Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK firms to deliver €415 million sustainable development scheme in coastal Angola [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK firms to deliver €415 million sustainable development scheme in coastal Angola [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 December 2023.

    Support from UK Export Finance means that British firms have secured contracts to upgrade critical infrastructure in Benguela Province and protect the region against future flooding.

    • The UK government has issued guarantees which secure Standard Chartered Bank to arrange financing for a €415 million contract between exporter Innovo Group and Angola
    • The largest-ever sovereign transaction which UKEF has closed in Sub-Saharan Africa, this enables the delivery of critical infrastructure in Benguela Province, a coastal region of Angola vulnerable to flooding and poor drainage
    • Over a third of the contract – more than £140 million – will be spent on UK goods and services, with British and Angolan communities alike to benefit from the deal

    The UK has issued loan guarantees which allow British exporter Innovo Group to secure a €415 million contract to deliver critical infrastructure projects in Benguela Province, a region in the west of Angola adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.

    The support has been issued through UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – and means that projects will now go ahead to improve the region’s potable water supply, storm drainage, sanitation, roads, public lighting, and commercial infrastructure. This includes the municipalities of Benguela, Baía Farta, Catumbela and Lobito.

    Comprising 23 individual projects, the programme is expected to support 11,000 local jobs across a range of sectors including construction over the next five years.

    During the UN’s COP28 climate change summit, UKEF announces the deal as an example of the role played by international trade in supporting global adaptation against climate change and extreme weather.

    Benguela Province is a coastal region vulnerable to flooding and poor drainage. UKEF’s support allows the Angolan government to finance Innovo Group’s contract using funds arranged by Standard Chartered Bank, as Structuring and Coordinating Bank, Bookrunner and Mandated Lead Arranger.

    This allows the Benguela province to benefit from new water supplies, stormwater channels and drainage networks aimed at reducing the risk and impact of flooding and other climate related events.

    The projects will generate a direct spend of over £140 million on UK exports which are expected to support a water supply and drainage projects, road rehabilitation and community facilities.

    Andrew Mitchell, UK Minister for Development and Africa said:

    This ground-breaking deal will provide critical infrastructure that will change lives and reaffirm our commitment to building mutually beneficial partnerships as we prepare for the UK-African Investment Summit next year.

    Our partnership with Angola is long-standing, and this funding will provide huge benefits to the people of Benguela province, including new water supplies and protection from the harsh impacts of climate related events including flooding.

    By teaming up to tackle climate change now, we are creating a more resilient and sustainable future – it is clear that we can go far when we go together.

    Paul Woodman, CEO of Innovo Projects, said:

    We are delighted to have secured this most important project that will have a hugely positive impact for the people and communities of the Benguela province, as well as making the region more resilient to the impacts of climate change. This is the third contract we have secured in Angola with the support of UK Export Finance and we would like to thank all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Public Works & Housing, for their cooperation in bringing this project to fruition.

    Faruq Muhammad, Global Head of Structured Export Finance at Standard Chartered Bank, said:

    We’re proud to be the Angolan government’s long-standing banking partner once more to bring about social, cultural and economic positive change for thousands of people in the Benguela Province, with improved infrastructure, water supply and building renovations.

    Innovo Group will also deliver projects which support the development of the local economy, including road rehabilitation works, renovation of historic buildings, andthe construction of a fish market in Benguela City for traders who currently work outdoors without refrigeration.

    This follows the export credit agency’s announcement in January of support for Innovo (then trading as ASGC UK) to build a specialist burns hospital in Angola’s capital city, Luanda.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bill to make clear Rwanda is a safe country and stop the boats [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bill to make clear Rwanda is a safe country and stop the boats [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 December 2023.

    Safety of Rwanda Bill to be introduced to Parliament tomorrow, making clear that Rwanda is a safe country where illegal migrants can be lawfully relocated.

    A bill to conclusively deem Rwanda a safe country notwithstanding UK and international law and end the merry-go-round of illegal migration delay tactics by migrants, will be introduced to Parliament by Home Secretary, James Cleverly, tomorrow (7 December).

    The bill is the toughest immigration legislation ever introduced to Parliament. It includes provisions to disapply relevant sections of the Human Rights Act, unambiguously exclude the courts from challenging the fact that Rwanda is safe, and confirm that ministers alone can decide whether to comply with blocking orders from Strasbourg, like the one that grounded the first Rwanda flight in 2022.

    The draft of the new Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill has today been published ahead of introduction. It builds on the treaty signed yesterday by the Home Secretary and Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Vincent Biruta, and makes clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country for asylum seekers – answering all of the concerns of the Supreme Court.

    The legislation and treaty deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority to stop the boats and ensure that people know that if they come to the UK illegally, they will not be able to stay.

