Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Jonathan Bewes appointed as Non-Executive Director to the Court of the Bank of England [September 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 September 2023.

In this role Jonathan will also become the Chair of the Court’s Audit and Risk Committee and will take up the role later this Autumn.

The Chancellor has announced that Jonathan Bewes has been appointed as a new Non-Executive Director of the Court of the Bank of England, and will become the Chair of the Court’s Audit and Risk Committee. His Majesty The King has approved the appointment.

Jonathan will take up his role in Autumn 2023 for a term lasting four years.

The Bank’s Court acts as the governing body responsible for setting the organisation’s strategy, budget and taking key decisions on resourcing and appointments. The Audit and Risk Committee assists Court in meeting its responsibilities for an effective system of risk management, internal control and financial reporting, among other duties.

David Roberts, the Chair of the Bank’s Court, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Jonathan Bewes to the Bank of England’s Court of Directors. Jonathan will Chair the Bank’s Audit and Risk Committee, a sub-Committee of Court. Jonathan’s extensive experience, expertise and skills will provide both Committees and the Bank with key insights and challenge.”

About the appointments

The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. It is governed by the board of directors known as the Court of Directors. Further information can be found at the Bank of England website.

All members of Court are appointed by His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process. In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public. Jonathan has confirmed he has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years

This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who provides independent assurance that appointments are made in accordance with the Government’s Principles of Public Appointments and Governance Code.

About Jonathan Bewes

Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, Jonathan has spent over 30 years in the Banking Industry. The majority of this time was spent with Robert Fleming, UBS and Bank of America Merrill Lynch acting as an Investment Banking adviser to the Boards of large, predominantly U.K. public companies on a wide range of financial, strategic and governance issues. From 2017 until earlier this year, he served as Vice Chairman, Corporate and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. Jonathan also sits on the Board of Next plc, where he is the Senior Independent Director and chairs the Audit Committee and on the Board of Sage Group plc, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Business and Trade Secretary signs landmark first partnership with EU nation to boost British exports [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 11 September 2023.
- Kemi Badenoch signs UK-Italy export and investment partnership on visit to Rome – the first such partnership between the UK and any EU country.
- Partnership will strengthen our post-Brexit export and investment links with Italy and intends to boost a trade relationship worth more than £43 billion.
- Business and Trade Secretary will also co-chair the first UK and Italy CEO Forum, bringing together businesspeople from the two countries to bang the drum for the UK as a top investment destination.
The UK and Italy have today (Wednesday 8 February) agreed a momentous trade partnership to boost UK exports, help create jobs, increase wages and grow the economy.

On her first overseas visit as the Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch MP and Italy’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome today to sign the UK-Italy Export and Investment Promotion Dialogue – the first agreed between the UK and any EU country.

The partnership aims to strengthen exports in high-performing and growth sectors of the future, such as Life Sciences and Digital and Tech, as well as promoting inward investment, including low-carbon industries such as Offshore Wind and Carbon Capture Storage.

The agreement reinforces the UK’s position as a vital trade partner within Europe and the G7. It demonstrates how we can use our position as an independent trading nation to agree comprehensive trade deals with new markets, while also strengthening partnerships with EU members.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch MP said:

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in the UK’s trading relationship with Europe and shows how an independent UK can benefit from striking ambitious trade deals with the world, while also reinforcing our already strong and prosperous trading relationship with EU members such as Italy.

“This partnership will boost trade and investment between British and Italian businesses, ease the path for valuable investment, and will crucially grow UK exports as we aim for our target of selling £1 trillion of goods and services a year to the world by the end of the decade.”

Both the UK and Italy are in the top 10 global economies. Trade between the UK and Italy is worth more than £43 billion, making it the UK’s 11th largest trading partner.

The most popular UK exports to Italy include cars, worth £932.5 million and equivalent to 10.1% of all UK goods exported to Italy, and £507.7 million worth of mechanical power generators.

In 2020-21, Italy was also the 6th largest source of UK Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects globally.

During her visit, the Business and Trade Secretary will co-chair the first UK and Italy CEO Forum, alongside the Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso. The meeting is the first of its kind and she will discuss her top trade priorities which include breaking down trade barriers, making the UK the undisputed top investment destination in Europe and attracting new investment helping to level-up the country.

