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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 17 December 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 17 December 1924

    17 DECEMBER 1924

    In the House of Lords, Marquis Curzon, replying to Lord Newton as to the number of Russians connected with Soviet Missions admitted to this country since the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement was concluded, said that since then 310 visas had been granted, and this 340 included members who came over in the course of last year to discuss the terms of what some of them regarded as the unfortunate treaty with His Majesty’s Government.

    In the housing debate in the Commons, the Minister of Health stated that, by arrangement with Lord Weir, experimental steel houses would be produced for Local Authorities, who would be asked not to let them, but to erect them on accessible sites where they could be readily visited and inspected, and so enable people to judge of their suitability. In this way, among others, he hoped to produce the number of houses contemplated by the Wheatley Act.

    Winston Churchill, speaking in London, said that out of the whole finance of Britain it was dangerous to take a decision in regard to any one part until they were quite sure what were the consequential reactions on the other parts. His work at first was to acquire a thorough understanding of his task.

    Both the candidates in the Dundee by-election turned up at a dinner-time shipyard meeting, and there was a pleasant exchange of courtesies. A coin was tossed to decide who should speak first.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 16 December 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 16 December 1924

    16 DECEMBER 1924

    Mr Austen Chamberlain’s speech in the debate on the Address in the House of Commons was largely taken up with the Egyptian question. He emphasised the British trusteeship in the Sudan, the desire of the Government that the Egyptian Government should work with and not against Britain, and urged that there was no case to take to the League. Egyptian independence would be respected. The Foreign Secretary, referring to the Zinoviev letter, said that from four sources the Government had evidence of its authenticity. Dividing on the Socialist amendment to the Address, the House gave the Government a majority of 231.

    Replying to questions by Mr Ramsay MacDonald in the House of Commons bearing on the Campbell case, the Prime Minister said there was no doubt that in particular cases of an exceptional character the Attorney-General, before undertaking a prosecution, had consulted the Cabinet. That, however, appeared to be an entirely different matter from the issue of a general instruction which would have the effect of placing the Attorney-General in a position of complete subservience to the executive authorities.

    Questions with regard to Sir Dari Singa’s A.D.C. were put in the House of Commons to the Under Secretary for India.

    Mr W. M. R. Pringle, supporting the Liberal candidate at a meeting in Dundee, was subjected to considerable interruption, and in a counter-attack said measures would be adopted to stop such tactics. Force would be met by force.

    A Paris newspaper says that the number of killed, wounded, and missing in the last Spanish retreat in Morocco amounted to 20,000 men, besides the loss of several thousand prisoners.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 15 December 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 15 December 1924

    15 DECEMBER 1924

    Édouard Herriot, the French Prime Minister, is suffering from para phlebitis of the right leg, induced by the strain of overwork, and the possibility that he may be compelled to resign the French Premiership is admitted even in Government circles.

    Before dispersing the League of Nations Council at its closing session in Rome disposed of several questions relating to national minorities. The Permanent Court of International Justice is to be asked to give an advisory opinion with regard to Greeks “established” at Constantinople, whose case has been discussed in connection with exchange of Turk and Greek minorities.

    Judgment was given by Lord Blackburn in the action in the Court of Session arising out of the stoppage of work in connection with the erection of a new church in Cathcart parish, Glasgow.

    Recent statements that the South African Government was negotiating with German interests, for the establishment of an iron industry in South Africa are the subject of a published correction by the Managing Director of the South African Iron and Steel Corporation. “Recent developments,” he says, “are merely due to the impossibility of obtaining the necessary assistance from the British side, and surely nobody could blame the South African Steel Corporation for going elsewhere.”

    A Sub-Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives which drew up the naval appropriations for the next fiscal year deny that America’s naval prestige is rapidly waning. Two battleships are being transformed into aircraft carriers, giving the country a greater tonnage of such vessels than any other nation apart from Great Britain.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 28 November 2024.

