Author: admin

PRESS RELEASE : Dr Camilla Kingdon to chair review of children’s hearing services [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 14 April 2025.

Dr Camilla Kingdon has been appointed by the Secretary of State to chair an independent review of children’s hearing services.
- Dr Camilla Kingdon has accepted a direct ministerial appointment by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
- As a consultant neonatologist and former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), Dr Kingdon brings extensive expertise to the review
The Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, has commissioned an independent review of children’s hearing services and has appointed Dr Camilla Kingdon as its independent chair.

The review will consider:
- the NHS England response to the service failures in paediatric audiology
- how the relevant governance arrangements between NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) could be improved and identify lessons learned
- how NHS England’s handling of any future service failures in similar services could be improved and identify lessons learned
Dr Kingdon brings extensive expertise to the review. She has been a consultant neonatologist at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital for over 20 years and until March last year she was President of RCPCH. She has an MA in Medical Careers Management and was Head of the London School of Paediatrics and Child Health for 5 years from 2014.

Dr Kingdon is also the independent chair of the NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service National Provider Network for England, tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Cass Review (the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people) in England. She has been a non-executive director on the board at Great Ormond Street Hospital since January 2025, is chair of the UK Healthy Air Coalition, a coalition of charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to tackle air pollution, and is a member of the NHS Assembly.

Background to the review

In December 2021, a report was published into service issues in paediatric audiology in NHS Lothian, which focused on whether children’s hearing tests were being conducted properly and effectively followed up.

Further issues with the diagnosis of hearing issues in newborns and children were identified in other Scottish NHS trusts in 2023. Subsequent assessment of NHS audiology services in paediatric departments across England in 2023 and 2024 identified similar problems. NHS England established the Paediatric Hearing Services Improvement Programme in 2023 to address the issues and oversee remedial action.
April 14, 2025
NEWS STORY : Former Conservative MP Craig Williams Charged in Election Betting Scandal

STORY

Craig Williams, former Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire and ex-Parliamentary Private Secretary to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been charged with gambling offences related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election. The Gambling Commission announced that Williams is among 15 individuals facing charges under the Gambling Act 2005 for allegedly using insider information to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. The investigation, initiated in June 2024, scrutinised bets placed shortly before then Prime Minister Sunak’s unexpected announcement of a July 4 election. Williams admitted to placing a £100 bet on May 19, 2024, just days before the public declaration, calling it a “huge error of judgment.”

Other individuals charged include Russell George, a member of the Welsh Senedd; Nick Mason, former chief data officer for the Conservative Party; Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate and wife of the party’s campaign director Tony Lee; and a former police officer. All are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 13, 2025. The scandal has raised serious concerns about ethical conduct within political circles. Foreign Secretary David Cameron previously described Williams’s actions as “very foolish,” while Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove likened the controversy to the damaging ‘Partygate’ scandal.

April 14, 2025
NEWS STORY : Sir Thomas Drew Appointed UK Ambassador to France

STORY

Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic, succeeding Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO. He is set to assume his new role in August 2025.

Sir Thomas brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Director General for Defence and Intelligence at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and was a trustee of the British Council. His previous roles include British High Commissioner to Pakistan (2016–2019), Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary (2012–2014), and Director of National Security at the FCO (2010–2012).

His earlier career encompassed positions such as Director of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism at the Home Office, Political Counsellor in Islamabad, and postings in Moscow and the FCO’s Europe Directorate. Sir Thomas joined the FCO in 1995 after working at McKinsey & Company.

April 14, 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to France: Sir Thomas Drew KCMG [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 April 2025.

Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic in succession to Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO. Sir Tom will take up his appointment in August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Thomas Drew

Year	Role
2020 to 2024	FCDO, Director General, Defence and Intelligence
2020 to 2024	Trustee, British Council
2016 to 2019	Islamabad, British High Commissioner
2015	McKinsey and Company, Visiting Fellow (on secondment)
2012 to 2014	FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2010 to 2012	FCO, Director, National Security
2008 to 2010	Home Office, Director, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
2006 to 2008	Islamabad, Political Counsellor
2004 to 2006	FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Enlargement and South-East Europe Group
2002 to 2004	FCO, Europe Directorate, Head of Intergovernmental Conference Unit
1998 to 2002	Moscow, Second/First Secretary
1997 to 1998	Full time Russian language training
1995	Joined FCO
1993 to 1995	McKinsey and Company

April 14, 2025

NEWS STORY : UK and Cyprus Forge Closer Space Collaboration Following Bilateral Summit

STORY

The United Kingdom and Cyprus have taken significant steps to strengthen their partnership in space exploration and technology. This development follows the inaugural Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event held in Nicosia on March 27–28, 2025, which brought together government officials and industry leaders from both nations, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).

During the summit, the Cypriot government announced its intention to pursue Associate Membership with ESA, aiming to achieve this status by 2026. This move is expected to enhance Cyprus’s space sector and foster deeper collaboration with ESA member states, including the UK.

Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, highlighted the potential of this partnership:

“There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.”

The event featured working sessions on various topics, including regulation, space strategy development, commercial opportunities, and future missions within ESA. Representatives from ten UK space companies and fourteen Cypriot entities presented their capabilities, while ESA officials discussed potential funding programs to support joint initiatives.

Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, expressed appreciation for the UK’s support:

“The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations, is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction. We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem.”

Building on the momentum from the Nicosia event, the UK Space Agency plans to host a reciprocal visit by Cypriot government officials, academics, and companies later this year. Both countries aim to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to advancing space exploration and technology together.

April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government steps in to back British business in changing world [April 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 April 2025.

The Chancellor announces a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing.

British businesses across the country have today been given further stability and certainty with access to new support through a multi-billion-pound increase in government-backed financing as the world enters a new era of global trade.

The new package will give UK Export Finance (UKEF) the power to expand financing support for British businesses by £20 billion, with small businesses also able to access loans of up to £2 million through the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme.

Thousands of companies are expected to benefit from the move, including those directly affected by tariffs – with iconic British brands like Rolls Royce through to local businesses like Alicat Workboats previously benefitting from similar programmes.

Today’s boost reaffirms government’s commitment to free and open trade, and means an £80 billion boost for businesses, meaning they can access government-backed finance and support to grow their presence both domestically and overseas, create new jobs and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

New measures come as prime minister goes further and faster to boost growth, working in partnership with business to deliver it.

This week alone has seen swift and decisive action from the government to protect UK businesses and workers by:
- Taking action to keep British Steel operating, saving thousands of jobs
- Increasing flexibility on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate to help British carmakers
- Cutting the red tape that slows down clinical trials in the life sciences sector
- Investing up to £600 million in a new Health Data Research Service
- Backing a £30 million package to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport which is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

The world is changing, which is why it is more important than ever to back our world-leading businesses and support them to navigate the challenges ahead.

Today’s announcement will do that just, with thousands of businesses right across the country set to benefit.

We are going further and faster to boost growth, but we cannot do it alone. Only by working with businesses will we achieve our Plan for Change and put more money into people’s pockets.

Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:

Our message to British business is clear – we’ve got your back. This package, backed by the British Business Bank and UKEF, will be a crucial shot in the arm to exporters and small firms looking to trade around the world.

Within a changing world, we need to adapt, and as part of our Plan for Change, this Government is responding. These changes will help to boost growth support jobs and supercharge thousands of businesses across all four corners of the country.

UKEF will also offer businesses partial loan guarantees through more flexible uses of its Export Development Guarantee, helping to mitigate the impact of new tariffs and associated economic uncertainty. Of the £80 billion, up to £10 billion will be allocated to ensure that businesses significantly impacted in the short term by the current situation have access to the finance they need to grow.