She will also meet with the heads of major Italian investors in the UK including innovative wind turbine business ACT Blade, and Eni, world leading energy company.

Badenoch will also make the opening remarks at the 30th anniversary of the Pontignano Forum where she will discuss the importance of economic security and trade in turbulent times.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC54 – UK Statement on Myanmar [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar. As delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

The UK is grateful for the Mechanism’s continued work to facilitate justice and accountability in Myanmar. Its latest report brings to light the scale of the Myanmar military’s brutal tactics. The reporting of the military’s brutal actions against the people of Myanmar, including indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians through airstrikes and the large-scale burning of homes, is truly alarming.

Accountability is the only way to end the culture of impunity in Myanmar.

And the UK is committed to supporting this goal – providing £500,000 to the IIMM (Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar), establishing the Myanmar Witness programme, and leading efforts to secure the first ever UN Security Council Resolution on the situation in Myanmar, urging all parties to respect human rights and end violence.

To successfully collect evidence and continue to meet its mandate, the Mechanism relies on the cooperation of all UN and international partners. Without the cooperation of all UN entities, the Mechanism would not be able to undertake vital activities to hold the Myanmar military to account.

High Commissioner, Mr President,

What more can Member States do to facilitate the Mechanism’s collection of evidence and witness statements?

Thank you.

September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major BMW EV announcement to take UK auto investment to over £6bn [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 September 2023.

BMW are set to announce a multi-million-pound investment in their Oxford MINI plant, which will take investment in the UK automotive sector to over £6 billion.
BMW set to announce multi-million pound investment in the UK, in latest major vote of confidence in UK Government plans for the car industry.

Announcement brings total investment into the automotive sector to over £6bn in recent years, securing jobs and promoting economic growth.

Other major investments include over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK, and £1bn from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland.

Ahead of a visit to the MINI plant in Oxford, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has today (11 September) hailed the success of the UK Government’s plan for automotive, as the sector looks ahead to a bright future thanks to over £6 billion of investment over the last two years.

This comes as BMW are set to announce a multi-million pound investment to transform their Oxford plant, securing 4,000 high-quality jobs and strengthening the electric vehicle supply chain. The news follows extensive government engagement and support.

The Government is securing investment from industry by providing support for new plants and upgrades to ensure that the UK automotive industry thrives long into the future.

Last week Stellantis, makers of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat, announced the start of electric vehicle production after their £100m investment to make their site in Ellesmere Port their first globally dedicated solely to producing EVs.

Other recent major investments also include a landmark investment of over £4 billion from Tata to build a new gigafactory supplying batteries, £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland, and £380 million from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

BMW’s investment is another shining example of how the UK is the best place to build cars of the future.

By backing our car manufacturing industry, we are securing thousands of jobs and growing our economy right across the country.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Today’s announcement by BMW, coming a week after electric vehicle production started at Stellantis’s site at Ellesmere Port, clearly shows that the Government’s plan for the automotive sector is working.

Working in partnership with the car industry, we are securing high-quality jobs and investment and boosting economic growth.

The total investment in the UK automotive sector is set to reach over £6bn in just the last two years, ensuring our car industry can look ahead to a bright and successful future under this Government.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

The UK has a proud history of manufacturing and BMW’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in this country as a global leader in electric vehicles.

And following Stellantis beginning electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port, just last week, to Tata’s gigafactory, this industry is motoring, creating thousands of jobs and powering our green transition.

There is a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Automotive Transformation Fund, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.

Just last week, the Government announced that over £50 million of government funding has been awarded to 30 cutting-edge manufacturing projects including rapid-charging motorcycles and self-driving cars, cementing the UK as one of the best locations in the world to manufacture.

The Government is committed to the future of UK manufacturing, maintaining a competitive business environment and reducing the burden on business.

The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and the Chancellor has identified advanced manufacturing as one of five key growth sectors.

Background:

A press notice from BMW Group will follow at 11:00 Monday 11 September.

Companies continue to show confidence in the UK, announcing major investments across the country including over £4bn from Tata to build a new gigafactory in the UK; £1 billion from Nissan and AESC to create an EV manufacturing hub in Sunderland; £380m from Ford to make Halewood their first EV components site in Europe; £100m from Stellantis for their site in Ellesmere Port in the production of electric drive units, and £60m from Johnson Matthey in Hertfordshire to develop hydrogen technologies.

