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  • PRESS RELEASE : Passengers set to benefit from new digital transport strategy [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Passengers set to benefit from new digital transport strategy [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 28 March 2023.

    Setting out plans to improve how people find, use and get value from transport data to support greater innovation in the sector and deliver better services.

    • passengers set to benefit from more streamlined journey planning apps and timetables through measures to improve transport data
    • the Transport Data Strategy aims to support greater innovation by improving the accessibility and quality of transport data
    • enhancing transport data aims to give people better travel planning at their fingertips by improving the accuracy of travel planning apps and making journeys easier to plan

    Passengers are set to benefit from improved access to digital apps and sites to help plan, pay and access the transport system thanks to the government’s new Transport Data Strategy.

    The Transport Data Strategy sets out plans for the greater use of data in transport and aims to improve how people find, use and get value from transport data to support greater innovation in the sector and deliver better services.

    Better use of transport data use can improve interconnectivity between different types of transport, support the development of journey-planning apps and improve their accuracy, ultimately helping to make it easier for people to use and plan journeys.

    Data can also help unlock additional benefits, such as new products and services for customers, while supporting employment opportunities in the transport sector.

    Transport Technology Minister Jesse Norman said:

    Better use of transport data will help to improve journeys for travellers, tackle climate change and grow the economy.

    The Transport Data Strategy sets out the government’s vision in this area, creating the right framework for the market to innovate and transport users to benefit.

    The Transport Data Strategy focuses on 5 key ambitions, including:

    • improving data sharing to benefit transport users
    • promoting data standards
    • improving data skills in the workforce
    • ensuring appropriate governance and communication with the sector
    • providing leadership and support for the sector

    As part of the strategy, the government is launching the ‘Find Transport Data’ pilot, a data catalogue to make it easier for innovators, researchers and others to find transport data, and ultimately deliver efficiencies and help improve services for customers.

    The strategy builds on the good progress the government has already made in facilitating the opening up of third-party data through initiatives, such as:

    • Bus Open Data Service (BODS)
    • Street Manager
    • the development of the Rail Data Marketplace
    • the modernisation of National Public Transport Access Nodes (NaPTAN)

    In addition, the strategy also considers data ethics to help guide the sector to ensure data is used appropriately and responsibly.

    Head of Transport Innovation at Transport for West Midlands Chris Lane said:

    TfWM welcomes the Transport Data Strategies goal of greater quality and use of transport data. We want to see Journeys for Everyone becoming so convenient, seamless, and trusted, that users will often give up driving their personal vehicles, not because they have to, but because the alternative is better for them and the environment.

    A critical factor in achieving this is the customer receiving appropriate, accurate and timely information and having trust in the provider as they make their travel decisions.

    Chief Executive of Traveline UK Julie Williams said:

    We’re delighted to see the publication of the Transport Data Strategy, which will encourage the sharing of high-quality open transport data towards giving passengers a more informed choice about how they travel, and which will provide a framework within which innovative apps and services are free to develop and grow.

    Along with the strategy we will publish a number of data sets and tools to help kickstart better data use in the sector. This includes:

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK space sector income reaches £17.5 billion as jobs and services grow [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK space sector income reaches £17.5 billion as jobs and services grow [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the UK Space Agency on 28 March 2023.

    The amount the UK space sector brings to the economy has grown by £1 billion, helping launch new business and create jobs across the country, according to new figures.

    • New figures show UK space sector income grew by almost £1 billion into 2021
    • Employment up with almost 1,800 more jobs across the UK space sector
    • Number of space organisations up by almost 300
    • Regions such as West Midlands, North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, saw significant growth, as well as Northern Ireland and Wales

    Despite the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, space organisations presented a robust picture, generating £17.5 billion in 2021, compared to £16.5 billion the previous year.

    Figures in the latest Size & Health of the UK Space Industry report show the number of space organisations identified across the UK rose from 1,293 to 1,590, creating 1,772 jobs. The sector now employs just under 48,800 people and supports an estimated 126,800 UK jobs across the wider supply chain.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said:

    With the global space economy expanding rapidly, investing in UK our space capabilities can unlock new opportunities, bringing more jobs, skills and businesses to the UK.

    The government is committed to supporting this high-growth sector, boosting the UK’s reputation as a growing space power, and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

    The West Midlands, East of England and Wales saw the highest proportional growth in space sector income, while Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East of England experienced the biggest proportional increase in number of space organisations. Employment rose by the largest proportion in the North West and East of England.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, said:

    The £1 billion increase in sector income and £635 million investment generated by UK companies shows the confidence of investors and businesses in the UK space sector. The UK Space Agency will continue to catalyse investment to maintain this positive growth and bring further benefits across the UK economy, the science community and to the planet as a whole.

