Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Children’s social care reform accelerates with more support for care leavers [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 21 September 2023.

27 new areas join the staying close programme, which provides significant extra support to help care leavers move to independent living up to the age of 21.

Thousands more young people will soon receive additional crucial support when leaving care as today, 21 September 2023, the government announces 27 new local authorities to join the staying close programme.

The staying close programme provides a package of continued support and guidance to young people leaving care. This includes ensuring they have accommodation, resources and practical and emotional help provided by a member of staff from their former children’s home, to help them thrive as independent adults.

The 27 local authorities have been awarded £27 million to run the staying close programme, taking the programme to a total of 47 local authorities nationally, worth £53 million overall. This funding means more care leavers than ever before will have access to this support.

To further demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable children, it has today launched a consultation, seeking feedback on the national advocacy standards and statutory guidance. The standards seek to improve advocacy provision for children in care and care leavers and address gaps and barriers to services, to ensure all voices are heard.

The government also introduced a new standard on non-instructed advocacy for very young and non-verbal children and young people. These updates set expectations for what high quality advocacy provision should look like and place the voice of children and young people at the heart of the system.

Today’s updates are part of the government’s continued work to improve children’s social care, as set out in the children’s social care strategy, stable homes, built on love. Backed by £200 million over the next 2 years, the ambitious and wide-ranging strategy will transform the current care system to focus on more early support for families, reducing the need for crisis response at a later stage.

Children and Families Minister, David Johnston, said:

We are making significant strides in our ambition to transform children’s social care services for some of our most vulnerable children and young people across the country.

At the heart of today’s developments are the needs of children in care and care leavers. Our work on advocacy standards will make sure they’re listened to and supported, while the fantastic Staying Close programme is helping give them the tools they need to thrive as young adults.

Today, the department has also published the government’s responses to 2 consultations: the first response on the overall strategy for transforming children’s social care, stable homes, built on love, and the second on the national framework and dashboard. The national framework, when published later this year, will clarify expectations and outcomes for what local authorities should achieve in children’s social care.

Stable homes, built on love responds to recommendations made by 3 independent reviews:
Stable homes, built on love set out how we will help families overcome challenges, keep children safe, and make sure children in care have stable loving homes, long-term loving relationships, and opportunities for a good life.

The strategy outlines 6 pillars of support to achieve this, which includes bolstering family help, bettering multi-agency working, better supporting children in care and care leavers, and ensuring the children’s care system continuously learns and improves, making better use of evidence and data.
September 25, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New plans to bring online TV channels under Ofcom content rules [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 September 2023.

Internet-based TV channels on smart TVs could be brought in line with existing Ofcom content rules on traditional TV.
- Law change would ensure children and vulnerable viewers remain protected and enable audiences to complain to Ofcom
- New review announced into the future of TV distribution – including Freeview, satellite, cable and online – to ensure audiences can tune in for decades to come
More online TV channels could be required to follow Ofcom content rules to ensure young and vulnerable audiences are protected from harmful programming, under plans announced by the Culture Secretary at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention this afternoon.

In a wide-ranging speech, Lucy Frazer set out her plan to maximise the potential of the TV industry to seize the opportunity presented by the infinite choice on offer in today’s media landscape, and to ensure fair competition amid an increasingly fierce global battle for viewers.

Figures show that more than seven in ten UK households now have a smart TV, through which audiences can access up to 900 unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels via innovative new services such as Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels and Amazon Freevee.

These channels are not currently required to meet the same world-leading standards expected of traditional broadcasters. While some channels follow rules on inappropriate or harmful material voluntarily set by the companies who run them, UK viewers cannot complain to Ofcom if they are concerned by a programme, and Ofcom has no powers to issue fines or other sanctions if a channel broadcasts harmful material.

That’s why, as part of the Culture Secretary’s mission to modernise broadcasting rules for the digital age, a consultation has been launched on proposals to bring unregulated TV channels into scope of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, which is already followed by terrestrial and satellite channels.

Alongside new content rules on the streaming services in the draft Media Bill, the reforms would level the playing field with traditional broadcasters while preserving the greater choice offered by these exciting new services. It will assure audiences that what they see on TV follows a similar set of rules regardless of how they tune in, and maintain the UK’s longstanding tradition of media freedom.

A new research and engagement programme looking at the future of TV in the UK was also unveiled. The work will help ensure audiences continue to have access to world-class TV – regardless of how technology changes in the coming decades – and support the industry to navigate and seize the opportunities ahead. It will also help inform long-term policy decisions on extending the current commitment to keep Freeview on air until at least 2034.