    The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new statistics today [Thursday 28 November] on the amount of Pension Credit applications, as well as applications processed and those claims that were successful.

    Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit

    • Since July, an extra 42,500 pensioners are now in receipt of Pension Credit and will receive the Winter Fuel Payment
    • Average number of Pension Credit claims a week have more than doubled since July
    • Comes as government continues to urge pensioners to check their eligibility and apply for pension credit

    New figures released today show an extra 42,500 households are now in receipt of Pension Credit, and therefore the Winter Fuel Payment, since the government launched its pension credit awareness campaign.

    The average weekly number of Pension Credit applications have more than doubled since the Chancellor’s announcement, with 150,000 more Pension Credit applications since July.

    It comes as the Department continues to urge pensioners to check their eligibility and apply for pension credit, with DWP deploying 500 extra staff to process applications as quickly as possible.

    It only takes 16 minutes on average to apply, and anyone who makes a successful claim for Pension Credit before 21 December will receive both backdated Pension Credit and a Winter Fuel Payment.

    Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP said:

    We’re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible.

    With the 21 December approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.

    Pension Credit acts as gateway benefit, so not only is it worth £3,900 per year on average, it means that people who are eligible may also qualify for help with housing costs such as rent and council tax as well as energy bills.

    The government will continue to stand behind vulnerable households this winter, including through the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and by extending the Household Support Fund with £1 billion to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families.

    Millions of pensioners are also set to benefit from an increase of up to £470 to the state pension in April and up to £1,900 more over the next five years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK investment to unlock billions to tackle root causes of irregular migration, climate change and growth crises [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK investment to unlock billions to tackle root causes of irregular migration, climate change and growth crises [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 November 2024.

    UK announces contribution to International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries.

    • UK’s boost to World Bank signals “new partnership” between the UK and the Global South and will mobilise billions of dollars in private finance.
    • Boost will provide growth and stability around the world in our shared interest, as the UK Government announces pledge and calls on other countries to step up.
    • Grants and low-interest loans will tackle root causes of issues facing the UK such as the climate crisis and irregular migration.

    The world’s lowest-income countries will receive access to billions of dollars in transformative grants and low-interest loans as a result of a new UK investment announced today.

    Development Minister Anneliese Dodds today announced that the UK will provide £1.98 billion over three years to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries, to go towards projects promoting economic growth, tackling poverty and addressing the impacts of climate change.

    Through a unique funding mechanism, the UK contribution will help to unlock billions of dollars through other sources of finance, including from private markets: for every $1 a country pledges, up to $4 can be spent. This will be funded from the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

    IDA is the largest source of grants and low interest loans for low-income and vulnerable countries and the UK’s contribution will help the World Bank support more than 1.9 billion people across the globe.

    The World Bank’s model has seen it provide $93 billion in finance to 75 countries, 39 in Africa, over the last 3 years. In that time, IDA has supported more than 86.5 million children with a better education and 75 million people with new or improved access to electricity, lifting individuals out of poverty and boosting economic growth in recipient countries.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Growth and stability in lower income countries is firmly in the UK’s interest. If we are to grow our economy, tackle the climate crisis and reduce irregular migration, we need to work in partnership with these countries.

    IDA’s track record shows that it is one of the best ways to do this. I urge other donors to step up at next week’s conference.

    Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

    Britain is back with a voice on the world stage. When we said we would take a new approach to development, built on genuine partnerships and based on respect, we meant it.

    Leaders of low-income countries around the world called for stronger IDA contributions and we listened.

    We listened because we understand that more growth in IDA countries means stronger global growth, which benefits all of us. This funding will unlock billions to support vital economic growth, changing and saving lives.

    Today’s announcement is the latest example of the UK’s updated and modern approach to development, based on respect, partnership and common interests.

    The UK is a strong support of IDA due to its strong track record of working in partnership with recipient countries and delivering sustainable growth. Since 1960, 36 countries have ‘graduated’ from IDA.