    World-class satellite manufacturing, science and technology expertise have ensured the UK plays a key role in major international missions, and we are increasing our national capabilities in fast-growing areas.

    We have seen a significant rise of space organisations in Northern Ireland and northern parts of England, of sector income in the East of England, West Midlands and Wales, and of employment in the North West. To ensure we continue this journey, it’s crucial that we nurture skills and expertise, both established and emerging, all over the UK.

    Space applications generally, which incorporate services such as broadcasting and mobile satellite communications, space manufacturing, including satellites and scientific instruments for space missions, and space operations and ancillary services were the biggest growth drivers.

    John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said:

    Further growth in the UK space sector, particularly during what was an incredibly challenging time for most UK industries, demonstrates the sector’s resilience and ingenuity. It is gratifying to see the sector growing in areas of the country that have previously been under represented – we look forward to supporting these new entrants to the space sector through our new cluster membership of UKspace.

    These positive figures underline the opportunities that space offers to drive inspiration, aspiration and productive jobs across the UK. In order to capitalise on this, we must further strengthen our partnerships to maintain growth across the whole of the sector, allowing us to extend our reach and support the UK space industry in cementing its position as a leading player in the global space arena.

    Confidence withstands more challenges

    The 5.1% growth in income shows a higher growth rate than recent years and outpaced both the growth of the global space industry in the same period (1.6%) and the general UK economy, which contracted by 7.6%.

    Despite the challenges of the cost of living, survey respondents were optimistic about the future, with 3 in 5 expecting to grow their income over the next few years, over half (58%) expecting to employ more staff, and half anticipating higher investments.

    Nearly three quarters of survey respondents cited support from the UK Space Agency as a key enabler for commercial success.

    Who is investing?

    Space continues to attract a diverse range of investors, mostly (89%) from the private sector. Figures for 2022 (using Crunchbase) show that an estimated £635 million was invested in UK-headquartered space companies through 34 identified deals, with acquisitions accounting for three quarters of the total investment value. There has been a steady upward trend in both the number of investments (from one in 2012 to 34 last year) and population of investors (from one in 2012 to 66 last year).

    Par Equity, Innovate UK and the Scottish Investment Bank have been the source of most deals during this time.

    Case study: Goonhilly Earth Station

    Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall is growing its deep space communications and last year supported NASA’s Artemis 1 lunar mission, providing telecommand for six of the cubesats on board.

    As well as its ongoing work with the European Space Agency, Goonhilly has been supporting iSpace Kahuto-R – the first privately launched lunar lander – the Indian Space Agency’s Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L1 missions, and it recently acquired COMSAT teleports in the US.

    The team is also developing tracking antenna technology for space launches, which was successfully used for Virgin Orbit’s launch from Spaceport Cornwall in January, a giant super-cooled antenna to analyse space-based objects, and a range of simulator equipment.

    Ian Jones, Chief Executive at Goonhilly Earth Station, said:

    The space sector forms a vital part of modern infrastructure, which we take for granted without giving it a second thought. In a similar way that we expect clean water and electricity to be seamlessly delivered, data from satellites form a key element in enabling and monitoring complex services and systems. It provides scientific knowledge as well as helping us to communicate, navigate, travel, maintain security, monitor the weather and climate, and so much more.

    However, none of the advantages enabled by satellites and spacecraft can be achieved without specialist ground communication services which monitor, command and interact with them. This is the role that Goonhilly provides.

    Data source

    Data have been compared between last year’s report and this publication. While efforts have been made to maintain the methodology to support comparability, there were some methodological improvements, which are detailed in this year’s report. As with any piece of research there are limitations and caveats to the data. These are clearly explained in this year’s report.

  • James Cleverly – 2023 Statement on Pause to Judicial Reform in Israel

    James Cleverly – 2023 Statement on Pause to Judicial Reform in Israel

    The statement made by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary, on 27 March 2023.

    The UK welcomes the decision today by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary.

    The UK enjoys a deep and historic relationship with Israel. As the Prime Minister stressed in his meeting with PM Netanyahu last week, it is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved.

    We urge all parties to find common ground and seek a long-term compromise to this sensitive issue.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointment [27 March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointment [27 March 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 27 March 2023.

    His Majesty The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Earl of Minto as a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.

  • Louie French – 2023 Speech on the Ballot Secrecy Bill

    Louie French – 2023 Speech on the Ballot Secrecy Bill

    The speech made by Louie French, the Conservative MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, in the House of Commons on 24 March 2023.