In a speech today at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

Here in the UK our TV is genuinely world leading… Many of the most celebrated shows of this golden era have been made here in the UK, written here in the UK, and shot here in the UK.

We recognise that internet provided TV is growing… But while this shift is an exciting one, it’s our job to look at those channels that fall outside our existing regulations.

That’s why we are going to consult on whether we need to extend regulation to these unregulated channels… any change to regulations must strike a balance between protecting people – particularly the young and vulnerable – while protecting freedom of speech, and not unduly burdening the TV industry.

The Culture Secretary also reinforced the government’s commitment to bringing forward a Media Bill that will expand opportunities for public service broadcasters to take advantage of the digital age. She also set out her mission to support the TV industry through the one million new jobs promised in the Creative Industries Sector Vision and tax reliefs on productions, and to protect freedom of expression whether that’s through cutting-edge drama or documentaries which shine a light on controversial topics.

Consultation on unregulated TV channels

Figures show that up to 74 per cent of UK households now have a smart TV, through which audiences can access a growing number of unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels, with a particularly rapid increase in the number of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels. Shows are often watched in a similar way to traditional TV in that viewers browse through channels showing a continuous stream of programmes via an electronic programme guide (EPG) – or ‘TV guide’.

These services have created an innovative way for audiences to enjoy shows highly tailored to a particular interest, such as World War TV or The Chat Show Channel, and some are dedicated to a single programme such as Come Dine With Me or Masterchef.
There is a growing number of at least 19 unregulated EPGs – including Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, LG Channels and Amazon Freevee. These services are easily accessible, with some available at the touch of a button on a TV remote control.

There is currently a fixed list of EPGs which are regulated by Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code: Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView. This means that those watching programmes not shown on these EPGs cannot complain to Ofcom if they are concerned by a programme and Ofcom has no powers to issue fines or other sanctions if a channel broadcasts harmful material

DCMS research found examples of potentially harmful content which could easily have been found by children or vulnerable audiences, including swearing and sexual content before the 9pm watershed.

Unregulated channels also don’t have to follow Ofcom rules on ensuring subtitles, audio description and signing are available for people with disabilities, and are not required to ensure public service broadcasters are shown prominently in TV guides.

Given the landscape of changing technology and the increasing popularity of these services, the government has launched a consultation on how to use existing powers that allow it to update which EPGs are regulated in the UK. This will level the playing field with traditional broadcasters who are already required to follow Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

In addition to new powers for Ofcom to draft and enforce new content rules for on-demand content already announced in the draft Media Bill, these reforms would assure audiences that the shows they see on TV meet the same set of high standards, regardless of how they choose to tune in.

The proposals, subject to consultation responses from industry and the wider public, would extend the list of EPGs regulated by Ofcom to include only the most popular and easily accessible EPGs, available via a television set. The consultation makes clear that any regulatory change must strike a balance between protecting people – particularly the young and vulnerable – while protecting freedom of speech. It will also seek views on how any changes to regulation are not unduly burdensome on industry, respect media freedoms, and do not discourage competition and innovation.

Project launched to understand the future of UK’s TV landscape

In her speech the Culture Secretary also launched a major research and engagement programme looking at how UK audiences will get their TV in the decades to come, as part of the government’s commitment to ensure future audiences continue to have access to world-class shows.

The work will take a broad look at the future of TV distribution, including how changing viewing habits and technology will impact how programmes are brought to our screens over the next decade and beyond, particularly in light of the rising popularity of streaming platforms and other internet-based forms of TV viewing.

It will look at all the technologies currently used to broadcast TV, including Freeview, satellite, cable, and online. As part of the project, the government has commissioned new research that will inform the government’s long-term strategy for the UK’s TV broadcasting landscape, ensuring audiences continue to be well-served regardless of how they are watching TV. Building on a commitment in the 2022 Broadcasting White Paper, Ofcom will also be publishing a call for evidence later in the autumn, that will inform this work.

The government will work in partnership with industry to fully realise the opportunities of the changing TV landscape, keeping the needs of audiences – particularly those who rely upon services like Freeview – front and centre.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meets Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on 19 September 2023 during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

The Foreign Secretary congratulated Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship, reiterating the UK’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, stability and prosperity.

They discussed next steps to take forward the Indonesia-UK Roadmap agreed in 2022 and strengthen the bilateral relationship. The Foreign Secretary warmly welcomed Indonesia’s application to join the OECD.

Both Foreign Ministers also discussed key issues such as the importance of working together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal targets.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : PM recommits UK to Net Zero by 2050 and pledges a “fairer” path to achieving target to ease the financial burden on British families [September 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 September 2023.

