Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Boost for carers who will receive new unpaid leave entitlement under government-backed law [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 21 October 2022.
- new laws introduced entitling unpaid carers to 1 week of unpaid leave a year to support those most in need
- eligible employees will be able to take Carer’s Leave regardless of how long they have worked for their employer
Millions of people across the UK who are currently providing unpaid care to dependant family members or friends will be entitled to unpaid leave under new laws backed by the government today (Friday 21 October).

Around 2 million of those providing unpaid care are thought to be doing so while balancing work alongside their caring responsibilities. With no dedicated statutory leave entitlement for these informal carers currently in place, many have to resort to taking other forms of leave to ensure they can care for those dependent on them.

The Carer’s Leave Bill, introduced by Wendy Chamberlain MP and backed by the government, will introduce a new and highly flexible entitlement of one week’s unpaid leave per year for employees who are providing or arranging care.

Carer’s Leave will be available to eligible employees from the first day of their employment, meaning unpaid carers will be supported regardless of how long they’ve worked with their employer. Staff will be able to take the leave flexibly to suit their caring responsibilities and will not need to provide evidence of how the leave is used or who it will be used for, ensuring a smoother process for both businesses and their employees.

Business Minister Dean Russell said:

Carers play a vital role in our society, and it is only right that we support them so they can balance their caring responsibilities with their working life.

These reforms will not only better the lives of millions of unpaid carers across the UK, but also the friends and family that are dependent on their compassion every day.

Employees taking their carer’s leave entitlement will be subject to the same employment protections that are associated with other forms of family related leave, meaning they will be protected from dismissal or any detriment as a result of having taken time off.

By making it easier for people to support their loved ones, employers are likely to benefit from less staff turnover and a reduction in recruitment and training costs by retaining employees who previously would have been unable to balance their caring responsibilities and working life.

Wendy Chamberlain MP for North East Fife said:

I am delighted that my Carers Leave Bill has passed its second reading today. When passed this will give millions of carers employments rights for the first time ever. It is a landmark change in how businesses support their employees.

I want to thank the carers and businesses who have spoken to me in support of Carers Leave. It is clear that this policy is a win-win. Carers, without whom our society wouldn’t function, are supported to better balance work and home without burning out; and businesses have happier, more motivated workers with higher retention rates.

Helen Walker, Carers UK Chief Executive said:

We are thrilled that the government has supported the Carer’s Leave Bill at its successful second reading. Having worked to support carers in employment for years, Carers UK’s evidence shows Carer’s Leave would make a significant difference to unpaid carers’ lives, helping them stay in work and improving wellbeing by giving time off to attend appointments, arrange or provide care. As well as supporting families, it also makes business sense, helping retain skilled employees.

Today’s reforms form part of the government’s wider efforts to ensure more people stay in work with more employees on payrolls than ever before – and with unemployment at an all-time low.

The government consulted on proposals for a Carer’s Leave Bill in 2020, with a response to the consultation being published in September 2021.
October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK supports new UN sanctions in Haiti [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 October 2022.

On 21 November 2022, the UN established a new sanctions regime in Haiti in UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2653 (2022), adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The new UN sanctions regime has been set up to tackle the issues threatening the peace, stability and security of Haiti. We strongly support this UN action that moves Haiti closer to security and stability with a return to democratic processes as soon as possible.

The UNSC has added Jimmy Cherizier, one of Haiti’s most notorious gang leaders and leader of an alliance of Haitian gangs known as the “G9 Family and Allies” to the list of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo set out in Security Council resolution 2653 (2022).

The UK strongly supports the introduction of a new UN Sanctions regime that will help to tackle the violence and insecurity in Haiti, which worsens wider challenges faced by the Haitian population. The listing of Cherizier is a positive development for the security and stability of Haiti and the Caribbean region. He will be denied access to external funding and assets, significantly reducing his ability to operate.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO Head of Latin America Department James Dauris’ travel to Guatemala [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 October 2022.

