Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Police dismissals to be reviewed [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 October 2022.

The Home Office will launch a targeted review of police dismissals to raise standards and confidence in policing across England and Wales.

The internal review will be launched shortly and will help to ensure that the system is more effective in removing officers who are not fit to serve the public.

Baroness Casey’s interim report into the culture and standards at the Metropolitan Police Service, published today (Monday 17 October 2022) raises significant concerns, including that fewer officers are being dismissed, officers with multiple allegations made against them are still serving the public and police from ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in the misconduct system.

The Home Office review is likely to consider:

the effectiveness of the existing system to dismiss those who fall seriously short of the standards expected by policing and the public
the impact of the introduction of changes to misconduct panels, including legally qualified chairs
whether forces are making use of their powers to discharge officers during their probationary period
Working with policing partners, it will also assess whether the regulatory framework for the police disciplinary system should be changed.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

“The public rightly expects the highest standards of behaviour from police officers and the vast majority meet this expectation. But recently too many high-profile incidents and reports, especially in London, have damaged trust – which is unfair on the public and lets down other serving officers.

“This cannot continue. Culture and standards in the police must improve. And where an officer has fallen seriously short of these expectations, demonstrable, public action must be taken.

“I have been clear it is absolutely vital police act to restore trust, return to common-sense policing and treat the public and victims with the respect they deserve.

“I welcome the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to tackling the issues raised in the Baroness Casey report and hope this review will also help to address underlying concerns.”

The government has already overhauled the police discipline system over the last 7 years, making it more transparent, more proportionate and more accountable – for example introducing public misconduct hearings in 2015 and bringing in the Police Barred List in 2017, ensuring that officers and staff who are dismissed cannot re-join the police.

In addition, the 2-part Angiolini Inquiry is currently examining the issues raised by the conviction of then-serving officer Wayne Couzens for the murder of Sarah Everard last year. The second part is expected to scrutinise wider issues for policing and the safety of women.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Pensions Dashboards – coming soon to a screen near you [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 17 October 2022.

Today regulations to enable millions of UK savers to access their pensions information at the touch of a button have been laid before parliament.

Marking another important milestone in the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) progress towards making Pensions Dashboards a reality, the regulations outline how pension schemes will connect to the dashboard ecosystem and what providers must do to become a qualified pensions dashboard service.

Pensions Dashboards will transform how savers access their pensions facts and figures, allowing people to see what they have in their various pensions – including their State Pension – in a single place online, at any time they choose.

DWP Minister for Pensions and Growth Alex Burghart said:

We want people across the UK to have the support and information they need to make informed choices about their financial futures.

Providing a convenient place for savers to access their pension information – at the touch of a button – will help people become better informed and more engaged savers, and support them to plan more effectively for retirement.

Chris Curry, Principal of the Pensions Dashboards Programme, said:

Pensions Dashboards will make a real difference to how people view their pensions savings, and how pension providers and schemes engage with their members and customers. There are now just over 6 months until the first window opens for pension providers and schemes to begin mandatory connection to the dashboards ecosystem. Dashboards will soon become a reality, and Government, the regulators and industry will work together to make them a success.

Taking onboard feedback from industry, the DWP also announced that the Dashboard Availability Point (DAP) will be announced 6 months in advance, giving time for industry to make final preparations for the public launch of the service.

The building and initial testing of the digital dashboards architecture is already well underway, with pension schemes being urged to ensure they are “data ready” for the launch of Pensions Dashboards.

2022 marks 10 years since the introduction of Automatic Enrolment, and with a record number of British people saving for retirement, and more people managing their finances online, the need for Pensions Dashboards is stronger than ever.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Home Office launches Independent Examiner of Complaints Service [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 October 2022.

The Home Office has launched a new Independent Examiner of Complaints (IEC) service for customers of the Department’s immigration services.

In doing so, the Home Office has fulfilled another of the recommendations in Wendy Williams’ Windrush Lessons Learned Review, published in March 2020.