    Once the bill receives Royal Assent, it will pave the way for the UK to begin next steps in processing people for relocation and starting removal flights to Rwanda. The government intends to fast-track the emergency legislation through the House as soon as possible.

    Underpinned by the treaty, the law will prevent UK courts and tribunals from delaying or preventing a person’s removal to Rwanda, on the grounds that they are at risk of being removed to an unsafe country.

    The bill will also make clear that the UK Parliament is sovereign, and the validity of any act of Parliament is unaffected by international law. Ministers will retain the decision on whether or not to comply with interim measures from the European Court of Human Rights.

    It also makes clear the extremely limited exceptions which individuals could challenge removal to Rwanda, and the exceptions which narrow this to the maximum allowed within the law. This includes preventing UK courts and tribunals from granting interim measures, apart from when a person can produce compelling evidence – as a result of their specific personal circumstances – that would lead to them facing a real, imminent and foreseeable risk of serious and irreversible harm if removed to Rwanda. In addition, it disapplies elements of the Human Rights Act 1998, meaning they cannot be factored into court or tribunal decision making.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I have been unequivocal that we can no longer tolerate the endless scourge of illegal migration on our country. It is costing us billions of pounds and costing innocent lives, and that is why we are taking action to put a stop to it and make clear once and for all that it is Parliament that should decide who comes to this country, not criminal gangs.

    Through this new landmark emergency legislation, we will control our borders, deter people taking perilous journeys across the channel and end the continuous legal challenges filling our courts.

    And we will disapply sections of the Human Rights Act from the key parts of the bill, specifically in the case of Rwanda, to ensure our plan cannot be stopped.

    We have acted quickly to remedy the issues raised by the Supreme Court, proving that Rwanda is not just a safe country, but a modern, prosperous nation, and today we are ending the tactics used by people to cheat the system and betray the British people.

    My message to the vicious people smugglers is clear, there is no point in ruining people’s lives any longer, if an individual comes here illegally, they will be removed.

    Home Secretary James Cleverly, said:

    We are taking crucial steps forward to respond to the Supreme Court’s findings, which recognised that changes could be delivered to make this landmark partnership work.

    Building on our legally binding Treaty, the Safety of Rwanda Bill will make absolutely clear in UK law that Rwanda is a safe country.

    This will play a key part in our efforts to stop the boats and save lives – I would urge parliament to ensure the legislation is passed as soon as possible.

    Rwanda is a country that cares deeply about supporting refugees. It stands ready to welcome those relocated there.

    The bill also further reflects the strength of the Government of Rwanda’s protections and commitments given to people transferred to Rwanda, as committed to in the treaty.

    The principle of relocating people to another country to have their asylum claims processed is lawful – the High Court confirmed this, and it was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which did not disturb that finding.

    Countries across Europe are following the United Kingdom’s lead in exploring third country models for illegal immigration – including Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Italy in their deal with Albania.

    Rwanda currently hosts more than 135,000 people seeking safety and protection and has a track record of providing that protection and supporting people in thriving in their country. The UN Refugee Agency has its own scheme for refugees in Rwanda, which is not delivered through a legally binding treaty.

    On Tuesday the Home Secretary was in Rwanda to sign the treaty with his counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vincent Biruta.

    The document is binding in international law and is currently going through the Parliamentary ratification process.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK hits military suppliers propping up Russia’s war machine [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK hits military suppliers propping up Russia’s war machine [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 December 2023.

    The UK government announces new sanctions targeting people and groups that are supplying and funding Putin’s war machine.

    • UK announces 46 new sanctions targeting individuals and groups supplying and funding Putin’s war machine
    • this includes businesses in Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey the UAE and Uzbekistan who continue to support Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine
    • by including entities operating in China, Serbia, and Uzbekistan the UK has now taken action against over 30 third-country entities supporting Russia’s war efforts. This signals the UK’s no tolerance approach to those enabling Russia’s illegal war, wherever they may be

    Foreign military suppliers exporting equipment and parts to Russia are among dozens of individuals and groups sanctioned today to target those helping Putin’s war machine.

    Russian weapons manufacturers and defence importers were also among the list of 46 new sanctions imposed as well as 3 actors supporting the Wagner Group network and 4 operators of so-called ‘shadow fleet’ vessels used by Russia to soften the blow of oil-related sanctions imposed by the UK alongside G7 partners.

    As the Prime Minister said to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a call last week, the UK’s support for our Ukrainian allies is steadfast. Today’s measures will disrupt Putin’s ability to equip his military through third-party supply chains in Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE and Uzbekistan.

    The move will hit Russia where it hurts and starve Putin of the resources he needs for his illegal war on Ukraine.

