Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Chancellor vows ‘big bang on growth’ to boost investment and savings [July 2024]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 July 2024.
- Chancellor launches landmark review to boost investment, increase pension pots and tackle waste in the pensions system.
- New Pensions Bill confirmed in King’s Speech could boost pension pots by over £11,000, with further consolidation and broader investment strategies to potentially deliver higher returns for pensions.
- An investment shift in defined contribution schemes could deliver £8 billion of new productive investment into the UK economy.
- Action will be taken to unleash the full investment might of the £360 billion Local Government Pension Scheme to make it an engine for UK growth.
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a landmark pensions review as part of the new Government’s mission to ‘boost growth and make every part of Britain better off’.

Under plans unveiled by the new Chancellor, billions of pounds of investment could be unlocked in the UK economy from defined contribution schemes alone and pension pots for savers in defined contribution schemes could be boosted by over £11,000.

The Review will also, working closely with the Minister of State at MHCLG Jim McMahon, look at how to unlock the investment potential of the £360 billion Local Government Pensions Scheme, which manages the savings of those working to deliver our vital local services, as well as how to tackle the £2 billion that is being spent on fees.

The announcement comes ahead of the first Growth Mission Board on Tuesday. This will be chaired by the Chancellor and drive the Government’s work to achieve the highest sustained growth in the G7. New measures have already been announced to fix the planning system, the creation of a new National Wealth Fund and the overhaul of the listings regime to boost UK stock exchanges.

The work announced today – focusing on investment – is the first phase in reviewing the pensions landscape and will be led by the first ever joint Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Emma Reynolds (Minister for Pensions). The next phase of the review starting later this year will consider further steps to improve pension outcomes and increase investment in UK markets, including assessing retirement adequacy.

The Chancellor and the Pensions Minister will chair a roundtable with the pensions industry on Monday to start intensive industry engagement for the Review.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Despite a very challenging inheritance, this new Government is getting on with the job of delivering our mandate to get the economy growing so we can make every part of our country better off.

The review we are announcing is the latest in a big bang of reforms to unlock growth, boost investment and deliver savings for pensioners. There is no time to waste. That is why I am determined to fix the foundations of our economy so we can rebuild Britain and improve people’s lives.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

After putting in years of hard graft serving their communities, the very least our frontline workers deserve – millions of whom are low paid, millions of whom are women – is dignity and security in retirement.

That’s why we want to make sure their hard-earned money works harder for them so we ensure they receive the pensions they have earned, whilst unlocking growth across our economy.

Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said:

As the first ever joint Treasury and DWP Minister I am uniquely placed to tackle the twin challenges of productive investment and retirement outcomes.

Over the next few months the review will focus on identifying any further actions to drive investment that could be taken forward in the Pension Schemes Bill before then exploring long-term challenges to ensure our pensions system is fit for the future.

There is so much untapped potential in our pensions markets, with an industry worth around £2 trillion. The measures we have already set out in our Pension Schemes Bill will help drive higher investment and a better deal for our future pensioners.

Legal & General Group Chief Executive António Simões said:

As the UK’s largest manager of money for pension clients, we welcome the ambition set out by the government today. Driving pensions capital into areas such as science, technology and infrastructure can help support better returns for millions of retirement savers, as well as stimulate much needed long-term growth for the economy. Having recently launched our own fund offering Defined Contribution savers access to high growth private market sectors, we look forward to continuing to work closely with government on the next stages of reform to help unlock further funding routes to power UK businesses, communities and society. We also strongly welcome the Government’s intention to consider the adequacy of overall pension provision in the next stage of the review.

BVCA Chief Executive Michael Moore said:

We are very encouraged that the Government has brought forward their Pensions Review so quickly. The Chancellor has a real opportunity to deliver economic growth by facilitating increased investment in UK businesses to the benefit of returns to pension savers as well as the wider economy.

Legislative and policy changes, including further consolidation of pension schemes to increase pension schemes’ ability to deploy capital into UK private capital funds are vital, as is greater industry partnership.

The BVCA’s Investment Compact has already brought together over 100 growth equity and venture capital firms committed to working with pensions schemes to consider effective structures that attract investment.

If the Government is ambitious and considers a wide range of options in this review we are optimistic that this will deliver the clear roadmap we have called for, building on the work of the BVCA’s Pensions and Private Capital Expert Panel.

