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PRESS RELEASE : Welsh food and drink delicacies earn protected status [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 April 2025.

Welsh gin, oysters and honey are to join the list of food and drink products granted protected geographical indication (PGI) status under the UK’s Geographical Indication schemes.

Dovey Native Botanical Gin, Pembrokeshire Native Oysters, Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters and Welsh Heather Honey have been formally recognised for their distinctive qualities and regional heritage, ensuring only authentic items meeting strict production standards and geographical requirements can be marketed under these protected names.

Welsh culinary tradition dates back centuries, with its food and drink deeply rooted in the nation’s landscape, culture, and history. From nutrient-rich waters producing exceptional seafood to vibrant heather moorlands ideal for honey production, Welsh producers have long crafted distinctive products shaped by local environments and passed-down expertise.

This recognition gives producers a valuable market advantage while preserving traditional production methods, protecting and championing local products while creating economic opportunity across all parts of the UK under the Government’s Plan for Change.

UK Government Minister for Food Security, Farming and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner said:

The UK is home to a feast of flavours from every corner of the British Isles, and these new protections help celebrate the outstanding craftsmanship and heritage behind Welsh food and drink.

By giving these products unique status, we’re helping local businesses grow while ensuring consumers can enjoy authentic regional specialities for generations to come.

These additions join other popular Welsh products already recognised under the GI scheme, including Anglesey Sea Salt, Welsh Leeks, Traditional Welsh Cider and Single-malt Welsh Whisky, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

Dovey gin, Pembrokeshire oysters and Welsh honey are fantastic products and it’s right that they are being recognised as the high-quality, specialist items they are.

The GI scheme guarantees quality and excellence while celebrating our outstanding local Welsh produce and driving growth in this vital sector.

Wales’ Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, who has responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said:

This recognition strengthens Wales’ growing family of protected foods, showcases the extraordinary quality of our produce, and reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable food production.

From the mountains to the coast, Wales produces some of the UK’s most iconic foods, cultivated with care and tradition. Each GI product tells the story of our landscape, our producers’ expertise and our proud culinary heritage.

With these new registrations, the total number of UK GIs now reaches 97, representing premium produce from across all four nations of the United Kingdom.

The GI schemes support UK food and drink businesses by protecting the reputation of regional products, promoting traditional and agricultural activity while boosting growth in local economies.

Danny Cameron of Dovey Native Botanical Gin said:

Having GI Status is a good thing and helps to raise awareness of Botanical gin being provenance-based and produced to such a strict and high quality.

Gruffydd Rees of Gwenyn Gruffydd Ltd in Carmarthenshire said:

I am delighted that Welsh Heather Honey’s precise origin and characteristics have been recognised. The UK GI application process is long, and it is wonderful that Wales is the first UK nation to have a honey receive PGI status.

Jake Davies, Atlantic Edge Oysters, said:

Having a PGI Status will attract a broader audience and market who are more aware of GI products and will allow us to join the GI family which has a number of fantastic products.

April 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New guide to research and innovation challenges for climate adaptation released [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 April 2025.

A new report identifying the research and innovation needed to support the UK to adapt effectively to climate change has been released.

Developed by the Government Office for Science and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Climate Adaptation Research and Innovation Framework (CARIF) outlines the research and innovation needed around climate adaptation.

CARIF is designed to make it easier for government, industry, and research communities to work together to tackle the challenges we face around adapting to climate change. The new framework is the first time the UK research needs across government and across sectors have been brought together in one place.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

We are already seeing the impact of climate change and extreme weather on people’s lives, from transport disruption to flooding in people’s homes.

This is why, alongside our research into climate adaptation, we are exploring how we can set out stronger objectives to drive action to increase our preparedness for the impacts of climate change up to and beyond the next National Adaptation Programme in 2028.

Government Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean said:

We need new research to make the UK more resilient to climate change, and innovation to improve how effectively and affordably we ready systems for change. The UK has world-leading science capabilities which we can harness to ensure we are ready for future climate impacts.

We have spoken with academia, industry, UK government and the financial sector to produce this first Climate Adaptation Research and Innovation Framework. It aims to drive use of our science capabilities to address the climate adaptation challenge.

CARIF covers 11 sectors including nature, working land and seas, food security, water supply, energy, telecommunications and ICT, transport, town and cities and community preparedness/response, buildings, health, and business and finance.

