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Damian Hinds – 2022 Speech on Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill

The speech made by Damian Hinds, the Conservative MP for East Hampshire, in the House of Commons on 13 October 2022.

I support this important Bill, which seeks to tackle this most international of criminal problems. The scale of global financial crime is mind-boggling, accounting for up to 5% of gross world product and, depending on which estimate we look at—we cannot say absolutely for certain—worth between $2 trillion and $5 trillion. On an optimistic view, the confiscation rate runs at around 1%.

Economic crime is sometimes thought of as being in a separate category from other crime but, no, it is part of those other crimes. There is a particularly close link between fraud and cyber-crime. Money laundering, fraud and cyber-crime collectively—distance crime—make up the majority of crime by volume in this country. More broadly, virtually all crime with a financial motivation touches on money laundering at some level. There is a mix of organised crime groups pulling off huge cyber-crimes, down to individually small but cumulatively very large-volume frauds. Some groups have undergone a sort of vertical integration, controlling every part of the chain; others specialise in one particular part of the chain, such as ransomware as a service. There is a merging of criminal actors with a nexus to states. Then, of course, there are the kleptocrats who got filthy rich on plunder from their fellow citizens.

There is a huge amount that needs to be done in this area. Much of it needs to be done globally, but countries such as ours need to be in the lead. The world has made quite some progress in this area, and in key aspects we have been a leader, but we have also had our lacunae. High on that list is transparency about who is really behind and ultimately benefits from corporate structures and economic assets.

For some time, we have had a substantial and, in many ways, effective architecture to tackle money laundering, but there is an important question whether the suspicious activity reports regime is sufficiently efficient, and whether it is focused enough to make the most difference while minimising dead-weight. There is also the question whether we are fully harnessing the power and capabilities of banks, particularly if we compare our legislation with section 314(b) of the American Patriot Act. Should there be more direct intelligence sharing between banks, and if so, how do we manage the competition policy aspects of that? Finally, however much we improve and innovate, the criminals are doing the same, with ever more sophisticated technology, and they are increasingly bypassing the systems that we have been used to in the past by using cryptocurrency and cryptoassets.

The most important thing about the Bill is that it moves to plug the transparency gap, with reforms to Companies House and limited partnerships as its backbone. It modernises seizure by bringing cryptoassets into scope of the civil forfeiture powers, and it moves from a compliance-driven anti-money laundering system to one that is more proactive and intelligence-led, with rationalised SARs and DAML—defence against money laundering—requirements.

I welcome all the aspects of the Bill, but especially the information-sharing provisions, and in particular their broad scope to include all types of economic crime, including, importantly, volume fraud. I ask the Home Secretary and the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Dean Russell), to really test whether these powers go as far as they productively can. I press not just the Home Office and BEIS Ministers we have here today, but the Treasury, regulators and the private sector, to come together to ensure that we link up the different parts of our financial services sector and the wider professional services sector to best effect.

Information and intelligence sharing could be so much more powerful if we reformed the way that payments are made so that in certain circumstances, where suspicious activity is detected, it is possible to slow down or pause payments and use the system not just to track down money laundering payments or fraudulent payments after the fact, but to stop them happening before the fact. That could be a genuine game changer. As I say, I strongly encourage the two excellent Ministers present today to communicate with the Treasury and others about that.

I support the Bill and I wish Ministers well with it. It is of course part of a wider set of reforms that includes the sanctions regime, the creation of the National Economic Crime Centre, the kleptocracy cell, the overall economic crime plan, and, importantly, our international work with like-minded partners, the Financial Action Task Force, and the Crown dependencies and overseas territories. The reform of visas, which came up, is part of this too, and of course we recently passed the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022. There will be more to come, I am sure, including on corporate criminal liability.

Kevin Hollinrake rose—

Damian Hinds

On that point, I give way to my hon. Friend.

Kevin Hollinrake

I am very supportive of that, as my right hon. Friend knows, but I rise to make another point. He mentioned that putting some friction in the payments system might reduce instances of economic crime. At the moment, banks are refunding a much higher proportion of authorised push payment fraud, but all the onus is on the sending bank. Nothing is reimbursed by the receiving bank, yet it is the receiving bank where the dodgy account is held. Does he agree that we should look at that and create an incentive for the companies that host those bank accounts to tackle it more effectively?