Deputy Director of the Americas and Head of Latin America Department at the FCDO James Dauris will travel to Guatemala 24-25 October.

Deputy Director Dauris will meet with Guatemalan Government Officials, private sector leaders, and broader civil society groups. The Deputy Director’s trip underscores the UK’s strong commitment to the UK-Guatemala solid relationship.

At meetings with Guatemalan government officials, he will discuss shared priorities on a host of issues, including Ukraine, climate change, human rights, transparency and economic prosperity.

On Ukraine, Deputy Director Dauris will discuss the devastating impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on food and energy prices, while commending Guatemala’s own leadership in deploring Russia’s actions, and commitment to engaging multilaterally to end this war.

He will urge Guatemala to continue showing ambition in the fight against climate change. These plans will complement the UK’s investment of US$20 million in Mesoamerica, including Guatemala, through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, to reduce poverty and create climate resilience from 2023.

Deputy Director Dauris will also encourage Guatemala to seize the opportunities of the UK-Central America Association Agreement, while stressing the need for continued Guatemalan efforts to tackle corruption and improve the business environment.

With the private sector, the Deputy Director will discuss the challenges and opportunities of the global economic environment and strategies to support the long-term development objectives of the Guatemalan economy, including those that have been negatively hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At meetings with civil society groups, Deputy Director Dauris will stress the unequivocal UK commitment to protect human rights, ranging from the situation of media freedom in the country, to listening to human rights defenders and continue advocating for the rights of LGBTQI persons.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Three Hundreds of Chiltern and Christian Matheson [October 2022]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 21 October 2022.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Christian John Patrick Matheson to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Major reforms to NHS tech agenda accelerated [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 21 October 2022.

Plans to merge NHS Digital with NHS England accelerated to early January 2023 to support our Plan for Patients.
- Move will streamline data sharing processes across the NHS – benefitting patients while ensuring rigorous data protection safeguards remain in place
- Improved data sharing will ensure patients get more streamlined care and can make more informed choices about how and where they access care
Patients will benefit from more streamlined care and be able to make more informed choices about how and where they access treatment after plans to transform NHS data sharing were brought forward.

The Department for Health and Social Care said the proposed transfer of NHS Digital’s functions into NHS England which were due to happen at the end of March 2023 would now happen in early January 2023.

The move will create a single statutory body responsible for data and digital technology for the NHS – meaning patients will benefit from:
- A streamlined experience due to a reduced need to repeatedly share information across the health system
- The ability to make more informed choices about care by providing information about length of wait for treatment, making waiting lists by speciality and by provider, more accessible – a key part of Our Plan for Patients
- Easier access to electronic patient records through accelerated digital transformation services for patients.
The move will build on the huge progress seen on digital transformation during the pandemic, driving efficiencies across the NHS as evidence suggests digitally mature providers are 10% more efficient than their less digitally mature peers.

Accelerating the transfer will lead to faster improvements in co-operation between the key digital bodies of the NHS by bringing them under one roof for the first time. This will ensure the health and care sector is fully equipped to face the future and deliver for patients.

In line with commitments made to Parliament, NHS England will provide the same protections for people’s data as NHS Digital, whilst taking advantage of the merger to improve processes where possible. Working closely with partners, including the Information Commissioner and the National Data Guardian, DHSC and NHSE will ensure there continues to be rigorous internal controls to ensure that data is used and shared safely, securely and appropriately to:
- deliver high-quality care
- understand and protect the health of the population
- effectively plan and improve services
- research and develop innovative treatments, vaccines and diagnostics
Making effective use of the data collected by health and social care services is essential to deliver high quality care, and improving the health of the population. The transfer, which is subject to parliamentary approval and agreement with the Devolved Administration, will see the statutory role of NHS Digital move to NHS England.

This is an important change to make sure that all the expertise and activity in relation to data and digital services are together in a single organisation and meets a key recommendation of Laura Wade-Gery’s review: Putting data, digital and tech at the heart of transforming the NHS.

