Government allows amendment of 1986 Act
THE Home Secretary, Theresa May, said on Monday that the
Government was "not minded to challenge the amendment made" by the
House of Lords to Section 5 of 1986 Public Order Act, so that it no
longer criminalises insults (News, 14
December). Mrs May told MPs: "I respect the review taken by
their Lordships. They had concerns, which I know are shared by some
in this House, that Section 5 encroaches upon freedom of
expression."
Dr Sentamu supports children's heart-surgery
unit
THE Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, said last week that the
proposed closure of the paediatric heart-unit at Leeds General
Infirmary would have "a devastating effect on so many people". The
proposal is currently subject to an independent review. Dr Sentamu
said that he had raised his concerns with government ministers.
Church in Wales enlists help from experts
A GROUP set up to review the recommendations made for the Church
in Wales last July (
News, 27 July) will include churchgoing professionals who have
backgrounds in business, public relations, or marketing. Helen
Biggin, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, who chairs the
group, said that it had made some "radical and challenging
recommendations, which offer great opportunities".
It's all in the clue, says Araucaria
THE crossword setter the Revd John Graham, known as Araucaria,
who contributes to The Guardian, has announced in a
crossword puzzle that he has terminal cancer. Mr Graham, who is 91,
said: "It seemed the most natural thing to do". The clue read:
"Araucaria has 18 down of the 19 which is being treated with 13
15": 13 and 15 were "palliative" and "care". He said that he was
pleased that his doctors had decided against surgery or
chemotherapy.
Marriage Care appoints new CEO
THE Christian charity Marriage Care has appointed Mark Molden as
its new chief executive. He will succeed the outgoing CEO, Terry
Prendergast. Mr Molden, who took up the position on Monday, was
formerly at Care for the Family, where he was chief executive.