    For example, South Korea, formerly a low-income country supported by IDA loans, is today one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and will be hosting the IDA donor conference next week.

    Anneliese Dodds set out the government’s “new approach to development” at a major speech to Chatham House in October. She outlined four key “shifts” needed to modernise the UK’s approach to development and restore its world-leading status: partnership, multilateral reform, harnessing UK expertise and growing opportunity for all.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches Tree Planting Taskforce to oversee planting of millions of trees across our four nations [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches Tree Planting Taskforce to oversee planting of millions of trees across our four nations [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 28 November 2024.

    The Taskforce will strengthen collaborative working across the UK to improve tree planting and ensure the long-term survival of woodland.

    • Forestry Minister Mary Creagh hosts new Tree Planting Taskforce to oversee tree-planting across the UK.
    • Taskforce brings together ministers from across the four UK nations, key forestry delivery partners and arm’s-length bodies.
    • Forestry leaders to provide oversight, share best practice and identify shared blockers and barriers to tree-planting.

    A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched today to oversee the planting of millions of trees across the UK (Thursday 28 November).

    The Taskforce, chaired by the forestry ministers from the four nations, brought together representatives from key arm’s-length bodies and delivery partners from across the UK.

    Top of the agenda at the meeting was how to drive forward the UK’s tree planting in order to meet our collective net zero targets, as part of the Government’s critical mission to make the UK a clean and green energy superpower.

    The UK has less tree cover than almost anywhere in Europe and more work is needed to close this gap.  Our nation’s woodlands and trees are the heart of communities around the UK, essential to supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life, alongside providing sustainable timber and being home to some of our most important species.

    The Taskforce is designed to strengthen collaborative working across the UK, identifying opportunities to work together, to improve tree planting and ensure the long-term survival of woodland, safeguarding their benefits for future generations.

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said: 

    This Government was elected on a mandate to protect and restore nature.

    That is why today I am proud to fulfil our promise to set up a Tree Planting Taskforce that will oversee the planting of millions of trees across our four nations.

    Trees deliver huge social, environmental and economic benefits – from absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling our cities, improving wellbeing and helping reduce NHS costs, while a thriving forestry sector supports green jobs and drives economic growth.

    Richard Stanford, Chair of the Forestry Commission said:

    There has never been a more crucial time to take action to increase and improve the number of trees, woods and forests growing across the UK for future years. It is vital that our four nations unite and work in partnership on this mission.

    This new Tree Planting Taskforce, is committed to delivering the shared aims of forestry across the four nations so we can continue to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

    Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

    I welcome the formation of this Taskforce as we all have a collective interest in increasing woodland cover and obtaining the multiple benefits this will bring, especially for climate change and addressing biodiversity loss.

    Currently Scotland has delivered around 75% of all new woodlands in the UK. In 23/24 we created 15,000 ha of new woodland and this accounted for over 50% of the UK target.  Whilst this is a substantial contribution, we know there is potential for us all to do more.

    The new Taskforce will be a great opportunity for all the countries to share valuable insights and ideas to expand our woodlands and create resilient forests for the future.

    Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said:

    I welcome the establishment of a Tree Planting Task Force across the UK and believe that the Taskforce represents a powerful vehicle to facilitate collaborative working to achieve our challenging tree planting targets.

    The work of this taskforce will be pivotal to finding ways to encourage a greater level of tree planting to deliver on climate change goals, enhance our biodiversity and underpin the sustainability of forests and woodlands for successive generations.

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

    Wales was one of the first nations in the world to declare a climate emergency and we welcome the opportunity to be members of the UK Tree Planting Task Force.

    Forestry is a devolved matter, but we all face some common challenges and there are clear benefits to sharing good practice between nations. We want to continue to make it easier for landowners in Wales to plant trees in ways which both add value to their businesses and help us tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

    Creating green jobs and growth in our rural communities is a key priority for us, and a prosperous trees and forestry sector alongside a thriving agricultural sector is crucial to this. That’s why I’m delighted that we’ll be publishing a consultation on a Timber Industrial Strategy for Wales in the new year. I’m looking forward to the task force helping us deliver on our commitments for Wales.