April 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government and industry to train up ‘clean power army’ [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 7 April 2025.

Government and industry to train up ‘clean power army’ of apprentice engineers, welders, and technicians.
- Clean energy sector to create thousands of new apprenticeships as part of Plan for Change
- Energy Secretary tells industry forum that a clean power army of engineers, welders and technicians will be required to deliver clean power by 2030, and that government will work with industry to build it, with Regional Skills Pilots in Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and Pembrokeshire
- Work and Pensions Secretary says the government will “give this generation the tools they need to seize the opportunity that is the clean energy transition”
Young people will be trained to fill thousands of clean energy jobs and apprenticeships needed to deliver clean power by 2030 as part of the government’s Plan for Change to get Britain working and unlock growth.

The Energy Secretary has told industry, unions and trade bodies that the government will work with them to build a clean power army to hit ambitious targets for clean power by 2030 at a forum convened with the Work and Pensions Secretary today (Monday 7 April 2025).

The transition to clean power will create thousands of opportunities across the sector, from renewables to upgrading the UK’s grid infrastructure.

National Grid alone plans to support around 55,000 more jobs by the end of the decade and SSE Transmission plans are supporting a further 37,000 jobs, 17,500 of which would be in Scotland. Scottish Power’s SP Energy Networks plans to double its transmission workforce to create around 1,400 jobs and support a further 11,000 jobs across the UK – with all 3 plans subject to approvals by the regulator.

The government is driving forward with Regional Skills Pilot in the clean energy sector. Aberdeen, Cheshire, Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire have all been identified as key growth regions for clean energy. Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030, which will protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good.

Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers – supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.

The government is wasting no time in investing in good jobs for British industries, including thousands of new, skilled jobs being supported in the North East of England as contracts for the first carbon capture, usage and storage were signed in December, following a £21.7 billion commitment from the government to ensure the UK’s vision for CCUS becomes a reality. The government has also invested £55 million for port of Cromarty, to transform it into a major hub for the UK’s world-leading floating offshore wind industry, creating hundreds of skilled jobs and generating growth.

The latest CBI Economics figures show jobs supported by net zero sectors increased by 10% last year, with the average annual wage across the sector at £43,000 – £5,600 higher than the national average.

The push to support more clean energy jobs comes as the government delivers the most ambitious reforms of the UK’s energy system in a generation and record investment into homegrown clean energy projects.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

The energy sector has always been a source of good, skilled, and unionised jobs for young people across the UK, providing secure, well-paid employment for life.

To meet our target to reach clean power by 2030, we need a clean power army of engineers, welders and technicians – giving thousands of young people the opportunity to play a vital role in tackling the climate crisis, increasing our energy security and boosting the economy to deliver our Plan for Change.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

With almost a million young people neither earning nor learning it is vital that we give this generation the tools they need to seize the opportunity that is the clean energy transition.

Our plan to Get Britian Working will overhaul employment support, giving everyone the tools and skills they need to and build a stronger, more prosperous future for them and their families.

The government launched its Get Britain Working white paper late last year, outlining the biggest employment reforms in a generation and boost employment including reforming Jobcentres to create a genuinely public employment service so everyone can get personalised skills and employment support, as well as a Youth Guarantee ensuring every young person has the chance to earn or learn. Alongside government work to drive up employment and opportunities, the renewable sector will also continue to turbocharge the economy.

The government is working closely with employers to train up Britain’s young people to seize clean energy opportunities. Trade unions will also have an essential role in building the UK’s skilled energy workforce, with the government determined to drive world-class pay, terms, and conditions in the clean energy sector. The government is already driving better access and conditions for unions in the energy sector- since July EDF Renewables UK and Ireland have signed one of the first renewables industry recognition agreements with Prospect, Unite, GMB and UNISON.

The government has also launched Skills England and the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all regions.

Opportunities are already being created through a number of schemes and initiatives to deliver training and skills for apprentices and workers transitioning from the fossil fuel sector, including innovative schemes such as the:
- Skills Passport: This supports oil and gas workers to identify routes into several roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance
- Your Apprenticeship app: A new app designed by the government with extensive input from apprentices to provide easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification
Whilst driving up employment and opportunities, the renewable sector will also continue to turbocharge the economy.

CBI Economics analysis commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit shows that the net zero sector already contributes £83 billion annually to the UK economy, with further investment into projects predicted to grow this even further.