We have a longstanding and comprehensive programme of support for the UK automotive sector, including the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Faraday Battery Challenge and Driving the Electric Revolution.

We continue to work with investors through the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary travels to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and commits to renewing security ties [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 September 2023.

The Foreign Secretary will travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) this week and commit to tackling threats to regional security.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) this week (11 to 13 September) and commit to tackling threats to regional security, including from Iran
- in a speech at an international security conference, he will condemn Iran for enabling terrorism in Israel through its support for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and reiterate the UK’s support for a two-state solution
- in the OPTs, the Foreign Secretary will visit Jalazone Refugee Camp and see first-hand impact of international support for the UN body providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees across the Middle East
The Foreign Secretary will condemn Iran for enabling terrorism in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and commit to strengthening security ties during a visit to the region this week (11 to 13 September).

In his first visit as Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly will give a speech at an international security conference on 12 September focusing on the security challenges facing Israel, the OPTs and the region, and the importance of advancing the two-state solution. He will stress the UK’s support for a viable two-state solution as the only way to bring about security, stability and prosperity for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region.

He will commit to working with Israel to counter Iran’s destabilising activity and visit Israel’s state of the art ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system, where the Foreign Secretary will receive a briefing on the range of threats that Israel faces.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, he will visit Jalazone Refugee Camp in the West Bank to see first-hand the impact of international support to Palestinian refugees.

Speaking ahead of the trip, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK and Israel work closely together to keep our people safe. I’ll be using my first visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as Foreign Secretary to renew our close security partnership, in the face of unacceptable threats from the Iranian regime.

A two-state solution between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is the only way to bring about security, stability and prosperity for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region. I’ll be making clear that all parties must take steps advance this cause.

During the 2-day visit, the Foreign Secretary will meet with senior figures in both Israel and OPTs, including Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, to encourage dialogue and cooperation to end the cycle of violence.

In Israel he will also pay his respects to the 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust by visiting Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, and laying a wreath at the eternal flame.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government joins forces with industry to create next generation of hospitality leaders [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 11 September 2023.

Jobseekers are now able to access a new Government-backed employment programme designed to fill vacancies in the hospitality sector.
- New employment scheme launched in Liverpool to upskill and match jobseekers with hospitality roles
- Jobseekers offered fast-tracked training and work experience to earn an industry recognised ‘Hospitality Skills Passport’
- Pilot scheme set to be rolled out across other cities in the UK to address labour shortages with over 120,000 vacancies currently in the sector.
The pilot scheme, set to launch in Liverpool before being rolled out to other major cities over the coming months, will see benefit claimants gain an industry recognised accreditation, endorsed by industry leaders including Greene King, Marriot Hotels and ACC Liverpool.

The Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) combines a unique programme of learning launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in collaboration with UKHospitality.

The scheme is designed to provide tailored training for jobseekers from industry experts, allowing them to move into a career in hospitality, while boosting workforce participation in the sector and helping to grow the economy.

Benefit claimants will complete qualifications and accredited training in areas such as health and safety, food safety, licensing, and conflict resolution to add to their Hospitality Skills Passport – a digital pass which can be added to CVs to show employers jobseekers have the skillset required by the sector. They will also receive training in confidence and assertiveness to build personal skills and strength.

The programme will culminate with a guaranteed job interview for all participants, helping jobseekers with a valuable progression opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP said:

This innovative collaboration between DWP and UKHospitality is a national first and underscores our commitment to work with industry to address challenges, fill vacancies and grow the economy.

The standardised and industry backed Hospitality Skills Passport will help bridge the gap for those looking for work in the hospitality sector, helping jobseekers to boost their skills and kickstart their careers.

Through practical, hands-on learning, jobseekers will reinforce their newfound skills with an opportunity to contribute to the industry from day one by completing work experience placements with some of the industry’s largest employers.

Following the pilot launch in Liverpool plans are in place to expand to other cities across England and Wales including London, Manchester and Birmingham from October.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UKHospitality said:

Hospitality is a fantastic sector that offers a diverse variety of career opportunities, which is why it’s so well suited to helping people back into work. We’re delighted to be partnering with the Government to help run this exciting programme, which we hope can be a real positive for both jobseekers and businesses.

Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard, said:

We’re delighted to be involved with the trial, giving unemployed people the skills to launch their hospitality careers, helping them find exciting jobs with engaged local businesses and showcasing what fantastic development opportunities our industry offers through training and apprenticeships.

For more information and details of how to enrol on the Hospitality SWAP, Universal Credit claimants should speak with their Work Coach.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £80 million boost for coastal communities and green shipping as London International Shipping Week gets underway [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 September 2023.

Winners of the Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure fund will generate maritime jobs and develop new, clean technologies.
- government backs innovative companies in coastal communities from Orkney to Portsmouth with £80 million of R&D funding to boost clean tech and create jobs
- comes at the start of London International Shipping Week, focusing on clean maritime and artificial intelligence to grow the UK’s maritime economy
- part of the Prime Minister’s plan to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the UK
Coastal communities across the country are set to benefit from over £80 million of government funding as the winners of the Zero Emission Vessel and Infrastructure fund (ZEVI) are announced – supporting economic growth and boosting the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

List of ZEVI competition winners.

Announced at the start of London International Shipping Week (LISW) – bringing together the world leaders in the maritime sector – the projects showcase the benefits maritime technology can bring to communities from Orkney to Portsmouth.

Whether it’s Artemis Technologies which is demonstrating inter-island electric ferries, helping boost regional connectivity and economic opportunity, or Tidal Transit Ltd, which is electrifying a crew transfer vessel for offshore wind farms and enabling greener sustainable energy, today’s winners have a crucial role to play in cleaning up the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

London International Shipping Week is the perfect time to showcase the work we’re doing to generate maritime jobs across the country and develop new, clean technologies.

Today’s winners are at the cutting edge of the nation’s maritime industry – a crucial part of this government’s plan to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the UK.

Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:

The maritime sector’s drive towards a cleaner future goes hand in hand with the government’s plan to grow the economy and create new, well-paid jobs all over the UK.

As a seafaring nation, it is in our national character to push nautical limits and this funding will help to ensure the UK maintains its position at the leading edge of maritime innovation. I look forward to seeing all the industry has to offer over the course of London International Shipping Week.

London International Shipping Week, which runs from 11 September to 15 September, is one of the most important international shipping and maritime events in the world.

Having grown consistently – and rapidly – since its conception in September 2013, this year’s event is the 10th anniversary and will explore the future of maritime with decarbonisation and the influx of artificial intelligence.

The Transport Secretary will view one of Artemis Technologies’ clean vessels on the River Thames this morning, before chairing a roundtable at No. 10 Downing Street with senior representatives from maritime, technology and academia on artificial intelligence in maritime and the opportunities it presents for economic growth.

The Maritime Minister will also be attending events throughout the week.

Sarah Treseder, CEO of UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

The number of applications meant hard decisions had to be made but shows the strong desire to reduce emissions across the sector and the successful projects will be a crucial element in the journey to net zero.

Published today, our Value of Shipping report shows that 650,000 jobs are dependent on shipping with every job in shipping supporting 10 more in the wider economy. This welcome funding is a chance to build on this strong foundation and help shipping deliver further jobs, innovation and economic growth in all parts of the UK.

Maritime UK CEO, Chris Shirling-Rooke, said:

Britain has always been an island of maritime pioneers. The winners of today’s fund and the global leadership on show during London International Shipping Week shows this tradition will continue long into the future.

But while London hosts maritime leaders across the world, our coastal communities play an equally significant part in this story. They are the UK’s gateways to the world and through maritime they can have a high-tech and highly skilled future as engine rooms of our green industrial revolution.

The industry is working closer than ever with government to decarbonise, drive economic growth and ensure we remain the world’s natural home for maritime.

The multi-million-pound ZEVI fund, launched in February, is designed to take tech from the factory to the sea by supporting projects that have a long-term impact in reducing carbon emissions.

Successful projects must show they could use this money to work with major UK ports and operators to launch a zero-emission vessel by 2025 at the latest.

One project on the south coast of England, the Zero Emission Network of Workboats, claims their work will deliver savings of 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over the span of the 3-year demonstration. That’s a saving equivalent to 113,000km driven by an HGV – saving millions of tonnes of CO₂ if implemented around the world.