Damian Hinds

I do think we need to look at this more closely, although it is even more complex than my hon. Friend suggests, because we get this ping-on system as well, where a body can be both a receiving bank and a sending bank, and so be a sort of transmission mechanism. We certainly need to look at this more broadly. Madam Deputy Speaker might get cross with me if I try to unpack it too much now, because it is a broader subject. However, as my hon. Friend rightly mentioned, we also have to address the questions of who is liable and how much of the liability now sits within the banking sector, full stop, as opposed to other parts of the consumer interface—different channels through which people come—that might reasonably be expected to share some of that burden too and be properly incentivised.

I am going to close my remarks by saying that these reforms are important and they are not in tension with the success of our financial services sector—quite the reverse. These reforms are about enhancing the reputation of both British financial services and, more broadly, the UK and our reliance on and respect for the rule of law. They are about protecting and growing our business; and doing the right thing, ceding no space to the criminals and the kleptocrats. In the unlikely event that we divide this afternoon, I will be proud to vote “Aye” for this Bill.

15/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Supporting survivors of violence and abuse in Scotland [14 October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 14 October 2022.

A new fund for those affected by violence against women and girls has supported nearly 20,000 survivors in its first six months.

The Delivering Equally Safe (DES) fund provided £9.5 million to 121 projects in its first six months. These projects give one-to-one emotional and practical support, as well as refuge, legal or financial advice and other services. Many of the organisations also run training and outreach programmes aiming to prevent violence against women and girls.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie visited the Saoirse project in Blantyre, run jointly by the charities WASLER and Liber8, to learn how it supports women in Lanarkshire who have been affected by both substance use and domestic abuse.

Ms McKelvie said:

“The projects supported through our Delivering Equally Safe fund offer a lifeline to survivors of violence and abuse. Tackling violence against women and girls is a core priority for the Scottish Government, and this fund is a key element ensuring innovative projects can support survivors and tackle the root causes of violence and abuse.

“I have been moved and inspired by conversations with the women supported by Saoirse. By bringing together specialist services for both domestic abuse and substance use, Saoirse targets the multiple, complex issues that these women may be going through, helping them rebuild their lives.

“This is just one of 121 projects across Scotland that we are supporting through this fund. I am deeply grateful to all the organisations involved for the extraordinary work they do, and for supporting 20,000 survivors in just six months.”

Heather Russell, Chief Executive of WASLER (Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire), said:

“The importance of funding and sustainable funding for our sector cannot be understated. Limits on service delivery and development of services to meet the true needs of women, children and young people we support is a daily grind. It makes the funding of our Saoirse service all the more essential.

“Delivering Equally Safe funding has allowed us to partner two distinct specialisms to develop a needs-led initiative. In bringing together specialist domestic abuse and substance use support services we are able to provide holistic support for women facing multiple and complex challenges.

“The very decision to fund this new partnership illustrates a strategic understanding of domestic abuse and its dynamics. Without DES funding we simply would be unable to deliver prescribed support to women who through no fault of their own need it. Gender-based violence is a threat to the lives of women and girls. Any funding for specialist organisations to support recovery and empowerment of those women is another life saved.”

Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds, Inspiring Scotland, said:

“Organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe deliver vital support for people experiencing gender-based violence alongside crucial education and prevention work.

“We are proud to work with this diverse group of organisations as Fund Managers for the Scottish Government, and are pleased the immense work of the funded groups can be acknowledged through this report. We want to thank funded groups for their hard work reporting on the impact of their activity.

“The learning gained from their reporting confirms not only the difference they are making to the lives of women and children across Scotland, but also the increasing demand for the services they offer.”

14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Supporting innovation and knowledge sharing in Agriculture [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 13 October 2022.

Projects receive funding through Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

A range of projects aimed at tackling climate change and enhancing competitiveness in the agriculture and food production sectors have received funding of more than £370,000.

The seven awards are part of the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) with funding focussed on projects which help maximise resource efficiency, cut emissions and enhance viability.

