Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : World’s first fully digitalised goods shipment sent from Burnley in billion-pound Brexit boost for British businesses [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 September 2023.

The first ever fully digitalised goods shipment landed in Singapore from Burnley.
UK replaces old fashioned paper customs documents with digital ones to make it faster, cheaper and easier for businesses to trade

Move expected to reduce processing times by up to 75% and could boost the UK economy by over £1 billion

Innovation will enable more businesses to take advantage of our post-Brexit trade deals, including the UK-Singapore digital trade deal

The first ever fully digitalised goods shipment yesterday [24 September] landed in Singapore from Burnley after the UK introduced world-leading legislation to make trading cheaper and easier for businesses.

A valve produced by Burnley-based manufacturer Fort Vale set off from Manchester Airport on Thursday, facilitated by UK and Singapore based tech company LogChain, and is set to arrive in Singapore today. For the first time ever, the shipment will be processed entirely digitally, rather than via physical customs documents.

The news comes following the UK’s digital trade agreement with Singapore, which facilitated electronic trade, as well as the introduction of the UK’s ground-breaking Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) which came into force on Wednesday.

The Act made the UK the first G7 country to place electronic trade documents on the same legal footing as paper documents. It is estimated the move could generate £1.14 billion for the UK economy over the next decade, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said:

Digitalised trade will make it quicker, cheaper and easier for firms to do business around the world, saving them significant sums of money. In a world where everyone pays for things digitally, it’s high time we tear up the pointless paperwork and get with the 21st Century.

This is a landmark moment for the future of international trade and I am delighted the UK is leading the way in using technology to make things easier for our companies.

Digitalising trade makes doing business around the globe faster, cheaper and more secure, lowering the risk of fraud and of paper documents being lost, and reducing processing times by up to 75%.

Collaboration with Singapore to execute this fully digitalised shipment was inspired by the groundbreaking UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, signed in 2022, which was the first digitally focused trade agreement ever agreed by a European nation, and would have been impossible to agree independently had we remained in the EU.

With 80% of customs bills based on English law this reform further enhances the UK’s leadership on digital trade and could kickstart digitalisation globally. The UK continues to work with other countries to promote similar reforms.

Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Paul Scully said:

We have made history today, with the simple act of a valve produced in Burnley arriving in Singapore. Following the commencement of the Electronic Trade Documents Act, we’re showing the world that the UK isn’t merely a participant in the digital economy – we are at its forefront.

This transformative step promises a future where international trade is swifter, more affordable, and inclusive for businesses of every size.

Global Sales and Marketing Director of Fort Vale Graham Blanchard said:

Fort Vale are extremely enthusiastic and excited by the prospect of successful digital trade transactions. As an organisation Fort Vale exports around 90% of its products worldwide. A significant number of our key accounts are based in Singapore and as such, the opportunity to be part of this historic moment was something not to miss.

Fort Vale see the benefits of security, efficiency, cost savings and reduced risk of delays as real positives not only for our organisation, but as a contribution to frictionless trade between the UK and Singapore as a whole.

Managing Director of BT, Asia Pacific Rodney Kinchington said:

We are proud to leverage our expertise to help usher in the landmark UK Electronic Trade Documents Act. Further, the combined efforts of the various companies in this consortium through LogChain’s platform highlights our joint commitment to enhance standards (for transparency, efficiency, and security) in global supply chains, and support for the transformative journey into the future of logistics.
September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Interim appointment of Sue McAllister as HM Chief Inspector of Probation [September 2023]

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

The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor has announced the interim appointment of Sue McAllister as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation.

The Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon. Alex Chalk KC MP, has announced the appointment of Sue McAllister as the interim Chief Inspector of Probation (HMCI Probation). This interim appointment will commence on 1 October 2023 and end on 1 March 2024 or when a substantive post holder is appointed, whichever is earlier.

The recruitment of HMCI Probation is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this interim appointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) is the independent inspector of probation and youth offending services in England and Wales. The Inspectorate offers independent scrutiny of the quality of work undertaken with individual offenders to seek to improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

Biography

From 2018 to 2022, Sue McAllister was Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). During that time, Mrs McAllister led two independent investigations into deaths of babies in custody. The PPO’s report on the death of Baby A at HMP Bronzefield was published in September 2021, and the report on the death of Baby B at HMP Styal was published in January 2022..

Prior to becoming PPO, Mrs McAllister was the Director of Reducing Offending and Prison Service Director General, Department of Justice (DOJ), Northern Ireland. She has held senior policy roles including Head of Public Sector Bids Unit at the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), and operational management roles in HM Prison Service as Prison Governor, Head of Security Group and Area Manager for the West Midlands.

