Staff in Passport Offices across the country are walking out today in the first of five-weeks planned strike action.
More than 1,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) at eight Passport Office sites around the UK are walking out as part of a long-running and bitter civil service dispute with the government over jobs, pay, pensions, and working conditions.
It's expected that picket lines will be outside the offices in London, Glasgow, Peterborough, and Newport, as well as at northern bases in Liverpool, Southport, and Durham.
Strikes by Passport Office workers over the next month or so come ahead of the planned nationwide walkout of more than 130,000 civil servants on 28 April - with the PCS union saying that all those taking part in the industrial action will be supported by a strike fund.
The Home Office said more than 2.7 million passport applications have already been processed this year, and confirmed that over 99.7% of standard applications are being processed within the 10-week official guidance period,
The majority of those passport applications were processed and delivered to customers under this timescale, the Home Office said.
Passport Office workers begin five-week strikes over pay and pensions / Credit: PCS Union (via Twitter)
But despite this, news that strike action was to be taken by Passport Office staff has inevitably lead to tourists being warned of expected disruption to passport services throughout the Easter holidays, and other peak Bank Holiday weekends over the next two months.
Ahead of strikes beginning today, PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka says he has written to the government calling for urgent talks in a bid to resolve the dispute, and accused ministers of treating its own employees differently to others in the public sector.
However, nothing has been resolved as of yet.
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Dogs Trust Leeds is looking to find a ‘forever’ home for their loneliest dog
Meet Edie, the lovely Shar Pei at Dogs Trust Leeds who has had 41 first dates at but still hasn't found her 'forever' home.
Edie is a beautoful 7-year-old Shar Pei who has been waiting to find her forever home longer than any other dog at Dogs Trust Leeds.
She joined the charity back in 2020, after the death of her owner.
Edie has spent over 4,000 days at the charity and has been adopted 41 times, but is still yet to find her forever home.
We're not crying, you are.
Edie is described as an 'amazing dog' who can be'very shy initially but with a little time and plenty of treats she will soon be nudging you for a bit of fuss!'.
Image: Dogs Trust Leeds
Dogs Trust Leeds states: "She’s also worried by other dogs, but she’s proven that in a home where she won’t see them up close, she is a dream. She's been for sleepovers to her handlers home and she was the perfect house guest! Very relaxed, fully housetrained, and happy to just chill out. We know that in a peaceful adult only home where she’ll be the only pet she will thrive."
"Edie is the most loving and gentle natured dog and has come such a long way since first arriving in our care. Her handlers all adore her due to her zest for life. She's super affectionate and loves plenty of snuggles!
"She enjoys getting out for walkies or playing with her toys and she's absolutely smashed her training. Off-lead playtime is another favourite hobby for her so she will need to have a secure garden to play in. So if you’re looking for a very loving companion, you have a quiet and predictable routine and have time to gradually settle her in, add our Edie to your favourites now!"
If you'd like to welcome Edie into your home, then find out more here.
The Maccabees announce full line-up for huge Leeds show at Kirkstall Abbey
Clementine Hall
Indie heroes The Maccabees are set to headline Live at Kirkstall Abbey, and they'll be joined by a few others.
The renowned indie rock quintet The Maccabees have shared a stacked lineup for their only northern headline show this year as part of the Live at Kirkstall Abbey concert series.
Joining them are Newcastle Alt-Rock legends Maxïmo Park, eclectic art rock fourpiece Everything Everything, psychedelic indie rock stalwarts The Mystery Jets led by the inimitable Blaine Harrison and fast rising singer/songwriter/storyteller Fiona-Lee.
The Maccabees’ eagerly anticipated return in 2024 got indie music lovers across the country very excited indeed, headlining All Points East and Glastonbury’s Park Stage, the band’s return was met with enthusiastic crowds.
Building upon that reception, The Maccabees are now set to inspire similar scenes across the country as they head out on a major outdoor summer tour in July including their only northern date at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey.
Maccabees guitarist Felix White says, “The year we’ve just had was so special to all of us, and so unexpected, that it has put some momentum in everyone collectively …. and who wouldn’t want to do all that again”
Also announced for this year's Live at Kirkstall Abbey is The Streets, performing their critically acclaimed album A Grand Don’t Come for Free alongside reunited Leeds indie heroes The Sunshine Underground.
The debut ‘Above All Else’ event headlined by Loyle Carner will be taking place and the return of Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival featuring Dara Ó’Brien, Jason Manford, Lucy Beamount and more.
The Maccabees will be performing at Kirkstall Abbey on Friday 31 July 2026 and you can get your tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd April 2023 