These KTIF projects support knowledge transfer and learning, as well as innovative on-the-ground improvements in agricultural competitiveness, resource efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We have ambitious targets across the agricultural sector in terms of net zero goals, enabling the essential role of agriculture and addressing the need for food security.

“These are issues that affect us all and investment in these successful projects will contribute to meeting these targets.”

Background

The successful projects are:

Project 1: ‘Data driven decisions in Potatoes’ facilitated by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). KTIF Award – £36,095.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer based project seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Scottish ware growers. To support potato growers to become more productive and sustainable, reducing their impact on the environment/biodiversity.

Project 2: ‘Trustable IoT’ facilitated by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). KTIF Award – £62,832.85.

Overview: The innovation based project seeks to develop a set of open source standardised processes for IoT sensors and digital devices that measure and triangulate biodiversity baselines and improvements.

Project 3: ‘Reducing Inputs’ facilitated by Soil Association (Scotland). KTIF Award – £24,000.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer project aims to inspire and inform farmers and growers to reduce their use of external inputs including synthetic nitrogen-based fertiliser, pesticides and herbicides; to reduce carbon footprints, tackle disease resistance, improve soil health and ecological performance, protect natural capital and boost financial resilience.

Project 4: ‘Decarbonising Scottish Malting Barley production’ facilitated by Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). KTIF Award – £ 36,905.25.

Overview: This knowledge transfer project’s primary aim is to raise the awareness and understanding amongst farmer producers of the emissions associated with producing malting barley.

Project 5: ‘Agroecology: enabling the transition’ facilitated by Nourish Scotland. KTIF Award – £112,500.00.

Overview: This knowledge transfer based project builds the previous project ‘Agroecology – facilitating mindset change’ and its design builds on the learning from that programme. It aims to widen and deepen understanding of agroecology specifically through a farmer to farmer/crofter to crofter cooperative learning programme.

Project 6: ‘Wader Friendly Farmers: Building a Stronger Network’ facilitated by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). KTIF Award – £27,825.00.

Overview: Another knowledge transfer based project which will look to increase the number of farmers and landowners who are engaged with the Working for Waders Initiative, increase the area of land positively managed for waders and improve data collection from the projects.

Project 7: ‘Farm Carbon Storage Network’ facilitated by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). KTIF Award – £85,970.00.

Overview: This innovation based project seeks to develop a representative farmer group that will estimate their farm carbon stock using soil testing and LiDAR surveys.

14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : More than 1.3 million winter vaccines delivered [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 12 October 2022.

Most vulnerable protected against COVID-19 and flu.

Over a million vaccines have been delivered to protect against the latest strains of flu and COVID-19 in the latest efforts to relieve pressure on the NHS over winter.

Frontline healthcare staff and the country’s most vulnerable have been immunised at speed – with 80.2% of all care home residents being fully vaccinated since the rollout began in September.

The next groups in line for their vaccines – over 65s and those at high-risk – are receiving a scheduled appointment and 50-64 year olds will soon be invited to book an appointment. Anyone who has missed an appointment can reschedule through the NHS Inform online booking portal.

The COVID-19 vaccine is being given at the same time as the flu jab where possible, and so far 94% of those invited have had both at the same appointment. Over two million Scots will be offered both vaccines over the next three months – a pace that aims to maintain Scotland’s place as a leading nation on vaccine uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“This impressive uptake is testament to the frontline staff who got us through the pandemic and continue to protect our population and NHS from the threats that winter brings.

“Scotland remains steadfast in the effort to protect everyone – continuing the huge success of the vaccination programme since it was first rolled out in December 2020.

“COVID-19 has not gone away and I call on everyone to take up the offer of a booster as soon as their invitation arrives to protect themselves, their families and the NHS.”

BACKGROUND

1,369,270 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered since the winter vaccine programme launched.

Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.

14/10/2022
Eluned Morgan – 2022 Statement on Progress Implementing the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Plan
The statement made by Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Health and Social Services, on 14 October 2022.

On 16 October, we mark Restart a Heart Day. Save a Life Cymru and its partners will be encouraging us to learn more about life-saving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using defibrillators and knowing how to help when someone has a cardiac arrest.