    I rise in support of the Bill, which, as a by-election winner, holds a special place in my heart. That is not only because my noble friend, Lord Hayward, was the chair of my selection meeting, where his passion and knowledge of electoral matters was clear to all of us, but, as we have heard already, because it was during a by-election more than 150 years ago, in 1872, that a secret ballot was first used. This followed the Ballot Act 1872, which made provisions for every elector to be entitled to mark the ballot paper without being seen by anyone else.

    The principle of the secret ballot is the bedrock of our system and an essential democratic principle. It is therefore unacceptable that there are some cases that undermine that principle, namely through family voting, where, as we have heard already, a voter is accompanied by another person into or near a polling booth with the intention of influencing their vote. I welcome the fact that the Bill introduces an important and specific new offence for individuals who accompany a voter to a polling booth, or position themselves nearby with the intention of influencing a voter.

    I also welcome the fact that the Bill does not apply to, first, a companion of a disabled voter who has made the required written declaration to allow them to assist a disabled voter, and, secondly, to a child of a voter accompanying them to the polling station. I am sure that I am not the only Member in this Chamber today who, as a child, went with their parents when they voted—I can remember it well. In my case, I went with my mum, who is hugely passionate about women exercising their hard-earned right to vote, and who instilled this passion in me, which is one of the main reasons why I support the Bill. Thankfully, for me, my mother also votes for me in person, but I do not unduly influence her. [Interruption.] Or so she tells me, yes.

    As Democracy Volunteers discovered, more than 70% of those being affected by family voting were women. Further to that, I welcome the fact that the Bill also provides our brilliant polling station officers and presiding officers across the country with the clarity and support that is needed effectively to act on these issues when they occur.

    The Government are committed to protecting our democracy against those who seek to harm it, which was demonstrated by the Elections Act 2022. I welcome the fact that the provisions in the Bill complement that important work. Voter fraud remains a serious issue, particularly in parts of London and, as we have heard, particularly around postal voting, which my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) has already highlighted. We need to come back to that matter and do all we can to stop voter fraud.

    Bob Blackman

    As a fellow London MP, my hon. Friend will know that we have multi-member constituencies, particularly for local elections. That can lead to confusion in voters’ minds. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need to ensure that the guidance tells people how many votes they have and how they should cast them?

    Mr French

    I completely agree with my hon. Friend. Some of the clarification and changes, particularly around the mayoral elections in London, will help with that clarity for voters and the voting public.

    I wish to thank my hon. Friend for steering the Bill through the House and ensuring that our democracy receives the protection that it deserves. I also applaud him for that fantastic new suit that he has worn today to deliver that. I pay tribute to Lord Hayward again for his tenacity in pursuing this issue, which is a reflection of his passion and expertise in our democracy and other electoral matters, and I am pleased to support the Bill.

  • Robert Halfon – 2023 Speech at the German Industry UK Panel Discussion on Apprenticeships and Skills

    Robert Halfon – 2023 Speech at the German Industry UK Panel Discussion on Apprenticeships and Skills

    The speech made by Robert Halfon, the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, in London on 27 March 2023.

    Introduction

    Thank you, Ambassador [Miguel Berger, German Ambassador and Patron of German Industry UK] for that introduction. I’m delighted to be here today, in such good company, to talk about my favourite subjects: apprenticeships and skills education. I want to explain why they are valuable to the United Kingdom and to me – and what we are doing to ensure their value is widely recognised.

    German technical education

    Let me start by saying that I love German technical education – whether that’s the dual system or full-time vocational schools. Presenting technical routes alongside academic ones from adolescent means there is no false hierarchy between the two. There is less snobbery about studying for a technical or vocational role, one that will advance industry and, by extension, the economy. And there is no hesitancy about showing the world of work to younger teenagers – an environment they are expected to take seriously, but where they’re also taken seriously too.

    When I visited Germany in 2018 I found it inspiring. 14 year olds on placements with local companies, getting their first taste of the real working world and the respect that comes with skilled labour. Being shown the iterative process of building their understanding and technical abilities simultaneously.

    I remember asking businessmen at the Chamber of Commerce why they were providing placements. After all, there was no financial incentive to host these youngsters.

    I was met with incredulity.

    “What do you mean, why?”

    “We must do this, it’s for the next generation!”

    So ingrained is the German sense of civic duty to pass on an understanding and respect for industry, they didn’t understand the question.

    I truly admire that meshing of business and education culture.

    “Eine Symbiose” you might say.