    The announcement today comes after a commitment in the Budget to provide up to £400 million in England across the next two years (2024/5 and 2025/6) for tree planting and peatland restoration.

    This Government is delivering its promise to protect and restore nature. It has launched a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to ensure we meet our legal targets, including the Environment Act target of 16.5% tree cover by 2050.

    It has also pledged to restore our place as an international leader on nature and climate – recently announcing the next steps towards meeting the international target of 30% of our land and seas protected for nature by 2030 and appointing the first ever Special Representative for Nature.

    Notes to editors: 

    List of attendees:

    • Defra Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh
    • Deputy First Minister (DFM) for Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies
    • Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir
    • Representatives from Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Forestry, Northern Ireland Forest Service
    • Representatives from England’s Community Forests, Community Forest Trust, National Forest Company, Woodland Trust, Confor
    • Government officials
  • PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary’s Economic Advisory Group to bring ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’ [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary’s Economic Advisory Group to bring ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’ [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Wales Office on 28 November 2024.

    The Economic Advisory Group will be the first time that representatives from Welsh business, education and industry groups will shape cross-government UK policy

    • Welsh Secretary announces new Economic Advisory Group to drive growth, shape UK industrial strategy, and make Britain a clean energy superpower.
    • First time that representatives from Welsh business, education and industry groups will shape cross-government UK policy
    • Body will help boost prosperity and put more money in people’s pockets

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has announced the formation of a new economic advisory group to drive growth, shape UK industrial strategy and make Britain a clean energy superpower.

    For the first time under the new government, leaders from Welsh government, business, industry, universities, and unions will be convened to help shape UK government efforts to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Announcing the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group at the annual CBI Wales dinner in Cardiff, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said it would “harness Wales’s best talent, ambition and creativity”, allowing a full range of Welsh industries to contribute to the UK Government’s economic growth and clean energy missions.

    The group will also work with the Welsh Secretary to inform the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy to boost key Welsh industries, and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending Review, both expected during spring 2025.

    Chaired by the Welsh Secretary, the new group will meet for the first time in Cardiff next week (2 December).

    Ahead of the first meeting of the group, Ms Stevens visited Cardiff’s Wolf Studios Wales today (28 November) where she met leading organisations from the creative industries, one of Wales’s growth sectors, including Bad Wolf, Cloth Cat animation, Ffilm Cymru and Creative Wales.

    Economic growth is the UK government’s number one priority. Since July more than £1bn and hundreds of jobs have been delivered for North Wales, Welsh Growth Deals and Investment Zones have been confirmed, a better steel deal has been announced which secures the future of the industry in Wales, and a record Budget settlement has been provided to the Welsh Government to spend on public services.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    My new Economic Advisory Group will harness Welsh talent, ambition and creativity to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for our nation.

    We are forging a new partnership with businesses, workers and unions to drive growth and put more money in people’s pockets. This is about jobs for you, investment in where you live, opportunities for your children.

    Working alongside the Welsh Government and our industry leaders we will rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with the jobs and industries of the future.”

    The Economic Growth Advisory Group will begin with a series of meetings over the next six months, as UK Government priorities on economic growth and clean energy are developed.

    Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales, said:

    I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on the actions needed to unlock and drive sustainable economic growth and build prosperity in communities across Wales.

    From regional investments and green growth projects, such as the freeports, to semi-conductor clusters, manufacturing and technology, service sector employers to a skilled workforce, Welsh businesses of all sizes and sectors are represented by the CBI and can play an essential role in enabling the government to deliver on its growth mission.

    Shavanah Taj, TUC Cymru General Secretary, said:

    We welcome the opportunity to participate in this advisory group to shape the vision for economic growth, industrial strategy and clean energy. Many parts of Wales have been scarred by deindustrialisation and underinvestment, which must be addressed.