I want to use this opportunity to provide Members with a further update about progress to implement the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Plan and Save a Life Cymru’s work.

The Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Plan was launched in 2017 and we established the Save a Life Cymru partnership that brings together organisations across Wales to help develop the Welsh public’s CPR and defibrillation skills so people feel confident to help if they witness someone experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Last year we increased the funding for this life saving programme.

Earlier this month a new save a Life Cymru campaign was launched. ‘Help is closer than you think’ (Cofia, mae help wrth law) which focuses on increasing people’s confidence to intervene in a cardiac arrest emergency by highlighting the importance of calling 999 immediately, as well as the support provided by the call handler to do CPR and locate a registered defibrillator until an ambulance arrives. A TV, radio and social media advertisement went live from Monday 10 October.

Save a Life Cymru has recruited a clinical out-of-hospital cardiac arrest programme manager who is developing an all Wales CPR and defibrillator framework to help communities become rescue ready and have the right resources in the right place to help someone having a cardiac arrest. It has also recruited four Save a Life Cymru community support coordinators, one of whom is already in post, and it is hoped the remainder will be in post before the end of November. They are also currently advertising for two Save a Life Cymru community support team leader posts.

Save a Life Cymru is working with a range of organisations to support people of all ages and backgrounds to learn CPR and defibrillation skills, including:
- Continuing to develop their partnership with the Football Association of Wales to broaden the reach of teaching CPR in Wales.
- Following a successful pilot, Cardiff University has rolled out its model for all medical students who are trained in CPR to train all first year students.
- Supporting One Voice Wales, which represents community and town councils, employing a person to co-ordinate CPR and defibrillator activity in communities across Wales, including ensuring defibrillators are registered and in good working order.
- Appointing, in conjunction with Cardiff Metropolitan University, a post-doctoral research fellow who will develop research projects to initiate improvements in Out of Hospital Cardiac arrest outcomes in Wales
- Partnering with Ospreys Rugby medical team to help raise awareness of CPR and defibrillation among its audiences.
- Producing a bilingual educational leaflet to support community CPR
- Providing CPR training at the Welsh Government stand in some national events such as the Urdd Eisteddfod and Royal Welsh Show
- Supporting Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to produce a bilingual Primary School resource, supported by BSL, which teaches children the sequence of CPR through song and dance.
During 2021/22 I announced a further £1m to purchase 1,000 additional defibrillators which community groups and public organisation across Wales were able to apply for. 638 groups and organisations successfully applied for a defibrillator and so far about 238 have been installed in communities across Wales. There have been some delays in groups being able to purchase and install the cabinets so defibrillators are still being distributed.

Communities and organisations which already have defibrillators are being encouraged to register them on The Circuit – more than 7164 are registered and now 72% have a guardian. We have seen a significant increase in the number registered and in the percentage with a guardian but there is still more work to be done.

Additionally, the Welsh Ambulance Service partnered with GoodSAM app to improve mobilisation of clinically trained staff and volunteers to life-threatening emergency calls. So when an emergency call is received by the ambulance service and classified to be of a life-threatening nature, details will automatically be sent through to the GoodSAM app to alert the nearest approved volunteer responder. They will shortly be relaunching the GoodSAM app in Wales, which was paused during the pandemic, and this will open up being a GoodSAM responder to all eligible individuals who have signed up and been approved by GoodSAM and partner organisations. This will be a huge step forward in Wales.

We have made substantial progress over the course of the last twelve months and have heard stories of the differences this work is making to people’s lives. We know that every second counts when someone goes into cardiac arrest. We can all help raise awareness of the importance of dialling 999 and giving early CPR and defibrillation.
14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of Welsh farms to receive payments [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 13 October 2022.

More than 15,600 Welsh farms will receive a share of over £161m when Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2022 advance payments are made tomorrow (Friday 14 October), Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.

This means 97% of claimants will receive a BPS advance payment worth 70% of their estimated claim value.

This is the second year Rural Payments Wales (RPW) is making automatic BPS advance payments in October.

Before 2021, BPS payments commenced from 1 December annually.

