Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Barrister fee increase to help vulnerable victims bring attackers to justice [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 October 2023.

Fees for barristers who help vulnerable witnesses and victims to pre-record a cross examination will rise to £1,000, the government announced today (25 October 2023).
fees for barristers working on pre-recorded evidence increased to £1,000

pre-record helps victims of rape and sexual assault give best evidence sooner

allows more people give testimony to bring more rapists and abusers to justice

The recording takes place as close to the time of the offence as possible, while memories remain fresh, and helps victims avoid the stress of giving evidence in a live trial setting, which many find traumatic.

This fee increase seeks to increase the number of barristers available for such hearings to reduce victim dropout rates and bring more rape and sexual assault cases to trial.

A research report published in April found that rape victims who pre-record their evidence are more likely to have a better experience of the court process and find it less intimidating. It also meant they were able to access vital support services earlier, such as therapy, without fear that it could be used against them in cross-examination.

The government is determined to stamp out appalling crimes such as rape and domestic abuse and has launched an action plan to overhaul the criminal justice system to transform support for victims, drive up prosecutions and ensure cases are investigated fully. All three ambitions in this plan have been met eighteen months ahead of schedule, restoring the number of police referrals to the CPS, CPS charges and cases reaching the Crown Court to 2016 levels.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, said:

Boosting payments for this work will help more sexual violence victims testify earlier, away from the full glare of a courtroom.

It’s the latest step in our ongoing work to further increase the number of rape victims getting support and justice.

Pre-recording of evidence allows victims and witnesses of crimes such as rape and modern slavery to have their cross-examination video-recorded and played later during trial. This is subject to a successful application to the court.

Fees were originally set at £670 in January when the government announced barristers would receive advance payments for work on pre-recorded evidence and for any wasted preparation for the first time.

This increase comes after an agreed review and as part of the ongoing work with the professional bodies under the new Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board, chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor.

Government investment in the criminal legal aid system is expected to reach £1.2 billion a year, after the recent 15 per cent uplift in barrister fees and fees for most solicitors. This includes:

police station work, including pre-charge engagement

magistrates’ court work, including youth court

Criminal Cases Review Commission work

advocates’ graduated fees

expert fees

The fee rise will come into effect as soon as possible when parliamentary time allows.

Note to editors

Fees are increasing from £670 (+VAT) to £1,000 (+VAT)
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £45 million to be reinvested in government to boost long-term productivity as the Cabinet Office sells stake in SSCL [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 25 October 2023.

The Cabinet Office is to sell its 25% stake in SSCL for £82.3 million. £45m of the proceeds will be put aside to increase cross-government productivity to deliver for the public in the long-term.
The Cabinet Office is to sell its 25% stake in SSCL for £82.3 million.

£45m of the proceeds will be put aside to increase cross-government productivity to deliver for the public in the long-term.

The Cabinet Office has today exercised its option to sell its 25% stake in Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL) for £82.3m, it has been announced today.

After 10 years of this successful partnership, Sopra Steria Ltd will fully acquire SSCL, a joint venture founded by Sopra Steria and the Cabinet Office, as envisaged in the original contract.

SSCL provides consolidated digital solutions for the public sector including finance and accounting, procurement, and HR and payroll.

Of the £57m sale proceeds that will be retained by the Cabinet Office, £45m will be reinvested into accelerating programmes that increase cross-government productivity. This will help to set the country on the right path to strengthen public services by increasing efficiency across government.

This will include a particular emphasis on digital capability across Government.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin, said:

The SSCL joint venture was set up to drive greater efficiency.

The Government is now realising its successful investment, securing additional value for the taxpayer and using it to make the long-term decisions to deliver the best public services and boost productivity across the Civil Service.

The joint venture has generated significant savings for the public purse, providing more funds for front line public services, and delivering value for money for the taxpayer to help change the country for the better.

It has also encouraged collaborative working with the private sector. For example, the establishment of SSCL involved the transfer of around 1,100 civil servants to the private sector.

Finally, SSCL met the government’s goal to consolidate shared services, such as HR and payroll, across numerous departments, including The Department for Work and Pensions, The Home Office and The Ministry of Justice, ensuring services operate at the highest efficiency.

The Cabinet Office will also channel the proceeds from this sale to continue its work streamlining services and processes across government. The remaining balance will be returned to HM Treasury.