    Today’s package comes as G7 leaders are due to discuss and agree additional measures designed to:

    • go further to bear down on the revenue Russia needs to finance Putin’s war machine
    • prevent Russia from accessing inputs to its military and industrial base, and
    • demonstrate to Russia there is a price to pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine

    Among those sanctioned today are:

    • Russia’s military industrial complex: 31 individuals and entities linked to designing and manufacturing drones and missile parts and importing and supplying key electronic components. This includes several directors and their immediate family members
    • third country suppliers to Russia’s military:
      • JSC Display Design Bureau, a Belarusian defence organisation linked to manufacturing military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin’s illegal war
      • AVIO CHEM, a Serbian company which has sent multiple shipments of aircraft parts and accessories to Russian entities
      • MVIZION, an Uzbek company which acted as intermediary to import parts to Russia
      • a Turkish entity, Smart Trading Limited, involved in the supply of sanctioned western electronics to Russia
      • 3 Chinese entities: Asia Pacific Links Limited, Sinno Electronics Co., Limited, and Xinghua Co., Limited, supplying sanctioned goods, critical for Russia’s war efforts
    • Wagner Group related: 3 entities and individuals linked to the Wagner Group’s wider network, including RUSICH Military group, a private Russian company active in Ukraine and its commander
    • oil related: 4 UAE-based entities using opaque corporate structures and deceptive shipping practices to facilitate unfettered trade in Russian oil, bearing down on Russia’s efforts to generate war revenues

    Sanctions are starving Russia’s military of key western components and technology. Alongside our partners, sanctions on international supply chains have resulted in a 98% reduction of Russian imports of battlefield technology from sanctioning countries. Pre-invasion Russia was a major exporter of arms. Instead, it is now having to turn to North Korea and Iran for unreliable equipment and to buy back parts it previously exported to other countries. While the world is moving forwards technologically, Russia is going backwards.

    In tandem with today’s sanctions, the National Crime Agency has today issued an advisory for the UK’s regulated sector. This advisory provides banks and other firms with key red flags of transactions and customer attributes commonly associated with sanctions evasion. We call on industry to report all suspicious activity, and potential sanctions breaches as set out in the guidance.

    Sanctions Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

    Today’s sanctions will hit Putin where it hurts, damaging Russian defence systems, and cracking down on illegal supply chains propping up Russia’s war machine.

    Working alongside our G7 partners and international allies we will continue to ratchet up pressure on Putin and crack down on third parties providing restricted goods and technology to Russia, wherever they may be.

    Today’s sanctions tackle Russia’s repeated attempts to circumvent and offset the clear impact UK sanctions are having on its war effort.

    In August the UK launched one of its largest ever actions targeting Russian military suppliers and last month took action to disrupt a covert procurement network used by Russia to acquire critical western technology. Today’s announcement builds on these actions and cracks down on those who continue to supply and fund Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Cyber Explorers Cup competition launched for pupils across the UK to boost their tech skills [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Cyber Explorers Cup competition launched for pupils across the UK to boost their tech skills [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 December 2023.

    Schools from across the UK are invited to compete in cybersecurity challenges with the chance to win prizes.

    • Pupils to put cybersecurity skills to the test as they compete for tech prizes in UK-wide challenge
    • New competition supports teaching of key cybersecurity skills, encouraging uptake in computer science and future careers in the field
    • Technology Secretary today calls on more schools to engage with the UK government’s free Cyber Explorers course

    Schools from every corner of the UK are invited to test their tech skills for the chance to be crowned Cyber Explorer champions, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has announced.

    The Cyber Explorers Cup kicked off today (Wednesday 6 December) giving pupils between 11 and 14 years the opportunity to compete in cyber security challenges – boosting their learning in a vital technology, with the chance to win tech-related prizes which could include vouchers for schools to buy new learning materials and equipment, class trips, and opportunities for teachers and students to engage with other learning opportunities.

    More than 60,000 students from around 2,500 schools across the country have already been signed up to Cyber Explorers – a free learning platform provided by the UK government that introduces Key Stage 3 pupils to important cyber security concepts such as digital forensics, encryption, secure communication, the Computer Misuse Act and network security. The competition is open to all schools, including home schools, and involves teams of up to four students per school completing a series of missions based on a ‘Capture the Flag’ format during the hour-long competition.

    The highest scoring school in each UK nation will be awarded tech prizes, and branded learning material to support students to build their skills. The competition will run until March 2024, and will be launched by the Science and Technology Secretary on a visit to a school in South-East London. She is joined by Cyber Explorers campaigner and primetime TV personality Baasit Siddiqui who will deliver an in-person learning session with the students, exploring the online platform.

    Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

    As the pace of technological change picks up, it is more important than ever to harness the enthusiasm of future generations, inspired by the prospect of exciting careers in cybersecurity that keep us safe. The Cyber Explorers cup will help us do exactly that.

    I want Cyber Explorers to create new opportunities for thousands of young people to gain the crucial knowledge in cyber security, digital tech and computing we need to bolster our growing cyber sector and make the UK a technology superpower.