Aviva Director of Workplace Savings and Retirement Emma Douglas said:

We welcome the government’s determination to undertake a pensions review as an early priority. We fully support government’s ambition to get pension funds invested in a way that both supports UK growth and improves outcomes for savers. We see this as an important next step and look forward to working with government and industry on the Review.

Phoenix Group CEO Andy Briggs said:

The announcement of a pensions review by the government is much needed and is welcome news. Phoenix Group has committed to allocate 5% of assets in our default funds to unlisted equities by 2030 which will allow UK savers to invest in a more diversified portfolio. Our key priority is to deliver good outcomes for our customers and we are confident that Phoenix Group could invest up to £40 billion to support the economic growth agenda whilst keeping policyholder protection at its core.

With only one in seven people in the UK saving enough for a decent standard of living in retirement, we are happy to see that this review will expand to look at pension adequacy. This is vitally important for people across the UK and we hope this will include a commitment to increasing auto-enrolment contributions.

Defined contribution schemes will be managing around £800 billion in assets by the end of the decade and the Review will explore ways to increase their investment into productive assets. Even a 1 percentage point shift of assets into productive investments could mean £8 billion of new productive investment to grow the economy and build vital infrastructure by the end of the decade.

This would also help savers using these schemes build up better retirement pots as productive assets are more likely to provide higher returns. Immediate action has already been taken to boost retirement savings through the Pensions Bill, which introduces a Value for Money Framework to promote better governance and achieve higher returns – boosting the pension pot of an average earner who saves over their lifetime in a defined contribution scheme by over £11,000.

The first stage of the review will examine actions to support greater productive investment and better retirement outcomes, including through further consolidation and encouraging at-scale schemes to increase returns through broader investment strategies.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales is the seventh largest pension fund in the world, managing £360 billion worth of assets. Its value comes from the hard work and dedication of 6.6 million people in our public sector, mostly low-paid women, working to deliver our vital local services. Pooling this money would enable the funds to invest in a wider range of UK assets and the government will consider legislating to mandate pooling if insufficient progress is made by March 2025.

To cut down on fragmentation and waste in the LGPS, which spends around £2 billion each year on fees and costs and is split across 87 funds – an increase in fees of 70% since 2017, the Review will also consider the benefits of further consolidation.

The first stage of the review will report in the next few months and consider further measures to support the Pensions Bill. It will take account of the need to prioritise gilt market stability, liquidity and diversity. It will then broaden out to consider the wider pensions landscape to strengthen security in retirement. In the meantime, immediate action has been taken through new laws announced to Parliament in The King’s Speech.

Barclays CEO C. S. Venkatakrishnan said:

We welcome the Government’s timely review of the pensions sector. Pensions reforms are critical to unlocking institutional investment in growth equity, and alongside a streamlining of listing requirements, will give a significant boost to UK capital markets and growth. Building institutional demand is also an important signal in encouraging private share ownership.

Association of British Insurers Director General Hannah Gurga said:

This review is an important opportunity to provide much needed long-term strategy for the significant role the UK pensions sector plays in investment and economic growth. We welcome the holistic approach with the interests of savers going hand in hand with further boosting investment in the UK. Good outcomes for savers and providing stability must ultimately be at the heart of the reforms and we look forward to working with the government to achieve this.

M&G plc CEO Andrea Rossi said:

A Pensions Review is long overdue and to be welcomed. M&G has a rich heritage of investing in the UK and there are significant opportunities ahead to give the real economy a boost over the next decade and beyond. We know from experience, through our PruFund offer, that a large pooled fund gives savers access to a wider range of productive assets that aims to maximise benefits over the long-term. Consolidation, combined with the role of advice, has huge potential to align the interests of savers with the UK’s growth ambition. We look forward to supporting the Government on this landmark review.

Border to Coast CEO Rachel Elwell said:

Our focus is on delivering a strong and sustainable LGPS to enable it to pay the pensions of the 6.6 million local government workers in an affordable and sustainable manner. Through the commitment and support of our Partner Funds, Border to Coast has developed innovative and cost-effective investments, while cutting Private Market fees by almost 30%. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Government on a co-ordinated review to consider how the LGPS can continue to deliver for hard-working members, generate even greater value to local taxpayers, and deliver productive investment in the UK.