    These plans will shape workers’ futures throughout Wales, and we will be championing investment in manufacturing, decent work and a transition to net zero that leaves no community behind.

    Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Head of Airbus Group UK Public Affairs

    I am very pleased to join the Welsh Economic Advisory Growth Group at a time when unlocking the potential of the Nations and Regions sits at the heart of the government’s mission to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7.

    I look forward to providing strong advocacy on the drivers for economic growth and how Wales can capitalise on its sectoral strengths whilst taking advantage of the industries of the future.

    Dr Jenifer Baxter, CEO at Industry Wales, said:

    Industry Wales looks forward to collaborating on shaping an industrial strategy that harnesses Wales’ strengths in high value manufacturing, clean energy, medical technologies and transport systems to drive innovation, digital connectivity and economic growth across Wales and The UK.

    Sir Derek Jones, Independent Adviser at Cardiff University and Chair of Keolis UK, said:

    There is now a clear consensus that economic growth must be the top priority for the UK, and that is certainly true for Wales. So I welcome the Secretary of State’s initiative in establishing the Group and look forward to making my own contribution to this vitally important work.

    ENDS

    Notes for Editors

    The Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group’s initial membership includes:

    • Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales
    • Dr Jenifer Baxter, Industry Wales
    • Ben Francis, Wales Policy Chair, FSB
    • Shavanah (Shav) Taj, Wales TUC General Secretary
    • John-Paul (JP) Barker – Lead for West and Wales at PWC
    • Jessica Hooper, Director, Renewables UK Cymru
    • Kevin Crofton, Chair of Creo Medical
    • Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Airbus
    • Professor Paul Boyle, Universities Wales
    • Sarah Williams-Gardner, Chair of Fintech Wales
    • Sir Derek Jones, an independent adviser at Cardiff University and on the board of the King’s Trust in Wales, Keolis UK and IQE.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State commits to first ever men’s health strategy [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State commits to first ever men’s health strategy [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 November 2024.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced plans at a Men’s Health Summit with Movember and the Premier League.

    • Secretary of State Wes Streeting confirms plans for a men’s health strategy at Men’s Health Summit with Movember and Premier League
    • Strategy will address biggest issues affecting men of all ages that are costing lives
    • This could include heart disease and strokes, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has announced plans for a men’s health strategy at a Men’s Health Summit held in partnership with Movember, hosted by Arsenal and the Premier League.

    The strategy will consider how to prevent and tackle the biggest health problems affecting men of all ages, which could include cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention. It will form a key part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to fix the NHS.

    A call for evidence on the strategy will seek views on what is working and what more needs to be done to close the life expectancy gap between men and women.

    Speaking at Arsenal Football Club, Wes Streeting spoke to campaigners, including the UK Men’s Sheds Association, Prostate Cancer UK and the African Advocacy Foundation, to hear directly about the obstacles currently facing men’s health.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    It can be hard to be a young man in today’s society, particularly for boys from backgrounds like mine.

    We’re seeing mental ill health on the rise, and the shocking fact that suicide is the biggest killer for men under the age of 50. Preventable killers like heart disease and prostate cancer are being caught far too late.

    Just as we are determined to end the injustices women face in healthcare, we won’t shy away from the need to focus on men’s health too. This government will publish a men’s health strategy to tackle these problems head on.

    I am pleased to have brought together leading campaigners, experts, and the Premier League to gather ideas and inform our strategy and our 10 year plan.

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in England; significantly more men die early from cardiovascular disease compared to women. On average, men die nearly 4 years earlier than women and are disproportionally affected by a number of health conditions, including some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

    Men tend to seek help for their mental health less than women. They are also more likely to die by suicide, with men accounting for 3 of 4 suicides. There are also significant health inequalities across the country, with those in the most deprived areas in England expected to live almost 10 years less than those in the least deprived.