Government research has also revealed the extent in which apprenticeships can help drive this growth, with apprentices in England across the economy estimated to create £25 billion of economic growth over their lifetime.

Through investment and initiatives, the government will help build the pipeline of skilled workers needed to deliver clean power by 2030, which will unlock £40 billion of investment a year and reindustrialise Britain with thousands of good jobs across the country. This underscores the government’s commitment to deliver a jobs-rich clean energy transition, putting communities and trade unions at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future.

Notes to editors

Skills is a devolved policy area, and therefore the remit of Skills England and the Your Apprenticeship App will only cover England. However, Skills England will assess skills needs across the whole of the UK and DESNZ is working closely with the devolved governments on ensuring we have the skilled workforce for the clean energy transition, including through the Regional Skills Pilots.

The RIIO T3 business plans for the UK’s 3 electricity transmission companies are all subject to approval by the energy regulator Ofgem.
April 7, 2025
NEWS STORY : Public Inquiry into Southport Attack Commences Under Leadership of Sir Adrian Fulford
STORY

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced the initiation of the Southport Inquiry, a public investigation into the tragic events of July 29, 2024, when a brutal knife attack at a children’s dance club in Southport resulted in the deaths of three young girls—Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King—and injuries to ten others.

Appointment of Chair

Sir Adrian Fulford, a retired Lord Justice of Appeal and former judge of the International Criminal Court, has been appointed as the chair of the inquiry. His extensive legal background, particularly in policing and the criminal justice system, positions him to lead this critical examination. Sir Adrian plans to meet with the victims’ families as a first priority.

Scope and Phases of the Inquiry

The inquiry will be conducted in two phases:
1. First Phase: A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events leading up to it. This includes examining the perpetrator’s history and interactions with public bodies such as criminal justice, education, social care, and healthcare, as well as decision-making and information-sharing by local services and agencies.
2. Second Phase: An examination of the broader issues related to children and young people being drawn into extreme violence.
Government’s Commitment

The Prime Minister has emphasised the government’s dedication to uncovering the factors that led to this tragedy, stating a commitment to “leave no stone unturned” and ensuring that no institution evades accountability.

Background of the Incident

On July 29, 2024, Axel Rudakubana carried out a knife attack at a children’s dance club in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to ten others. Sixteen others survived but continue to experience serious emotional consequences.

Family Advocacy for Online Safety

In the aftermath, families of the victims have called for the inquiry to focus on online safety, highlighting the need to protect children from online threats. They emphasise the importance of accountability and safeguarding measures to prevent future tragedies.
April 7, 2025
NEWS STORY : US Stock Market Plummets Amid Tariff Turmoil – Trump and Musk at Odds

STORY

The U.S. stock market has experienced significant declines following the implementation of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which impose a 25% tax on all imported automobiles and parts. This move has intensified fears of a deep recession and sparked a public rift between President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over trade policies.

Market Impact

The tariffs have led to a substantial economic downturn, with over $6.5 trillion wiped out from U.S. stock markets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have fallen 14% and 19% respectively year-to-date. Tesla’s stock dropped around 6% in early Monday trading, contributing to a more than 40% decline since the start of the year. Analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities slashed his 12-month price target for Tesla shares from $550 to $315—a 43% reduction—citing mounting challenges from the tariffs and brand issues.

Divergent Perspectives

President Trump remains steadfast in his tariff strategy, advocating for what he terms an “economic revolution” to revive domestic industries and jobs. He has urged Americans to endure short-term economic hardship for long-term national benefit. In contrast, Elon Musk has publicly criticised the tariffs, calling for a “zero tariff situation” between the U.S. and Europe to create a free-trade zone. Musk’s stance has led to a public dispute with Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, who dismissed Musk’s criticisms, suggesting Musk is protecting his own business interests due to Tesla’s reliance on international components.

Broader Implications

The tariffs have triggered global economic concerns, with experts warning of severe damage to both the U.S. and global economies. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has cautioned about potential inflation due to the tariffs. Internationally, countries like Japan and members of the European Union have expressed apprehension, warning that the tariffs may deter investment and disrupt global trade relations. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, the division between President Trump’s protectionist policies and Musk’s advocacy for free trade underscores the complexities and challenges facing the U.S. economy and how it impacts economies around the world.

April 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Inquiry into the Southport attack begins today [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 April 2025.