UK’s over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero.
- UK’s over-delivery on reducing emissions provides space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero, while maintaining all our international commitments.
- Revised plans will ease the burden on working people, as the Prime Minister forges a credible, transparent path to net zero that maintains public consent.
- Ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars will be moved back to 2035 and new policies forcing landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties will be scrapped.
- The ban on new fossil fuel boilers for certain households will be delayed while cash grants for boiler upgrade schemes will increase by 50% to £7,500 for those who want to transition now.
- Prime Minister confirms worrying proposals such as seven recycling bins and taxes on meat and flying will never happen on his watch.
The Prime Minister vows to take forward a pragmatic, proportionate and realistic path to reach net zero by 2050 today (Wednesday 20 September), reducing costs on British families while still meeting international commitments.

The UK has set the most ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels – and is the only major economy to have set a target of 77% for 2035.

This follows progress over the past decades to cut emissions faster than any other G7 country, with the UK having already slashed emissions by 48%, compared to 41% in Germany, 23% in France and no change at all in the United States. The UK has even surpassed the targets most countries have set for 2030, such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the US, and overdelivered on all its previous targets to date.

Thanks to this progress already made, reaching the UK’s 2030 and 2035 targets do not have to come at the expense of British citizens who are continuing to face higher costs of living – particularly as the UK’sshare of global emissions is less than 1%.

This means some measures that were planned are no longer needed to fulfil them.

The Prime Minister has made clear that the plans to meet net zero will only succeed if public support is maintained or we risk losing the agenda altogether, unable to meet our goals.

The UK will remain the country with the most ambitious, stringent de-carbonisation targets in the world even after these changes are made.

Under revised plans, the Government will:
- Move back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, so all sales of new cars from 2035 will be zero emission. This will enable families to wait to take advantage of falling prices over the coming decade if they wish to.
- Delay the ban on installing oil and LPG boilers, and new coal heating, for off-gas-grid homes to 2035, instead of phasing them out from 2026. Many of these homes are not suitable for heat pumps, so this ensures homeowners are not having to spend around £10-15,000 on upgrading their homes in just three years’ time.
- Set an exemption to the phase out of fossil fuel boilers, including gas, in 2035, so that households who will most struggle to make the switch to heat pumps or other low-carbon alternatives won’t have to do so. This is expected to cover about a fifth of homes, including off-gas-grid homes – those that will need expensive retrofitting or a very large electricity connection.
- Scrap policies to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties, but instead continue to encourage households to do so where they can.
- Raise the Boiler Upgrade Grant by 50% to £7,500 to help households who want to replace their gas boilers with a low-carbon alternative like a heat pump.
- Rule out policy ideas that would require people to share cars, eat less meat and dairy, be taxed to discourage their flying, or have seven bins to hit recycling targets – removing worrying proposals that would interfere in the way people live their lives.
These changes will not require the UK to change or abandon its upcoming emissions targets and the Prime Minister is unequivocal that we’ll meet our international agreements including the critical promises in Paris and Glasgow to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

This country is proud to be a world leader in reaching Net Zero by 2050. But we simply won’t achieve it unless we change.

We’ll now have a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach that eases the burdens on families.

All while doubling down on the new green industries of the future. In a democracy, that’s the only realistic path to Net Zero

We are going to change the way our politics works. We are going to make different decisions. We will not take the easy way out.

There will be resistance – and we will meet it. Because I am determined to change our country and build a better future for our children. Nothing less is acceptable.

Therefore, the Prime Minister has pledged to ensure that Parliament gives full scrutiny to all future measures that might be needed to fulfil the Carbon Budget. This means more accountability from elected representatives and more transparency for the British public on how we plan to reach net zero.

Underpinning our net zero ambitions is the commitment to boosting energy security and protecting nature. Today, the Prime Minister announced:
- The first ever spatial plan for energy infrastructure set out to give industry certainty over where it will be and give every community a say.
- A “fast track” through the nationally significant infrastructure project planning regime, available for major eligible transmission projects, to ensure they are prioritised, helping businesses and households connect to the grid sooner.
- A new approach to grid connections, where energy projects that are ready first will connect first – and ultimately get online quicker.
- The new Green Futures Fellowship, backed by a £150m endowment, to support at least 50 leading scientists and engineers to develop practical, breakthrough green technologies and climate change solutions over five years – building on the £1 billion invested into the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.
The Chancellor and Energy Security Secretary will bring forward comprehensive new reforms in due course.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meets with UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with the UAE Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the UN General Assembly.