    With exciting activities and expert insight on offer to help build those valuable skills, I encourage teachers across our country to take on the challenge.

    Baasit Siddiqui said:

    Having worked on the Cyber Explorers programme for over a year, it has highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of cyber professionals. We need to empower digital literacy, resilience, and creativity in the digital space.

    I’ve enjoyed supporting students in recognising the incredible ways in which technology is used in varying careers but also informing them of the importance of protecting their devices and data from varying cyber threats.

    I’m confident the upcoming Cyber Explorers Cup will celebrate the most cyber-savvy children across the UK and I’m excited to be a part of these events.

    Cyber Explorers was launched in February 2022 to support and inspire pupils towards a future career in tech and give them the foundational knowledge to pursue crucial subjects such as computer science.

    On this free learning platform, students can access a range of quizzes and activities, with support from the team’s Cyber Squad experts, showing the new and exciting opportunities available for those striving to work in a range of tech roles, across social media content creation, sports technology and AI innovation to name a few.

    The UK cyber security sector is growing fast, having generated £10.5 billion in 2022 – up 3% on the previous year – and with around 2,000 cyber security firms based across the country. The sector employs nearly 60,000 people, up 10% on 2021, with continued investment to drive up job opportunities in the coming years.

    Notes to editors

    Competing schools can create a team with a maximum number of four competing students. It is recommended there is at least one competing student from each year group. KS3 (England and Wales), P7, S1 and S2 (Scotland) and Years 8, 9 and 10 (Northern Ireland).

    Competing schools, homeschools and students must be available for a 1-hour session at various available times in March 2024.

    It is recommended that the competing school or homeschool has completed a minimum of 65% of the content provided by the online Cyber Explorers learning programme, e.g., three Character challenges and five Missions. This will be based on the number of students a school has registered at time of entry. Progress will be assessed by the Cyber Explorers team.

    Teachers and home editors applying for their school to take part must submit a request to the Cyber Explorers team, who will then review the competing schools’ or homeschools submission and assess if the minimum requirement of 65% completion of the learning programme has been met.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a major achievement of diplomacy and international law-making – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a major achievement of diplomacy and international law-making – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 December 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN General Assembly meeting on the Law of the Sea.

    Mr President, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, is a major achievement of diplomacy and international law-making. It is critical to the rules-based international system. Its provisions apply to 70% of the surface of the globe and form an essential component of global governance.

    UNCLOS has made a significant contribution to global peace, prosperity and security by providing consistency and certainty concerning the governance of the ocean. It provides the legal framework for all activities in the ocean and seas.

    UNCLOS sets out the legal framework for maritime claims and the rules of freedom of navigation. It sets out obligations for bilateral, regional and international cooperation, including for the conservation and management of living resources, for the protection and preservation of the maritime environment, and for the peaceful settlement of disputes. This legal framework applies in the South China Sea as it also applies across the rest of the world’s oceans and seas.

    This year, we welcomed the adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. This Agreement is the third implementing agreement under the Convention and is historic for biodiversity. We support its entry into force as soon as possible. The BBNJ agreement will mean much greater protection for the two-thirds of the global ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction. It will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It is critical that we work toward upholding the commitments in the GBF to help achieve the target to effectively conserve and manage at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

    We take this opportunity to reinforce the critical role that both the BBNJ Agreement and Global Biodiversity Framework have in relation to the topics covered by both the resolutions Oceans and Law of the Sea and Sustainable Fisheries.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel [December 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 December 2023.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon. He expressed disappointment about the breakdown of the pause in fighting in Gaza, which had allowed hostages to be released. The leaders discussed urgent efforts to ensure all remaining hostages are safely freed and to allow any remaining British nationals in Gaza to leave.

    The Prime Minister offered an update on his engagement with leaders in the Middle East and reiterated his public remarks in the region last week, stressing the need for Israel to take greater care to protect civilians in Gaza and focus narrowly on military targets.

    The Prime Minister said more humanitarian aid had to be allowed to enter Gaza, where civilians were in desperate need. He reiterated offers of practical UK support to facilitate deliveries of life-saving aid. He noted the pressure on the Rafah crossing point and pressed the need to explore other routes into Gaza, including via Kerem Shalom.

    The leaders shared their concerns about increasing attacks by Houthi militants, supported by Iran, against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The Prime Minister stressed the UK’s commitment to freedom of navigation and highlighted the deployment this week of HMS Diamond, a Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer, to bolster deterrence in the region and keep trade routes flowing. He also said the UK would continue to support efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the threat on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.

    Finally, the Prime Minister welcomed commitments to address extremist settler violence and intimidation, which was destabilising the situation in the West Bank.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New research into expansion of life-saving HIV testing programme [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New research into expansion of life-saving HIV testing programme [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 5 December 2023.