Nest CEO Ian Cornelius said:

Nest members represent a third of the UK workforce. Why wouldn’t we want to help invest in their jobs, their communities, and the infrastructure they use? Nest already invests more than £8.5bn into the UK. As one of the world’s biggest economies, there are further great investment opportunities available to pension schemes like Nest and we welcome the opportunities being announced to explore increasing investment in the UK.

Pension Protection Fund CEO Michelle Ostermann said:

Pension consolidation, and a fresh approach, can unlock billions in new UK growth-supporting investments and support the UK gilt market whilst securing the retirement incomes of many more pension members. We welcome the launch of the government’s review, marking the start of an important process, and look forward to playing our part.

Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association Director of Policy and Advocacy Nigel Peaple said:

It is positive the Government has acted quickly to initiate its promised review of our pensions savings system. Pension schemes already invest one trillion pounds in the UK economy, with this amount expected to grow as our defined contribution system matures. With the right regulatory framework and Government action to ensure a healthy pipeline of investible opportunities, we look forward to working with Ministers to create a pension system that works for the country and for savers.

Pensions & Private Capital Expert Panel Chair and co-founder of IQ Capital Kerry Baldwin said:

An early and ambitious review of the pensions landscape is an extremely important step in prioritising returns for UK savers and driving economic growth. The Chancellor’s Pensions Review will add further impetus to the work of the Investment Compact for Venture Capital and Growth Equity, which has brought together the private capital and pensions industries to support pension savers and to encourage investment from pension funds into unlisted equities.

There has been significant progress through this collaboration. We are already developing a greater understanding of the ways we can work together to deliver new options for UK pension savers at the same time as supporting high growth, innovative UK companies with new sources of capital. The Review offers us the opportunity to develop this shared agenda further and deliver better outcomes for all the stakeholders.

TheCityUK CEO Miles Celic said:

Creating the right investment environment is critical both for improving people’s retirement incomes and for boosting growth across the UK. The government’s new Pensions Review will be an important mechanism to help deliver this. We look forward to working closely with government and regulators to ensure that an effective long-term strategy that supports financial resilience is developed.

Royal London Group Chief Executive Barry O’Dwyer said:

Pensions already play an important role in supporting UK economic growth, and the review announced by the Chancellor is a welcome opportunity to consider reforms that could strengthen this further. We are particularly pleased the review will focus on delivering better retirement outcomes for people, as this must always be the main priority of the pensions system. We are also encouraged that the next phase of the review will examine retirement adequacy, as creating a long-term plan for increasing contributions will have a major impact on improving retirement outcomes and helping to finance growth.

Citi UK CEO Tiina Lee said:

We welcome the Government announcing a pensions review to boost investment in the UK economy.

The UK is home to the second-largest pool of long-term capital in the world. Based on Citi’s experience with global investors, increasing pension fund investment will reinvigorate funding in British companies and infrastructure projects and bring real benefits to our economy and society.
August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is ready to work with regional partners across the globe to build stability – UK statement at the UN Security Council [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and regional organisations.

I will make three points. First, the UK supports regional organisations playing a role in upholding peace and security in their regions. This includes regional peacekeeping partnerships that reflect the UN’s common values and principles, including respect for human rights. For example, the EU’s Operation Althea and the OSCE’s operation in Bosnia has helped facilitate the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The OSCE is undertaking important work on a wide array of security issues in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Second, to carry out this role effectively, regional organisations need to be responsive to the needs of their members, and act in line with the UN Charter. To the extent that the these organizations are willing to do this, they can play a constructive role in their regions. All States have a sovereign right to choose their own security partnerships, including military alliances. Participation cannot be coerced. “Collective security” does not mean a sphere of influence, and “cooperation” does not require subjugation of sovereignty. Russia’s aggression against Georgia in 2008, and against Ukraine in 2014 and 2022, undermines the role of regional organisations in the neighbourhood, particularly the CSTO. Georgia and Ukraine withdrew from CIS due to this violation of their sovereignty.

Third, the UK warmly welcomes the Central Asian region’s strong engagement with the UN, underlined by the Secretary-General’s regional tour this month, and the work of UN bodies such as UNDP and UNOCT in the region. We look forward to next week’s consultations on UNRCCA, which makes a valuable contribution to security in the region, including counter-terrorism, and women, peace and security. The UK also values our own relations with the Central Asian states. Earlier this year, we launched a regional climate programme that will help improve Central Asia’s climate resilience by strengthening regional cooperation on water and energy. And we look forward to COP 29 in Azerbaijan. There are no binary choices in partnerships – the UK is ready to work with regional partners across the globe to build stability and security, promote growth and tackle global challenges.

August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s war threatens food security – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Justin Addison, UK Delegation to the OSCE, tells the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee (EEC) that Russia is prioritising its own aims above global food security.

Mr Chair,

The UK delegation would like to thank the Austrian chair of the EEC for convening this session to discuss food security. As you rightly said at the start, conflict situations in regions key to global food trade can severely impact food security.

Ukrainian grain exports are crucial in ensuring global food security and the resilience of global grain markets. Before Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Ukraine accounted for around 10% of global wheat exports and 12% of corn and barley exports.

Russia has cynically attempted to prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain, prioritising its own aims above global food security. In 2023, it deliberately obstructed and then withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, after which it deliberately attacked Ukraine’s grain storage and export infrastructure.

However, these attempts have failed. Ukraine’s military successes have now pushed back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, enabling it to resume exports from its Black Sea ports. Since last summer, Ukraine has exported 36 million tonnes of agricultural produce and 17 million tonnes of other cargo through the Black Sea. Through all routes, Ukraine has now exported all its harvest from 2023.

There is ample evidence that Russia is also systematically acquiring grain from occupied Ukrainian territory and selling it on, with farmers forced to sell their produce to occupation authorities. This is grain which Ukraine should rightfully be supplying to world markets, instead of either being transferred to Russia for consumption or sold abroad, passed off as Russian grain.

All buyers of Russian grain, including those represented in this committee, should consider these facts when making purchasing decisions.

Russia often likes to claim that Western sanctions are hindering its agricultural exports. We have always been clear that the target of our sanctions is Russia’s war machine and not its food and fertiliser sectors. The UN and other partners have taken significant steps to ensure that Russian food is able to access world markets.

Mr Chair, food security is another casualty of Russia’s unnecessary and unprovoked war, and Ukraine’s response is another example of their resistance in the face of such aggression. Ukraine’s ability to export and trade freely, efficiently and economically is vitally important in stabilising global food prices and preventing global food shortages.

This aim will only be achieved when President Putin decides to end this senseless war and fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory.

Thank you.

August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK to restart funding to UNRWA [July 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.
- Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced that the UK will restart funding to UNRWA in order to get aid as quickly as possible to those who need it in Gaza
- in statement to MPs, Lammy said UK aid funding to Gaza is a “moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe”
- the Foreign Secretary also reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and end the suffering in Gaza, following his visit to the region earlier this week
The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK will lift the pause on funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the key aid delivery body operating in Gaza.

In his first statement to MPs, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK will release £21 million to support its lifesaving work in Gaza and the provision of basic services in the region.

This funding will go towards UNRWA’s flash appeal for Gaza and the West Bank, which focuses its resources on emergency food, shelter and other support for 3 million people, as well as its wider work supporting 6 million Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Humanitarian aid is a moral necessity in the face of such a catastrophe and it is aid agencies who ensure UK support reaches civilians on the ground.

UNRWA is absolutely central to these efforts. No other agency can get aid into Gaza at the scale needed.

I was appalled by the allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7th October attacks. We are reassured that after Catherine Colonna’s independent review, UNRWA is ensuring they meet the highest standards of neutrality and strengthening its procedures, including on vetting.

UNRWA has acted. Partners like Japan, the EU and Norway have now acted. This government will act too.

The UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. Following an independent review by Catherine Colonna and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms, the government is confident that UNRWA is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality.

Today’s announcement brings the UK into line with partners such as Germany, the EU, Sweden, Japan, France and other donors.

UNRWA is the main provider of humanitarian relief within Gaza, and other UN and humanitarian actors depend on UNRWA’s distribution network to get aid to those who need it most. UNRWA has provided 1.15 million people facing devastating hunger in Gaza with food parcels.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with UN Secretary General Guterres last night to confirm the UK’s decision to restart funding and discuss the UN’s vital role in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will meet UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini today to discuss how the funding will support UNRWA’s work and condemn the killing of almost 200 UNRWA workers in the conflict.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians there.

UNRWA is the only agency that can deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid at the scale needed. But it can only operate effectively if it has access to the whole of Gaza and it is safe for UNRWA staff to work there.

That’s why we are calling for unfettered access for humanitarian organisations alongside an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages and a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary also set out in Parliament today his wider plan to reach an end to the conflict in Gaza. He made clear the immediate priority is a ceasefire complied with by both sides, the release of all hostages and a surge of aid into Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary said to Parliament:

Britain wants to see an immediate ceasefire. The fighting must stop. The hostages must be released. Much, much more aid has got to enter Gaza…. This horror must end, now.

The Foreign Secretary raised the urgent need for the conflict to end during his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 14 to 15 July.

As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will provide another £5.5 million this year to UK-Med to fund their life-saving work in Gaza. This funding will be used to support the ongoing work of their field hospitals and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital.

In the long-term, the Foreign Secretary outlined that the UK is focused on creating a pathway towards a two-state solution which guarantees security and stability for Israelis and Palestinians.

He made clear that any long-term solution must include a crackdown on the rise in settler violence and settlement expansion and a reformed Palestinian Authority, given the powers and resources it needs to govern effectively.

Background
- the UK will provide £6 million to the Gaza flash appeal, through which UNRWA is specifically focusing its support to address the most urgent needs of more than 3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank
- a further £15 million with be disbursed to UNRWA’s programme budget to provide basic services in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and wider region
- last week, the UK signed a joint statement alongside more than 117 member states including the US, Germany, Jordan, Kuwait and Slovenia, making clear their shared commitment and support to the “vital and indispensable role” of UNRWA in providing life-saving aid to generations of Palestinian refugees
- the UK’s funding for UNRWA was paused in light of allegations by Israel that 12 staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel. The government is assured the UN agency is taking action to ensure it meets the highest standards of neutrality, after seeing the independent investigation by Catherine Colonna, and the subsequent action plan UNRWA has provided setting out detailed management reforms
- the UK’s position is now in line with partners such as Germany, EU, Sweden, Japan, France, Canada, The Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Austria, Finland, Iceland, Romania and Estonia
August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [July 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 July 2024.

The Prime Minister welcomed President Zelenskyy to Downing Street this morning, the first foreign leader to visit No10 during this government.

The leaders reflected on the NATO summit held last week, and the EPC yesterday, and agreed both meetings had underscored the strength of international support for Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy updated the Prime Minister on the situation on the battlefield. The Prime Minister said he was focused on ensuring Ukraine had the equipment and support it needed to defend its sovereignty.

Looking ahead to the next six months, the Prime Minister and President discussed the need to ensure equipment reached the front line as quickly as possible to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position ahead of the winter.

The leaders also discussed the situation in the Black Sea, and Ukraine’s success in devastating the Russian fleet. They agreed to continue to explore opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities through the Maritime Capability Coalition.

The Prime Minister said he hoped to return to Ukraine at the earliest opportunity.

August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government launches Curriculum and Assessment Review [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 19 July 2024.

A broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum that drives high and rising schools standards and sets all young people up for life and work will be central to the government’s vision for education, as it launches its wide-ranging Curriculum and Assessment Review today.

Spanning from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 5, the independent review will be chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE, an expert in education policy, including curriculum and social inequality.

The review will look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

High and rising school standards are at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life.

Following the review, all state schools – including academies who currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required by law to teach the national curriculum up to age 16, giving parents certainty over their children’s education.

This was confirmed in the King’s Speech earlier this week, as the government will introduce a children’s wellbeing bill in the next year to legislate for a variety of its education policies.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

The launch of this review is an important step in this government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity, deliver better life chances and enable more young people to get on.

Our dedicated school and college staff deliver better life chances for countless children but for too long they have been held back by a curriculum and assessment system that fails to prepare enough of our children for work and for life.

That is why this government, alongside leading education experts, leaders and staff on the frontline, will breathe new life into our outdated curriculum and assessment system.

Our renewed curriculum, built on a foundation of high and rising standards, greater access to cultural learning and crucial work and life skills, will set up all our children to achieve and thrive in the workplaces of the future, and throughout their lives.

The government’s ambition is for a curriculum that delivers excellent foundations in reading, writing and maths, and ensures every young person gets the opportunity to develop creative, digital, and speaking and listening skills particularly prized by employers.

The review will also seek to make sure children benefit from a curriculum that represents them and their families, regardless of background, and equips young people to shape our response to the challenges of our changing world.