The Foreign Secretary met the UAE Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today at the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Foreign Secretary praised the strength of the bilateral partnership, building on the two countries’ inaugural Strategic Dialogue held in London earlier this year. He welcomed continued cooperation in tackling global challenges and supporting regional security.

Both looked forward to the UAE’s hosting of COP28 later this year, and noted the opportunity to extend bilateral cooperation, building on our collaboration in the UN Security Council.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Foreign Secretary and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met at UNGA on 18 September.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the UK’s continued commitment to working with Egypt on our shared priorities.

They reflected on the positive momentum in the UK-Egypt relationship, including trade and investment, as well as collaboration on education and climate. They discussed the ongoing situation in Libya in the aftermath of the devastating floods, and efforts to address the conflict in Sudan. The Foreign Secretary noted the disruptive impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the global economy.

The ministers agreed on the need to work closely together and deepen cooperation on the shared challenge of organised immigration crime. This follows a recent visit by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.

The Foreign Secretary welcomed the recent Presidential pardons of human rights activists in Egypt and called for quick progress towards the release of Alaa Abd El-Fattah.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Attorney General presents UK intervention in Ukraine case against Russia at International Court of Justice [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 20 September 2023.

Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC has delivered the UK’s submissions in a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague today.

The Attorney addressed the International Court of Justice alongside 31 other intervening states as part of a case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention.

The hearing in The Hague is to hear arguments from Russia, Ukraine and the intervening States about whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Ukraine.

Ukraine argues that the Russian Federation falsely claimed that there had been acts of genocide against Russian citizens in certain parts of Ukraine as a pretext for its use of force against the country. It asserts that under the Genocide Convention, Russia is not permitted to falsely allege genocide as a pretext for invading Ukraine.

Attorney General, Victoria Prentis MP, KC said:

Today was an important day for the international rule of law. It was an honour to present the UK’s arguments before the International Court of Justice.

The Genocide Convention is an important treaty that obliges States to prevent and punish genocide. As such, it stands as a bulwark against mass atrocity.

Alongside 31 other intervening States, the UK has demonstrated its commitment to the proper interpretation and application of the provisions of that Convention by intervening in this case.

Just weeks after Ukraine instituted proceedings at the International Court of Justice, on 16 March 2022, the Court granted provisional measures ordering Russia to desist from its military operations in Ukraine.

Ukraine is arguing that the provisions of the Genocide Convention are to be interpreted, applied and fulfilled in good faith.

Russia has since objected, arguing that the Court does not have jurisdiction to hear the case.

In the hearing today, the UK made submissions regarding the scope of the Court’s jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention, including concerning the requirement of good faith and the fact that the Genocide Convention does not in any circumstances authorise States to commit aggression, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh – UK statement to the OSCE [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Azerbaijan’s use of force is unacceptable and states that the UK is encouraged by today’s announcement of a ceasefire.

Thank you, Chair.

This week began with more hopeful signals in relation to the long running tensions in this region. The UK Government was relieved to hear of the movement of humanitarian goods on 18 September via the Lachin and Aghdam roads into Nagorno-Karabakh, the local population of which has been in such need for so long. ICRC access to provide humanitarian support was – and remains – critical.

Azerbaijan’s decision yesterday to commence a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh put at risk efforts to find a lasting peaceful settlement. Like many others, the UK urged Azerbaijan to cease its unacceptable use of force and return to dialogue. Violence is never the answer.

The UK is encouraged by today’s announcement of a ceasefire and calls on all parties to respect it, for the sake of the civilian population. We also note the announcement of direct talks between representatives of Azerbaijan and the local Karabakhi Armenian community, on 21 September. These are essential to protect the security and needs of the local population.

It is only through diplomacy in line with the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act that we will see a sustainable settlement to this conflict.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary meeting with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a meeting with Murat Nurtleu, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 19 September 2023 during the UN General Assembly in New York.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu discussed their shared ambitions to further strengthen their strong bilateral partnership at a meeting during the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Foreign Secretary looked forward to upcoming senior-level UK-Kazakhstan engagement, including the annual Ministerial Strategic Dialogue and Ministerial Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Investment. Priority topics would include close collaboration in higher education, the development of the Middle Corridor transport route, and Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to tackle sanctions circumvention in light of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The two Ministers also discussed opportunities for UK expertise and practical support in Kazakhstan’s trade and services sector, as well as working together on Sustainable Development Goals.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary pays tribute to the Windrush Working Group [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 September 2023.

The Home Secretary has paid tribute to community leaders for their dedication to the Windrush generation, as the Windrush Working Group met for the final time.

