Malta getting second electricity inter-connector by 2025

Jun 9 2021

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli stated that Malta is set to get a second interconnected with Ragusa following approval by the Cabinet of the 200MW cable investment. Running parallel to the existing inter-connector which currently connects Maghtab station to Ragusa station, both stations were built to accommodate two cable connections. The Minister stated that a study undertaken by France Electric showed that meeting the projected growth in electricity in terms of demand through a second 200MW connector was the most feasible option.

Predicted to cost €170 million, the project will help cut emissions from energy sector by 58% and is expected to be completed by 2025. Alternative connection sites in Calabria, Tunisia and Greece proved too high risk and proved much more expensive following similar studies. With Malta’s demand growing by 18% in four years, it is only expected to continue growing following the pandemic’s impact.

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Photo Source: Miriam Dalli FB

1/3 of Brits choosing isolation over socialising in new survey

Jun 9 2021

With the UK attempting to get back into its everyday routine of social interactions following the pandemic, it seems as though some aren’t ready to get back into social scenarios. A survey published by YouGov has found that as many as 1 out of 3 Brits are choosing to avoid social contact altogether. A poll asking whether people of all ages were willing to socialise as restrictions continue ease got a whopping 33% of people responding that they did not plan on seeing friends and family at all.

Only 9% said they would see or interact with friends more than twice a week. 15% of 18 to 24 year olds were willing to meet up with friends or family, with hesitancy reaching high amongst 25 to 49 year olds at 32%. 50 to 64 year olds were the most likely to avoid socialising at 42%, despite having received full vaccination. The survey, it should be noted, also comes during a time where experts are warning of a possible third COVID-19 wave due to the Delta variant.

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Photo Source: The Guardian

Leading European politicians call to end all legal barriers to abortion

Jun 9 2021

29 politicians, healthcare and women’s rights activists, including government ministers from five European countries, have signed an open letter calling for the removal of legal barriers put up against abortion. With gender and equality ministers from France, Canada and Norway and international development ministers from Sweden and Netherlands signing it, the open letter states that a woman’s right to safe, legal abortion is being eroded by misinformation and attacks on services.

The reopening of abortion clinics which closed during the pandemic is also being called for. Signatories say that abortion should be regarded as essential healthcare service, with a global campaign for factual and unbiased information in order to give women the rights to know and understand their options. The letter was published by SheDecides movement.

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Photo Source: IPPF

UK MPs call to raise the age of cigarette selling to 21

Jun 9 2021

UK MPs have called a consultation which will see the raising of the age for the sale of cigarettes from 18 to 21. As an initiative to end the tobacco epidemic by 2030, the all-party parliamentary group on smoking and health has recommended raising the age to 21 to protect younger people from becoming smokers.

Backed up by health charities and medical organisations, the recommendations also include a ‘polluter pays’ amendment, forcing manufacturers to pay to deliver the end of smoking. A report notes that people are likely to have died last year and this year due to smoking than COVID-19 itself.

Smokers are also targeted to receive help in regions and communities where smoking does the most damage. These include those in routine and manual jobs, unemployed, living in social housing, or who have mental health condition, with pregnant women also on this list.