Performers from 42 countries strode down a long red carpet near Ukraine’s parliament this week, as a curtain-raiser to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
But one nation, Russia, was missing.
For the first time in Eurovision history, the host nation barred another country’s singer!
In 2015, in violation of Ukrainian border rules, Russia’s Julia Samoilova performed in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia a year earlier.
Russian MP Vitaly Milonov has said “I think it’s a stupid reaction. They’re even afraid of such a small girl to enter Kiev.”
You can follow coverage of Eurovision here and find out more on the Ukraine/Russia stand off here.
In construction news this week…
Cemex drivers vote for strike action over pay. Major projects like Mersey Gateway and Heathrow could be hit by shortages of construction materials after HGV drivers at Cemex UK voted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
Small contractors have 15% of turnover tied-up in late payments. A shock survey of SME contractors shows construction companies have an average of 15.4% of their annual turnover hit by late payment.
Race starts for £20m Silverstone motor racing museum. Contractors are being called to the grid to bid for a £20m motor racing museum at Silverstone race track in Northampton.
In MECsafe news this week…
We still have plenty of availability on the following courses:
- Health & Safety Awareness – 16th May (ask us about completing your CSCS test after the course)!
- UKATA Asbestos Awareness – 18th May
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.