Thursday, 5 November 2020

 

Our Approach to the Second Coronavirus Lockdown in England

Thursday, 5th November 2020 

Amid rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 across the United Kingdom and the announcement of a new national lockdown for England to control the spread of the virus, we wanted to take the time to keep you informed of the measures we are putting in place in line with national restrictions.

With issues of health and safety rightly at the forefront of everyone’s mind, the wellbeing of our customers, guests, employees and their families, remains the Embassy’s number one priority.

The points below set out our updated approach as of 5 November 2020 and will remain in place until the easing of these lockdown restrictions.

At its foundation our approach adheres to the current public health guidance and strives to ensure workplace safety and reduce the spread of the virus.

During these trying circumstances, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance given by the Government, making all necessary changes to ensure the safety and health of our customers and colleagues.

~MANAGEMENT~

Consular & Diaspora Services

Furthermore, effective immediately, the Embassy’s consular section will be limiting operational hours to Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm for the processing of the following postal applications ONLY:

  • Visas
  • Ethiopian-origin ID Card Renewal
  • Passport Renewal
  • Legalisation
  • Confirmation of Pension Eligibility

In addition to these postal applications, the Consular section will be processing death certificates in-person strictly on a case by case basis and by appointment only. For further information, contact the Consular section on 0207 838 3885.

Until further notice, all other consular and diaspora services currently being offered on an appointment basis at the Embassy are henceforth suspended, including in-person collections.

Details of how to make a postal application for our consular services can be found at www.ethioembassy.org.uk/consular-services

For consular emergencies, please contact us on 0207 838 3885 or by email at ca@ethioembassy.org.uk.

For diaspora services, please contact us on the following numbers: 020 7838 3873 | 0207 838 3886 | 0203 846 6682 or by email at diaspora@ethioembassy.org.uk.

Visiting the Embassy

We have adjusted our operations across the rest of the Embassy: All other departmental staff, apart from essential members of staff, will be working remotely until further notice.

We will therefore no longer be offering appointments nor accepting drop-in visitors. Those who require services or information are advised to consult our website or to contact the relevant departments via the details below.

Emergency Contacts for other Departments

Due to the national lockdown, most of our staff will be working remotely until further notice. Please note the below contact details for any urgent enquiries during this time:

General enquiries: info@ethioembassy.org.uk

Diaspora Affairs: 020 7838 3873 | 0203 846 6682 | 0207 838 3886 | diaspora@ethioembassy.org.uk

Press / Media: 020 7838 3883 | press@ethiopembassy.org.uk

Political Affairs: 0207 838 3885 | political.affairs@ethioembassy.org.uk

Trade and Investment: 0203 846 6682 | business@ethioembassy.org.uk

Due to the high volume of calls and emails, it might take longer than usual for us to respond. For emails, please allow at least 5 working days for routine enquiries.

Travelling to Ethiopia

Amid the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the Government of Ethiopia has put in place new health guidelines for all travellers entering Ethiopia. 

Our latest travel guidance is available here on our website at https://bit.ly/TravelUpdateET.

Wednesday, 4 November 2020

 



NAIBU Spika anayemaliza muda wake, Dk.Tulia Ackson akipokea fomu kutoka kwa Katibu Msaidizi wa Idara ya Oganaizesheni ya CCM, Solomoni Itundakwa aji ya kuomba kugombea unaibu spika wa Bunge. Tulia ni Mbunge Mteule wa Mbeya Mjini.


Dk Tulia akitoka  baada ya kuchukua fomu



Na Richard Mwaikenda, CCM Blog Dodoma.

NAIBU Spika anayemaliza muda wake, Dk.Tulia Ackson amesema ameaamua kugombea unaibu spika si uspika ili apate fursa ya kulitumikia vizuri jimbo la Mbeya Mjini.

Ameyasema hayo alipokuwa akizungumza na waandishi wa habari muda mfupi baada ya kuchukua fomu za kuwania tena nafasi hiyo katika Makao Makuu ya Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), jijini Dodoma.

Amesema kugombea nafasi hiyo badala ya uspika si kwamba ameogopa ushindani utakaokuwepo kwenye nafasi hiyo ya juu, bali ameona unaibu spika unamfaa ili apate muda wa kuwatumikia vizuri wananchi wa jimbo la Mbeya.

alipoulizwa kwamba haoni kama kutogombea uspika anaogopa ushindani? Dk Tulia alijibu kuwa hadhani yeye kama ni mmoja wa watu wanaoogopa ushindani, kwa sababu hata jimbo alilogombea si jimbo la kawaida na kwamba yeye kama mdada ameweza kushinda hivyo kuwa mwanamke wa kwanza kuliongoza jimbo hilo.