With the benefits of the joint venture having now been met, the proceeds of the sale will fuel a fresh investment in cross-government efficiency as part of long-term action to create a more productive workforce and stronger services for the public.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Non-judicial member appointed to the Sentencing Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 October 2023.

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Johanna Robinson as a non-judicial member of the Sentencing Council with experience of the promotion of the welfare of victims of crime.

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Johanna Robinson as a non-judicial member, with experience of the promotion of the welfare of victims of crime, for 3 years from 5 October 2023.

The Sentencing Council (SC) was established under Section 118(1) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 to promote greater transparency and consistency in sentencing, whilst maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The SC’s responsibilities include: developing sentencing guidelines and monitoring their use; assessing the impact of guidelines on sentencing practice; and promoting the understanding of and increasing public confidence in sentencing and the criminal justice system.

The appointment of non-judicial SC members is made by the Lord Chancellor after consulting the Lord Chief Justice.

The appointment of non-judicial SC members are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Biography

Ms Robinson was appointed, in September 2022, as one of the National Advisers on Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence for the Welsh Government. She provides expert perspective to the development and implementation of policy across the Welsh Government; working with victims and survivors to ensure their experience informs policy development. From 2016 – 2018, she served as Head of Victims Services for Gwent Police and, from 2013 – 2016, as the National Development Manager for The Survivors Trust.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Employment boost for thousands of parents on Universal Credit [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 25 October 2023.

Thousands of parents on Universal Credit will be supported to increase their chances of getting a job or up their work hours from today.
- Unemployed parents to be given more support to get back into work
- Move follows over 45 per cent increase to support with childcare costs for parents on Universal Credit, as UK Government ‘backs working families’
- Changes brought in this year set to benefit over half a million parents of 1-to-12-year olds
Thousands of parents on Universal Credit will be supported to increase their chances of getting a job or up their work hours from today (Wednesday 25th October).

Parents of 3 to 12-year-olds will agree with their Work Coach to spend more time in work or applying for jobs, up to a maximum of 30 hours a week. Commitments will be tailored to parents’ personal circumstances, including the availability of childcare. Alongside local Jobcentre support, this action could include time updating CVs or developing skills through courses and workshops.

The move comes after the UK Government boosted childcare support for low-income families, with up-front and increased costs of up to £951 a month for one child and £1,630 for two or more children – a near 50% increase on the previous Universal Credit childcare offer.

Eligible parents who increase their working hours are now also receiving up to 85% of their upfront childcare costs back before their next month’s bills are due, helping them cover costs one month in advance going forward. Prior to these changes many low-income families struggled with upfront childcare bills, making it harder for them to move into work.

Over half a million parents are set to benefit from these improved work chances, building on changes announced in July for parents with young children to meet their Work Coach more often.

Work is the best way to move out of poverty. According to the latest figures, working age adults living in workless households are over seven times more likely to be in absolute poverty after housing costs than working age adults in households where all adults work.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

“We are pulling down barriers that stop parents working and fulfilling their potential, because we know full time work not only benefits mum and dad but the whole family too.

“These changes will support thousands on their back to work journey. We’re backing working families, and as they step up for their careers, we are taking action to halve inflation, grow the economy and make everyone’s money go further.”

One person to already benefit from changes to conditionality is Kacee from Gateshead. Kacee who is 19 is a single parent of a one-year-old son who has already started to meet more frequently with her Work Coach. Since August, she has tapped into the more generous childcare costs through Universal Credit and is now working as a retail assistant part-time.

Households are at least £6,000 a year better off in full-time work than out of work on benefits, according to data covering the impact of moving onto Universal Credit and since 2010, there are almost 700,000 fewer children growing up in workless households, transforming their life chances.

Almost half (49%) of non-working mothers also say if they could arrange good quality childcare they would prefer to be employed, according to a Department for Education childcare and early years survey.

Those impacted will see updates to their expected Work-Related Activity which includes searching and applying for jobs, updating CVs, and developing transferable skills through workshops. All activity is designed to prepare parents to increase their likelihood of getting a job or increasing their hours.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We regret the draft resolution proposed by the United States has not been adopted – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 October 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

President, we regret that the draft resolution proposed by the United States was not adopted. The text would have had a real impact on the ground by calling for hostages to be released, for aid to get in, including through humanitarian pauses. Through this resolution the Security Council would have rightly, and for the first time, unequivocally condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks.