Introducing an IEC service brings the Department in line with several other public service delivery departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

If customers are not satisfied with the final response to their complaints, they will have an opportunity to have their case reviewed independently by the IEC.

Although the IEC will not have any remit over immigration decisions, which remain subject to existing appeal processes, they will apply greater scrutiny and ultimately increase public confidence in the customer services delivered by the Home Office, as well as helping to manage reputational risk.

In making her original recommendation, Wendy Williams proposed that the new service should have the ability to identify systemic issues within the immigration system. The IEC will achieve that by using the data and insight from complaints to consider why particular issues might be arising and feed them back into the department to support the continuous improvement of services.

The Home Office is pleased to announce that, following a fair and open recruitment process, Moi Ali has been appointed as the new Independent Examiner of Complaints. She will be supported by an Office for the IEC, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ms Ali has a background in independent complaints review. For the last 4 years she has been the Independent Assessor of Complaints for the Crown Prosecution Service and she will continue in that role on a part-time basis. She is passionate about providing a genuinely independent service, and about helping organisations to identify learning and wider lessons from complaints in order to improve their service.

Her approach is to understand the complainant journey and perspective, and to support staff to provide a complainant-centric service.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Better protection from invasive data requests for victims of rape [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 October 2022.
New code of practice on data extraction published today

Ends ‘digital strip search’ of victims’ electronic devices

Part of government action to boost confidence in criminal justice system and improve the quality of rape investigations

A new code of practice for powers included in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act was laid in Parliament today (Monday 17 October), which will see new obligations on police to protect the privacy of victims.

The new code will ensure that powers to request information from victims’ phones and devices are correctly used by the police and that all victims get the same high standards of protection.

It forms part of a programme of work to transform the way rape and sexual assault cases are investigated and prosecuted. The programme includes work such as Operation Soteria, a pioneering project working alongside academics to introduce a new operating model for the investigation of rape cases to improve prosecution rates and ensure a high standard in investigating rape and sexual assault across forces.

Minister for Safeguarding Mims Davies said:

It is vital victims are treated with utmost sensitivity and respect when reporting crimes, so that more victims feel able to come forward.

These new measures are part of our commitment to ensuring police investigate crimes against women and girls thoroughly, with a clear focus on the suspect, not the victim.

Bringing the PCSC Act powers and code into force represents a significant step forward in balancing the privacy rights of victims with effective investigations, to ensure more perpetrators are brought to justice.

The powers and the code fulfil the government’s ambition set out in the Rape Review Action Plan that victims should only be asked for their phones where necessary, proportionate and as part of a reasonable line of enquiry.

The powers will also mean that the police must tell victims why they want their devices and what information they are looking for. They will also have to make sure victims know that they can refuse the request without it resulting in their case being automatically dropped.

Earlier this year, the government conducted a 9-week public consultation to engage with experts across the sector on how the code of practice could best protect victims. The code was strengthened as a result, and the government has now also published its response to the consultation.

ACC Tim de Meyer, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Disclosure said:

The NPCC welcomes the new powers within the PCSC Act.

For 2 years, we have been working with criminal justice partners, government and victims groups to improve this area of investigative practice.

As investigators we must ensure the suspect’s absolute right to a fair trial while protecting the privacy of victims and witnesses. The new code of practice will help us to achieve this.

The code of practice and extraction of information powers contribute to the delivery of the government’s End-to-End Rape Review, which seeks to achieve systemic and cultural change to improve the victim experience and to bring offenders to justice. This includes increasing the number of Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Advisers, rolling out pre-recorded cross-examination for victims of sexual and modern slavery offences in all Crown Courts in England and Wales, and working with forces to understand how they can be supported to develop the capabilities they need to examine rape victims’ devices within 24 hours.
October 17, 2022
Colum Eastwood – 2022 Comments on Government’s Emergency Statement

The comments made by Colum Eastwood, the SDLP MP for Foyle, on Twitter on 17 October 2022.

The Tories promised unfunded tax cuts for the mega-rich while working people were left to a market meltdown that sent mortgage rates through the roof.