    A common acknowledgement that one feeds the other, and both benefit.

    The figures speak for themselves.

    More than 40% of young Germans’ highest qualification is a vocational one. And more than a third of these are Higher Technical Qualifications. Around a quarter of our young adults have a vocational qualification as their highest, with only a quarter of these being a Higher Technical Qualification.

    Just 8% of your young people are classified as not in education, employment or training. And the German vocational education system opens up many more career paths than equivalents in other OECD countries, because it’s been developed hand-in-glove with local industries for many decades. This results in your exceptionally low unemployment rate for school leavers, of just 3%. Overall youth unemployment in Germany was just 5.7% in January this year, the lowest in the EU.

    I want the United Kingdom to have a piece of this pie. I have championed apprenticeships throughout my time in Parliament – for their social good as much as what they can give to commerce. Having been Minister at the start of our skills reforms in 2016, it’s great to be back in government to see them bearing fruit.

    Apprenticeships and the Skills Revolution

    In the last half decade we have revitalised the apprenticeships system in England, alongside establishing Institutes of Technology to provide prestigious Higher Technical Qualifications. We’ve also introduced T Levels, a new high-quality Level 3 qualification for 16 year olds. With time spent in the classroom and on industry placement, these new courses emulate some aspects of your dual system. Responsibility for education is devolved to the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they too are committed to delivering high quality skills education and apprenticeships.

    Whenever I talk about skills education, I present my vision through the Ladder of Opportunity. It’s a framework for what we need to build a robust technical education system, to raise skills levels and boost economic growth. Crucially, the ladder must bring progression opportunities to the most disadvantaged in society, so they can reach the top to enjoy sustainable, skilled, high-waged employment.

    I won’t take you through the whole framework, but I’ll focus on those parts that have driven our reforms and my enthusiasm for apprenticeships.

    Social justice is a key pillar of the Ladder of Opportunity, one that holds the whole thing up. I don’t know what the discourse is like in Germany, but here we can spend too much time talking about ‘social mobility’. I think this can have class connotations, suggesting that those who are ‘mobile’ can pull themselves up by their bootstraps to get on in life. Social justice is about bringing opportunities to the people who need them most.

    The most disadvantaged, who may not have done well at school, and may not have good connections at home – or even a steady homelife. People to whom the education system must bring opportunities, because no one else will. The bottom line is that no one should feel their circumstances leave them unable to improve their skills and employment prospects.

    Apprenticeships are an excellent conduit of social justice. They have a clear progression path, which can be built on to reach degree-level expert roles. Apprentices earn while they learn, without acquiring student debt. And as well as introducing learners to an industry, apprenticeships also introduce them to an employer. In Germany, 74% stay on at the firm where they did their apprenticeship. This rises 82% in manufacturing, 87% in construction, and a whopping 96% in public administration.

    I think this is an often overlooked part of apprenticeships’ unique value. For those without guidance or connections to where they want to work, it is so important. That is why we provide additional funding to employers and providers who take on apprentices who are young, have disabilities, or were cared for by the state. And this year we’ll raise the apprenticeships bursary we provide to care-leavers to £3,000, to help cover living costs that are usually met by family.

    One rung of the Ladder of Opportunity is the quality of skills education – something we set-out to raise with our reforms. In the early 2010s we had lots of people doing ‘apprenticeships’ that weren’t worth the name, devaluing the brand for both learners and employers.

    To reinvigorate apprenticeships we went back to basics. What skills were employers seeking? What training had fallen away, and what was newly needed? We worked closely with industry to answer to these questions and design new apprenticeship standards. We now have over 600, carefully constructed to meet employers’ needs. They are rigorous and challenging for learners, to build respect on all sides for the programme. As in your technical education routes, the standards are complemented by a thorough end-point assessment, where apprentices must demonstrate full competence in their role.

    Training is now delivered by registered providers that are regularly inspected to ensure quality is prioritised. And we’ve put apprenticeship funding on a sustainable footing through the Apprenticeship Levy, increasing investment to £2.7 billion by 2024-25.

    Another a key rung on the Ladder of Opportunity is to champion apprenticeships and the skills employers need. We still have to get the word out about what we’re doing and why. While some established companies have a fine tradition of nurturing apprentices (much like the civic duty I mentioned earlier) many newer businesses don’t recognise their relevance. It’s key that we engage these, so the programme can fulfil its purpose to supply people with the skills needed right now.

