreement with BP after campaigners warned today that the deal could breach its own policies.

Campaign group Culture Unstained argued, in a submission backed by climate experts, that renewing the deal “would be inconsistent with the museum’s commitments on sustainability.”

The museum faces a mass protest against BP sponsorship this weekend as a decision on contract renewal looms.

 

INDUSTRIAL: The Unite union is expected to launch a new branch representing migrant workers in north London on Wednesday.

The migrant workers, food, retail and service workers’ branch has been set up to fight for their basic rights, such as an end to long working hours and bosses’ refusal to provide sick and holiday pay.

Thousands of workers will now have a branch from which they can seek help and consult on many issues, including legal rights.

 

COST OF LIVING: People in Britain could face “at least a year and a half of struggle and high costs” as the energy crisis continues, experts warned today.

The Scottish Parliament’s net zero, energy & transport committee heard evidence on soaring gas and electricity prices from Dr Matthew Hannon, Tim Lord and Dr Richard Lowes.

Dr Lowes, senior associate at the Regulatory Assistance Project, said that while people “haven’t started feeling the pinch yet,” there is unlikely to be any let-up before next year.

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