The British Business Bank will also expand its Growth Guarantee Scheme by £500 million, which will provide vital finance for smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. This scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee against loans or other types of finance, enabling lenders to support smaller businesses that would struggle to obtain financing through traditional means – and has so far enabled more than £2.1 billion of lending.

This comes on top of £1 billion of funding for British Business Bank programmes for this financial year, confirmed at Autumn Budget 2024. This includes additional support for smaller housebuilders through the ENABLE Build programme, funding for Start Up Loans and additional funding for three equity programmes supporting innovative high growth businesses

This week, the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary also took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) in order to strengthen ties between the two countries. In addition to India, the UK is negotiating trade deals with partners including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Korea and Switzerland, which will give businesses more opportunities than ever before to expand into new markets.
April 14, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Reappoints Sarah Newton to Lead Health and Safety Executive

STORY

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Her new term will run from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027. Since her initial appointment in August 2020, Newton has led the HSE in its mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain. During her tenure, she has overseen strategic improvements and strengthened regulatory frameworks.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, stated:

“I am pleased to confirm Sarah Newton’s reappointment as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive. Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable in driving forward HSE’s important work. I look forward to seeing her continue to lead the organisation in ensuring high standards of health and safety across the country.”

Newton expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I am honoured to have been re-appointed Chair of HSE. It is a privilege to work with colleagues who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to protecting people and places.”

Before her role at the HSE, Newton served as the Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth from 2010 to 2019 and held positions including Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health. The reappointment was conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, following an open and transparent process.

April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Sarah Newton Reappointed as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 April 2025.

The Department of Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Her reappointment will run from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

Sarah Newton has led HSE since 01 August 2020, overseeing its critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain. During her tenure, she has driven strategic improvements, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and championed HSE’s mission to protect people and places.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, RT Hon, Sir Stephen Timms said:

I am pleased to confirm Sarah Newton’s reappointment as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive. Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable in driving forward HSE’s important work. I look forward to seeing her continue to lead the organisation in ensuring high standards of health and safety across the country.

Sarah Newton said:

I am honoured to have been re-appointed Chair of HSE. It is a privilege to work with colleagues who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to protecting people and places.

This reappointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and follows an open and transparent process.

April 14, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Government Unveils £121 Million Quantum Technology Investment to Combat Financial Crime and Drive Innovation

STORY

In a significant move to bolster the UK’s technological prowess, the government has announced a £121 million investment in quantum technology. This funding aims to enhance the nation’s capabilities in detecting fraud, preventing money laundering, and stimulating economic growth. Coinciding with World Quantum Day, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology detailed plans to allocate these funds over the next year. The investment will support the development of advanced quantum computers and sensors, which leverage the unique properties of subatomic particles to process information at unprecedented speeds.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the transformative potential of quantum technology, stating, “Quantum — manipulating the universe at its smallest scale — has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country — stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.” Beyond financial security, the investment is poised to benefit various sectors, including healthcare and energy. By fostering innovation in these areas, the government aims to improve public services and infrastructure.

This initiative is part of the UK’s broader National Quantum Technologies Programme, which seeks to transition quantum research from laboratories to real-world applications. The programme aligns with the government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ focusing on economic modernisation and technological advancement. The funding will also support talent development, providing opportunities for emerging researchers to contribute to the quantum field. By nurturing a skilled workforce, the UK aims to maintain its position as a global leader in quantum innovation. This announcement follows a previous commitment of £2.5 billion over ten years to advance quantum technologies, underscoring the government’s dedication to this cutting-edge sector.

April 14, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : £121 million boost for quantum technology set to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering and drive growth [April 2025]
The press release issued by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 14 April 2025.