    A new research project has been announced to evaluate an expansion of the hugely successful HIV opt-out testing programme to new sites across England.

    • A new £20 million National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) project will support the government’s ambition to end new transmissions of HIV within England by 2030 and get people into the right care
    • Undiagnosed HIV, hepatitis B and C will be picked up in new testing programme in 46 more emergency departments in 32 high HIV prevalence areas of England
    • Expansion comes after success of schemes in extremely high prevalence areas of HIV, identifying almost 4,000 people with a bloodborne virus (BBV) since April 2022

    A new research project to evaluate an expansion of the hugely successful HIV opt-out testing programme to new sites across England, has today been announced (29 November 2023). Given the success of the existing testing programme, this new initiative is expected to save, and improve the quality of, thousands of lives.

    Backed by £20 million of NIHR funding, the research will evaluate the testing programme in 46 new sites across England. Expansion of the programme could identify a significant proportion of the estimated 4,500 people living with undiagnosed HIV – preventing new transmissions and saving more lives through testing people’s blood already being taken in emergency departments for bloodborne viruses (BBVs), including HIV and hepatitis B and C.

    Last year, as part of the government’s world leading HIV action plan for England, NHS England launched the BBVs opt-out testing programme, with funding available for 34 emergency departments in areas with the highest prevalence of HIV. Today’s announcement will mean the programme will be expanded as part of a research evaluation in all 46 emergency departments covering 32 areas with high prevalence of HIV.

    It will support the UK’s progress in being a world leader in the fight against HIV – and in meeting its goal to end new transmissions of HIV within England by 2030.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said:

    Less than 3 decades ago, HIV could be a death sentence. It was often – and wrongly – considered a source of shame, and diagnoses were hidden from friends, family and society. But today, thanks to effective treatments, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with HIV.

    As well as promoting prevention for all, the more people we can diagnose, the more chance we have of ending new transmissions of the virus and the stigma wrongly attached to it.

    This programme, which improves people’s health and wellbeing, saves lives and money.

    The evaluation of the expansion of opt-out testing will help reach the government’s bold ambitions of reducing new HIV transmissions by 80% in 2025 and ending new transmissions by 2030, according to an update on the HIV action plan for England.

    The existing programme in extremely high prevalence areas has been shown to be highly effective in identifying HIV in people unaware they had the virus and re-engaging those who are not in HIV care. The programme provides linkage to medication, a treatment and care pathway which enables people to live long and healthy lives, where the virus is undetectable.

    During the first 18 months of the BBVs opt-out testing programme, 33 emergency departments conducted 1,401,866 HIV tests, 960,328 hepatitis C virus (HCV) tests and 730,137 hepatitis B virus (HBV) tests significantly increasing the number of bloodborne virus tests conducted in England each year.

    It has identified:

    • 934 people living with HIV or people disengaged from HIV care
    • 2,206 people living with HBV and 388 disengaged from HBV care
    • 867 people living with HCV and 186 disengaged from HCV care

    Professor Kevin Fenton, government chief adviser on HIV and chair of the HIV Action Plan Implementation Steering Group, said:

    We know HIV is most commonly unknowingly spread by people who don’t know their status. Knowledge is power in preventing HIV transmission and accessing life-saving care.

    The core ambitions of our world-renowned HIV action plan are to intensify HIV prevention, expand HIV testing, strengthen linkage to and retention in high quality HIV care, and tackle HIV stigma and discrimination. We will not give up this fight until there are no new HIV transmissions in England.

    The opt-out testing programme will boost our progress to identify the estimated 4,500 people who could be living with undiagnosed HIV and help us ensure we meet our 2030 ambition, with the possibility to save thousands of lives in the process.

    Outside of BBVs opt-out testing, progress is also being made. There are fewer people living with undiagnosed HIV and, as a result of effective treatments, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with HIV. Most people with HIV diagnoses are receiving world class treatment, making it undetectable.

    There is much to celebrate, ahead of World Aids Day (1 December), on the government’s progress towards its action plan ambitions, with fewer than 4,500 people living with undiagnosed HIV – the lowest it’s ever been since recording begun – and extremely high levels of antiretroviral treatment, used to treat HIV, and viral suppression.

    In 2022, England once again achieved the UN AIDS 95-95-95 target nationally: 95% of people living with HIV being diagnosed, 98% of those diagnosed being on treatment and 98% of those on treatment having an undetectable viral load – meaning the levels of HIV are so low that the virus cannot be passed on.

    In a speech this evening at the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS event, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins thanked the ongoing dedication from NHS staff, HIV charities, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), local government and professional bodies and campaigners, which have worked tirelessly to support the government in achieving its goal to end new transmissions.

    People with reactive or positive tests results are linked to care and offered information and support through community organisations.