"Hapana siyo kwa habari za ushindani,  Sidhani kama naogopa, kwanza mimi si mmoja wa watu wanaoogopa ushindani, kwa sababu jimbo ambalo nimekuwa mbunge si jimbo la kawaida  na mimi ni mdada ni wa kwanza kuliongoza. Nipo vizuri kwenye ushindani, lakini kwa sasa nimeona fursa hii naweza  kuliongoza jimbo na vilevile kumsaidia Spika endapo wawakilishi wa wananchi yaani wabunge wanatanipa ridhaa ya kutumikia nafasi hiyo", amesema Dk Tulia.


Dk. Tulia ambaye amehudumu kwenye unaibu spika kwa miaka mitano, amewaomba wabunge wampe tena ridhaa ya kushinda nafasi hiyo na kwamba yupo tayari kutumikia, kwani ana shauku ya kuona wabunge wanawawakilisha vizuri wananchi wao bungeni,

"Unaibu Spika ni nafasi ya utumishi, nipo tayari kutumika, miaka mitano iliyopita nilitumika naomba tena niendelee kutumikia kwani shauku yangu ni kuona wabunge  wakiwakilisha wananchi wao bungeni vizuri, kazi yao ni kuikumbusha serikali iliyoyaahidi iyatekeleze."

Monday, 2 November 2020

 Commonwealth Secretariat Logo

Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General on the 2020 General Elections in the United Republic Of Tanzania

2 November 2020
 609  14  580  3

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has strongly urged authorities to investigate allegations regarding the recent general election in the United Republic of Tanzania of serious electoral irregularities, violence and of deaths, particularly in Zanzibar.

Secretary-General Scotland stated:

“By turning out to vote on 28 October, the people of Tanzania once again placed their hope in our shared values of democracy. I laud them for their unwavering commitment.”

“However, I am deeply concerned by reports alleging serious incidents of violence and electoral malpractice. I urge the relevant authorities to transparently and expeditiously conduct the necessary investigations and ensure the rule of law, justice and accountability prevails, in order to maintain the people of Tanzania’s confidence in democracy.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed her hope that positive lessons from previous elections could inform current processes, and added:

“I hope that every option will be explored to maintain trust in the electoral process and to ensure that democracy, peace and unity are safeguarded in Tanzania. The Commonwealth will remain ready to offer support if required”

Saturday, 31 October 2020

YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 28 October 2020
You're invited! Made in Dagenham film studios big reveal

We’re a step closer to seeing plans to build London’s largest film studios in Dagenham become a reality! And there’s some exciting news we want to share with you, so we’re inviting you to our live streamed big virtual reveal. All you need to do is set yourself a reminder to join us at www.lbbd.gov.uk/made-in-dagenham on Tuesday 3 November at 10am for your front row seat and slice of the action! 

But before then, we want to hear from you.

If you have a question you’d like to ask relating to the film studios, now’s the time to ask it. Whether it’s a question around jobs for local people and how to access them, how you can contribute to the film and tv industry supply chain, or simply what the studios will mean for budding talent in the borough, we’ll be answering as many questions as we can during our virtual event. Please send us your questions by midday this Friday, 29 October. 

Ask your question here.

We can’t wait to mark another huge milestone in the picture perfect Made in Dagenham film studios journey - and we hope to see you there! 
Need help with free school meals? Get in touch

If you or your family are struggling with food, including how to get free school meals over the half term, we have lots of ways we can help.  

The council runs four community food clubs which offer weekly fresh food for free and are open to children on free school meals and their families. You can find out more at www.lbbd.gov.uk/community-food-clubs. 

In April, we launched our Hardship Scheme to assist residents who have been impacted by Covid-19 and need help with buying essentials. You can find out more at www.lbbd.gov.uk/hardship-scheme.

All of this support is coordinated by our Homes and Money Hub who can be contacted by email: homesandmoneyhub@lbbd.gov.uk or phone: 020 8724 2115 / 020 8227 2927.

