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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Joint statement from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

    On the first anniversary of the signing of the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are united in our recognition of the momentous achievement that ended 2 years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.

    We commend the progress that all parties have since made in their pursuit of peace. The Pretoria Agreement has silenced the guns, and has laid the foundations for normalcy to return to the region. The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the gains, reflect on the challenges and redouble efforts to deliver peace.

    We recognise that more needs to be done to protect, sustain and realise peace for all citizens. This includes further progress on:

    • disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration
    • national dialogue
    • the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-governmental forces
    • the return of internally displaced persons
    • full recovery of services
    • support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence
    • the implementation of a credible transitional justice and accountability process for the victims of atrocities
    • continued monitoring and verification of compliance with the agreement

    We are working with the Government of Ethiopia and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, with the African Union and with civil society partners to support Ethiopia’s recovery from the devastating impact of this conflict.

    We continue to urge all parties to implement the Agreement in full and to find solutions to address challenges, as soon as possible, through dialogue.

    Today marks one year since the parties committed to a path of peace over conflict in northern Ethiopia. This is an important example and a moment to promote peace throughout Ethiopia. The ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia, as well as continuous human rights violations in many places, remains disturbing. We continue to stress the need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, for a cessation of hostilities as well as an inclusive dialogue.

    On this notable anniversary we encourage all people in Ethiopia, and in the region, to choose dialogue and peace over war and conflict.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park this morning.

    The leaders discussed the importance of a better global understanding of the capabilities and risks surrounding frontier AI and how we can work together on this. The Prime Minister also welcomed the European Union’s support of the landmark Bletchley Declaration which will deepen international coordination on AI safety.

    Both leaders agreed to work closely together on issues of international peace and security, in particular dealing with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and continuing to back Ukraine against Russian aggression in Europe. Both agreed that stepping up our efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a key priority.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    The UK and other countries gave a statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, calling on Russia to stop repressing journalists.

    Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and my own country, Canada.

    Ten years ago, Mr Chair, in 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 proclaiming November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and condemning unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists and media actors, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations.

    Regrettably, over the past 10 years, in the OSCE region and around the world, journalists have continued to be subject to these threats and abuses, and we have seen, furthermore, the expansion of violence and harassment in the digital sphere as well.  Intimidation, threats of violence and attacks against journalists have a chilling effect on media freedom and interfere with the exchange of information, opinions and ideas. This, in turn, has a detrimental impact on our societies, on democratic institutions and on our security.

    Women journalists are disproportionately at risk of and affected by harassment, threats and attacks and are particularly targeted by online gender-based violence including harassment. A recent UNESCO discussion paper on global trends in online violence against women journalists found that 73% of women journalists surveyed had been threatened, intimidated, and insulted online in connection with their work. UNESCO and Reporters Sans Frontières have also reported alarming increases in the detention and extrajudicial killing of women journalists over the last several years.

    In this context, we welcome the recent launch by the Representative on Freedom of the Media of new Guidelines for monitoring online violence against female journalists. The Guidelines aim to provide a systematic monitoring and reporting system which will assist in protecting women journalists and preventing online violence from escalating.  We also encourage participating states to support the efforts of the International Partnership for Information and Democracy and the Media Freedom Coalition in addressing the specific attacks on women journalists and media actors in the exercise of their work, including sexual and gender-based discrimination and violence, intimidation and harassment, online and offline.

    Ending impunity for crimes against journalists requires states to take action to ensure accountability by investigating allegations of violence against journalists in a timely, impartial, and effective manner; by bringing perpetrators to justice and by ensuring that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

    Far too often, however, we see that instead of protecting journalists and investigating the crimes committed against them, states have instead criminalised journalism itself.

    In 2023, the Russian Federation has fallen even farther on the RSF World Press Freedom Index which has observed that, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations.”

    In March, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested and now faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges.

    In June, Novaya Gazeta Europe was declared an “undesirable organisation” and Novaya Gazeta reporter Elena Milashina was attacked upon her return to Chechnya to cover a political trial. Novaya Gazeta’s former editor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov was declared a “foreign agent” in September.