The United Kingdom could not support the resolution proposed by Russia, which once again failed to recognise Israel’s right to self-defence.

As so many of us have said, there is a grave crisis unfolding in the Middle East. The Russian text was put to a vote without a single minute of consultation with the Council members. It was not a serious attempt to have this Council speak with one voice.

We are committed to continuing to work across the Council towards a balanced text that condemns Hamas, reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself, is clear on the need for everything to be done to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law and gets more aid flowing into Gaza.

I thank you.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister calls for global responsibility to take AI risks seriously and seize its opportunities [October 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 25 October 2023.

UK Government officially publishes report on capabilities and risks from frontier AI for the first time, drawing on sources including intelligence assessments.
UK Government officially publishes report on capabilities and risks from frontier AI for the first time, drawing on sources including intelligence assessments.

This will inform discussions at next week’s AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, which aims to build a shared global understanding of the risks posed by frontier AI.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will today give a speech on how we have a global responsibility to understand and address the risks surrounding AI, in order to realise all its benefits and opportunities for future generations.

A new paper into the capabilities and risks from frontier AI has been published for the first time by the UK Government today (Thursday 26 October), as the Prime Minister is set to give a speech on the global responsibility to address the risks head on and make the most of the opportunities AI can bring.

There are a range of views in the scientific, expert and global communities about the risks in relation to the rapid progress in frontier AI, which is expected to continue to evolve in the coming years at rapid speed. The report published today draws on various sources, including UK intelligence assessments.

One of the key objectives of the AI Safety Summit – the first ever global summit to discuss AI safety – is to come to a shared understanding on the emerging risks, which can then inform how nations manage them. It also highlights the need for countries around the world to understand the pitfalls presented by frontier AI to unlock its enormous benefits.

The publication will serve as a discussion paper at next week’s summit. It forms part of the UK Government’s action to take long-term decisions for a brighter future, leading the way globally on AI safety. It is in the long-term interest of the country to understand and grip the risks of AI in order to seize the enormous opportunities it brings to improve people’s lives, public services and economic growth and productivity.

The publication comes ahead of a speech by the Prime Minister today on AI. He will set out how the UK Government will do what is right to make AI safe, cement the UK as a global leader in AI safety, and ensure we can harness its benefits to build a better future for generations to come.

In his speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to say:

“AI will bring new knowledge, new opportunities for economic growth, new advances in human capability, and the chance to solve problems we once thought beyond us. But it also brings new dangers and new fears.

“So, the responsible thing for me to do is to address those fears head on, giving you the peace of mind that we will keep you safe, while making sure you and your children have all the opportunities for a better future that AI can bring.

“Doing the right thing, not the easy thing, means being honest with people about the risks from these technologies.”

The report is made up of three parts:

Capabilities and risks from frontier AI: A discussion paper on the need for further research into AI risk. It covers the current state of frontier AI capabilities, how these might improve in the future, as well as the risks they currently present, including societal harms, misuse and loss of control.

Safety and Security Risks of Generative Artificial Intelligence to 2025: A report drawing on sources including intelligence assessments, which states that generative AI development has the potential to bring significant global benefits but will also increase risks to safety and security by enhancing threat actor capabilities and increasing the effectiveness of attacks.

Future Risks of Frontier AI: A report from the Government Office for Science, which considers key uncertainties in frontier AI development, the risks future systems might pose, and a range of potential scenarios for AI out to 2030.

The Summit will focus on risks at the frontier of AI around the misuse of AI by non-state actors to perform harms like cyber-attacks or to design bioweapons, as well as risks around the loss of control of AI, where systems may act autonomously in a way that does not align with our intentions or values.

Recognising that AI can have broader impacts on society too, the Summit will also include discussions on the risks from the integration of frontier AI on society like election disruption, bias, crime and online safety. There is also a vast amount of work taking place to address other risks from AI in other international forums and at national level.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

“This marks a watershed moment, as the UK becomes the first country in the world to formally summarise the risks presented by this powerful technology.

“There is no question that AI can and will transform the world for the better, from making everyday tasks easier, to improving healthcare and tackling global challenges like world hunger and climate change. But we cannot harness its benefits without also tackling the risks.

“No country can do this alone, which is why we will be welcoming governments, academics, civil society groups and businesses to Bletchley Park next month to build a shared understanding of the risks while discussing how we can develop and use AI safely and responsibly so that it changes lives for the better.”
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : IVF law change to benefit couples with fertility issues [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 October 2023.