Regulation changes made by the Minister following the end of the EU Exit Implementation Period simplified the requirements for BPS. This sees BPS advance payments made prior to December to eligible claimants. Reasons why a BPS advance payment may not be made include ongoing land dispute, breaches identified at inspection or outstanding probate matters.

Full and remaining balance BPS 2022 payments will be made from 15 December 2022, subject to full validation of the BPS claim.

It is expected all but the most complex BPS claims will be fully validated, and payments made before the end of the payment window on 30 June 2023.

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said:

Following the simplification of BPS requirements, advance payments have been made prior to December which provides financial certainty to farm business during this extremely challenging time.

In addition, here in Wales we have maintained the BPS budget at £238m, the same level as last year.

Full and remaining balance BPS 2021 payments will be made from 15 December and my officials will again this year be working hard to make these payments to as many farmers as possible early in the payment window.

14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations return to the banks of the Thames [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 14 October 2022.
More than 100,000 ticket-holders will again be able to gather to watch London welcome in the new year

Annual spectacular has only been available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer for the last two years due to COVID restrictions

First tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 21 October

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations will return to the banks of the River Thames for the first time since 2019, with the first tickets on sale next Friday.

The annual fireworks celebration will again take place near the iconic lastminute.com London Eye, allowing more than 100,000 ticket-holders to unite to welcome in the new year.

For the last two years, the capital has welcomed in the new year with a multi-site spectacular show only available to watch on TV due to the impact of COVID restrictions.

This year ticket holders will again be able to able to watch the fireworks in person, while a global television audience tunes in to see the celebrations and hear the traditional sounds of Big Ben’s chimes marking the start of the new year.

Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £15 – with every penny used to pay for the costs associated with the ticketing scheme. There are two ticket releases ahead of the event, but they are likely to sell out very quickly so it is important to book early as visitors from around the world travel to London to watch the fireworks.

Those without a ticket are encouraged to watch the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer alongside millions of viewers or to celebrate the new year at the capital’s fantastic range of bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

City Hall is working with a wide range of partner agencies including the Met Police, TfL, local authorities and the emergency services to safely deliver the event.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our fireworks are back and Londoners and visitors to our capital will again be able to join together on the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year. The celebrations are one of the biggest nights of the year for our capital’s hospitality industry and an unforgettable moment when the eyes of the world turn to our city. This year will be the best ever! To watch the fireworks in person you have to buy a ticket in advance, so I urge anyone wanting to attend to book their ticket as early as possible.”

Imran Tauqir, General Manager of The lastminute.com London Eye, said: “London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are renowned as the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations and we are delighted to partner with the Mayor of London to bring this incredible show back to The lastminute.com London Eye. As a long established feature of the capital’s famous skyline we’ve been part of these famous celebrations since the Eye’s inception in 1999 so it’s an honour that the fireworks will once again inspire visitors from around the world to visit our great capital. A dazzling display of colour and sound awaits, against the backdrop of our world famous landmark, for both those here in London and for TV audiences across the globe welcoming in 2023 with their families and friends.”
14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : nurtureuk and Tender to deliver new inclusive education programme [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.

nurtureuk and Tender are delighted to announce their roles in a transformational new programme aimed at tackling school exclusions in London.

The charities have been named as joint delivery partners for the London Violence Reduction Unit’s Inclusive and Nurturing Schools Programme, which is being rolled out across 70 schools in seven London Boroughs. It aims to keep children safe, supported, and thriving in school, tackle exclusions, and ensure children and young people have healthy relationship behaviours and attitudes.

nurtureuk, which champions nurture in education, and Tender, a charity specialising in the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of healthy relationships between children and young people, will deliver the programme in partnership.

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We firmly believe in the importance of education and the support and guidance that good quality schools, colleges and alternative provision settings can give a young person. What’s also clear is there is a direct correlation between school exclusions and serious violence affecting young people.

“We’re redoubling our focus to minimise exclusions and keeping children and young people safe and engaged in their education. The VRU will be delivering a new, targeted programme – backed up with nearly £2m investment – to tackle school exclusions, sexual harassment and abuse.