The Home Secretary announces the first phase of the Southport Inquiry starts today and appoints Rt Hon Sir Adrian Fulford as chair.

The Home Secretary previously announced in January 2025 that an inquiry would be launched following the conviction of the perpetrator of the 2024 Southport attack, to examine what went wrong in this horrific case and how services should respond to fixated youth violence.

Sir Adrian Fulford has been appointed as the chair following consultation with the victims and families of those killed or affected by the attacks and plans to travel to meet them as a first priority.

This follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in uncovering how this attack happened and to not let any institution of the state deflect from their failure.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:

The brutal murder of three young girls: Bebe, Elsie and Alice in Southport was an unimaginable tragedy – we owe it to their families, and all those affected on that terrible day to quickly understand what went wrong, answer difficult questions and do everything in our power to prevent something like this from happening again.

The Southport Inquiry will provide insights into any failings that allowed a young man with a previous history of violence, to commit this horrendous attack.

Sir Adrian Fulford will bring a wealth of legal and criminal justice expertise to this role, and I am pleased he has agreed to chair the inquiry.

The inquiry will be statutory. This follows representations made by families and victims of the attack and means the Inquiry has all the necessary legal powers to receive evidence and hear witness testimony effectively.

It will take place in 2 phases. The first will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events leading up to it. This will include examining an overall timeline of the perpetrator’s history and interactions with various public bodies including criminal justice, education, social care, and healthcare, as well as decision-making and information-sharing by local services and agencies.

The second is expected to examine the wider issues of children and young people being drawn into extreme violence.

Sir Adrian Fulford will bring an impartial and extensive legal background, particularly on issues relating to policing and the criminal justice system.

He is a retired Lord Justice of Appeal and former judge of the International Criminal Court 2003 to 2012. Previously, he was the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) in 2019 and was the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner between 2017 to 2019.

April 7, 2025
NEWS STORY : Starmer Unveils Post-Tariff Plan: EV Tax Breaks, Planning Reform and Industrial Strategy to Boost UK Economy
STORY

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in an article for The Times, addressed the challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs and outlined his government’s strategies to bolster the British economy and support working citizens.

Key Points from Starmer’s Address:
- Global Economic Shifts: Starmer acknowledged that recent U.S. tariffs signal a transformative period in global economics, emphasising the need for proactive government intervention to navigate these changes effectively.
- Domestic Reforms: He highlighted several domestic initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and growth, including:
  - Abolishing NHS England to reduce bureaucracy and improve patient care.
  - Reforming planning regulations to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million homes and necessary infrastructure.
  - Implementing an industrial strategy designed to stimulate growth across various communities.
  - Reducing immigration by investing in training programs for young people to prepare them for future employment opportunities.
- Automotive Industry Support: To assist the UK car industry in adapting to new U.S. tariffs, the government plans to:
  - Ease certain environmental regulations to provide manufacturers with greater flexibility.
  - Allocate £2.3 billion towards tax incentives for electric vehicle (EV) purchases and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
- Trade Negotiations: Starmer expressed a commitment to pursuing trade agreements that align with national interests, stating that all options remain under consideration.
- International Collaboration: He underscored the importance of global engagement, citing the UK’s leadership role in supporting Ukraine as an example of proactive diplomacy aimed at ensuring national and international security.
Starmer concluded by reaffirming his dedication to implementing changes that prioritise the well-being and prosperity of British citizens.
April 7, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Seeks Public Input to Dismantle Workplace Inequality
STORY

In a significant move to promote workplace equality, the UK government has launched a comprehensive call for evidence aimed at identifying and addressing barriers to opportunity in employment. This initiative is a pivotal component of the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which seeks to ensure that individuals can succeed based on their talents, regardless of their background.

The Office for Equality and Opportunity, in collaboration with the Disability Unit, is spearheading this effort to gather insights from a diverse array of stakeholders, including businesses, trade unions, civil society organisations, and individuals with lived experiences. The feedback collected will inform the development of the forthcoming Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, slated for publication later this session.