    The opt-out strategy for BBVs testing is important to address health inequalities by reaching groups, such as those from ethnic minorities or women, who are less likely to attend sexual health services and may be disproportionately affected both by higher rates of some BBVs and stigma associated with BBVs testing or diagnosis.

    Opt-out testing additionally provides a valuable opportunity to re-engage with people who have previously been diagnosed with a BBV but who are not accessing treatment or care.

    Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, said:

    The Elton John AIDS Foundation launched the first HIV Social Impact Bond in 2018 because too many vulnerable people were being left behind. Together with our partners, we identified opt-out testing in emergency departments as an effective and cost-saving way of ensuring people living with HIV get the treatment they needed.

    We warmly welcomed the government’s decision to expand this successful method of HIV diagnosis to 33 sites in April last year and results from the last 18 months demonstrate how incredibly important this approach is to ensure no one is left behind. Today’s announcement to further expand opt-out testing to 46 additional emergency departments is another fantastic and very significant step towards meeting the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 and above all else will save lives.

    Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

    Today’s announcement is the testing turbo boost that’s needed if we are to end new HIV cases by 2030. It’s hugely significant that an additional 2 million HIV tests will be carried out in A&Es over the next year thanks to a temporary but wholesale expansion of opt-out HIV testing to 46 additional hospitals. With this landmark investment, opt-out HIV testing in A&Es will account for more than half of all tests in England. This major ramping up of testing is absolutely crucial to find the 4,400 people still living with undiagnosed HIV.

    The evidence is crystal clear: testing everyone having a blood test in emergency departments for HIV works. It helps diagnose people who wouldn’t have been reached via any other testing route and who have often been missed before. It also saves the NHS millions, relieves pressure on the health service and helps to address inequalities with those diagnosed in A&E more likely to be of black ethnicity, women and older people.

    Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at DHSC and CEO of NIHR, said:

    Health and care research is at the heart of every significant improvement we make to testing, treating and curing illness and disease. It brings huge benefits to patients and the public.

    By expanding this already successful opt-out scheme as part of a research project, not only are we delivering it to new parts of the country, but we can gather more useful evidence for the future.

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said:

    The NHS’s opt-out testing programme in emergency departments has meant we have identified and treated thousands more people living with HIV and hepatitis B and C, particularly from groups who are less likely to come forward for routine testing.

    Without this NHS testing programme, these people may have gone undiagnosed for years, but they now have access to the latest and most effective life-saving medication, helping to prevent long term health issues and reducing the chances of unknown transmission to others.

    This NHS success story is a prime example of how we are taking advantage of every opportunity to support people to stay well, prevent illness and save lives.

    Dr Alison Brown, interim head of HIV surveillance at UKHSA, said:

    We know that HIV testing saves lives and prevents onward transmission, but progress has been uneven. The continued lower rates of HIV testing and PrEP among women and ethnic minority groups is concerning.

    This research project will help provide greater access to testing of HIV, as well as hepatitis B and C, among populations who may not otherwise access testing. It will also help England meets its ambition to end HIV transmission by 2030.

    Florence Eshalomi MP, co-chair of the APPG on HIV/AIDS, said:

    We are delighted that the government today has taken concrete steps to increase and normalise HIV testing in the UK. The APPG believes that as Parliamentarians we should play our part in addressing this epidemic and this is something we have been calling for following the successful roll-out of opt-out to extremely high prevalence areas.

    Professor Yvonne Gilleece, chair of the British HIV Association (BHIVA), said:

    BHIVA very much welcomes this expansion of the testing programme to other emergency departments in England. It will save lives by identifying many more people who are not yet aware that they have been at risk of acquiring HIV, or other blood borne viruses.

    Today we are able to provide effective HIV treatment, which will also prevent onward transmission of the virus, and so take us a step nearer to reaching the 2030 target.

    Deborah Gold, chief executive of National AIDS Trust, said:

    We are delighted to warmly welcome today’s announcement that HIV testing will now routinely take place in every emergency department in all 33 areas of England with high prevalence of HIV for the next year. This decision, which will more than double HIV testing capacity in England, means that more people will be diagnosed with HIV faster, and will be able to access life-saving treatment which will also stop the virus being passed on.

    Routine HIV testing in emergency departments is especially good at finding people who would otherwise not receive a test, most often from marginalised communities who are being left behind in our progress on HIV. With HIV diagnoses rising among women, and stubbornly high levels of late diagnosis among women and people from black African communities, this announcement could not be more timely in making sure we don’t miss vital opportunities to diagnose someone who needs access to HIV care.

    This important new research programme, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, will deliver opportunities for greater insights and shared learning alongside their crucial wider HIV research programme.

    Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), said:

    The expansion of the HIV opt-out emergency department testing programme to include high HIV prevalence areas is hugely welcome and a meaningful step towards our shared ambition to eliminate new cases of HIV in England by 2030.