Hundreds of jobs are being supported thanks to ZEVI with the resulting R&D helping the sector shift its energy source away from fossil fuels.

Portsmouth International Port has predicted the funding it’s receiving will help to deliver its 20-year plan and grow its employment from just under 6,000 to just over 40,000 while Collins River Enterprises has forecasted a boost in job numbers by up to 800 thanks to today’s funding.

Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port, said:

As a port owned by the people of Portsmouth, we have a duty to ensure that we grow sustainably and for the benefit of our local communities.

I’m proud of our ambitious sustainability goals and this project will see us be able to not only provide shore power for ships on 3 of our berths but also provide power for the hybrid Brittany Ferries ships coming in 2025.

We’re looking forward to working with the Department for Transport and Innovate UK to realise the full potential of this project for the UK and the shipping industry.

I’d like to thank my team at the port and our partners in the Sea Change consortium for all their hard work in getting this bid over the line. This is a ground-breaking project that will not only benefit the city and the wider region but also the planet, by slashing carbon emissions, improving air quality and providing new high-skilled jobs.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, said:

The arrival of 2 LNG-hybrid ships in spring 2025, will be the climax of the biggest fleet renewal programme in our history.

Upon arrival, the vessels will be good neighbours to those who live and work around Portsmouth, the busiest port in our network. Furthermore, thanks to ZEVI funding, their plug-in potential will be unlocked from day one and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate this fantastic news than the start of LISW.

The ZEVI fund is part of the UK SHORE programme, launched in March 2022 with £206 million in funding. UK SHORE aims to tackle shipping emissions and advance the UK towards a sustainable shipping future.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

As we look forward to the innovation which will be showcased at this week’s Northern Ireland Investment Summit, I am delighted to see innovative Belfast company Artemis Technologies receive this funding.

I am a huge admirer of their ambition to decarbonise maritime transport as they build on Belfast’s maritime heritage and world-leading expertise in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

Their project ‘Electric Orkney’ aims to decarbonise inter-island transport through the commissioning of two Artemis 100% electric foiling vessels and charging infrastructure.

They are one of the global titans in developing sustainable maritime solutions and this project will play a crucial role in the UK Government’s net-zero commitments.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

The UK has a proud maritime history and it’s great to see Scotland at the heart of so many of these innovative projects. The £49.6 million of UK Government funding will benefit communities in Orkney – with 2 new electric ferries – and Aberdeen through the introduction of low carbon technology to its maritime sector. The environment, connectivity and economic growth will all benefit from this substantial investment.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Major national strategy to reduce number of tragic suicides [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 11 September 2023.

Government pledge to reduce England’s suicide rate within 2 and a half years with launch of new national suicide prevention strategy.
Action to aid specific groups at risk of suicide, including children and young people, middle-aged men, autistic people, pregnant women, and new mothers

More than 100 measures being taken including a national alert system to combat emerging methods of suicide and refreshed guidance for first responders

Thousands more people approaching a crisis will get the support they so desperately need and fewer loved ones will go through the heartbreak of losing a friend or relative to suicide, as the government launches a new national strategy to rapidly reduce England’s suicide rate.

The Suicide prevention strategy for England: 2023 to 2028 delivers a firm commitment to see the number of suicides in England decrease within 2 and a half years at the very latest.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out an ambition to grow the mental health workforce by 73% by 2036 to 2037, and the workforce already continues to grow to help cut waiting lists – one of this government’s top 5 priorities. In March 2023, there were almost 9,300 more mental health staff working than the previous year.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Too many people are still affected by the tragedy of suicide, which is so often preventable.

This national cross-government strategy details over 100 actions we’ll take to ensure anyone experiencing the turmoil of a crisis has access to the urgent support they need.

It’s imperative we support people earlier to prevent them reaching the lowest point, while tackling emerging methods of suicide and eradicating harmful material online.

We’re working at pace to achieve this, and we continue to invest billions of pounds to transform and improve our nation’s mental health services, and – most importantly – save lives.