Today Jeremy Hunt indicated that energy support will come to an end in April. We need guaranteed support for energy bills now.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak discusses with new ICRC president ways to move forward on getting access to Ukrainian prisoners in Olenivka [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 15 October 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a video call with the new president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

Yermak congratulated her on the recent assumption of office and expressed hope that under her leadership the ICRC will successfully overcome complex humanitarian problems, in particular those caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The head of the Office of the President said that today, the situation with violation of human rights in the occupied territories of Ukraine is one that Europe and the world have not seen for decades. This also applies to the treatment of captured Ukrainian troops and civilians in places of detention.

Yermak urged Egger to do everything possible to send the ICRC mission to the penal colony in Olenivka in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region, where at the end of July, more than 50 defenders of Ukraine were killed in a terrorist shelling by the Russian invaders. According to him, our state is ready to contribute to this mission in every possible way.

“Today is a critical moment. This war is a test for everyone: for Ukraine, for international organizations,” he said.

The head of the President’s Office is convinced that ICRC representatives should arrive at the contact line in the east of Ukraine on October 17. This would be a very important step.

Egger stressed the importance of ICRC staff having access to prisoners of war, particularly in Olenivka.

“This is my priority. And we will continue to facilitate access,” the ICRC president said.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a military hospital and presented state awards to the wounded defenders of Ukraine and military medics [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 October 2022.

On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a military hospital.

The Head of State visited intensive care and trauma departments. Doctors told the President about the nature of the injuries suffered by the warriors, the course of treatment and recovery.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with the wounded warriors and presented them with state awards for courage and selflessness shown in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“Thank you for your service. I wish you a speedy recovery. From all of us, I sincerely thank you for protecting the state,” said the President.

He also met with the medical staff of the military hospital and presented state awards for dedication and professionalism, providing medical aid and saving people’s lives under martial law.

“You are also defenders of Ukraine, because you save the lives of our warriors. All warriors say that our doctors are of the highest class. I thank you and your families for having you here,” the Head of State said.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : It is necessary to stop the terrorist pressure that Russia exerts on European countries – Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with Bild [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 October 2022.

In the event of a real nuclear threat from Russia, the aggressor country will receive an appropriate response from the world, and the Russian authorities understand this. This was stated by Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podolyak in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.

“NATO monitors everything that happens in Russia with nuclear weapons. And NATO categorically warns Russia that if there is even an attempt to use nuclear weapons, there will be a response. Today, Russia is gradually reducing its rhetorical threats with nuclear weapons. There is a protocol according to which the nuclear powers act,” he said

Mykhailo Podolyak noted that the world is already doing a lot to prevent Russia from using nuclear weapons, in particular, relevant warning statements were made by U.S. President Joseph Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called on Russia to immediately stop the rhetoric about nuclear threats.

The Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office noted that Russia invaded the territory of Ukraine with conventional weapons, and our troops counterattacked and pushed back the Russian army also with conventional weapons.

“Russia says: “If Ukraine does not allow us to keep the territories we invaded and cannot keep with conventional weapons, we will use nuclear weapons.” This is how a nuclear state threatens a non-nuclear state. If Russia is not stopped now, other countries will withdraw from the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons – ed.), because any war against a nuclear state will lead to losses. These countries will try to find components for nuclear weapons on the black market or elsewhere. Russia not only threatens Ukraine, it breaks a key element of global security,” the Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office said.

That is why, according to him, other countries react harshly to blackmail by a state possessing nuclear weapons.

“Everyone understands that they must give Russia a symmetrical response. Those who want to use nuclear weapons will get a response, and Russia seems to understand that,” Mykhailo Podolyak said.

The Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office expressed his belief that, despite the statements, the Russian Federation will still not use nuclear weapons, including tactical ones.

“Today we see a drastic decline in the nuclear threat in Russian rhetoric – if we ignore propagandists and talk about officials. We’re seeing a dramatic decline in the nuclear threat, and that’s a pretty good sign. Russia has admitted that it can wage war with conventional weapons, but any attempt to use nuclear weapons will lead to an immediate response,” he stated.