End of outdated law which requires same-sex couples to pay up to £1,000 for safety screening when accessing fertility treatment.
Same-sex couples with non-transmissible HIV will also be able to undertake in vitro fertilization (IVF) in UK-licensed clinics, ensuring equality for those living with HIV

Government continues to deliver more accessible fertility services and improve opportunities for same-sex couples

Hundreds of couples hoping to become parents but going through the distress of fertility issues will have their chances improved, as the government announces 2 significant law changes to IVF provision in the UK.

Currently, female same-sex couples hoping to conceive via reciprocal IVF must first go through screening for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or rubella. This screening can cost up to £1,000 whereas under current rules, heterosexual couples do not need to undergo this screening.

The government is scrapping this outdated law to ensure female same-sex couples have the same rights as a man and woman when trying to conceive.

The law will also change to cover same-sex couples so that where one or both partners have HIV but have an undetectable viral load (meaning the level of HIV virus in the body is low enough to not be detected by a test), they can now access IVF treatment. This will also include known sperm or egg cell donation to friends or relatives.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

Millions of couples dream of the joy of parenthood and bringing life into the world. But for many, that joy turns to unimaginable pain as they experience the distress of fertility issues.

That’s why we’re changing the law, so it works for everyone and supports as many people as possible to conceive.

Our flagship Women’s Health Strategy is committed to improving access to IVF and we’ll continue working to ensure as many people as possible can access this vital support.

Dr Catherine Hill, Fertility Network UK’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

As the national charity, Fertility Network UK welcomes this change in fertility legislation which will remove an inequality between how women in same-sex couples are treated when donating an egg to their partner as part of reciprocal IVF, and how heterosexual couples undergoing fertility treatment are treated.

This legislative change, when enacted, will also be a step forward in removing the massive financial barriers facing female same-sex couples hoping to become parents via fertility services.

The move will benefit hundreds of couples, including same-sex male couples in a surrogacy, female same-sex couples planning shared motherhood and those seeking known donation from a friend or relative with HIV.

The Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield, announced the government’s intention to change these laws during a general debate on IVF provision in Westminster Hall.

The government also recently announced moves to ensure greater IVF transparency in England through an accessible new tool on GOV.UK to allow people to look up information about NHS-funded IVF treatment in their area.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Oklahoma hold inaugural Working Group meeting [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 October 2023.

First Working Group meeting under the UK – Oklahoma trade MoU takes place in Oklahoma City, OK.

Building on the enduring friendship and historical ties between the state of Oklahoma and the United Kingdom, on Tuesday 24 October 2023, representatives of both governments held the inaugural working group meeting created by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation and trade relations signed in April this year.

Richard Hyde, Consul General for the United Kingdom in Houston, chaired the meeting hosted by Secretary Ken McQueen (Secretary of Energy and the Environment) in Oklahoma City, with officials from the respective governments and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Devolved Administrations. The discussion focused on identifying new opportunities for increasing bilateral trade in clean energy technologies, zero-emissions vehicles, agriculture, and public sector procurement. UK companies already employ over 10,000 people in the Sooner state. Participants used the working group to jointly plan activities that will further strengthen commercial links between the UK and Oklahoma and build on a strong trading relationship worth £294 million ($363 million) in goods trade in 2022.

The working group highlighted opportunities for further work and knowledge exchange to develop all areas of the MoU, specifically, on carbon sequestration and hydrogen fuel innovation, electric vehicle infrastructure and technology, agriculture, and Government/State procurement. It was agreed that subject experts on both sides would take forward detailed discussion and report back ahead of the next working group meeting which will involve representatives from industry as part of the continued work to deliver for businesses in the UK and Oklahoma.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : “What happens in the South China Sea matters globally” – UK Indo-Pacific minister to tell maritime conference in Vietnam  [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 October 2023.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, will give keynote speech at 15th annual South China Sea conference in Ho Chi Mihn City.
- Minister to give keynote speech at 15th annual South China Sea conference in Ho Chi Minh City on 25 October, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific
- at the OECD regional meeting in Hanoi on 26 October, the Minister will discuss sustainable investment for Southeast Asia
- the Minister will meet political leaders in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate fifty years of UK-Vietnam diplomatic relations
The peace and prosperity of the South China Sea must remain a priority for all to protect free and open trade routes, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific is set to tell a conference in Vietnam today. The visit by Anne-Marie Trevelyan comes as the UK and Vietnam celebrate fifty years of diplomatic relations.