    We’re particularly keen to get small and medium enterprises (or SMEs) onboard, who are more likely to employ younger apprentices and those from disadvantaged areas. We’re doing this by heavily subsidising the costs of training and assessment for their first 10 apprentices, exempting those below age 25 from National Insurance employment tax, and reducing these companies’ administrative hiring burden.

    Future challenges

    I believe our skills education reforms were long-over due. Skilled workers drive productivity, a problem we have struggled to solve. Your economy remains 19% more productive than ours.

    But the need for an alert, flexible education system, that responds to the shifting jobs market, has become ever more acute. We are all part of a more competitive, global skills market. The way we work has changed, particularly in the last two years. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has already created new jobs and rendered others obsolete, making career change inevitable. The skills required today may not be the same as the skills needed tomorrow.

    We want our apprenticeship standards to keep pace with what’s required of workers. So we’ve asked the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to prioritise developing and reviewing the standards most crucial to meeting our future skills needs. This includes apprenticeship roles that support our target to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050, so we can become ‘net zero’. By the end of this month [March 2023] about 15 per cent of published standards will have been revised to reflect these needs.

    We’re also keen to promote new solutions for workers wishing to change careers, and employers wishing to retrain or upskill employees to fill skills shortages. Our Skills Bootcamps are free, sector-specific courses that last up to 4 months, with a job interview at the end. In the 2021-22 financial year, 16,000 people participated in Bootcamps. They are a different approach for matching workers to skills gaps, and cover training in construction, digital, and green economy skills – such as heat pump engineering. We hope to expand these opportunities through the skills devolution measures just announced in the Spring Budget.

    Just as we’re still refining our apprenticeships programme, I know you are not resting on your heels either. A key solution for both of our countries in this new, dynamic system is reforming the careers advice we provide.

    Careers empowerment is the first rung on the Ladder of Opportunity – the first step into the world of work. We owe it to young people to arm them with good information on what they can to expect at the end of their schooling.

    I know that in Germany, job coaches from the local Agency for Employment get to know pupils in the technical lower secondary schools from age 12-14. This helps them, with the school, to build a path forward for each pupil, be that full time TVET [technical and vocational education and training] or an apprenticeship.

    I am determined that careers information here becomes quality-assured, and always includes work experience, apprenticeships and other skills options. To help students find their path in life, we need to engage with them early, as you do, clearly presenting their routes and requirements for heading onwards and upwards.

    We’re also reforming the structures that have previously siloed technical and academic education. In a couple of years students will be able to apply for apprenticeships on the same online platform as university courses. From 2025, our Lifelong Loan Entitlement will allow flexible, modular student finance that facilitates lifelong learning, to respond to the economy’s changing demands. Our broader vision is to develop a one-stop-shop, where citizens can explore all their career and training options at any point in their lives.

    Conclusion

    As you can tell, we still have a way to go to build a globally competitive UK skills education system. But we are grateful for the useful example and generosity of spirit you have shown us. Whatever waves have crashed around Britannia in the last few years, those interested in this area have never lost sight of the work to be done, and of what we can learn from our neighbours. Most recently a group of our officials visited North-Rhine Westphalia to discuss technical education implementation with the regional Chamber of Commerce.

    You’ll be hearing shortly from Sir Michael Barber, who has been advising our government on the skills reform programme. I was delighted to read recently that Sir Michael sees this is as a moment when the stars are aligning for apprenticeships. We have a Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Education Secretary (the first to hold a degree level apprenticeship) and a Skills Minister (yours truly) who genuinely want to prioritise skills education across government. I’m glad to be in the right place at the right time to see this through, and will continue to look to your country’s globally-recognised “gute Praxis” in order to do so.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on attack on a US base in North East Syria on 23 March [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on attack on a US base in North East Syria on 23 March [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 March 2023.

    UK condemns the attack on a US base in North East Syria on 23 March.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

    The UK condemns the callous attack committed against a US base in North East Syria, which killed a US national. Our thoughts are with their family and friends, and those who were wounded in the attack.

    We recognise the US’s right to use force in self-defence.

    The UK stands by its partners in the Global Coalition Against Daesh and will continue to play a leading role in the Coalition’s mission to defeat Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review of United Kingdom – Closing Statement [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review of United Kingdom – Closing Statement [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 March 2023.

    UK Ambassador Simon Manley’s closing statement during 4th Universal Periodic Review of the UK’s human rights record – Adoption of the Working Group’s Report.

    Thank you Madam Vice-President,

    I would like to thank all those – whether member states or members of civil society – who have spoken in today’s session, and who have engaged constructively with the UK’s Universal Periodic Review, throughout this cycle.