    Mr Chair, these are regrettably only a few examples of the Russian Federation’s campaign to intimidate journalists and stifle media freedom.

    Repression of journalists is also particularly appalling in Belarus as has been documented by the last Moscow Mechanism report as well as various reports by UN mechanisms. Freedom of expression has been undermined by repressive legislation and overly-broad definitions of extremism. Almost all independent media has been suppressed, and editors and journalists have been among those targeted for arbitrary arrest. The Belarusian Association of Journalists reports that over 30 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned.

    In both Russia and Belarus, journalists have specifically suffered for speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Journalists and media actors in Ukraine – including those working in occupied areas – have also suffered while trying to report on the war itself. At least 15 media actors have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

    As OSCE participating states we have all made commitments to create an enabling environment for media freedom that includes doing our utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media actors, avoiding undue restrictions on their work and taking effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against them.  With this in mind, and in order to better safeguard journalists and media actors throughout the OSCE region, we are also firmly of the view that the position of Representative on Freedom of the Media should not be left vacant.

    On this day dedicated to ending impunity for crimes against journalists, we must all recommit to fulfilling these important requirements for ensuring their safety. Ensuring the safety of journalists is integral to maintaining a strong and diverse media landscape which is crucial to challenge those in power to do better and to demand accountability.  It is a cornerstone of democracy and vital to our comprehensive security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    • Royal Air Force delivers vital aid to Egypt to support civilians in Gaza, as Foreign and Defence Secretaries continue diplomatic push.
    • Equipment, including forklift trucks and belt conveyors, delivers on urgent requests by partners on the ground.
    • Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt today.

    This will be followed by several further flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent.

    The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing – increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza.

    This follows the delivery of 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    With an acute humanitarian crisis unfolding, today’s RAF airlift demonstrates yet again that the UK is committed to helping all suffering civilians.

    Our armed forces have rapidly deployed to get our partners on the ground what they urgently need and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian effort.”

    The flights follow the UK Government’s £30million increase in support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling its original commitment.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

    The UK is determined to drive international efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the people who need it most.

    This equipment, specifically requested by our partners on the ground, will bolster essential supplies including food and medicine to be delivered to large numbers of civilians.

    We continue to call for the regular delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the opening of more entry points to relive those who are suffering.

    The UK continues to call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, minimise civilian casualties and for immediate access for lifesaving aid into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.

    All UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight and multiple safeguards are in place to prevent it benefiting Hamas.

    Since 7 October, ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East and international community to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

    Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad visited Israel and the West Bank this week discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation and the two-state solution with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

    On 20 October, the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

    The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary have both recently travelled to the Middle East to call for humanitarian pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza and allow civilians, including British nationals, to leave.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Mark McAllister confirmed as new Ofgem Chair [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Mark McAllister confirmed as new Ofgem Chair [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 2 November 2023.

    A new chair of the Ofgem Board has been appointed by the Energy Security Secretary, Claire Coutinho.

    • With over 40 years’ experience in the energy industry, Mark McAllister will boost the regulator’s work to build an energy market fit for the future
    • Appointment follows endorsement by the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee
    • Mark McAllister will succeed Martin Cave on 6 November

    Mark McAllister is today (2 November 2023) confirmed as the next Chair of Ofgem – strengthening the government’s work to build a more secure and affordable energy system.

    The incoming Chair will take up the role at an important time for regulator Ofgem as they work to reform the energy market to best serve consumers.

    Responsible for protecting consumers from high energy bills, restoring confidence and resilience in the retail market, and supporting progress towards net zero, Mr McAllister’s leadership will help shape Ofgem’s work in years ahead.

    He will also work closely with the government to support more households to move towards cleaner, cheaper energy generated in the UK.

    The Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) Select Committee approved the appointment, following a hearing in October.

    Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

    I am pleased Mark McAllister is set to take up the position of Ofgem Chair, bringing over 40 years of outstanding experience in the energy industry to the role.

    By working together with Ofgem, we will continue to ensure the energy market works for consumers, delivering lower bills and cleaner energy – with prices already down 55% since their peak.