Mrs McAllister also led an independent investigation into a serious disturbance at an Immigration Removal Centre for the Home Office and was a member of an independent review into a sensitive death in custody.

September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Pub frequented by Dylan Thomas among three projects in Wales given £770,057 to secure future [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 25 September 2023.

The Community Ownership Fund supports treasured institutions across the UK so that they can be run by the community, for the community.
- Legendary poet’s former local given Community Ownership Fund investment to put it back into the hands of local people
- More than £770,057 now given from the fund to support 3 Welsh projects
A pub which was frequented by legendary poet Dylan Thomas is one of three Welsh projects set to receive £770,057 in government funding to keep them open for future generations.

The Vale of Aeron pub in Ceredigion, which was known as a favourite haunt of the Welsh poet when he lived nearby in the 1940s, will use the £300,000 investment for renovations to secure its future and make it accessible to the whole community.

The Community Ownership Fund supports treasured institutions like pubs, museums and sports clubs across the UK so that they can be run by the community, for the community. In total, an additional £770,057 has been announced for three projects in Wales today so that local people can continue to benefit from them.

£187,557 will also be given to the Judge’s Lodging Museum in Powys to preserve the historic old court building and sustain its financial resilience so it can continue to be a fully functioning museum.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

These three latest Welsh recipients of the Community Ownership Fund are all fantastic projects that will make a huge difference to their local areas.

We are proud to be supporting people to take control of their local assets. Levelling up is at the centre of the UK Government’s ambitions and communities across Wales will be transformed over the coming years as this funding continues.

The Community Ownership Fund has now given £4 million for 18 projects in Wales, part of 195 projects now being supported across the UK.

UK Government minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

The community institutions we’re protecting today are the pride and joy for many residents, and we’re securing their future through a £12.3 million boost of levelling up funding.

These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.

Changes which came into effect for this round of bids also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding, not just sports clubs, and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to 20%.

This also marks the first time that applicants such as the Vale of Aeron pub have been able to benefit from support with the development of their application and business case, through the Community Ownership Fund development support provider, led by Locality.

The Community Ownership Fund is currently open again for bids and will close on 11th October 2023, and groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.
September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific to lead trade and investment relationship [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 September 2023.

The UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade has appointed Martin Kent as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Asia Pacific.
Martin Kent appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific

With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth £120.5 billion, the region offers huge potential for UK businesses

Kent joins team of nine HM Trade Commissioners supporting UK trade and investment and promoting the United Kingdom across the world

Martin Kent has been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, succeeding Natalie Black CBE.

HMTCs lead the UK’s overseas effort to promote UK trade, investment, trade policy and export finance.

As the new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Kent will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the region.

Prior to his new role, Martin Kent was the Minister and Deputy Head of Mission in the British Embassy Tokyo, a Director within the Department for Business and Trade, and also HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa. He started his career with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and has worked across the Asia Pacific region, including in BCG’s Singapore and Australia offices.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

Our network of HM Trade Commissioners bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment and export finance.

I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in the Asia Pacific, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.

With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth £120.5 billion, a growing population and a flourishing trade and investment relationship, the Asia Pacific holds vast potential for UK businesses and consumers.

HM Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific, Martin Kent, said:

I am delighted to be appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific. The region is the engine room of the global economy and is a major driver of global economic growth and opportunity for UK businesses.

I will be focused on securing and implementing high-quality Free Trade Agreements, attracting investment to all parts of the UK, opening markets for UK exporters, and positioning the UK as a beacon for free trade in the Asia Pacific region.
September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Future of cherished local pubs, museums and sports clubs secured with £12.3m levelling up boost [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 25 September 2023.

Forty-five treasured institutions across the United Kingdom given funding to safeguard future.

Pubs, museums and sports clubs across the United Kingdom have been given vital funding from Government to secure their future for generations to come.

Forty-five treasured spaces in our villages, towns and cities will receive more than £12.3m in funding so they can be run by the community, for the community.

Thanks to the latest funding from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, these institutions will be owned and run by hardworking community groups.

£1 million will rebuild a historic Yorkshire railway bridge in urgent need of repair, which carries the railway line over Bridgehouse Beck between Keighley and Oxenhope.

The funding will protect a tourist rail line which is used by more than 250,000 passengers a year, and will improve transport infrastructure in the region so that the local economy can continue to thrive. The original bridge was built in 1867, and the railway line has featured in dozens of films and TV shows over the years including The Railway Children in 1970.