    Let me thank in particular the UK’s active civil society and National Human Rights Institutions, some of which are here today in this hall, for their contributions throughout this process. The UK Government appreciates the vital role that these organisations play in upholding and promoting human rights standards in the UK, and we look forward to further engagement with them on the UPR and human rights matters more broadly, in the future.

    The UK Government remains fully committed to the UPR mechanism, and to the protection and promotion of human rights both domestically and internationally. We continue to encourage all States to participate openly, willingly, and honestly in their reviews – as the UK has done – which provides an invaluable process through which States can share their experience in implementing a variety of policies, tackling similar problems, and learning from each other.

    During both our Review session in November, and at this meeting today, the UK has listened with interest to the views and recommendations expressed by fellow Member States on a range of human rights issues. So let me take this opportunity, Madam Vice-Chair, to respond to a number of these.

    In November, the UK received a number of recommendations on the impacts of the Bill of Rights Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 22 June last year and which will replace the Human Rights Act. As we have stated in our response, the Bill will continue to safeguard the rights contained in the Human Rights Act, and it won’t weaken human rights protections. The Bill of Rights will allow the UK to remain a State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights, while fully availing ourselves of the margin of appreciation doctrine.

    The UK’s approach to international treaties was also raised. As we have advised in our response, the UK has ratified most of the major international human rights treaties. We will consider ratification of additional human rights treaties on a case-by-case basis.

    The UK Government believes that effective domestic laws already exist, under which individuals may seek enforceable remedies in the courts if their rights have indeed been breached.

    The UN human rights treaties do not require incorporation by State Parties into domestic law, and the UK has not done so. We are confident however that the UK is in full compliance with its UN treaty obligations.

    Other issues raised in November and today include tackling racial disparities, immigration and the age of criminal responsibility.

    At our Review Meeting, British Justice Minister Freer set out the various policies and legislation in place across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to address racism and racial disparities; and the UK has been consistent in its condemnation of any kind of discrimination. On immigration, the UK is committed to upholding its obligations under international law, including the Refugee Convention and applicable human rights conventions.

    On the age of criminal responsibility, the UK Government’s position has not changed. Setting the age of criminal responsibility at 10 for England and Wales provides appropriate flexibility in dealing with children who offend, allowing for early intervention in a child’s life, with the aim of preventing subsequent offending.

    It is also right that Scotland has the autonomy to decide upon the age of criminal responsibility, as part of its competence under the UK’s devolution settlement.

    There were a number of comments made about the Illegal Migration Bill. There is an urgent humanitarian need to stop small boat crossings: over 45,000 people illegally crossed the English Channel in small boats last year. The UK Government has introduced ambitious legislation – the Illegal Migration Bill – to prevent further loss of life by disrupting the business model of people smuggling networks, which put lives at risk through dangerous and illegal crossings. This is, of course, an international problem with a record 100 million people displaced across the world. It is a problem with which many countries are trying to grapple and the UK is no different to that. We are committed to engaging with our international partners to address these challenges alongside our domestic legislation. The UK, as you will know, has a long and proud tradition of ensuring rights and liberties, to protecting them domestically, and to fulfilling our international human rights obligations. The UK is committed to its membership of the Council of Europe and to its obligations under international law, including the Refugee Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Convention against Trafficking. We are also doing more to help people at risk of war and persecution by setting up safe and legal routes, as we have done for Syria, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Ukraine. Since 2015, the UK has offered places of safety to nearly 480,000 people.

    Madam Vice-President,

    In concluding my closing statement, let me underline how pleased we are that the UK has increased the number of recommendations it can support since its previous review. It is, nevertheless, important to remember that these numbers do not tell the whole story. We would encourage those genuinely interested to read our Annex to the Report of the Working Group for further information, and we look forward to expanding on our position later in this UPR cycle.

    Finally Madam President,

    Let me express our sincere gratitude to our UPR Troika – Cote D’Ivoire, to the Republic of Korea and to Lithuania – as well as to the UPR Secretariat, for their diligence in preparing the Report of the Working Group on the UK’s 4th Universal Periodic Review, and for making every effort to ensuring a smooth review process.

    We look forward to meeting again for the UK’s next review in the 5th cycle.

    Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Anti-social behaviour action plan to help communities take back control of high streets [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Anti-social behaviour action plan to help communities take back control of high streets [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 27 March 2023.

    New measures to revitalise high streets including tougher enforcement powers for councils and unlimited fines for irresponsible landlords.

    Local people and businesses will be helped to take control of empty shops blighting high streets, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove has announced today, as part of plans to revitalise high streets and tackle anti-social behaviour.