    BASHH is pleased to see the government demonstrating their commitment towards achieving this ambition by allowing those in areas of high HIV prevalence to access the successful scheme. We are grateful to all the hard-working NHS, UKHSA and DHSC staff and politicians who have brought this initiative forward. It is important to thank the vital work of advocacy groups in pursuing the amplification of the testing programme that has already seen thousands of people benefit from its implementation.

    Amanda Healy, policy lead for health protection for the Association of Directors of Public Health, said:

    Identifying new HIV and hepatitis cases is a crucial part of meeting the target to end HIV transmission by 2030 and today’s announcement is very welcome news.

    In addition to identifying new cases so that treatment can be given to avoid illness, it is imperative that efforts to prevent blood borne viruses, including increasing the uptake of PrEP, are continued.

    James Woolgar, current chair of the English HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners Group, said:

    This is certainly very welcome news in our aim to end all new cases of HIV. The roll out of opt-out emergency department testing will help our collective aim in identifying those people living with undiagnosed HIV, and supporting them into treatment and care. As commissioners, we will work hard with local trusts and charitable sector leads to make this a success.

    Background information

    The following areas will be covered by the extension of the HIV opt-out testing programme:

    • University Hospital Coventry
    • Leicester Royal Infirmary
    • Luton and Dunstable Hospital
    • New Cross Hospital (London)
    • Queen’s Medical Centre (Nottingham)
    • Milton Keynes University Hospital
    • Southend University Hospital and Mid Essex Hospital
    • Wexham Park Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital
    • Royal Berkshire Hospital
    • City Hospital and Sandwell General Hospital (West Bromwich)
    • Southampton General Hospital
    • Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital
    • Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Good Hope Hospital and Heartlands Hospital
    • Royal Derby Hospital and Burton Hospital
    • Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital
    • Bristol Royal Infirmary and Weston General Hospital
    • Queen Alexandra Hospital (Portsmouth)
    • Peterborough City Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital
    • Walsall Manor Hospital (Birmingham)
    • Basildon University Hospital
    • Bedford Hospital
    • Royal Liverpool University Hospital and University Hospital Aintree
    • Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital
    • Northampton General Hospital
    • Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital
    • Tameside General Hospital
    • Northern General Hospital (Sheffield)
    • Royal Bolton Hospital
    • Kettering General Hospital
    • Medway Maritime Hospital
    • Royal Victoria Infirmary (Newcastle)
    • Conquest Hospital (Hastings) and Eastbourne District General Hospital
    • Southmead Hospital (Bristol)
  • PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency marks 10th anniversary of 2013 floods [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency marks 10th anniversary of 2013 floods [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 5 December 2023.

    Environment Agency teams in East Anglia and Lincolnshire are today reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the 2013 floods.

    On December 5, 2013 a large storm coupled with high tides generated a coastal surge along the whole of the east coast of England. In some areas the tides were higher than those in the devastating floods of 1953.

    Over 30 severe flood warnings, the highest level of warning the Environment Agency issues, were sent out to communities across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

    Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in some areas with many staying in rest centres overnight. In other areas the water came in quickly and unexpectedly; in Lincolnshire alone 44 people had to be rescued.

    The vital flood warnings and defences in place at the time mean that there was no loss of life. However, the devastating impact left by the flooding on homes and communities cost millions and led to further investment to reduce the impact of flooding.

    In the decade since, millions of pounds have been spent to reduce flood risk on the east coast. In total, in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex over £300,000,000 has been spent on sea and flood defence projects since 2013. In Lincolnshire, this investment was over £328,000,000 between 2013/2014 and 2021/2022.

    One of the biggest investments has been in Boston, Lincolnshire which saw some of the most serious impacts in 2013, with over 800 homes being flooded across 55 streets.

    The £120+ million Boston Barrier Scheme is a national priority project. The centrepiece of which, a tidal flood gate in the River Haven, has been fully operational since December 2020. It can be raised in around 40 minutes to reduce flood risk to over 13,000 homes and businesses in the town. Phase two of the scheme, which is currently in the design phase, will ensure Boston’s tidal flood resilience against future climate change predictions.

    The 2013 tidal surge also had a major impact on communities around the Humber, which led to the formation of the Humber 2100+ Partnership. The partnership, made up of 11 local authorities and the Environment Agency supported by Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and Natural England, is working to develop a strategy for managing sea level rise and tidal flood risk around the estuary for the next 100 years.

    In parallel with the development of the Humber 2100+ Strategy, investment on the ground has continued. An example of this can be seen in South Ferriby. Over 150 properties had their flood risk reduced by £14million defences which include 13 metre flood gates across the A1077. Together the defences also protect 3,000 hectares of agricultural land as well as vital infrastructure including the Scunthorpe to Grimsby railway line.