    Incoming Chair of Ofgem Mark McAllister said:

    Energy prices, security of supply and decarbonisation of the energy system are some of the most important challenges facing the UK today and which Ofgem plays a key role in addressing.

    I am looking forward to working with the new Board, management and entire Ofgem team to protect energy consumers and to help realise a net zero energy system through both our regulatory and delivery responsibilities.

    I am keen to engage with all stakeholders, including industry, consumer groups and charities to find the best solutions to the challenges we face together.

    The government is continuing to provide targeted support this winter, including £150 off energy bills for over three million households through the Warm Home Discount, alongside Winter Fuel and Cold Weather payments.

    This comes on top of £900 cost of living support for those in need, as well as nearly £40 billion to cover around half a typical household’s energy bill last winter.

    Working in conjunction with the Ofgem price cap, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee also remains in place until March 2024 to help safeguard families from high costs.

    Mr McAllister will take up his role on 6 November 2023.

    Notes to editors

    The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA), or the Ofgem Board, comprises non-executive and executive members, and a non-executive chair. Members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government calls on business expertise to boost trade with Turkey [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government calls on business expertise to boost trade with Turkey [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 2 November 2023.

    The UK is seeking views from businesses and the wider public on UK negotiation objectives for a new trade agreement with Turkey.

    • Government invites business to shape UK objectives for fresh trade talks with Turkey
    • New, modernised trade deal could boost trade with top-20 trading partner and support wide range of sectors including services, tech and digital
    • Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston marks launch with visit to Vodafone, one of the UK’s largest investors in Turkey

    The UK has today [2 November] launched a ‘Call for Input’ seeking views from businesses and the wider public on UK negotiation objectives for a new, modernised free trade agreement (FTA) with Turkey.

    The UK and Turkey are two major trading economies at either end of the European continent. Trade between the two countries reached £26 billion in the 12 months to June 2023, making Turkey a top 20 trading partner for the UK. In 2022, over 8,000 UK VAT-registered businesses exported goods to Turkey, including well-known brands like Vodafone

    The UK and Turkey have an existing FTA which is based on outdated provisions from the 1990s negotiated when the UK was a member of the EU, and only covers goods. We are committed to negotiating a new, modernised FTA that is fit for the 21st century and covers sectors such as services, tech and digital.

    The Call for Input will give businesses, organisations, and individuals the opportunity to shape the UK’s negotiating aims ahead of talks and ensure the updated trade deal is tailored to the strengths and priorities of British businesses.

    International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston will launch the Call for Input on a visit to Vodafone’s Newbury headquarters. Vodafone is one of the UK’s largest investors in Turkey.

    International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

    Trade deals are all about creating opportunities for businesses, growing the economy and supporting jobs – that’s why it’s so important businesses tell us what they want from them.

    Turkey is a great strategic partner and we already have a thriving trading relationship – up more than 17% in current prices in the last year alone. I’m incredibly excited to start upgrading our FTA, opening up opportunities for growth and giving British businesses better access to a market of some 85 million people.

    Turkey’s thriving tech, manufacturing, transport, and infrastructure sectors have generated a surge in demand for international expertise in recent years, presenting significant opportunities for UK companies. UK services exports to Turkey all already on the up, increasing by 54% to £2.1 billion in 2022, with key sectors including transport, financial services, architecture and audit.

    A new FTA with modern provisions for services and digital trade could turbocharge this, creating opportunities for UK businesses and giving them a competitive edge on companies from other countries.

    Serpil Timuray, Vodafone CEO of Europe Cluster and UK Country Representative for Turkey’s DEİK (Foreign Economic Relations Board) DTİK (World Turkish Business Council) said:

    Vodafone is a leading investor in Turkey that has taken a long-term outlook and contributed significantly to the country’s digitalisation and economic progress during the last 15 years. A new trade deal will drive greater opportunities for Vodafone and other companies who have invested in Turkey, helping to foster closer UK-Turkey relationships.

    The call for input will run from 10am on 2 November 2023 to 10am on 5 January 2024 and will be available on gov.uk.