Over 100 measures have been outlined in the strategy aimed at saving lives, providing early intervention and supporting anyone going through the trauma of a crisis. This includes:

a new national alert system to notify relevant authorities – like schools, universities, and charities – of emerging methods of suicides and risks, and any required actions that can reduce access or limit awareness

fresh guidance issued to first responders, recognising new and emerging methods, and how such incidents should be dealt with

near real-time surveillance of trends in tragic suicides to be introduced on a national scale this year – enabling more timely and targeted actions

a government pledge to collaborate with countries around the world to target and stop suppliers of dangerous and lethal substances at the source

Last month, the government launched a £10 million Suicide Prevention Grant Fund, calling on the voluntary sector across England to apply for funding to continue supporting tens of thousands of people experiencing suicidal thoughts. It comes alongside an expected spend of £13.6 billion this year alone to transform the country’s mental health services so millions of people can quickly access NHS support.

The government is committed to ensuring children and young people receive the mental healthcare they deserve. It is going further and faster to achieve that.

Tens of millions of children in schools across England will have access to a dedicated mental health support team by the end of March 2025, with at least half of school pupils set to receive such support. Mental health support teams intervene where a mild-to-moderate mental health issue is identified, and ensure children and young people are both protected and supported.

As part of its ongoing work with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), the government will explore whether regulatory change is required to decrease how many tablets like paracetamol can be sold to a customer or patient at once.

Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield said:

The impact of suicide on individuals and loved ones is devastating.

This strategy will bolster the work this government is already undertaking to reduce the number of suicides and help us intervene, where needed, as early as possible.

An extra £2.3 billion is going into our mental health services each year, which will help an additional 2 million people access vital NHS-funded mental health support by 2024.

Professor Sir Louis Appleby, Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, said:

The strategy makes a new commitment to bring down the unacceptable figure of over 5,000 suicides per year in England. It stresses the need for safer services and supportive communities.

It acknowledges the bereaved families whose campaigning has turned personal tragedy into benefit for others.

It gives the message that suicide can affect any of us and there is a role for all of us in prevention.

The new national alert system on emerging methods or risks will mean anyone who comes into contact with potentially dangerous new methods of suicide will have a direct link into central government to report it for consideration and discussion at the already-established cross-sector emerging methods working group.

Through this, alerts will be circulated to all authorities who should be aware and may be required to take mitigating action. If the method in question is being used predominantly by children or young people, for example, every single school and headteacher in the country will receive a government alert. This one-page alert will lay out the risks and give clear instruction about how to react to safeguard those who could be affected.

Change on a national scale is vitally important. Female deaths by suicide are heartbreakingly increasing at a higher rate than male deaths. It’s imperative such trends are captured as early as possible and preventative measures put in place to save lives.

The government will therefore work much more closely with the police to use its data about ‘suspected’ suicides, as well as with the Office for National Statistics, to get an indication of trends much more quickly. The government will publish a monthly report on its near real-time findings.

Steve Mallen, co-founder of Zero Suicide Alliance, said:

The publication of the new national suicide prevention strategy is perfectly timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, which reminds everyone everywhere that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

The new strategy was prepared in consultation with sector leaders, diverse interest groups and people with lived experience, making it a collaborative resource impacting the whole population. In addition, the inter-departmental co-operation and alignment across government in preparing the new strategy was essential and greatly welcomed.

With the accompanying action plan and oversight, there is a clear intention to save lives and improve wellbeing.

The strategy also contains measures for specific groups of people. Sadly, middle-aged men, for example, have had the highest rates of suicide of any other group since 2010. Men need appropriate support when experiencing the agony and turmoil of a crisis.

To support them, the strategy therefore includes an action to ensure employers in largely male industries like construction and manufacturing have appropriate support in place for employees, such as mental health first aiders.

In the UK, suicide is sadly the leading cause of direct deaths 6 weeks to a year after the end of pregnancy.

To further understand possible links between these factors and suicide and self-harm, the government is working with various partners to sponsor a project led by the charity Tommy’s and Sands Maternity Consortium, which will engage people who have had suicidal thoughts or self-harmed and present with certain risk factors during the perinatal period.

Robert Wilson, Head of the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit, said:

We know how important it is to make sure the right support is available for women and birthing people during their pregnancy journey, including as they plan for pregnancy.

This is especially true where someone has a mental health condition that could put them at greater risk of harm. In order to better understand how care and support can be improved, the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit is leading a project that will explore people’s experiences of suicide and self-harm, and risk factors during the perinatal period.