    In East Anglia, Great Yarmouth, one of the areas impacted by the tides, has also seen investment. Earlier this year the second phase of works to improve defences in the town, known as Epoch 2, was completed. The £42.9 million works saw improvements to 4km of flood defence walls in the town, improving protection to 2115 properties.  A business case for Epoch 3 of the long-term investment programme for Great Yarmouth is currently in development.

    In Suffolk, the Environment Agency is a partner in the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project. The town was also impacted when the surge hit with the railway line to Ipswich being closed for 5 days because of the flooding.

    The Environment Agency continues to urge people to plan ahead for flooding by finding out if their property is in an at-risk area; signing up for free flood warnings; and knowing in advance what to do.

  • PRESS RELEASE : DWP appoints new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : DWP appoints new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 December 2023.

    The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Dame Judith Hackitt as the new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), effective from 1 January 2024.

    In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith assumes the responsibility for ensuring that the ONR continues to regulate the nuclear industry efficiently and effectively on behalf of the public.

    Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said:

    I am delighted to welcome Dame Judith Hackitt to the role of interim ONR chair.

    I would also like to pay tribute to the ONR’s current Chair, Mark McAllister, for his contribution to nuclear safety and security for more than four years.

    Dame Judith Hackitt said:

    I am very pleased to take on the role of interim Chair of the ONR at this important time for both the regulator itself and for the UK’s energy strategy.

    Nuclear is part of the Government’s strategy for meeting our country’s energy needs and to deliver at pace we need a strong and efficient regulatory regime in place to enable industry and provide public assurance.

    With a wealth of experience and expertise from her various roles including Chair of HSE, directorship at Ingeniators, and advisory positions for Building Standards in the UK and Victorian Government in Australia, Dame Judith brings valuable insight to this important role.

    Dame Judith will succeed Mark McAllister, who has served as Chair of the ONR since April 2019 before his recent appointment as Chair of Ofgem. Her appointment is for an interim period during which a recruitment campaign will be conducted to select the next permanent Chair for the ONR.

    In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith is entitled to an annual remuneration of £52,800, reflecting a time commitment of approximately 96 days per year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New deep space radar will transform UK security [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New deep space radar will transform UK security [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 December 2023.

    A new landmark radar initiative will increase UK security by being able to better detect, track and identify objects in deep space.

    • New space capability programme to improve global security.
    • Cawdor Barracks in Wales identified as preferred UK site, conditional on Environmental Impact Assessment and Town planning approval.
    • All three global radar sites to be operational by the end of the decade.

    A new landmark radar initiative with the UK’s closest partners will increase UK security by being able to better detect, track and identify objects in deep space.

    The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme – unveiled by the respective Defence Secretaries of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – will provide 24/7, all-weather capabilities that will increase AUKUS nations’ ability to characterise objects deep in space up to 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometres) away from earth.

    DARC will see a global network of three ground-based radars to be jointly operated that will assist in critical space-traffic management and contribute to the global surveillance of satellites in deep space. The unique geographic positioning of the three nations means that DARC can provide global coverage, including detecting potential threats to defence or civilian space systems.

    As the danger of space warfare increases, this landmark capability will benefit all three nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting our domestic construction and space industries.

    UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

    As the world becomes more contested and the danger of space warfare increases, the UK and our allies must ensure we have the advanced capabilities we need to keep our nations’ safe.

    Today’s announcement of a global radar network (DARC), based across the UK, US and Australia will do just that. Empowering the UK to detect, track and identify objects in deep space.

    Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire Wales has been identified as the UK’s preferred site for DARC. The final siting decision is conditional on the results of the ongoing comprehensive MOD-funded Environmental Impact Assessment and subsequent Town Planning application.

    Cawdor Barracks is currently the home to a British Army Signals Regiment which is due to relocate from 2028. Retention of the Base by the MOD for DARC is likely to boost the local Pembrokeshire economy, creating employment during the construction phase and providing up to 100 longer-term jobs.

    Alongside DARC’s defence benefits, it also has the capability to monitor and protect the essential services that rely on satellites in space, including everyday aspects of life such as communications and navigation.

    This will play a crucial role in AUKUS’ ability to preserve peace and deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.

    These new radar systems have higher sensitivity, better accuracy, increased capacity, and more agile tracking than current radars and optical systems tracking objects in deep space orbit. This will see greater global monitoring provided to inform UK defence operations, bypassing the current inclement weather and daylight limitations of some current capabilities.

    The first DARC radar site, which is being constructed in Australia, is expected to be operational in 2026, with all three sites operational by the end of the decade.

    The DARC programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023. DARC will enhance our collective space domain awareness, which is a key objective of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy, published last year.

    AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. The development of DARC is a significant step forward for delivery of enhanced security capabilities between the partner nations.