    Background

    • Turkey is a major supplier of goods to the UK, which is its 4th largest goods export market, in return for £6.4 billion of UK goods exports.
    • The Call for Input follows a joint review of our existing FTA, which covers goods trade only, is based on outdated provisions from the 1990s and is not tailored to the UK’s strengths as a services superpower.
    • The joint review concluded there would be value in expanding its scope under a new agreement to expand trade ties and benefit both economies.
    • UK and Turkey Joint Statement can be found on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-tu3rkey-joint-statement-july-2023
  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 2 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres at the UK’s AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park today.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary-General’s attendance at the AI Summit and the establishment of the United Nations’ AI Advisory Body. The Prime Minister looked forward to its recommendations next year, which would be informed by the discussions at the AI Safety Summit and the ‘State of the Science’ report on frontier AI risk driven by the UK. They discussed the need for close global collaboration on AI safety, and the Prime Minister set out how the UK AI Safety Institute would be taking forward this work with global partners.

    The leaders then discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and agreed on the importance of urgently scaling up the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid. The Prime Minister set out the work the UK is doing to support, including doubling aid funding for the United Nations and others’ work in Gaza and pre-positioning emergency supplies and equipment in Egypt. The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General agreed on the need to reinvigorate international efforts to reach a lasting resolution to the conflict and progress work towards a two-state solution.

    The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister raised concerns about the breakdown of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and stressed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President el-Sisi of Egypt [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi this evening about the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

    He welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing today for the first British and other nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza. The Prime Minister thanked President Sisi for his efforts and said the UK would continue to work closely with Egypt and Israel to ensure all British citizens can leave Gaza safely.

    The leaders talked about urgent work to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the Prime Minister updated on plans for a second UK aid flight to support the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent. He said ensuring life-saving aid and medical treatment reaches civilians by all available routes is a top priority and the UK stands ready to provide further support.

    The Prime Minister and President Sisi also discussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, prevent escalation in the wider Middle East and achieve long-term peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 November 2023.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the United States Vice President Kamala Harris to Downing Street for the first time this afternoon.

    Ahead of travelling to the AI Safety Summit tomorrow, they discussed the need for global collaboration on the novel opportunities and risks presented by frontier AI, including issues like bias and disinformation. The Vice President thanked the Prime Minister for hosting the first summit to take forward these discussions.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the shared focus on AI safety, including the announcement of a new US institute that will work closely alongside the UK’s AI Safety Institute to boost research into the capabilities and risks of this technology.

    The Prime Minister and Vice President also spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Prime Minister reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself against terror as well as the need to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza and to free hostages taken by Hamas. Both agreed that the UK and US were aligned in these efforts and would continue to work with partners in the region to ensure stability.

    The Prime Minister and Vice President also stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine and close collaboration on the fight against Russian aggression.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to deliver 160 community diagnostic centres a year early [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to deliver 160 community diagnostic centres a year early [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 1 November 2023.

    The community diagnostic centre (CDC) programme is largest central cash investment in MRI and CT scanning capacity in the history of the NHS.

    • The government has announced 3 of the final CDC locations which will serve tens of thousands of patients in London, Sussex and Yorkshire – offering patients greater choice on where and how they are treated
    • Over 5 million tests, checks and scans have been delivered for patients so far, as part of efforts to bring down waiting lists

    The government will meet its target to open 160 community diagnostic centres a year early, the Health and Social Care Secretary will announce today (31 October 2023).

    All 160 centres will be open by March 2024, a year ahead of the original March 2025 target – speeding up access to potentially lifesaving tests and checks.

    In a speech to the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, he will confirm the rollout of the one-stop shops following the hard work of NHS staff and the government’s efforts to maximise use of the independent sector – backed by the £2.3 billion in capital funding.

    Based in a variety of settings including shopping centres, university campuses and football stadiums, 127 of the community healthcare hubs are already open – including 40 brought forward earlier than planned. They offer patients a wide range of diagnostic tests closer to home and greater choice on where and how they are treated, reducing the need for hospital visits and helping them to receive potentially life-saving care sooner.