We are grateful to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health and Wellbeing Alliance for sponsoring this work.

Unprecedented action is already being taken to improve the nation’s mental health and provide appropriate support:

a £150 million investment up to April 2025 to better support people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health crises. This will support the roll-out of mental health ambulances and delivery of over 160 projects – including alternatives to A&E – to ensure people can receive specialist care in appropriate spaces and help ease pressure on the NHS

the government has worked with big business, including online suppliers and manufacturers of certain potentially dangerous substances, to significantly reduce access to them, with major online suppliers also removing substances from sale to individuals

we are also tackling harmful material that encourages self-harm or suicide through the Online Safety Bill, and continue to work with multiple agencies to ensure appropriate messaging and labelling is used

In addition to the legislation, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, alongside the Department of Health and Social Care, will explore further opportunities to address online harms, including harmful content shared in pro-suicide websites and forums

we are investing £2.3 billion extra a year into mental health services, and have set out our aim in the NHS Long Term Plan for an additional 345,000 children and young people to access NHS-funded mental health support by 2024

the Department for Education is engaging experts and those with lived experience to review relationships, sex and health education guidance to determine whether suicide and self-harm prevention will be included as an explicit part of the curriculum to support young people
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : DSIT joins STEM Futures scheme in Whitehall first, to build civil servants’ sci-tech skills [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 11 September 2023.

DSIT becomes first central government department to join STEM Futures: the cross-Whitehall scheme to drive science and tech expertise among civil servants.
- DSIT becomes first central government department to join STEM Futures: the cross-Whitehall scheme to drive science and tech expertise among civil servants
- STEM Futures is a partnership of organisations across industry, academia, and the public sector, providing shadowing, placements, mentoring and more
- the scheme complements the department’s ongoing work to bring cutting-edge expertise into the heart of government
Scores of civil servants are set to benefit from direct workplace experience on the frontline of cutting-edge technology and science, as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) today (Monday 11 September) becomes the first central government department to join the STEM Futures scheme. The scheme puts civil servants together with a diverse range of experts who all have a shared interest, ranging from data science, to systems thinking (the scientific approach to problem-solving and project management).

STEM Futures works by providing opportunities like shadowing, placements and mentoring, both inside and outside of government, with a view to building out civil servants’ STEM knowledge in these areas, enabling them to learn directly from the experts from various backgrounds they are brought together with. It is the cross-Whitehall effort to boost civil servants’ STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) knowledge and competence over the long-term, offering civil servants experience at leading technology companies, research institutes and universities.

The programme, which is run by the Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Profession, is a partnership of organisations across industry, academia, and the public sector.

Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

Joining STEM Futures is another milestone in DSIT’s mission to build the world’s most innovative economy here in the UK, building on the UK’s unique leading role in science and technology.

Our universities one of our biggest exports and their reputation is globally coveted, while we are just third country in the world to boast a tech sector valued at over one trillion dollars.

STEM Futures, alongside our own Expert Exchange programme, will ensure central government has the direct experience and expertise from the front lines of science and technology it needs to truly understand the issues facing sci-tech leaders, and arm civil servants with the skills they need to shape practical policies that will work for industry, academia, and the wider public.

With its focus on long-term skills development and career progression, STEM Futures is the ideal complement to DSIT’s ongoing work to bring cutting-edge expertise into the heart of government though its Expert Exchange scheme.

Starting with secondments for experts from industry and academia, the Expert Exchange is overhauling the way DSIT works with the science and technology sectors, developing a whole suite of ways to share knowledge between government, industry and academia, in a way that benefits all parties. This could include visits to stakeholders, shadowing opportunities, and fellowships.

Joining STEM Futures further cements that mission, with a view to making working hand-in-glove with experts and stakeholders the default mode for policymaking at DSIT. Building a world-class STEM knowledge base in the heart of Whitehall in this way supports the government’s ambitions to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world, as set out in the Science and Technology Framework.

The strategic vision sets out 10 key actions to achieve this goal by 2030, this includes to build on the UK’s already enviable talent and skills base, and to create a pro-innovation culture throughout the public sector.

The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said:

I am delighted that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology have joined STEM Futures. This is a great opportunity to deliver increased scientific capability through knowledge exchange to develop a more scientific civil service.