At the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam’s annual South China Sea Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, the Minister will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to maintaining a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Sixty percent of global shipping passes through the Indo-Pacific, making the region critical to the UK’s security and the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

Speaking alongside Vice Minister Do Hung Viet, the Minister is expected to say:

What happens in the South China Sea matters. Almost 60% of global maritime trade passes through it.

We seek to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. We want to deepen relationships with our partners in the region, support sustainable development and tackle the shared challenges we all face.

View the Minister’s speech at the South China Sea conference 2023.

In the capital Hanoi, the Minister will also attend the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s Southeast Asia Regional Ministerial Forum and speak at sessions on encouraging sustainable investment in the region and financing the energy transition. Launched in 2014, the SEARP encourages learning and the dissemination of good practice between policy makers in Southeast Asia and the OECD. The Forum will be chaired by the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, along with the OECD Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann.

The Minister will then meet senior political leaders including Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, and Chairman of the External Relations Commission of the Communist Party Le Hoai Trung.

Discussions will celebrate 50 years of UK-Vietnam ties and focus on cooperation to address common priorities including trade and investment, security and climate change. Total 2-way trade was worth £6.7 billion at the beginning of 2023, up 17% on the previous year and boosted by the introduction of a UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement in 2020.

The UK is also working with Vietnam and other partners to maintain regional resilience and stability, including as a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN plays a central role in keeping the region stable and prosperous and the UK is seeking to join the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus to enhance cooperation further.

And on climate, the UK is supporting an inclusive transition to renewable energy in Vietnam through our Just Energy Transition Partership (JETP), agreed in December 2022 and led by the Vietnamese government. Through the Blue Planet and COAST programmes, the UK is also supporting maritime communities and industries, which are vital to the Vietnamese economy, to boost their resilience against the impacts of climate change.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK delivers humanitarian aid to support Palestinian civilians [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 October 2023.

An RAF C-17 aircraft is en-route to Egypt to deliver vital UK Government humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.

The flight left RAF Brize Norton this morning and will deliver twenty-one tonnes of life-saving UK aid for civilians in Gaza.

Essential supplies including 76,800 wound care packs, 1,350 water filters and 2,560 solar lights were dispatched to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

The UK has also delivered a temporary, rapid-assembly warehouse and mechanical handling equipment including two forklift trucks, which can be set up close to the Rafah border crossing to respond quickly to needs on the ground.

The aid is part of the £30 million increase in humanitarian support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories announced by the Prime Minister – more than doubling the UK’s existing commitment for this year from £27m to £57m.

Supplies will be distributed via the Egyptian Red Crescent, which has requested them to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza. Each water filter and light is intended to support a family of five.

In addition, ministers have been engaged in intensive diplomatic activity in response to this crisis.

Last week the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where he pushed for greater humanitarian access to Gaza and led efforts to help prevent regional escalation.

The Foreign Secretary visited Egypt, Turkey and Qatar over the past week, where he pushed for agreement on humanitarian access to Gaza, the release of British hostages and foreign nationals, and securing safe passage for British nationals to leave Gaza.

And the Defence Secretary is visiting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week to discuss measures to prevent a wider conflict, as well as humanitarian issues. He also met his counterpart in Washington last week to coordinate the UK and US’s response to the crisis.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Today’s airlift is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to helping those most in need – rapidly deploying the RAF to get life-saving aid into the region.

Together with our regional partners it’s critical that we prioritise protecting all civilians from harm – that’s why I’m in the Middle East this week to work with defence leaders on deterring a wider conflict that would have devastating consequences for families across the region.

To support the FCDO team in country with distributing aid shipments, the UK’s military advisory team attached to the embassy in Egypt has been bolstered, following on from the Prime Minister’s announcement last week that other teams in the region had already been increased.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The urgent humanitarian need in Gaza is clear. This delivery of vital UK aid into Egypt will save lives but more is needed.

Humanitarian aid must continue to be allowed into Gaza to reach the people who need it most. The UK is working with Israel, Egypt and other partners in the region to enable life-saving aid to reach civilians including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.

The Department for Health and Social Care has donated 76,800 wound care packs from its stockpiles. These include sterilised clinical equipment and protective clothing.

November 1, 2023