In addition to nuclear blackmail, Mykhailo Podolyak also mentioned the terrorist pressure that Russia exerts on European countries, particularly in the energy sector. The Russian Federation not only blows up its own gas pipelines, but also tries to damage the Ukrainian gas transmission system and delay the supply of gas volumes ordered by European countries.

As the Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office noted, the Russians believe that this will force Germany to receive gas through the Nord Stream 2 branch and endorse its operation.

To prevent the realization of this scenario, it is necessary to protect Ukrainian critical infrastructure from damage by Russian missiles. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense and close the sky from Russian cruise missiles, Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized.

“Yes, we expect attacks, and Russia has publicly stated this. Their goal is to destroy civilian infrastructure, since they can’t do anything on the battlefield. We are aware of this and, together with our partners, develop programs for the protection of critical objects. Second, we developed a rapid system to repair damage and replenish energy in the event of leakage from one region to another. We will also advance our counteroffensive at the front. So Russia will have to focus its attention and efforts on the battlefield. We believe that the sooner we end this war, the less pressure and damage there will be to our infrastructure,” the Advisor to the Head of the President’s Office summarized.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 14 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held another meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on Friday.

The participants listened to the reports of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the head of intelligence and the commanders of the troops of operational directions regarding the situation on the fronts and probable actions of the enemy in the near future.

The steps for the further liberation of Ukrainian territories were outlined.

The issue of logistical maintenance of the troops, in particular uninterrupted supply of ammunition and preparation for winter was also discussed.

In addition, further regulation of the activities of voluntary formations of territorial communities was discussed.

The meeting was attended by: Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi and commanders of operational directions.

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, heads of security and law enforcement agencies also joined the meeting of the Staff.

October 17, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak – Ukraine gives the ICRC three days to send a mission to the colony in Olenivka, where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 13 October 2022.

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak made a demand without alternatives to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): in the coming days, send a mission to the colony in Olenivka in the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held and where at the end of July, as a result of terrorist shelling by the Russian occupiers, more than 50 defenders of Ukraine were killed.

He said this during a video call with representatives of the ICRC and other international organizations. The call was also attended by: Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Andriy Sybiha and Ihor Zhovkva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Kyrylo Budanov, Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk, representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for human rights Dmytro Lubinets, head of the NGO “Civil Liberties Center” Oleksandra Matviychuk, people’s deputies and ambassadors of Ukraine’s partner states.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that the question of the conditions under which Ukrainian prisoners are held and what they face in places of detention in the Russian Federation and in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine is extremely important today.

“Today, in the center of Europe, unfortunately, terrible things are happening every minute and every hour, there are concentration camps again, and it is impossible to remain silent about this,” he said.

The Head of the President’s Office noted that he does not understand why the Red Cross mission has not yet arrived in Olenivka. He emphasized that there is no time to wait, as it is about human lives.

“Therefore, I call for the Red Cross mission with international media representatives to arrive in Ukraine no later than in three days, even if you do not receive confirmation from Russia by this time. And we are sure that Russia is not interested in the truth being known. We call to send a mission that will be on the frontline until Russia issues these permits,” he said.

Andriy Yermak urged to resolve this issue and send the ICRC mission by October 17. The Head of the President’s Office assured that Ukraine will facilitate this mission in every possible way.

“We are ready to join it. Our people’s deputies are ready to go there. Our esteemed partners – representatives of the countries that are with us today, I am sure, are also ready to help so that the leading channels and other mass media arrive. As it happens, for example, when the IAEA mission arrives,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the President’s Office stated that otherwise Ukraine will use all possible information and diplomatic means to move this issue from stalemate.

According to him, the Ukrainian state, together with its partners, will find a way to form an expert group and find people who will be willing to carry out the mission that the Red Cross has to carry out.

“But we won’t wait any longer. Every hour, every day is the life of our people. And today war is a test for every person, in particular a test for international organizations. If there is a desire, there is always a way to realize it,” summed up Andriy Yermak.

October 17, 2022