The Expert Exchange Programme supports DSIT’s core mission to put the full might of the UK government behind science, innovation and technology in order to foster the growth of future industries, and ultimately improve the lives of every citizen. But doing this will only be possible if deep knowledge and expertise is brought to bear when making practical, proportional policies around these new technologies and innovations.

The Expert Exchange Programme aims to embed these new skills and perspectives throughout DSIT’s work. The dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is the force behind the Prime Minister’s commitment to growing the economy, and to improving the lives of everyone in the UK through new discoveries that advance the health and prosperity of society whilst protecting our values both at home and abroad.

The Department launched the Science and Technology Framework in March 2023, backed by over £370 million to boost investment in innovation, to bring the world’s best talent to the UK, and seize the potential of ground-breaking new technologies like AI.
September 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Better facilities for lorry drivers as winners of £8 million funding revealed [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 September 2023.

Government and industry funding to significantly upgrade truck stops for lorry drivers and support recruitment and workforce retention.
- lorry drivers will enjoy better rest areas and more secure parking thanks to nearly £8 million awarded to 39 roadside facility operators across England
- funding part of up to £100 million in joint government and industry investment to improve roadside facilities, supporting recruitment and workforce retention
- second round of funding opened today for roadside operators to bid for further investment, as government continues to support the haulage sector and grow the economy
Lorry drivers across England will benefit from better roadside facilities, more secure parking and improved rest areas thanks to £8 million in government funding awarded today (11 September 2023).

A total of 39 roadside facility operators across England will each receive a share of £8 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) and a further £11 million from industry to significantly upgrade truck stops for lorry drivers.

List of HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme round 1 winners.

The improvements will boost welfare facilities like showers, rest areas and restaurants, and increase heavy goods vehicle (HGV) parking capacity while improving security for drivers.

The funding comes from the government’s HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme and forms part of the up to £100 million joint investment between government and industry to support the logistics sector, helping to boost economic growth.

Today also marks the launch of the second window for roadside facility operators to bid for further funding to continue boosting lorry roadside facilities across England. The window will close on 20 November 2023.

The measure is part of the government’s 33 actions to address the shortage of HGV drivers and boost recruitment and retention.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

Day and night, our lorry drivers and hauliers work tirelessly to deliver essential food, goods and medical supplies up and down the country.

As we continue supporting the haulage sector in playing its crucial role in helping to grow the economy, these first winners will help ensure lorry drivers have great facilities where they can safely park, sleep and rest.

The scheme draws on The National Survey on Lorry Parking, which provides important evidence as to what improvements are needed and where to boost the nation’s roadside infrastructure.

With hauliers required to take mandatory breaks and rest periods, building better roadside facilities will improve the quality of HGV drivers’ rest and recovery, ensuring everyone can feel safe on our roads.

Britain’s roads are already among the safest in the world and the government is committed to helping the sector improve driver welfare, boost drivers’ security and continue to guarantee road safety.

In total, both government and industry will look to spend up to £100 million through to March 2025 to improve lorry roadside facilities for drivers.

Policy director at Logistics UK, Kate Jennings, said:

Today’s announcement will be welcome news for the professional drivers using the UK’s road network, who are often forced to take legally mandated rest breaks in their cabs, without access to hygiene facilities due to a chronic lack of welfare provision on key routes.

This announcement is a positive step forward and our members operating in England will welcome the planned improvements to accessible facilities for them to access during the course of their working days.

The government’s 33 actions to support Britain’s haulage sector include investing £34 million to create up to 11,000 HGV driver training places through skills bootcamps and increasing the number of HGV driver tests by 90% compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

Richard Smith, Road Haulage Association Managing Director, said:

We are pleased that the first tranche of grants has been announced and that lorry drivers will soon benefit from the improvements this scheme is helping to fund.

We would encourage other operators to apply for funding to help them upgrade, too. Better facilities and more safe and secure parking for truckers are a key priority for our industry.

Mike Heaton, Head of Estate Development Roadside Services from Certas Energy UK, said:

Enhancing driver welfare and ensuring that hauliers have somewhere safe, clean and secure to park their vehicles is a leading priority of our business – and the DfT funding is a vital step in giving drivers the facilities they deserve.

DfT has Certas Energy’s ongoing support on its mission to improve driver facilities.
September 13, 2023