Since April, we have supported 1,756 people through our Homes and Money Hub. We’ve also provided another 374 households with hardship payments totaling £223,228, and distributed 831 foodbank vouchers and parcels to local residents. Our community food clubs have helped save our residents almost £8,000 since April this year, so if you need help this half term or at any time, please reach out.

Friday, 11 September 2020

In your 20s? You’re at risk of passing it on to more vulnerable people

Cases of Covid-19 among people in their 20s are on the rise, even in Barking and Dagenham, according to the latest Public Health England data. In the last week, a third of all cases of Covid-19 have been aged 20-29.

Even if you’re in a low risk age group like your 20s, it’s really important that you still follow government advice and play your part in keeping your relatives and London Safe. If you catch the virus you might recover (but there’s evidence it leaves long term effects), but you risk passing it on to people who could get really ill and ultimately die. 

When you’re out and about, please remember to wear your face covering properly (covering your mouth and nose) and dispose of it responsibly when you return home. Please also continue to wash your hands regularly. And if you’re catching up with friends, please make sure you follow the social-distancing rules to help keep your friends and family safe. No kissing or hugging no matter how tempting it might be.

Find out more here. 
New law banning social gatherings of more than six from Monday

The government has announced that from Monday 14 September, it will be illegal for groups of over six people to meet socially indoors or outdoors, after a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The new rules will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

It will be enforced through a £100 fine, doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200.

For the latest info about what you can and can’t do during the pandemic check out these FAQs: www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-9-september
YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 9 September 2020

Thursday, 3 September 2020

 

New COVID-19 testing site opens today

Recently we put in a bid for three walk-in Covid-19 testing centres within the borough, to make it easier for residents to get tested for coronavirus, near to their homes. 

Our bid was successful, and the first centre will be opening today, Thursday 3 September, at Mayesbrook Park car park on Lodge Avenue. The testing site will help reduce the spread of Covid-19 by making it easier for residents with symptoms of the virus to get tested locally. 

Today the centre will be open 2–5pm, tomorrow (Friday 4 September) it will be open 10am–5pm, and then from Saturday 5 September onwards, it will be open 8am-8pm every day, seven days a week.

If you have symptoms, you should book a test appointment immediately by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. You can also walk in for a test without an appointment, but there is no guarantee you’ll be seen if the site is busy that day, so booking is best. If you walk in without an appointment you will also need to bring a smart phone with you so you can register when you arrive.

The site is one of three coming to the borough to make testing easier for you. Look out for more information about the other two sites which will be coming soon. You can find out more about the testing sites here.

Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Interested in a career in health and social care? Then come on down

Are you interested in a career in health and social care? If so, you are invited to attend an online careers fair in September.

The event, which will give participants access to a number of employers and live vacancies will take place on Thursday 17 September, from 10am to 11am and will take place via Microsoft Teams, so access to a computer is essential.

Residents interested in taking part will need to book a place by email to: vacancies@lbbd.gov.uk
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme extended 

The Government today announced that self-employed people whose income has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to claim a second payment from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. Applications for the second final grant worth up to £6.570 went live today. 

Thursday, 6 August 2020

The Conservative Party

Ayoub,

“Local elections don’t matter” 

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard that. In normal years, it’s wrong. But next year it couldn’t be further from the truth. 

That’s because with the 2020 local elections rightly suspended, we now face the colossal challenge of a double election round next year. 

Which means I urgently need your help to double our resources to fight these unprecedented elections >>

Make a Donation

There simply isn’t a replacement to a well resourced campaign. And next year there will be thousands: 

Over 5,000 council elections – many in areas which voted Conservative for the first time in 2019, making it vital we stand in every seat. 

40 Police and Crime Commissioners – these elections will decide how our police are run, and with the Opposition's track record we can’t risk abandoning any candidate. 

13 mayoral contests – which will decide if our levelling up agenda can truly be enacted across the entire country. 

Scottish and Welsh parliamentary elections – where it’s vital we hold the SNP and Welsh Labour to account and defend our Union. 

Ayoub, unless we can double our resources we won’t be able to rise to this challenge >>

Donate £10
Donate £25
Donate £50
Donate Other Amount

These elections aren’t just a test for us but for Labour too. Because for the first time Keir Starmer will be forced to step out of his bubble and speak to real voters.

So Ayoub, if you can help, we need to start preparing today. Will you donate to my urgent appeal and allow us to rise to this challenge >>

I know with you by my side we can succeed again.

Yours sincerely, 

Boris Johnson signature

Boris Johnson
Leader of the Conservative Party