    Councils will be armed with new powers through High Street Rental Auctions to take control quickly of empty buildings, giving communities and local businesses the opportunity to bid for the chance to rent shops.

    High Street Rental Auctions will breathe new life into boarded-up shops and ensure high streets do not fall into disrepair, whilst giving more opportunities for local businesses to expand and thrive.

    The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, published today, will make £2 million available to help communities and local businesses take control of these properties by covering the cost of refurbishing properties, the auction and council fees. Bringing pride of place back to areas is not only key to tackling anti-social behaviour but is also a key part of the government’s plan to level up across the country.

    Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

    Too many high streets which were once the beating hearts of our communities have fallen into disrepair and are now blighted by boarded-up shops, broken windows and anti-social behaviour.

    We are putting this right through our Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan which will give communities the power to breathe new life into their high street, ensuring that empty shops can be rented out to local people and community groups.

    This is all part of the government’s mission to level up across the country and restore pride in our communities.

    Research shows that anti-social behaviour is the main reason people do not feel safe in their local area and seeing empty shops and buildings adds further to the sense of community decline.

    But a review of current complex leasing laws – led by the Law Commission – will further remove barriers to accessing property and help small businesses to occupy properties quicker and reduce the number of empty shops on high streets, boost the local economy and bring more jobs to areas.

    Up to 172,000 commercial properties are empty across the UK and 8 in 10 of these have been vacant for more than two years. The North East and West Midlands have the most shuttered shops, with over 15% properties empty, resulting in hollowed out town centres.

    Other measures include:

    • Cracking down on those that exploit vulnerable people by taking control of their property for criminal activity, or ‘cuckooing’, by consulting on making it a criminal offence
    • Unlimited fines for irresponsible landlords and building owners who allow their properties to fall into disrepair and for anti-social behaviour to thrive
    • Giving councils more powers to move in quickly when houses are left vacant – cutting the timeframe from when they can act from two years of a building being empty to six months

    A new £2.5 million High Street Accelerator programme will empower and incentivise local people to work in partnership to develop a long-term vision for revitalising high streets so they are fit for purpose. Accelerators will bring together residents, businesses, and community organisations to develop and deliver a long-term vision to tackle the causes of persistent vacancy on the high street. This will initially run in up to 10 pilot areas with more details set out in due course

    Making sure high streets are designed with safety and deterring anti-social behaviour in mind is key – a consultation will explore whether the National Planning Policy Framework should consider measures such as CCTV and extra lighting.

    This builds on the work that is already being done to level up, revitalise communities, refresh town centres and support local jobs and businesses by investing: £2.35 billion across 101 Towns Deals, £830m across 72 successful Future High Streets Fund bids, and £3.8 billion via the Levelling Up Fund to regenerate town centres and high streets.

    Work already being done to revitalise high streets includes:

    • Bringing empty properties back into use in Goole Town Centre through the £4 million Towns Deal
    • Transforming Leyland Town Centre with £16 million from the Towns Deal to regenerate buildings and bring empty shops back into use
    • Creating space for up to 50 new businesses at the Merseyway Shopping Centre in Stockport with £14 million through the Future High Streets Fund
    • Future proofing Whitechapel Road, at the heart of Tower Hamlets with £9 million from the Levelling Up Fund to support the economy
    • Creating new shop fronts, pavements and benches with £5 million from the Levelling Up Fund to regenerate the Glengormley and Antrim town centres
  • PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review of the United Kingdom – Opening Statement [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review of the United Kingdom – Opening Statement [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 March 2023.

    UK Ambassador Simon Manley’s opening statement during 4th Universal Periodic Review of the UK’s human rights record – Adoption of the Working Group’s Report.

    Thank you Madam Vice-President,

    Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I am pleased to present the formal response of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to the 302 recommendations the UK Government received from 115 States during its Fourth Universal Periodic Review, which took place on 10 November last year.

    Let me begin by reiterating the UK’s strong commitment to the UPR process. Then let me move on to explain in more detail how we have responded to the recommendations that we have received.

    Madam Vice-President,

    The United Kingdom is committed to the promotion and the protection of human rights, of democracy and of the rule of law, and to acting as a force for good in the world. We believe that these principles are the indispensable foundations on which open, stable and prosperous societies thrive and are essential to the functioning of our democracies and to upholding and enforcing the rights of our citizens.

    Furthermore, the UK Government remains fully committed to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international human rights treaties.  We have ratified seven of the nine core UN human rights treaties and have put in place a combination of policies and legislation to give effect to the rights contained within them.

