{"id":83297,"date":"2017-08-08T13:13:00","date_gmt":"2017-08-08T13:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=b080d50b9782ae826a729ab598c68a17"},"modified":"2017-08-08T13:13:00","modified_gmt":"2017-08-08T13:13:00","slug":"press-release-scotlands-halo-trust-is-leading-mines-clearance-and-supporting-the-local-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=83297","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Scotland\u2019s HALO Trust is leading mines clearance and supporting the local economy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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International Development Secretary Priti Patel praised Scotland\u2019s HALO Trust for taking the lead in bringing British ingenuity and bravery to mine clearance in some of the world\u2019s most fragile countries, during a visit to the organisation\u2019s headquarters just outside Dumfries today.<\/p>\n

Ms Patel announced support to HALO, Manchester-based Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and Norwegian People\u2019s Aid, which will help to make 15 million square metres of land safe again and enable 15,000 community visits to educate people – especially children – on the dangers of living with landmines.<\/p>\n

British businesses supporting UK aid funded demining to save lives<\/a><\/p>\n

The UK government\u2019s work with HALO is a key part of the economy in Dumfries and Ms Patel met with many local businesses who contribute to Britain\u2019s lifesaving work overseas and help to create jobs in the UK.<\/p>\n

This included Penman Engineering who make armoured vehicles; Soltyre, bespoke tyre makers for rough terrain; and ScotJCB who make heavy duty machinery.<\/p>\n

Ms Patel was joined by the Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, during her visit.<\/p>\n

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:<\/p>\n

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Landmines are indiscriminate weapons of war that maim and kill innocent children every day. Scottish organisations like HALO Trust are at the forefront of the UK\u2019s efforts, bringing British ingenuity, determination and bravery to save lives and make some of the world\u2019s most fragile countries safer and more stable.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m pleased to have met with so many of the local companies that provide the specialist equipment HALO needs to carry out its dangerous and difficult work \u2013 they represent the best of British expertise.<\/p>\n

By involving British businesses in our lifesaving work overseas, we are supporting local economies right across the UK and helping to create and protect jobs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:<\/p>\n

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This is a great example of how the UK\u2019s aid commitment to help those most in need around the world also works here at home in our national interest. Scotland is at the heart of the UK\u2019s international aid efforts \u2013 with hundreds of staff working in East Kilbride as well as contracts going to many Scottish companies.<\/p>\n

The companies working with the HALO Trust are making a real contribution to some of the poorest communities on earth \u2013 and in doing so are creating jobs and driving growth in Scotland. This is just one example of why our aid strategy is so important and why we are so proud to be meeting our commitment as a world-leader in international aid.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

HALO Trust is one of the leading global NGOs on demining. Since 1988 the HALO Trust has destroyed over 1.6 million landmines and nearly 12 million unexploded ordnance. The HALO Trust currently works in 20 countries or territories. Last year they:<\/p>\n