The UK government is investing £121 million in quantum technology to tackle crime, fraud, and money laundering, while reinforcing its global leadership in the field and driving economic savings.
- A new £121 million investment in quantum, a novel technology with huge potential, will bolster the UK’s world-leading research programmes.
- Developing and rolling out quantum will bring a range of benefits to working people, including improved healthcare systems and boosted energy efficiency in the grid.
- Areas such as crimefighting, tackling fraud and preventing money laundering will also benefit, putting more money in working people’s pockets and driving economic growth.
- Investment will see more opportunities to create the next generation of quantum researchers through talent and skills schemes, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
Cutting-edge quantum technology is being put to work to deliver the government’s Plan for Change, with a new £121 million investment to help tackle challenges including crimefighting, spotting the first signs of fraud and halting money laundering which could save billions for the economy.

To coincide with World Quantum Day (Monday 14 April), the funding is being made available over the next year to expand the use of the technology, which uses the properties of the universe’s smallest particles to build ultra-powerful computers and sensors. This will further secure the UK’s position as a world-leader in quantum as part of the government’s long-term commitment to the sector.

Today’s investment is also giving the next generation of researchers to the opportunity to bring their ideas for health, cybersecurity and beyond to life. Their innovations, like quantum technologies for tackling fraud, could birth thousands of jobs and the businesses of tomorrow – supporting the Government’s economic mission and the Plan for Change.

This is the latest part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme: which sets out the long-term effort to back early-stage research, and support getting quantum technologies out of the lab and onto the marketplace. It sets the UK on the pathway to deliver its ambitious National Quantum Missions – our plan to make this tech deliver for the private and public sectors.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.

Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.

The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.

Examples of use

The technology is already being harnessed, by using quantum computing’s unique ability to analyse complex data and detect subtle patterns, to tackle fraud, one of the biggest challenges facing society, which currently costs the economy £2.6 billion each year.

Quantum specialists at HSBC bank have been working with government backed partners like the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)to find ways quantum can be used to identify the indicators of anti-money laundering. The support for the NQCC and other cutting edge facilities across the UK, that we are announcing today, is making this research possible.

This project is proof that, with strong support from the government, researchers can harness quantum technologies to benefit working people, nationwide – in this case, protecting their bank accounts from would-be fraudsters and sparing them the lost time and heartache this crime can cause.

The UK quantum sector is world-leading and home to the second largest community of quantum companies globally, behind only the US.This investment is the latest drive to deliver the government’s goal to unleash economic growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change, by leveraging the potential for breakthrough technologies like quantum to deliver new products, create new businesses, and support high-skill jobs. It builds on commitments such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will also benefit the UK’s quantum innovators.

Notes to editors:

Full breakdown of today’s investment:
- £46.1 million through Innovate UK to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology across a range of sectors, including computing, networking, PNT (position, navigation and timing) and sensing.
- £21.1 million to further the work of the National Quantum Computing Centre, including their testbed programme with Innovate UK, with support from the Quantum Software Lab to accelerate the discovery of more ways that quantum can overhaul how we work and solve problems.
- £10.9 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s (NPL) quantum measurement programme to encourage more businesses to make full use of the technology
We’re also backing the next generation of leaders in quantum research to maintain the UK’s position as a pioneering nation in quantum technologies with:

£24.6 million in funding from EPSRC for the five research hubs announced last year, including a £3 million investment into training and skills programmes.
- £15.1 million being awarded to 11 Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships, by UKRI EPSRC, to find more real-world applications for quantum, from drug discovery to disease diagnostics
- £4.3 million from Science and Technology Facilities Council to back early- career researchers and Quantum- enabled apprenticeships.
Today’s announcement includes a round up of earlier investments from ESPRC and Innovate UK, including support for the five research hubs and the Quantum Missions Pilot competition, bringing the total commitment from the UK Government over the next 12 months to £121 million.

This announcement comes as the government marks World Quantum Day, an international initiative promoting awareness of the vast capabilities of quantum science and technology. 53 countries are hosting events, from research programmes to conferences.
April 14, 2025

Author: admin

Background to the review

Curriculum vitae

Examples of use

Notes to editors: