Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new aid support for Gaza on Foreign Secretary visit to Middle East [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 January 2024.

The UK and Qatar are working together to get more aid into Gaza.

The Foreign Secretary has announced that the UK and Qatar are working together to get more aid into Gaza, with our first joint consignment containing 17 tonnes of family sized tents being flown today [Thurs 25th].

On the visit, the Foreign Secretary will witness first-hand both the UK and Qatar’s humanitarian aid being loaded onto a plane destined for Egypt, after which it will go by road to Gaza. The tents will provide critical shelter for people and are desperately needed, as more families are displaced by the conflict and a cold winter continues.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

The scale of suffering in Gaza is unimaginable. More must be done, faster, to help people trapped in this desperate situation. We have trebled our assistance for Gaza, and cooperation with partners like Qatar is helping move life-saving aid and equipment over the border to those living in devastation.

But our efforts will only make a difference if aid gets to those who need it most, which is why we need more access for UN staff. As I said to PM Netanyahu yesterday, far more trucks need to be able to enter Gaza and more crossings need to open. We need an immediate humanitarian pause to get aid in and hostages out, followed by a sustainable ceasefire, without a return to hostilities.

The UK has trebled its assistance and is continuing working with partners like Qatar to provide life-saving aid and equipment.

With reports of 9 out of 10 people in Gaza living on less than a meal a day in northern Gaza, our focus must be on practical solutions to save lives.

The Foreign Secretary pushed Israeli leaders for Ashdod to be used for the delivery of life-saving aid into Gaza on his visit to the region. The UK and its partners efforts can only make a difference if they can reach those in urgent need.

Israel must take steps, working with other partners including the UN and Egypt, to significantly increase the flow of aid into Gaza including allowing prolonged humanitarian pauses, opening more routes into Gaza and fully restoring water, fuel and electricity supplies.

The Foreign Secretary’s Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Mark Bryson-Richardson, is based in the region and is working intensively to address the blockages preventing more aid reaching Gaza.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated UK support for Israel’s efforts to secure the release of the 136 hostages from Gaza after the barbaric Hamas attack of 7 October. The Foreign Secretary explained that he wants to see an immediate humanitarian pause to get hostages out and aid in, leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to hostilities. To enable this, Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, they could no longer be in charge in Gaza firing rockets at Israel, and an agreement must be in place for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza to provide governance, services and security.

The Foreign Secretary underlined the need for a political strategy to achieve long term peace. This must be based on a credible and irreversible pathway to achieve a Palestinian State alongside Israel, allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.

They discussed the urgency of getting significantly more aid into Gaza to alleviate the desperate situation there. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the need for Israel to open more crossing points into Gaza, for Nitzana and Kerem Shalom to be open for longer, and for Israel to support the UN to distribute aid effectively across the whole of Gaza. The Foreign Secretary also underlined the need for Israel to ensure effective deconfliction in Gaza, and to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of medical personnel and facilities.

The Foreign Secretary also met Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and Minister without Portfolio Benny Gantz whilst in Jerusalem, and Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States is a critical moment – UK statement at the UN [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the first session of the Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

Thank you, Chair.

First, let me thank the co-chairs New Zealand and the Maldives, Samoa as AOSIS chair, and Antigua and Barbuda, for your preparations for the SIDS4 Conference.

SIDS4 is a critical moment to drive transformational action on priorities that matter most for Small Island Developing States, including climate action, reform of the international financial system, and delivering the SDGs.

The UK is providing over £1.5 million pounds, as well as technical expertise, to support the conference. We know that for SIDS, climate and economic shocks are impacting the already faltering progress made on the SDGs.

The UK’s new International Development White Paper sets out how we will help address the interlinked challenges of ending poverty and tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. SIDS4 is an opportunity for ambitious work and collaborative partnerships to champion and accelerate progress across the SDGs for people on the frontline of climate change.

As negotiations of the outcome document begin, we encourage all parties to recognise the urgency of SIDS’ challenges, a message heard at COP28, and to come together with an ambitious approach for the next 10-year Programme of Action. This must address SIDS-specific needs, such as blue economies, data, and access to finance.

We are also working with AOSIS and Antigua and Barbuda to co-chair a DAC-AOSIS Taskforce to deliver a new donor-SIDS partnership by SIDS4 focused on shared areas for progress and reform, including the priorities above.

In the lead-up to the conference, the UK will also continue to convene events to help advance action, include a SIDS Capacity Building Conference in February with the OECD and UN ESCAP, a ‘SIDS Futures Forum’ with ODI later this Spring, and a side event later today on ‘Evidence-based pathways for resilient prosperity’.

We look forward to your participation.

Thank you.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 January 2024.

Joint statement by the UK government and European Commission:

The Specialised Committee on the Implementation of the Windsor Framework met today in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

The Committee co-chairs took stock of the work undertaken by both sides on the implementation of the Windsor Framework since the last meeting on 20 September 2023. In particular, they discussed the implementation of the Windsor Framework in the areas of agri-food and customs in light of the provisions which took effect in autumn 2023 and the implementation milestones ahead. They agreed to continue meeting on a regular basis to monitor and ensure the full implementation of all the elements of the Framework in a faithful way.

The Committee co-chairs also took stock of the work of the Joint Consultative Working Group and its structured sub-groups. They reiterated the importance of continued joint engagement with Northern Ireland stakeholders.

January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New laws to introduce digital labelling for businesses and reduce regulation costs [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 January 2024.

Businesses are set to benefit from savings as import labels are made digital for the first time.
New legislation to introduce digital labelling for British businesses to cut red tape and save millions in unnecessary regulation costs

Recognition of CE marking continued for products such as toys and machinery, easing burdens to businesses

Digital labelling reforms made possible by Brexit and ensures the UK’s regulatory requirements are fit for the modern world

Businesses are set to benefit from reduced costs and burdens as import labels are made digital for the first time.

Digital labelling will allow businesses to put important regulatory or manufacturing information online rather than requiring them to physically print it on their products – saving time and money which can be pushed towards scaling up and growing their company.

This measure has been made possible by leaving the EU and provides greater flexibility than the EU’s regulatory requirements while better reflecting the modern and digital world of business and international trade.

This follows the Product Safety Review consultation and extensive industry engagement – looking at ways to cut costs while benefitting consumers and ensuring our regulatory system is agile and a move towards digital labelling has been something the industry have consistently called for.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

“I know first-hand the difficulties businesses face with regulations and red tape, and what we’re announcing today will not only ease business burdens and costs but will enable them to spend their time growing their companies and creating jobs.

“We’ve worked closely with multiple sectors to create policy that works for them and this is another step in the right direction to back British businesses.”

The CE or UKCA marking is used on products to demonstrate the manufacturer is compliant with legal requirements. Last summer, DBT announced the intention to indefinitely recognise current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for the 18 product regulations under the department’s remit.

Following feedback from industry, we are introducing legislation to continue the recognition of CE marking indefinitely for a range of additional regulations which will benefit products including vacuum cleaners and televisions. Full list of covered regulations are below. The UK government is taking a tailored approach to product regulation to ensure the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy are taken into account.

This comes as part of wider range of measures as part of our smarter regulation programme, which ensures our laws and regulatory regime are better tailored in the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy.

This announcement does not apply to regulations for medical devices, construction products, marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment and unmanned aircraft systems, led by relevant government departments.

The indefinite recognition of current EU requirements, including the CE marking, for these 21 regulations means businesses have the flexibility to use either the UKCA or CE marking (Or reverse epsilon marking where applicable) to sell products in Great Britain.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:

“Recognising CE marking indefinitely is very welcome and a common sense decision that will benefit the motorist and the competitiveness of the UK automotive industry. It means that thousands of aftermarket and supply chain businesses can continue to source vital automotive parts without unnecessary additional cost and complexity, keeping costs low for consumers and ensuring vehicles are built and maintained to the highest possible standards.”

A GAMBICA spokesperson said:

“UK suppliers of instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory equipment, within the membership of GAMBICA, appreciate the government’s engagement and practical steps to facilitate movement of goods across the GB border to ensure the long-term supply of critical components from a complex global supply chain.”

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, Stephen Phipson, said:

“The addition of three further regulated sectors that will benefit from the indefinite recognition of current EU requirements including the use of CE marking, is a welcome move that manufactures who develop and sell products in these areas will very much welcome and support.

“The added introduction of a ‘fast track’ process for products that are covered by multiple regulations, new permanent arrangements for labelling flexibility and an option for digital labelling, will all work together to help safeguard the competitiveness of manufacturers and aid the UK as a destination for investment. Make UK has called for the indefinite extension of a CE marking recognition for all UK manufactured goods to be a permanent change, and this should cover all goods and products sectors produced using a manufacturing process.”

TechUK Director of Markets Matthew Evans said:

“We strongly support the government’s decision to allow the voluntary use of e-labelling, in line with our key recommendations during the UK’s product compliance framework review. This represents a modern and progressive approach by DBT and will undoubtedly cut compliance costs, foster innovation, and lessen environmental impact. It will also align the UK with major trading partners like the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea, improving our trading relationships.”

A new ‘Fast-Track UKCA’ process will also be introduced, allowing manufacturers to use the UKCA marking to demonstrate compliance with either UKCA or recognised EU conformity processes. Where products are covered by multiple regulations, a mixture of both UKCA and CE conformity assessment procedures can be used.

This is designed to provide longer-term certainty and flexibility for businesses should the UK mandate UKCA for certain regulations in the future.

Notes to Editors:

Regulations in scope of this announcement

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) regulations in scope of this announcement are:

· Equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres Regulations 2016/1107

· Electromagnetic compatibility Regulations 2016/1091

· Lifts Regulations 2016/1093

· Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1101

· Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016/1105

· Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015/1553

· Recreational Craft Regulations 2017/737

· Radio Equipment Regulations 2017/1206

· Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 2016/1092

· Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011/1881

· Aerosol Dispensers Regulations 2009/ 2824

· Gas Appliances (EU Regulation) 2016/426

· Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008/1597

· Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001/1701

· Personal Protective Equipment (EU Regulation) 2016/425

· Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016/1153

· Non-automatic weighing instruments Regulations 2016/1152

· Measuring Container Bottles (EEC Requirements) Regulations 1977

For the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA):

· The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (‘The RoHS Regulations’)

For the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ):

· The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010

For the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) [The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)]:

· The Explosives Regulations 2014

Regulations not in scope of this announcement:

The UK government is taking a tailored approach to product regulation to ensure the interests of UK businesses, consumers and the economy are taken into account. There are certain sectors which require a bespoke approach to conformity assessment, and therefore extending recognition of the CE marking for products under the following regulations is not being included in this legislation. This includes:

For The Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC):

· Construction Product Regulations 2013

For The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) [- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)]

· The Medical Devices Regulations 2002

For the Department for Transport (DFT)

· The Railways (interoperability) Regulations 2011

· Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment Regulations) 2016

· The Cableway Installations Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/816) and The Cableway Installations (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/1347).

· The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009

· Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulation 2019/945
January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces a further £600 million boost for councils [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 24 January 2024.

Extra £500 million earmarked to enable councils to provide crucial social care services.

Councils across England will receive a £600 million support package, in addition to funding outlined at the provisional settlement, to help them deliver key services, the Levelling Up Secretary has announced today.

The support package comes as the government has made significant progress on its economic priorities of halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt. Because of the progress made, we are able to support councils to deliver key services across the country.

The government values the important contribution councils make and has conducted an extensive engagement and listening programme with councils to understand the pressures they are facing including high inflation, driven by the legacy of Covid, and global instability with war in Ukraine and the Middle East. Today’s £600 million announcement reflects the unprecedented challenges that they have faced.

The support package will primarily see an additional £500 million added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets, a key concern raised by councils.

All councils will also see an increase in Core Spending Power of at least 4% through the Funding Guarantee before any local choices on council tax, efficiencies or reserves – an increase from the 3% announced at the provisional settlement. The Government’s manifesto commits to continuing to protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax increases. The proposed referendum principles strikes a fair balance. Local authorities must be mindful of cost-of-living pressures when taking any decisions relating to council tax.

This funding builds on the £64 billion package already announced at the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024-25, and has been welcomed by leading local government organisations including the Local Government Association, County Councils Network and District Councils Network.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

We have listened to councils across England about the pressures they’re facing and have always stood ready to help those in need.

This additional £600 million support package illustrates our commitment to local government. We are in their corner, and we support the incredible and often unsung work they do day-to-day to support people across the country.

Minister for Local Government Simon Hoare added:

This injection of funding will help ensure services which people rely on can continue – and demonstrates how important we view local government. We have listened to various organisations and considered their views seriously and I’m grateful to those who reached out to me.

The funding offers something for all of our hard-working councils, with additional funding for social care as well as help for rural authorities to deliver essential services.

In light of the exceptional circumstances, the Treasury will be providing £500m with further details set out at the upcoming Budget whilst details on the distribution of this funding will be included in the final Local Government Finance Settlement early next month. The further £100m comprises of an increase to the Funding Guarantee from 3% to 4%, £15m for the Rural Services Delivery Grant, £3m for authorities with Internal Drainage Boards, and additional funding for the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly with the remainder distributed through the Services Grant.

The £15m through the Rural Services Delivery Grant for rural councils is the largest cash increase since 2018-19 and the second successive year of above-inflation increases, whilst the £3 million is for authorities facing high levies from Internal Drainage Boards which help protect residents from flooding. The £500 million increase in social care funding is in addition to the £1 billion in additional funding announced at Autumn Statement 2022 and in July 2023, to enable councils to continue to provide crucial social care services for their local communities, particularly for children.

The government is clear this funding is to be used to address the pressures facing councils and improve performance. It should not be put aside for later use or spent on areas that are not a priority. Separately, councils will be asked to produce productivity plans which will set out how they will improve service performance and reduce wasteful spend – including on consultants and HR spending on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Alongside this, an expert panel to advise the government on financial sustainability in the sector will be established by DLUHC and contain both internal and external experts. Work will also continue between DLUHC, DfE and DHSC to ensure value for money and sustainability of the sector.

We are committed to improving the local government finance system beyond this settlement in the next Parliament and the Minister for Local Government will be engaging with the sector on this over the coming months.

The announcement has been welcomed by leading figures in the sector today:

Councillor Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

The LGA welcomes that the Government has acted on the concerns we have raised and recognised the severe financial pressures facing councils, particularly in providing services to the most vulnerable children and adults through social care services and delivering core front-line services to communities.

We will continue to work with Government to achieve a sustainable long term funding settlement and updated distribution mechanisms, as well as legislative reform where needed, so that local government can play its full part in delivering inclusive prosperity and growth through investment to support people, places, and the planet.

Councillor Tim Oliver, Chairman of the County Councils, said:

We strongly welcome the government listening to our concerns, and today’s announcement of an additional £0.5 billion will go some way to easing the pressures and in particular addressing the escalating demand and costs of delivering social care and home to school transport. Whilst this extra funding will undoubtedly help us protect valued frontline services, councils, of course, still face difficult decisions when setting their budgets for 2024/25.

Looking further ahead, reform of local government finance and the way in which we are expected to provide services is imperative. Councils require a long-term financial settlement to enable us to plan for, and meet, the demand from our growing elderly populations and the more complex needs of residents requiring social care. This must be coupled with a comprehensive reform programme to bring in line the funding envelope available to enable us to deliver effectively our statutory responsibilities.

Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

The District Councils’ Network welcomes the Government’s decision to allocate additional funding for essential district services, a move that will benefit residents and businesses throughout England. This offers some relief to district councils and the communities we support. It will help mitigate potentially extensive reductions to valued local services.

But it’s important to note that the financial and operating challenges for district councils remain significant. It is clear that more comprehensive solutions will still be needed to fully address the ongoing financial pressures, including homelessness.

Further information:
- Core Spending Power is a measure of the resources available to local authorities to fund service delivery. It sets out the money that has been made available to councils through the local government finance settlement.
- The Barnett formula will apply in the usual way.
January 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Education Secretary gives opening address at Bett show 2024 [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 January 2024.

Gillian Keegan sets out importance of evidence and innovation in approach to AI at Bett 2024.

Speaking at the Bett show in London today (Wednesday 24 January), the Education Secretary encouraged the sector to innovate and explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform teaching and learning.

The Education Secretary argued that, alongside robust regulation and an evidence-based approach, international collaboration is key if we are to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this emerging technology.

She told the conference, which was attended by thousands of teachers, tech experts and educators:

Since I stood on this stage in March last year, we’ve seen generative AI continue to develop at pace and spark conversations all over the globe. Those conversations have highlighted some of the opportunities and the challenges that AI might bring.

…Today we’re publishing our latest research on AI in education, having brought together views from our world-leading experts and educators… I want to encourage countries to continue sharing evidence as it’s generated, so we can all better harness the opportunities to make a real difference in classrooms across the world.

She continued:

This country’s EdTech sector contains a wealth of innovators and leaders who are looking to the future.

Alongside them are the brilliant educators, hundreds of whom responded to our recent call for evidence which told us how generative AI is saving hours of planning time and helping to reduce workloads.

Caroline Wright, Director General of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) said:

It is good to see the Education Secretary supporting the UK’s EdTech sector at Bett. Bett is the world’s largest international EdTech exhibition and underlines the UK’s importance in leading global EdTech innovation and implementation.

Collaboration is key to successful EdTech adoption, and given the Education Secretary’s commitment to improving access and use of technology in education, it is timely that she will officially open Bett 2024 and welcome the 30,000 educators attending to learn, network and be inspired by ground-breaking technology solutions and services.

The Prime Minister’s AI summit at Bletchley Park last year positioned the UK as a world leader in this area, and the government is building a strong evidence base to inform its work on AI, including in education.

The speech coincides with the publication of the Educator and expert views report from the Department for Education, which contains insights from interviews with teachers, educators and academic experts, reaffirming the view that Generative AI could have a transformative impact on education.

For example, one teacher found that AI tools have helped her to personalise lessons and tailor resources for pupils. She said:

Embracing AI in teaching not only significantly lightens my workload but also enhances my creative expression, allowing me to design more innovative and engaging learning experiences for my students.

The report is supportive of the results of the Call for Evidence on Artificial Intelligence in education, published in November, which found that educational professionals are already embracing the opportunities offered by AI. The results of a two-day hackathon, held in October in conjunction with Faculty AI and the National Institute of Teaching, will be published in spring, further strengthening the department’s evidence base.

Respondents felt that successful use of Generative AI within their education settings relied on having a strong digital infrastructure. To help achieve this, last week, the Department published new digital and technology standards on laptops, desktops and tablets, leadership and governance, and accessibility. The digital and technology standards support school staff to understand their roles and responsibilities to make sure that technology is accessible for all.

The report also reveals that academic misconduct is a top concern for educators and experts alike. To tackle this, the department is working closely with its regulators and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), to ensure the responsible use of AI in education, informed by the AI Regulation White Paper, Published last March.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said:

The transformative benefits of AI are already being felt across society. I know that harnessing its potential to help our young minds learn and our brilliant educators teach is something we can all get behind.

By tapping into AI we can deliver personalised support for learners to help them in their studies, and free teachers from a range of administrative tasks to give them more time in front of the whiteboard. This will ensure we can deliver a world-leading education system in every classroom in the country.

At Bett, the Education Secretary also highlighted how the government is creating a forward-looking skills sector that is equipped to deal with AI. Last year, over 22,000 people started a digital apprenticeship, while digital Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Skills Bootcamps are helping both young and adult learners to develop their skillset and grasp the opportunities associated with AI.

Building a future-proofed skills landscape alongside a strong evidence base is helping the sector to take advantage of AI safely, allowing for innovation that could transform education for the better.

January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 January 2024.

Personnel leaving the military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.
- Number of professional training courses for soon-to-be veterans more than doubled.
- New Career Transition Partnership (CTP) with Reed in Partnership will continue the award-winning work supporting service leavers.
- Training in areas ranging from transport to cyber security will give service leavers the best opportunity of finding employment.
Under the contract the number of courses for service leavers will be doubled, and they will have the opportunity to learn new skills in areas such as cyber security.

The Career Transition Partnership has supported those leaving the Armed Forces for over 25 years, as they transition from the military into civilian life.

With approximately 15,000 service leavers benefitting from these services annually and 87% of those using the system gaining employment, the partnership will improve the advice on offer for service leavers around the country. Services, which will be a combination of face to face, online and instructor led, will also be tailored to those living in devolved nations. Courses will be geared towards future careers in areas like engineering, cyber security, healthcare and renewable energy.

Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt. Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

It is vital that service leavers are given the correct tools to have the best possible start in their new lives. From career counselling to vocational training, this new partnership will give individuals the confidence and skills to find employment and increase their opportunities.

I am thrilled to announce this new partnership, which will continue the award-winning work to support Armed Forces personnel and their families as they transition to civilian life.

This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for those who have bravely served our country.

All service leavers will benefit from enhanced transition support from specialist advisors and careers consultants under the new contract, to meet their chosen outcomes which typically range from seeking civilian employment, re-entering Higher/Further Education or retirement.

The transition from the current contract with Right Management Ltd to Reed in Partnership will be complete in October 2024, starting with a phased approach to ensure that the services offered to current service leavers are not disrupted.

Over the previous 25 years the award-winning CTP has supported over 310,000 service leavers to transition into civilian life, the new partnership with Reed will build on the excellence of the current contract.

CEO and Chairman of Reed in Partnership, James Reed CBE said:

Reed in Partnership has a long history of supporting people to achieve their goals through employability, education, training and career transition services. This includes many veterans and reservists, whose unique skills and experiences can be so greatly utilised in civilian life.

As an Armed Forces Covenant signee, we are committed to ensuring that people who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly and supported appropriately. Our delivery of the CTP service will be informed by this commitment. Our extensive range of employer relationships and community partnerships means we are well placed to continue the success of this important service.
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 500,000 women benefit from cheaper hormone replacement therapy [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 January 2024.

Half a million women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – since last April.
- Since April last year, half a million women in England have benefitted from cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms
- The HRT prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are part of a wider scheme of government initiatives to bolster support for women experiencing negative menopause symptoms, as part of its world-leading Women’s Health Strategy
- More than £11 million saved by women using the PPC in last nine months
Since launching on 1 April last year, more than 500,000 women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

A key pillar of the first year of England’s Women’s Health Strategy, which made menopause a priority area, the HRT PPC reduced prescription costs to just £19.30 per year. It can be used against a list of eligible HRT items that includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as needed throughout the year.

Making HRT more accessible through reducing its cost is one way the government is making menopause support more readily available to women. This year the government has also successfully tackled supply issues, by working with suppliers to encourage and support them to meet growing demand.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said:

“I am determined to make access to healthcare faster, simpler, and fairer. Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and gives women the freedom to take control of their symptoms.

“This is a huge milestone and shows how successful our Women’s Health Strategy is in delivering the outcomes women want and deserve.”

Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:

“Every woman is different and so it’s essential we make sure all women can access the right medication that works for them.

“Many women often need to try a few different types of HRT to get the right medication that works for them. By reducing the price of HRT to under £20 for a year’s supply, we’ve made it more equitable for women to go on living their normal lives.

“Our Women’s Health Strategy continues to deliver on what women want.”

Women experiencing the menopause will also benefit from the establishment of women’s health hubs in local health areas across the country.

As a result of the government investment of £25 million, women’s health hubs will improve women’s access to care, improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. The government aims to establish at least one women’s health hub in every local area this year, enabling better access and quality of care in services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care and more.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England said:

“When we created this Strategy, we made it clear it would improve women’s health outcomes. 500,000 women accessing affordable HRT is a clear, tangible result of just that.

“Menopause is an inevitable stage of every woman’s life, so receiving second rate care for a predictable problem is not acceptable.

“The HRT PPC is a fantastic way of giving more women access to treatment and our women’s health hubs will provide women experiencing severe menopause symptoms advice from a healthcare professional.”

NHS England will continue its work to improve menopause care by piloting new guidance for nurses, GPs, and other staff to better recognise and treat menopause symptoms, with integrated care systems (or primary care teams) in the Midlands region.

Michael Brodie, Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which is responsible for delivering this service, said:

“This significant milestone highlights the crucial role this service provides for patients who rely on HRT, allowing them access to their medication at a reduced cost.”

Menopause can impact on all areas of a women’s life. The government has appointed Helen Tomlinson as the government’s first Menopause Employment Champion, and have awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.

How to use the PPC

There are a few different ways to get the HRT PPC:
- online on the NHSBSA website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
- in person at some pharmacies
- if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHSBSA using the text relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May 2023
- the NHSBSA also offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille on request
January 24, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Mauritius [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement during Mauritius’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and welcome Minister.

Regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago, and noting our previous exchanges on this subject at this Council and elsewhere, we do ask that the Working Group report reflect that the UK and Mauritius are in negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over BIOT/Chagos Archipelago.

Let me welcome the broad progress Mauritius has made on human rights since its last review and recommend that it:

Amend the Criminal Code to reflect the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex sexual relations;

Fully implement and report regularly on progress of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy & Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence;

Monitor and report on how climate change in Mauritius impacts on its human rights situation, including as a Small Island Developing State.

Thank you.
January 24, 2024