The changes will better support the recovery of NHS services, address waiting list backlogs, and support hardworking staff, all while driving forwards an ambitious agenda of digital transformation and progress.
October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Barrow-in-Furness woman, Elizabeth Faragher, has sentence for child cruelty increased under Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Attorney General on 21 October 2022.

A woman who administered needless and harmful medication to a child has been ordered to serve a longer prison sentence following a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

Elizabeth Faragher, 43, lied about symptoms the child was experiencing to medical practitioners.

Because of this, the child received a large amount of unnecessary and intrusive medical investigation and treatment, including prescribed injections.

Faragher also deliberately injected the child on 5 separate occasions with hypodermic needles contaminated with faeces.

On 28 July 2022, Faragher was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment for one count of child cruelty and 5 counts of administering a noxious substance. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court.

Her sentence was then referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme for being too low.

On 21 October 2022, the Court found Faragher’s original sentence to be unduly lenient and imposed a new sentence of 8 years’ imprisonment.

Speaking after the hearing, HM Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson MP said:

This was a deeply upsetting case of child cruelty, and it was clear to me that Elizabeth Faragher’s shocking actions warranted a stronger prison sentence.

Today’s verdict shows that all forms of cruelty to children will be met with the strongest possible punishment.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the European Council of 20 October 2022 [October 2022]

The press release issued by the European Commission on 21 October 2022.

Indeed, we had a very good European Council. We do now have a very good and solid roadmap to keep on working on the topic of energy prices. The Leaders have given the strategic guidance we wanted on the proposal that we have put on the table on Tuesday and that will be discussed by Energy Ministers on Tuesday next week. Let me focus on a few topics that we have discussed intensively.

The first one is the topic of the joint purchasing of gas. Here, Leaders supported very much the idea to allow companies, for the joint purchase, to build consortia and to work together and join forces so to increase our common European Market power for the demand of gas. There is one binding element in it. That is: When, at the beginning, we aggregate the demand, 15% are binding to be aggregated as demand on the market, together as a joint aggregated demand.

The second topic was the focus on how to limit episodes of excessive gas prices. This is the discussion around the benchmark for gas prices, the so-called TTF. We know that the TTF mainly reflects pipeline gas but as we see that the market is shifting and more LNG is coming to the market, the TTF no longer reflects the true market situation. Therefore, we will develop a complementary new index to better reflect the LNG price situation. In the meantime, we are going to establish a market correction mechanism, exactly to limit excessive episodes of gas prices and to make sure that there is a clear order in the build-up of the market. Here, we will work with Energy Ministers to submit a legal proposal to operationalise this market correction mechanism.

Of course, Leaders also discussed a second topic, which is a potential mechanism to limit the influence of high gas prices on the cost of electricity. We had a frank discussion which further clarified, on the one hand, the opportunities and, on the other hand, highlighted the challenges. We will analyse the financial impact on those countries with a lot of gas in their electricity production. What does it mean if we cap the price of gas to reduce the influence of gas on the electricity price? And the other topic which has to be analysed is the flows of subsidised electricity to non-EU neighbours. Here too, we will work together with Member States and with the Council formation to find a well-balanced and common approach on these issues.

The Commission will also come back to the issue of state aid. Next week, the College will adopt a proposal on the prolongation and adaptation of the Temporary Crisis Framework. This will give Member States an improved ability to support their companies in the face of the current crisis, while preserving a level playing field. So common rules for everybody. For example, thanks to the extension of time limits for state support, or new options to support companies reducing their electricity demand. This new revised state aid crisis framework will then be decided on next week in the College.

Moving on to the topic of funding. I just mentioned the state aid opportunities but there is also a strong look at the possibilities to support vulnerable households and vulnerable businesses. We are aiming to make available up to around EUR 40 billion of funds that are still available from the previous MFF. With that, Member States will be able to help those most affected by the energy crisis, be it the vulnerable households or SMEs. But indeed, more is needed to support small and medium companies but also larger industry to deal with the high energy prices.