    Moreover, we are, of course, honoured to serve once again as an elected member of the Human Rights Council for the 2021-2023 period. We remain a strong supporter of the Council, and the mechanisms at its disposal to strengthen human rights protections globally.

    And indeed, the UPR is one of these mechanisms.  It is a constructive process through which States can learn from and help each other in protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is as important to clearly acknowledge where progress has been made, as it is to highlight areas that can be improved upon. It is important therefore, that these recommendations are made in good faith, with a genuine view to improving human rights standards globally.

    And that is how we approach the Review meetings of other States, and I note that the UK has received positive feedback in previous UPR cycles for our leadership on specific topics – including our commitment to making recommendations on tackling Modern Slavery during the Third Cycle of the UPR – and on our commitment to the UPR more broadly, and we urge all states to remain fully committed to the process.

    The UPR is indeed a unique and crucial mechanism for sharing best practice and promoting continual improvement of human rights on the ground, and it is only through the cooperation of like-minded states that this can indeed be realised.

    The UK therefore remains fully committed to the UPR mechanism, to the UN treaty monitoring system, and to the Human Rights Council itself, as well as to the promotion and realisation of the full enjoyment of all human rights by all people around the world.

    Madam Vice-President, following this introduction, I would like to explain in more detail the way in which the UK has approached its own review.

    So, during our 4th Cycle Review meeting on 10 November last year, you will recall that our delegation to the Universal Periodic Review was led by the UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, Minister Mike Freer MP, who made every effort to respond both to the questions submitted in advance, and to the recommendations and comments made by delegations, here in this room, on the day.

    Other members of our delegation included representatives from the UK’s devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, as well as representatives of the UK’s Northern Ireland Office, in addition to myself, our Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, and other UK Government officials. We found the session to be extremely engaging and we listened with interest to the views expressed by other Member States during the session.

    After the Review meeting, the UK Government reserved its position on the 302 recommendations we received in order to ensure we could give each and every one of them the full and proper consideration they deserve. As part of that consideration, we carried out substantial consultation with the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

    Unfortunately, due to the current lack of an Executive in Northern Ireland, it was not possible to engage with, and therefore provide as comprehensive a response for, Northern Ireland as for other parts of the United Kingdom.

    We also ensured National Human Rights Institutions and civil society organisations had the opportunity to provide their thoughts to the UK Government as part of this process.

    This engagement led to the UK’s responses to the 302 recommendations received. Our response is comprised of two documents. The first is the standard addendum to the Report of the Working Group, which refers to the recommendations by number only, and outlines the UK’s position on each of those recommendations. You will note that we have provided a rationale for those the UK has chosen to support ‘in part’.

    The second document is also a longer ‘Annex’ to the Working Group Report, which provides further explanation on the UK’s response to some of the recommendations that we received.

    Madam Vice-President,

    In total, of the 302 recommendations we received, the UK has “supported” 135 recommendations, and “noted” 112.  We have also indicated our “partial support” for the remaining 55 recommendations.  In these cases, the UK may be supportive of one or more of the actions being recommended, but cannot fully support the entire recommendation because either:

    1.         It does not agree with part of the recommendation, or

    2.         It does not agree with the specific wording or intention used by the State which made the recommendation, or

    3.         Legal or constitutional obstacles prevent the UK Government fully implementing (or committing to fully implement) the recommendation, for example when the issue in question relates to a reserved competency of one or more of the UK’s Devolved Administrations, British Overseas Territories, or Crown Dependencies.

    The rationale for our position on each of these 55 recommendations can be found in both the Addendum and Annex, which the Secretariat have published on the UK’s UPR webpage.  However, Mr President, we of course recognise that, as we have been advised by the Secretariat, you will be obliged to record these 55 recommendations as ‘noted’ in the final Report of the Working Group.

    Madam Vice-President.

    The UK is clear that the UPR is an ongoing process with which Member States should engage throughout the entire five-year cycle. In 2017 the UK Government made a voluntary commitment to providing the Working Group with a Mid-Term Report, so as to update them on our position with respect to all the 227 recommendations received during our third Review meeting. We submitted this Report in 2020. For this cycle, we once again commit to submitting a Mid Term Report in 2025, to follow up on our response to all the 302 recommendations received in this fourth Review meeting.

    Mr President,

    We welcome this opportunity to speak to our continued commitment to the UN, to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, to our position in relation to the 302 recommendations received in November, and to our plans for future reporting.

    And, as ever, we look forward to hearing the views of fellow Member States, civil society organisations and National Human Rights Institutions during this adoption meeting.

    Let me conclude my opening remarks at this point.

    Thank you, Madam Vice-President.