    The programme constitutes the largest central cash investment in MRI and CT scanning capacity in the history of the NHS and has already delivered more than 5 million additional tests, checks and scans across the country. The new centres will provide capacity for 9 million more by 2025 as part of the NHS and government’s plan to recover services following the pandemic.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Patients deserve the highest quality care, and community diagnostic centres have been instrumental in speeding up the diagnosis of illnesses like cancer and heart disease to ensure patients are treated more quickly.

    I’m delighted we will open 160 CDCs a year early, allowing greater access to high tech scans and diagnostics in communities across England.

    This has been made possible by using all capacity available to us and drawing on the independent sector – helping us to cut waiting lists, one of the government’s top 5 priorities.

    The government has announced 3 of the final locations which will serve tens of thousands of patients, with all set to open in December 2023. They are:

    • Queen Mary’s Sidcup CDC – based in south-east London, the facility will offer CT, MRI and ultrasound checks, along with blood tests – providing at least 58,000 additional checks once fully operational
    • Halifax CDC – based at Broad Street Plaza shopping centre in the Yorkshire town, this CDC will offer ultrasound checks, blood tests and heart scans – delivering at least 90,000 tests once fully operational
    • Chichester University CDC, Bognor Regis – this facility will offer CT and MRI scans along with ultrasound checks and blood tests to patients, and deliver at least 18,000 additional tests once fully operational

    In total, 13 of the CDCs are led by the independent sector, with 8 of these already operational. There are a further 22 CDCs located on the NHS estate where the independent sector is providing diagnostic services. They function like NHS-run CDCs but by making use of the available capacity in the independent sector patients can access additional diagnostic capacity free at the point of need.

    Alongside this, as the Prime Minister originally announced in May, hundreds of thousands of NHS patients who have been waiting longer than 40 weeks for treatment will today be offered the opportunity to travel to a different hospital as part of ambitious measures set out in the elective recovery plan.

    Any patient who has been waiting longer than 40 weeks and does not have an appointment within the next 8 weeks will be contacted by their hospital via letter, text or email. The 400,000 eligible patients will then be able to submit their details, including how far they are willing to travel.

    Thanks to this and wider measures, the government successfully met the first target in its elective recovery plan to virtually eliminate waits of over 2 years and has cut 18-month waits by over 90% from the peak in September 2021.

    Earlier this year, the government’s Elective Recovery Taskforce set out a plan to maximise independent sector capacity to treat NHS patients more quickly. Chaired by Health Minister Will Quince and made up of academics and experts from the NHS and independent sector, the taskforce looked for ways to go further to bust the COVID-19 backlogs and reduce waiting times for patients.

    Its recommendations will ensure patients have the right to receive care at a provider of their choice, encourage the system to work together to deliver a post-pandemic recovery, and monitor the contribution of the independent sector to delivering health services and developing the workforce.

    Earlier this month, the government also invested £200 million to boost resilience in the NHS and help patients get the care they need as quickly as possible this winter. The new funding came after the Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary met clinical leaders and NHS chiefs to drive forward planning to ease pressures in urgent and emergency care while protecting waiting list targets this winter. Alongside this, £40 million was invested to bolster social care capacity and improve discharge from hospital.

    Background information

    DHSC and NHS England count CDCs delivering tests and accessing national funding as open. This may include temporary sites while the full CDC is completed.

    We are now recruiting for an independent chair of the choice panel, who will help promote compliance with rules on patient choice.

    In September, NHS England confirmed that 4 other CDCs had been approved – 2 in Wiltshire, one in Thanet and one in Cheshire.