    As well as the call for evidence, all men are encouraged to go to the Change NHS online portal to give their views on how to build an NHS fit for the future through our 10 Year Health Plan. The UK National Screening Committee is actively looking at all the evidence for prostate cancer screening programmes, including targeted approaches for those at higher risk such as people with a family history. This will include looking at the appropriate ages for any screening programme, and ensuring that any programme is evidence led.

    The strategy will be unveiled next year and the call for evidence will be launched in due course.

    Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, said:

    Today is a significant step forward in transforming the face of men’s health. We are delighted that the UK government has committed to a men’s health strategy.

    When we improve men’s health, we know that the benefits can ripple through families, communities, societies and the economy. This will transform the lives of men, but also their wives, mothers, sisters, partners, mates, neighbours, children, teachers and doctors.

    We stand ready to work with other leaders in men’s health and the Secretary of State to make the men’s health strategy a reality that brings real change to lives up and down the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine. The leaders discussed the egregious Russian missile strike in the early hours of this morning, which had deprived more than a million people of heat, light and electricity.

    Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector was depraved, the Prime Minister said.

    Both leaders underlined the importance of putting Ukraine in the best possible position ahead of another challenging winter of conflict.

    The leaders also discussed Ukraine’s long-term future, and how investment in the country’s security today would support Europe’s broader security for generations to come.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 November 2024.

    Domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims and face tougher restrictions with the launch of new protective orders today.

    • Stronger protections for victims of all domestic abuse under new orders
    • New powers to police and courts to deliver toughest restrictions yet
    • Family courts able to impose tagging for the first time

    Providing vital protection to victims, for the first time all types of domestic abuse will be covered – including physical, psychological, stalking, and coercive control. The new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders will also be handed out by all courts (family, civil, and criminal), meaning more perpetrators will be forced to live under restrictions.

    They will initially launch in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs and with the British Transport Police. They will also be used in Cleveland and North Wales from early 2025 ahead of a national rollout.

    The Domestic Abuse Protection Notices can be issued by the police immediately following any incident of abuse, providing protection straight away and giving police time to apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order to secure longer term protection for the victim.

    Unlike some existing protections, which can only be enforced for 28 days, the new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will have no time restrictions, meaning victims are protected for as long as needed to stay safe. Breaching the order will be a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison, making sure perpetrators who flout the rules are punished.

    Friends and family of victims will also be able to apply for the new orders on behalf of the victim, as well as victims themselves and the police. This will reduce victim engagement with the criminal justice system, if necessary – process which can be daunting for some survivors.

    As well as imposing exclusion zones, the orders can mandate positive requirements such as attendance at a behaviour change programme.

    For the first time, family courts able to impose tagging in the most serious cases, a power previously reserved for the police and criminal courts only.

    Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

    It takes tremendous courage for victims of domestic abuse to seek help. Our role in government is to make this as straightforward as possible. These new orders reduce the pressure on victims by allowing third parties to make an application on their behalf, while ensuring the powers available to the courts are more stringent than ever before. This government will continue to do all it can to end violence against women and girls.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

    More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

    That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.

    The Domestic Abuse Commissioner said:

    Domestic Abuse Protection Orders were designed to bring together the most effective features of existing orders to provide flexible and long-term protection to victims of domestic abuse.

    The DAPO pilot should evidence what is needed to sufficiently resource participating agencies and sector partners alike, so that it can be fully funded for a national rollout.

    I look forward to closely following the pilot’s progress and see how DAPOs can improve the safety of domestic abuse victims and hold perpetrators to account across England and Wales.

    Victims and VAWG Minister Alex Davies-Jones will visit Croydon Court and Minister for Victims and Safeguarding Jess Phillips will visit the Metropolitan Police today to mark the launch, as they raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign.

    Today’s announcement is the next step in the government’s unpreceded pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

    Background information

    • The DAPO is a joint policy shared between the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office and was legislated for in Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
    • Tagging can only be imposed for 12 months at a time.