The review will build on the hard work of teachers who have brought their subjects alive with knowledge-rich teaching, to deliver a new national curriculum which is rich and broad, inclusive and innovative.

The review will look at ensuring all young people aged 16-19 have access to rigorous and high-value qualifications and training that will give them the skills they need to seize opportunity as well as ensuring they are ready for the changing workplace.

It will also look at whether the current assessment system can be improved for both young people and staff, while protecting the important role of examinations.

Professor Becky Francis said:

Ensuring all young people access a rich and fulfilling curriculum and meaningful qualifications is core to supporting them to thrive at school and later in life.

It’s a real privilege to lead this important review, which has huge potential to build a cutting-edge curriculum that works for pupils and teachers alike.

I know how stretched schools, colleges and their staff are. So it’s particularly important to me to consider how any changes could contribute to staff workload and to avoid unintended consequences.

Crucially, I want to make sure that the review and its recommendations are driven by evidence and a commitment to high standards for all our young people, irrespective of background.

The views of experts, parents, teachers and leaders will be pivotal to the recommendations and a call for evidence will be launched in September. The review will also take written evidence from key stakeholders and undertake a national roadshow, meeting and taking input from staff on the frontline.

The launch of the review marks one of the government’s first steps towards an education system driven by high and rising standards, where background is no barrier, and every young person leaves school or college with the best life chances.

In recognition of the pressure schools and colleges are already under, and the further strain that wholesale reform can bring, the review will seek evolution not revolution, and will be alive to the trade-offs required to deliver high and rising standards alongside greater breadth – in particular any recommendations that would increase workload.

Professor Francis will be supported by an expert group made up of individuals with experience right throughout the education system. The review will publish recommendations in 2025.

August 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK endorses new guidelines for countering antisemitism [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

Lord Pickles endorsed the guidelines at a meeting of the World Jewish Congress Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA) Forum in Buenos Aires.

On 17 July at the Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Buenos Aires, 36 countries endorsed new Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, including the UK.

The UK was one of several countries who provided examples of best practice which the US reflected in the guidelines.

Lord Pickles, the United Kingdom Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, said:

Congratulations to Argentina and the US. I am delighted that the global guidelines were one of the first documents the UK’s new government endorsed.

We need to learn from the IHRA non-legally binding definition that it is easy to adopt initiatives, but it is much harder to implement them. We must recognise the importance and protection of Jewish life. If we cannot protect our citizens, the state fails.

This is not just a responsibility for governments. Civil society has an important role to play, and these guidelines will be crucial in addressing the ongoing scourge of antisemitism.

August 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government and defence industry stepping up support for Ukraine [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 July 2024.

The Defence and Business Secretaries met with President Zelenskyy and industry leaders in London on Thursday evening (18 July) to discuss deeper cooperation and the need to boost industrial production for Ukraine.

Since Putin launched his illegal invasion of Ukraine, the defence industry has provided vital equipment and munitions to Ukraine.

The meeting at Lancaster House with President Zelenskyy and senior representatives from UK Export Finance, BAE Systems, Thales UK, MBDA, KBR and Babcock came as two of the UK’s largest defence companies, BAE Systems and Babcock International Group confirmed updated contracts in support of Ukraine.

The developments came during this week’s European Political Community summit, hosted by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has seen Ukraine’s President, visit to hold bilateral meetings, alongside his Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov.

Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

The UK is united for Ukraine. The Ukrainians are fighting with huge courage, the military and civilians alike. Our new government has already pledged to step up support, confirming £3bn a year to help Ukraine and a new package of ammunition, anti-armour missiles and artillery guns.

Meeting with industry leaders, I emphasised the Government will continue to work in partnership with industry and the need to boost industrial production of vital military kit for both Ukraine and our own Armed Forces.

From industrial sites at home, to facilities in Ukraine, the UK defence industry has been providing critical equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Working with local partners, BAE Systems is providing maintenance and repair for weapons supplied by the UK from a facility in Ukraine.

Babcock International also announced a six-month extension to its contract with the MOD to continue to provide the maintenance, repair and asset management of vehicles.

Whilst this week, the MOD agreed to regenerate the UK’s ability to produce forgings for gun barrels, working in partnership with Sheffield Forgemasters, supporting the repair and overhaul of Ukrainian vehicles; this is the first step towards UK sovereign barrel production which has been developing for 20 years.

UK industry support of this kind will enable Ukraine’s armed forces to get maintain vital equipment, such as L119 Light Guns and the AS90 self-propelled gun, keeping it in the fight and repairing battle damaged equipment as quickly as possible.

Kevin Craven, CEO of the Defence trade organisation ADS, said:

The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine continues and is unwavering. It is an honour for ADS and our members to work in such close collaboration with our partners.

Our industries have clear opportunities for collaboration, done so with the knowledge that we are protecting our collective security.

These industry announcements follow on from the success of the outward ADS-led trade mission earlier this month. The robust pipeline of trade missions have enabled industry, from Primes to SMEs, to contribute to Ukraine’s defence and also to learn from our allies in their turn.

It is clear that the war in Ukraine has become one of industrial production. Government and industry are united in our shared commitment to Ukraine and by working together, we are setting the building blocks for our 100-year partnership.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We cannot have economic growth at home, without security and stability abroad.

The UK has been a steadfast friend and ally to Ukraine and they deserve our continued unwavering support. That’s why we will use our strong partnership with industry to deliver the military support essential for the country’s defence.

These announcements reaffirm the UK’s continued support for Ukraine. From recommitting to spending £3 billion a year of military support to the Government’s recent commitment to fast-track deliveries, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

August 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK statement on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 July 2024.

The FCDO has issued a statement in response to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion related to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson said:

We have received the Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on Friday 19 July and are considering it carefully before responding. The UK respects the independence of the ICJ.

The Foreign Secretary was clear on his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories earlier this week that the UK is strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising settler violence.

This government is committed to a negotiated two-State solution which can deliver a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

August 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Health and Social Care Secretary visits Berkshire hospital [July 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 July 2024.

Secretary of State Wes Streeting spoke to staff and patients before meeting regional health leaders.
- Wes Streeting met staff and patients on visit to Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot
- The site is helping tackle backlogs of planned operations with dedicated surgical services
- Secretary of State also met with regional health leaders at ‘town hall’ event
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting underlined his mission to cut NHS waiting lists as he visited staff and patients at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot today (19 July 2024).

Mr Streeting toured the Berkshire hospital to see first hand how its work is helping patients get quicker access to planned surgery, cutting local waiting lists.

The Health and Social Care Secretary also hosted a town hall meeting with health representatives from across the region to discuss the issues facing services. It comes after he ordered an independent investigation into the NHS last week, pledging to be honest about the state of the health service and serious about fixing it.

Heatherwood Hospital exclusively performs planned surgery, diagnostics and outpatients’ services mainly focusing on high volume, low complexity surgery such as orthopaedics, ophthalmology, gynaecology and urology. The hub also performs surgery for cancer and plans to expand the specialties performed in its theatres.

It is set up to ensure patients have shorter waits for surgery, are more likely to be able to go home on the same day, and have a better patient experience – a model Mr Streeting wants to see emulated across the country.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

The NHS is broken. Millions of patients are waiting too long for treatment, often in pain and discomfort.

But services like those I’ve seen today at Heatherwood Hospital show that there are still great things happening in the health service. My job as Health Secretary is to take the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS. I’m talking to patients, frontline staff, and NHS leaders about what needs to change.

We are determined to turn around the NHS so it can be there for all of us when we need it, once again. The NHS saved my life when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and I can’t think of a better way to repay my debt than to help save the NHS.

Caroline Hutton, Interim Chief Executive for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Heatherwood Hospital, said:

We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve for our patients through new ways of working and innovation using, for example, artificial intelligence (AI), digital patient records and collaboration with health and care partners to provide better care more efficiently.

We were delighted to have the chance to share with the new Secretary of State how our dedicated planned care hospital is enabling us to reduce waiting lists, including maintaining planned surgery and procedures during winter challenges and how we are sharing our learning throughout the NHS as a Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) surgical elective hub.

Today’s visit comes exactly 2 weeks since Mr Streeting was appointed Health and Social Care Secretary.

In that time, he has:
- met with representatives of the British Medical Association and announced the start of formal negotiations to end strikes
- met with the British Dental Association to discuss contract reform
- ordered an independent investigation into the state of the NHS
- visited a London GP surgery where he pledged to “fix the front door to the NHS”
August 8, 2024