David Pearson, Co-ordinator for External Finance & Resources at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society, said:

We’re overjoyed to have received this funding, which will be going towards the complete rebuilding of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s bridge 27 in the middle of the railway at Haworth and in the middle of Haworth village.

It means that the long term survival of train services on the railway is ensured and means everything to our railway, our villages and our people.

An educational aerospace discovery centre in Kinross will be created with £300,000 from the fund, offering interactive learning opportunities and exhibitions which will inspire future generations to pursue STEM careers.

And the Vale of Aeron pub in Ystrad Aeron, Wales, which was known as a favourite haunt of the legendary poet Dylan Thomas, has been given £300,000 for renovations to keep it open and make it accessible to the whole community.

Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said:

Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions.

These places – from pubs to historic railway lines – are the golden thread which run through our social fabric, and keeping them going is vital for supporting communities.

Other projects which have received funding include:
- Lordsfield Swimming Club in Hampshire, a volunteer-run facility which will be sustained for the future with an £835,400 grant so it can provide low-cost swimming to local schools and the wider community.
- £1.2 million to secure the future of four pubs, including the Vale of Aeron, so they can continue to pull pints for locals.
- Knutsford Market Hall in Cheshire received £560,000 to ensure it continues to host and support a number of small businesses.
- Sterts Theatre in Cornwall will be restored with £300,000 so that it can resume its community and professional performances.
- The Margate School in Kent will be able to undertake essential repairs with £400,000 that will secure a long-term future for the not-for-profit art school.
- Dartford Gym and Youth Club will undergo essential refurbishment with £244,920 to restore it as a space for local schools, clubs and community organisations to engage in sport and social activities.
The Community Ownership Fund has now given £49.3 million for 195 projects across the UK. This includes almost £8 million for thirty-three pubs so that local people can still go to their beloved local, and £14.6 million for sixty six community centres so they can continue to play an important role in people’s lives.

The latest round of allocations includes £770,057 for three projects in Wales, £992,825 for four projects in Scotland and more than £1m for four projects in Northern Ireland.

Changes which came into effect for this round of bids also meant that all projects could bid for up to £1 million in funding, not just sports clubs, and the amount organisations needed to match fund decreased to only 20%, to allow more places to benefit.

The George pub in Kent previously benefited from a £250,000 grant from the fund, which allowed it to reopen in May 2023. The pub shut during the Covid-19 pandemic and the owners decided to sell up and retire, but locals were able to get the doors open again because of the funding and are now planning for the future.

Local resident Alex Withington said:

We’re going to have a café that opens during the day too. When we did a survey, a lot of people said they wanted somewhere during day to use as well.

We’re also looking to have a petanque area and a community library in the pub. We’re just so happy to have helped restore The George to the heart of Bethersden for our community.

The Community Ownership Fund is currently open again for bids and will close on 11th October 2023, and groups are being urged to apply for up to £2m in funding for the very first time.
September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Royal reappointment of Charlie Taylor as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 25 September 2o23.

The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor has announced the Royal reappointment of Charlie Taylor as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons.

The Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon. Alex Chalk KC MP, has announced the Royal reappointment of Charlie Taylor as the Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCI Prisons) for a second term of 3 years. His reappointment will run from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2026.

Mr Taylor’s original appointment tenure commenced on 1 November 2020 for a 3 year term to run until 31 October 2023.

The recruitment of HMCI Prisons is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and this reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate. The Chief Inspector reports directly to Ministers but operates independently of government and the services under its scrutiny. The Chief Inspector has a duty to report on conditions for and treatment of those in prison, young offender institutions, secure training centres, immigration detention facilities, and court custody suites, customs custody facilities and military detention in England and Wales.

Charlie Taylor Biography

Charlie Taylor was initially appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2020 and was re-appointed in 2023. From 2017-2020 Mr Taylor was Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. Before taking up this role he led the government’s review of the youth justice system. Mr Taylor was Chief Executive of the National College of Teaching and Leadership from its launch in 2013. He is a former head teacher of The Willows, a school for children with complex behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. He was the Coalition Government’s expert adviser on behaviour until 2012 and produced reviews for the Department for Education on alternative provision (for children excluded from mainstream schools) and attendance in schools.

September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Bus fares in rural England drop 11% thanks to government’s £2 fare cap [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 September 2023.

The £2 fare cap has cut travel costs, especially in rural areas, where buses are vital for people to get around.

Millions of people in England have enjoyed cheaper bus travel this year thanks to the government’s unprecedented actions to lower bus fares and protect services.

Yesterday (21 September 2023), new statistics from the Department of Transport (DfT) showed the overall price of bus fares in England, outside London, has dropped by 7.4% between June 2022 and June 2023, mainly due to the extension of the Get Around for £2 scheme.