Here, the topic of investment is very important. The investments can be financed through the European level. That is the REPowerEU vehicle that is right now in the process of being decided on in Parliament. It has already been decided on in Council. So we are moving forward to the trilogue, hoping that this instrument will then be finalised as soon as possible. Here is the possibility for all Member States to have common European funding to invest in their companies, in their SMEs, to help them to make the transition away from fossil fuels to, for example, renewables, cheaper sources of energy and thus prepare for the future.

We had a very good Council on all these topics. I think I will stop here and I will be happy to take questions.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Record funding uplift for UK battery research and development [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 21 October 2022.
- £211 million of government funding confirmed for battery research through the Faraday Battery Challenge
- battery industry could support 100,000 jobs by 2040 and is central to growth of key industries – such as electric vehicles and renewables
- Business Secretary visits government-backed UK Battery Industrialisation Centre in Coventry to see how battery research is being brought to market.
The UK’s world-leading manufacturing industries will be boosted thanks to £211 million in new government funding for battery research and innovation, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed today (Friday 21 October).

The record funding uplift will be delivered through the Faraday Battery Challenge, which began in 2017 and supports world-class scientific technology development and manufacturing scale-up capability for batteries in the UK. It will help to seize on opportunities for private investment and economic growth in industries where powerful, fast charging batteries will be essential – such as domestic energy storage and electric vehicles.

The funding, from last year’s settlement, will be delivered between 2022 and 2025 by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with support from the Faraday Institution, Innovate UK and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC).

It will help the sector deliver 100,000 jobs in battery gigafactories and the battery supply chain by 2040. Supporting the scale-up of these technologies and unlocking further private investment supports the sustainable growth of the economy, which will boost tax revenues and put public services on a more secure footing for the longer term, helping improve life for people across the UK.

Speaking on a visit to the £130 million UKBIC, which is the UK’s centre of excellence in battery manufacturing, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said:

Safe and powerful batteries are central to our plans to grow the industries of the future. From our world leading renewables industry, to our growing electric vehicle sector, secure supplies of batteries are key to delivering jobs and prosperity.

The Faraday Battery Challenge has brought the UK’s greatest minds and best facilities together to develop the innovations that will help us achieve this goal. The work it has done since 2017 has laid the groundwork for our future economic success and I am pleased to confirm this work will continue, supported by record funding.

The Faraday Battery Challenge combines:
- research and capability development to reduce battery weight and cost, increase energy and power, and ensure reliability and recyclability;
- collaborative business-led innovation in the UK battery sector, development of the wider network and skills needed to manufacture batteries through Innovate UK; and
- manufacturing scale-up & skills development at the UKBIC the national battery manufacturing development facility.
The Challenge has supported over 140 organisations working across the UK, attracting over £400 million in further private sector investment. It has enabled the Faraday Institution, the UK’s independent battery research body, to unite 500 researchers across more than 25 universities to improve current and develop future battery technologies.

Faraday Battery Challenge Director Tony Harper said:

This new funding allows us to strengthen the foundation we’ve created by consolidating and building on the UK’s position to become a battery science superpower. We now have an opportunity to ensure that our national industrialisation infrastructure remains world leading in this fast-evolving critical net zero technology.

With the support of the Challenge, the £130 million UKBIC in Coventry opened three years ahead of its nearest European competition. The Centre provides the link between battery research and successful mass production. So far UKBIC has supported over 140 UK battery developers, working on more than 80 research and innovation projects, to successfully scale their products to market.

Felicity Buchan, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:

The battery industry will play a pivotal role in the growth of our future economy. That’s why it’s so important that we are making this record investment in cutting-edge research, supporting businesses to become more innovative and productive, and creating high-skill, high-wage jobs across the UK.