“It’s crucial that we support schools – and our fantastic, hardworking teachers – to be safe and nurturing places where pupils’ needs – both educational and personal – can be identified early. We’re looking forward to working with Nurture and Tender in the delivery of our inclusive education programme to tackle school exclusions and help promote the importance of healthy relationships.”

nurtureuk CEO Arti Sharma said: “We’re delighted to help deliver this vital programme. Children are struggling with their social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing like never before. A nurturing approach in schools is now more essential than ever and this programme will ensure children are ready and able to learn. We look forward to working alongside Tender and the London Violence Reduction Unit to help achieve its aims of reducing exclusions and ensuring children can thrive in school.”

Tender CEO Susie McDonald said: “As one of Tender’s Youth Board members noted recently, preventing abuse and harassment is a form of care. We are therefore thrilled to be working with nurtureuk and the London Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that children receive the care and protection they need to enjoy and excel in their education. Positive social connections are foundational to children’s wellbeing, and we are excited to support schools to embed and embody healthy relationships education through this dynamic new programme.”

The initiative is being delivered in Barking and Dagenham, Enfield, Croydon, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham and Islington. The boroughs have been selected based on rates of suspension, absence, persistent absenteeism and pupils with special educational needs (SEN) support, as well as wider measures such as rates of Children in Need and domestic abuse incidents.

14/10/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor partners with Black Cultural Archives to inspire future leaders [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.
Around 100 young Londoners from all backgrounds will be invited to attend masterclasses to help develop their futures

Black Leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ will share their experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams

Partnership is announced as part of the Mayor’s celebration of Black History Month and the Black Cultural Archives’ Black Futures Season

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that around 100 young Londoners are to benefit from masterclasses to help develop their futures, thanks to a new partnership with the Black Cultural Archives.

City Hall and the Black Cultural Archives are working together to inspire young Londoners from all backgrounds with classes designed to develop their skills and resilience and help them to map out a plan to achieve their dreams

The classes will be led by young Black leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ – a national initiative developed by the Black Cultural Archives, University College London and Black Britain and Beyond, to award 40 rising leaders from across the country.

The leaders will share their knowledge and experience across a range of industries with local young people, aged between 16-24, who will be invited by charitable and voluntary sector organisations and Mayoral programmes that support them.

The classes are designed to encourage and inspire the young people to pursue their ambition and realise their potential, and form part of the Mayor’s work to provide positive opportunities for young people, particularly those who face inequality and the biggest challenges.

To mark Black History Month, the Mayor has exhibited a photographic portrait exhibition of the London winners of the 40 X 40 awards winners in City Hall. Last week, Sadiq held a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of Black History Month and emphasise the theme ‘Time for change: Action not words’. His Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm has also funded a number of Black history walks and talks across the capital to help Londoners learn more about our history.

The classes form part of the Black Cultural Archives ‘Black Futures: Our Time is Now’ season which is designed to recognise the importance of understanding Black history in order to ensure continued momentum towards racial justice and a better future for all.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that these inspiring young Black leaders will be working with young people from across the capital to build their skills and confidence, and set them on a path for success. We need to celebrate the achievements of Black Londoners throughout the year not just in Black History Month, and with these masterclasses we will not only recognise these talented leaders but encourage young people to follow in their footsteps. It’s another example of how we’re working to build a fairer, better and more equal London for everyone.”

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, BCA Chair, said: “At Black Cultural Archives we constantly strive towards achieving and sharing excellence throughout our communities as we have done for the past 40 years, and look forward to doing so for the next 40 and beyond. BCA Chair’s 40×40 Future Leaders Campaign does just that by recognising our past, and how to make our future better for it. It’s my belief that we all need to learn more, be more and do more to cultivate a culture of tolerance for all across London, and that is what the BCA Future Leaders Masterclasses are all about. We are honoured to have the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ongoing support to ensure that happens not just for Black History Month but on an ongoing basis.”
14/10/2022
Mims Davies – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Mims Davies, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

Today was a hard day-absolutely no easy ones in todays frontline politics where its more frenetic than ever. Its right PM Liz Truss acted to move for calm and I support her in this. We Conservatives must push on to deliver for our communities & grow the economy in such tough times

14/10/2022