Key Areas of Focus

The call for evidence invites input on several critical areas of equality policy:
1. The prevalence of pay discrimination based on race and disability.
2. Strategies to effectively enforce equal pay rights for ethnic minority and disabled individuals.
3. Measures to prevent the outsourcing of services as a means for employers to evade equal pay obligations.
4. The potential establishment of an Equal Pay Regulatory and Enforcement Unit, with trade union involvement, to enhance enforcement mechanisms.
5. Initiatives to improve pay transparency across organisations.
6. Strengthening protections against combined forms of discrimination.
7. Ensuring comprehensive compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty by all entities performing public functions.
8. Creating and maintaining workplaces free from sexual harassment for all employees.
9. The potential commencement of the socio-economic duty to address broader inequalities.
Minister for Equalities, Seema Malhotra MP, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our goal is to understand how we can better remove barriers to opportunity and boost household incomes across the country so people can achieve according to their talents, irrespective of their backgrounds.”

Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms MP, highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusivity: “I encourage people to take part and help shape plans that boost individual opportunity for disabled people.”

Engagement and Participation

The government is actively seeking contributions from expert bodies, employers, disabled people’s organisations, civil society groups, trade unions, public authorities, and individuals with direct experience of workplace inequalities. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the resulting policies are well-informed and effective in promoting equitable opportunities for all.

This call for evidence follows the recent consultation on mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, which is set to close on June 10. Both initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to address systemic inequalities and foster a more inclusive labour market,

Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to submit their evidence and views by June 30, 2025. Submissions can be made through the government’s official channels, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are considered in shaping the future of workplace equality in the UK.
April 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Declaration of intent between the UK, Bulgaria and Romania on organised immigration crime [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

The United Kingdom (UK) has signed a landmark declaration of intent with Bulgaria and Romania which unites all three countries in tackling cross-border organised immigration crime and criminal financial flows through central southern Europe.

The UK’s 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is a key legislation admired globally for its effectiveness in disrupting illicit cash, commodities and assets. Hundreds of millions of pounds have been seized in recent years through this mechanism, targeting organised criminal groups (OCGs) involved in migrant smuggling, sex and drug trafficking, money laundering, in addition to terrorism financing.

The UK, Bulgaria and Romania will work closely to share best practices and successes from their national legislations since all three have demonstrated remarkable achievements in harming OCGs profits and to further develop their cooperation for tackling financial flows.

We look forward to working together on this issue.

Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP

April 7, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Cuts to red tape to make great British staycations cheaper [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 7 April 2025.

Consultation aims to cut costs of UK staycations for families and small businesses.
- New plans to help UK tourism businesses offer better deals and value-for-money packages
- Plan for Change to cut outdated regulations will allow hotels, attractions, and restaurants to collaborate more easily
- Families planning their summer holidays will have more choice, better prices, and greater convenience
The UK’s travel industry is set for a boost as the Government unveils plans to cut red tape as part of its Plan for Change, and make it easier for businesses to offer package deals, giving consumers better value and supporting growth across the tourism sector.

The measures being looked at in a consultation, could remove barriers that currently prevent small businesses including B&Bs and restaurants from working together to create tailored UK holiday experiences. The measures if implemented, could boost the travel sector and help grow the staycation economy right across the country.

The proposals will support the domestic travel market to go for growth by giving families and travellers more affordable, flexible, and convenient options for their staycations.

The proposed measures will make it easier for businesses to bundle offers together, helping hotels, attractions, and restaurants team up to provide exclusive deals.
- For example, a B&B in the Lake District that may not be able to offer dinner, could team up with a nearby restaurant or pub to offer a discount on an evening meal when purchased together with the room booking.
- Or a campsite in Cornwall could be able to offer discounts and deals for the local surf school.
- But it could also apply to trips in towns and cities too, with tourists staying in a London-based hotel could offer discounted show tickets when they refer a consumer who has booked a room with them.
It will aim to support businesses through measures like setting a time limit for third parties to provide redress to organisers and improving the flexibility of insolvency protection provisions for non-flight packages.

For UK holidaymakers, these changes will give families better staycation options to help them plan summer holidays. Instead of booking everything separately, these measures would make it easier for consumers to access tailored packages that combine great accommodation with exciting local experiences.

Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, Justin Madders, said:

“Right now, a British hotel, local attraction, and restaurant can’t offer a joint deal without jumping through regulatory hoops – and that’s frankly ridiculous. As part of our Plan for Change, we’re fixing that.

“These common-sense changes will help small businesses, boost British tourism, and give families more choice when booking a staycation. More options, better value, and a stronger UK economy.”

The 12 week consultation will seek input from businesses and industry leaders on how best to implement these reforms.
April 7, 2025