The £2 fare cap has cut travel costs, particularly in rural areas, where buses are crucial for so many people to get around, with the average fare dropping by 10.8% in rural and non-metropolitan parts of England.

When adjusted for inflation, local bus fares in England, outside of London, for April to June 2023 were comparable to those seen in 2007.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

Our ‘Get Around for £2’ scheme has slashed overall bus fares for millions across England, as we continue to help people save money on travel, boost transport connections and grow the economy.

Whether you want to visit loved ones, head to work or attend a medical appointment, taking the bus continues to be a vital link for people to get around.

Starting in January 2023 and originally scheduled to end on 31 March 2023, the Get Around for £2 scheme has been extended until 31 October this year and will then run at £2.50 until the end of November 2024 thanks to £200 million in government investment.

The £2 bus fare cap comes alongside the recently announced £300 million to prevent cuts to bus routes and improve the quality of services into 2025. This takes total government spending to keep fares low and support buses to £3.5 billion since 2020.

DfT has also recently confirmed £129 million to roll out hundreds more zero emission buses, with the first £25 million prioritised specifically for rural communities. This brings total government investment in new zero-emission buses to almost £500 million.

In June 2023, the government announced a broad range of steps being taken to boost rural communities on housing, transport, digital connectivity and jobs.

The Unleashing rural opportunity plan outlines how government will deliver the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy and create better-paid jobs and opportunities right across the country. Rural areas already contribute 15% to England’s economy, which amounts to over £250 billion of our national GDP, but the programme seeks to unlock further growth.

This also builds on rural proofing work by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), whereby all government policy is examined to ensure it is delivering for rural communities.

Lord Benyon, Minister for Rural Affairs, said:

We are putting the needs of people and businesses in rural areas at the heart of policy-making. Bus services are a vital part of this, as a lifeline for communities and in supporting local businesses in our rural economy.

By easing the cost of transport in some of our most remote areas, we can help bring people together and build on the wider work we are doing to help rural communities thrive.

September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Belarus [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2023.

UK statement for Interactive Dialogue on interim oral update of High Commissioner on human rights situation in Belarus in run-up to 2020 presidential election.

It’s now three years since the fraudulent August 2020 presidential elections in Belarus. Three years of brutal repression – of civil society groups, political opponents, journalists and ordinary citizens.

Repression that continues to intensify with the introduction of further legislation to restrict freedoms, punish dissent and neutralise democratic opposition.

There are now over 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus, often held in appalling conditions, denied access to basic medical care, starved of contact with their families, and subject to degrading treatment, including torture. Let me highlight the recent tragic death of Ales Pushkin, a prominent Belarusian activist arrested for his political artwork, who died in detention in unclear circumstances.

Once again, we call on the Belarusian authorities to put an end to their policy of repression and immediately to release political prisoners. While they are it, they should also end their support to Russia’s illegal war against their Ukrainian neighbours.

High Commissioner,

Three years on from the flawed and fraudulent elections, how can the international community best support human rights defenders and ensure Belarusian officials are held to account for their crimes?

Thank you.

September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Burundi [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 September 2023.

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi, as delivered at the 54th UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report, which recognises that the Government of Burundi has taken some steps in line with their commitment to improving human rights. We welcome these, but also note that the Government has further progress to make before this objective is fully realised.

In particular, we remain concerned about the ability of the people of Burundi to access and enjoy their civil and political rights. We call on Burundi to make genuine reforms to guarantee the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association. An active civil society and free media are cornerstones of democracy, and the government of Burundi should work to ensure civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers and other media workers can carry out their work safely and independently.

We were also deeply concerned by Burundi’s decision to withdraw its participation during its recent regular review of its adherence to the ICCPR by the Human Rights Committee.

Special Rapporteur,

Your findings show that continued scrutiny by this Council is both justified, and necessary. We again call on the government to cooperate fully with this Council, with your mandate, and with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN bodies working to improve the human rights situation in Burundi, including by reopening the OHCHR country office. What possibility, if any, do you see for a resumption of cooperation through any of these channels?

Thank you.

September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Media Advisory Notice – Russell Brand [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 22 September 2023.

The Attorney General confirms the requirement not to publish material which could prejudice any potential criminal investigation or prosecutions.

Following the airing of “Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches” on 16 September 2023, there has been extensive reporting about Russell Brand.

The Attorney General, the Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, wishes to amplify the importance of not publishing any material where there is a risk that it could prejudice any potential criminal investigation or prosecutions.

Publishing this material could amount to contempt of court.

Editors, publishers, and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

The Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the coverage of these allegations.

September 25, 2023