    The full list of open CDCs can be found below:

    • Andover CDC
    • Barking Community Hospital CDC
    • Barnsley Glassworks CDC
    • Bexhill CDC
    • Bishop Auckland CDC
    • Blaydon CDC
    • Bolton CDC
    • Bradford District and Craven CDC
    • Bath Somerset and Wiltshire Banes Locality CDC
    • Buckland Community Hospital CDC
    • Cannock Chase CDC
    • CDC Poole @Dorset Health Village with spoke CDCs:
      • Poole, Beales CDC
      • South Walks CDC
      • Boscombe AECC CDC
      • Weymouth CDC
    • CIOS Bodmin CDC with spoke CDC:
      • West Cornwall CDC
    • Clacton CDC
    • Clatterbridge Diagnostics CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Ellesmere Port CDC
      • Liverpool Women’s Hospital CDC
    • Paddington CDC
    • Corbett CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Guest CDC
      • Merry Hill CDC
    • Corby CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Kings Heath CDC
    • Coventry City Community CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Rugby St Cross CDC
    • Crawley Collaborative CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Caterham Dene CDC
    • Devon Exeter Nightingale CDC
    • East Somerset CDC
    • Eltham Community Hospital CDC
    • [Ely CDC (hub) – not open yet] with spoke CDC:
      • Wisbech CDC
    • Finchley Memorial Hospital CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Wood Green CDC
    • Florence Nightingale Community Hospital CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Sir Robert Peel CDC
    • Gloucestershire Quayside CDC
    • Grantham CDC
    • Hereford City CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Kidderminster Treatment Centre CDC
    • Hinckley CDC
    • Huddersfield CDC
    • Ilkeston Community Hospital CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Whitworth Hospital CDC
    • Island CDC
    • [James Paget CDC – not open yet] with spoke CDC:
      • East Norfolk CDC
    • Leeds CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Armley Moor Health Centre CDC
    • Leicester CDC
    • Leigh CDC
    • Lymington New Forest Hospital CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Hythe CDC
      • Romsey CDC
    • Manchester and Trafford CDC
    • Mansfield CDC
    • Mile End Hospital CDC
    • Milford Community Hospital CDC
    • Montagu Hospital CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Rotherham Diagnostics CDC
    • New QEII Hospital CDC
    • [North Bedfordshire CDC (hub) – not open yet] with spoke CDC:
      • Whitehouse Health Centre CDC
    • North Bristol CDC
    • [North Lincolnshire CDC (hub) – not open yet] with spoke CDCs:
      • Askham Bar Community Care Centre CDC
      • East Riding Community Hospital CDC
      • Selby War Memorial CDC
    • North Solihull CDC
    • Northern Care Alliance Oldham CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Salford CDC
    • [NWL Ealing CDC (hub) – not open yet] with spoke CDC:
      • Wembley CDC
      • Willesden CDC
    • Oxford CDC
    • Penrith CDC
    • Portsmouth CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Fareham CDC
      • Oak Park CDC
    • Preston Healthport CDC
    • Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Kingston CDC
      • Purley CDC
    • Queen Victoria Hospital CDC
    • Rossendale CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Burnley General Hospital Spoke CDC
    • Royal South Hants CDC
    • [Slough CDC (hub) not open yet] with spoke CDC:
      • Heatherwood CDC
    • Somerset West CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Bridgwater CDC
      • South Petherton CDC
      • Taunton Central CDC
      • West Mendip CDC
      • Yeovil CDC
    • South Warwickshire CDC
    • Southlands Hospital CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Bognor Regis WMH CDC
    • Brighton CDC
    • St Helens CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Southport CDC
    • Shrewsbury Telford and Wrekin CDC
    • Swale CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Medway CDC
    • [Tees Valley CDC – not yet open] with spoke CDCs:
      • Lawson Street CDC
      • Friarage CDC
      • Hartlepool CDC
      • Redcar CDC
    • Thurrock CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Braintree CDC
    • Victoria Infirmary Northwich CDC
    • Warrington and Halton CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Shopping City CDC
    • Warwickshire North CDC
    • Washwood Heath CDC
    • West Berkshire Community Hospital CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Amersham CDC
      • Bracknell CDC
    • West Essex CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Bishop’s Stortford CDC
    • West Kent CDC
    • Westmorland CDC with spoke CDCs:
      • Crossland Day Hospital CDC
      • Heysham CDC
    • Weston CDC
    • Whitegate Drive CDC with spoke CDC:
      • Fleetwood CDC
    • Woking Community Hospital CDC