UKBIC Managing Director Jeff Pratt said:

I am delighted with this announcement which demonstrates the government’s sustained commitment to supporting the development of advanced battery technologies across the UK. Since the Faraday Battery Challenge was launched in 2017, we have seen rapid change in the battery industry as it develops increased capacity across Europe; and this will continue over the coming decade.

For UKBIC, this additional funding will ensure that we retain our leading-edge manufacturing capability for the UK and can continue to support our industry in the next few years as novel chemistries and formats scale towards volume production.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:

Advanced battery technology will play a central role in our lives and the economy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, creating new jobs and opening up new opportunities.

The Faraday Battery Challenge is at the forefront of the clean technology revolution, catalysing collaboration and innovation that will benefit society.

This exciting work and the further investment announced today underlines the ways in which research and innovation can help to create a sustainable future while driving economic growth.

Along with the Challenge, the UK government is helping to deliver a world leading electric vehicle industry for the UK through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF). Through the ATF the UK has secured major investments in battery production, including Envision AESC expanding their existing plant in Sunderland.

A further £4 million is also being announced through UKRI’s Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge to support skills, talent and training across Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) manufacturing and supply chains. PEMD components are the parts that make things ‘go’, from cars to hairdryers, underpinning a wide range of high-value industries.
October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : It is our responsibility as Member States to unequivocally condemn disinformation, especially when it provokes or encourages threats to peace or acts of aggression [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2022.

Statement by Mungo Woodifield, UK Spokesperson to the UN, at the UN Fourth Committee, 12th meeting – General Assembly, 77th Session.

Thank you Mr Chair, Distinguished colleagues,

I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Fleming and the Department of Global Communications for their engagement with Member States, through reports submitted to the Committee on Information, as well as regular updates and exchanges on the work of the Department.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Department’s work to improve the UN’s strategic communications, news, media and outreach activity as well as its leadership and innovation in response to the complex communications challenges that face us.

The Department has continued to expand its reach through innovative partnerships and has been successful at mobilising wide and diverse audiences. These efforts are necessary to meet the growing demand around the world for accurate, impartial and comprehensive information on the most pressing global issues, such as Covid-19, the Climate Crisis, or Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

On these topics and others, people are looking at the UN now more than ever as a source of trusted information and we have to acknowledge that part of the reason why is that disinformation, propaganda and lies are out there in the world like never before. An infodemic carried on vectors of digital technologies and media.

We also need to be frank that this infodemic has a source and it is important that we focus our attention on “information manipulation, including disinformation, by states” and we recognise, this year in particular, the disinformation dimension of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Since launching its invasion in February, the Kremlin’s propaganda machine has been in overdrive. The Russian government has lied to the world, lied to Ukrainians, lied to its own people and lied to itself. President Putin wants truth to be a casualty of this war, but we will continue to tell the truth about Russia’s aggression, including the strong evidence of war crimes that we are seeing committed in Ukraine.

The UN must do the same, guided by the language in resolutions adopted overwhelmingly by the General Assembly and the Secretary-General’s clear statements about Russia’s violations of the UN Charter and its aggression. The entire UN system must be consistent in how it describes this war.

Because this offensive against truth has global consequences. Russia’s disinformation about its invasion of Ukraine threatens to undermine public trust in the media and also confidence in public and international institutions, including the UN.

This really matters because if they succeed, then we will all fail. It is our responsibility as Member States to unequivocally condemn disinformation, especially when it provokes or encourages threats to peace or acts of aggression.

The ideals enshrined in the UN Charter cannot be realised in a world in which truth is obscured by State propaganda and muzzled media freedoms.

Together through our work in this Committee and in partnership with the UN, we can challenge disinformation and protect the space for impartial and accurate reporting of the threats and challenges that the UN was founded to address.

October 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Threats to James Nesbitt an attack on freedom of expression – Archibald [October 2022]

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 19 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has condemned threats to actor James Nesbitt in Portrush.

The East Derry MLA said:

“The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting.

“These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland.

“This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion.

“There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt.

“Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats.

“Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account.

“Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI.”

October 20, 2022