Co-chairing the meeting with Bishop Derek Webley, the Home Secretary thanked the members for the important role they have played to ensure significant progress has been made following the Windrush Lessons Learned Review and the challenge they have provided to shape and improve the Home Office’s response, in the interests of the Windrush generation.

The Windrush Working Group was set up in June 2020 to bring together stakeholders and community leaders with senior representatives from several government departments. Their 3-year term expires at the end of September.

Today’s meeting, at the Home Office on Marsham Street, involved discussions looking back on celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush in June, reflections on the work and achievements of the group, future planning to ensure the group’s contribution to government policy is long lasting and embedded, and an update on future engagement and outreach with the Windrush community.

The Home Secretary reiterated that, despite the group’s term coming to an end, the government remains committed to learning the lessons of Windrush and ensuring those affected receive the compensation they deserve.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The Windrush Working group have made a huge contribution to ensure we learn the lessons of the Windrush scandal. Over the past 3 years their insight, collaboration and challenge have been vital in shaping the Home Office’s response.

I have deeply valued their advice and it has been an honour to work constructively alongside them. I’d like to thank them for their dedication to the Windrush community and determination to see progress.

I am proud of what has been achieved so far, but our commitment does not end here. We will continue with unwavering focus to see further improvements and that all those affected receive compensation.

The group have been integral to seeing improvements made to the Windrush Compensation Scheme to ensure individuals affected receive significantly more money, more quickly.

Their contribution led to a major overhaul in December 2020, which included a raising of the minimum payment from £250 to £10,000, which is paid as a preliminary payment as soon as someone applying can demonstrate an impact on their life under the terms of the scheme, whilst their claim is considered in full.

A significant increase in the impact on life category was also introduced, raising it at every level, with the highest award possible increasing from £10,000 to £100,000 – since this, over £76 million has been paid out or offered, in contrast to a total of just under £3 million prior to those changes.

Feedback from the group led to major simplification of the compensation application process when claim forms were redesigned and published in 2021 and 2022, to make it more straightforward for claimants to detail their experiences.

A further result of their feedback led to increased staffing being added to the compensation scheme. This led to a drastic reduction in the time taken to allocate a claim to a caseworker for a final decision, having completed necessary initial checks and investigation, from 18 months to 4 months.

Statistics published this month show that £67.59 million has been paid out by the end of July 202 across 1,820 claims. A further £11.71 million has been offered, awaiting acceptance, or pending review. This totals over £79 million paid or offered.

Bishop Derek Webley, co-chair of the Windrush Working Group, said:

The last 3 years have been challenging for all of us on the Working Group. But collectively, we worked hard to right as many wrongs as we could in the time available.

So, I would like to put on record my thanks to Home Secretaries with whom I have worked closely, Rt Hon.Priti Patel, Rt Hon. Suella Braverman and to my fellow members who have dedicated their energy, time and commitment to this important cause.

I also want to pay tribute to Wendy Williams, CBE, for her support and guidance; and to the Race Disparity Unit in the Cabinet Office for the critical role they played in helping me and the stakeholder members drive forward some of the crucial changes that needed to be made.

Although there is more to do, and the Home Office has assured us that the work will continue, I am pleased that we can conclude this cross-government group knowing that things are better now than when we started.

As Deputy Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, Paulette Simpson – a Windrush Working Group member – played a crucial role in the development of the Windrush Monument in Waterloo station in 2022, which symbolises the courage, commitment and resilience of the thousands of men, women and children who travelled to the UK to start new lives from 1948 to 1971.

Elsewhere, the group advised on the design and delivery of the £500,000 Windrush Schemes Community Fund, which allowed community and grassroot organisations to bid for up to £25,000 to deliver projects encouraging applications to the Home Office’s documentation and compensation schemes. It also worked tirelessly around the UK and overseas through their networks and diplomatic contacts to promote the schemes.

The group has provided strategic insight into the Home Office’s response to Wendy Williams’ Windrush Lessons Learned Review, which was published in March 2019. In her progress report, published in March 2022, Wendy Williams concluded that 21 of her 30 recommendations had been met or partially met, and acknowledged that the scale of the challenge the department had been set would take time.

Since her progress report, the Home Office has made significant progress in delivering a number of recommendations including those related to training for staff.

As the Home Office continues to learn the lessons and see a shift in the culture, it is natural that teams evolve, and this work has now become embedded in the department’s everyday business.

The Community Engagement Fund was relaunched on 1 August 2023. £150,000 is available to charities and community or grassroots organisations to raise awareness for the Windrush schemes and gain insight around barriers to applying. Successful applicants, who will receive a grant between £5,000 and £10,000, will be announced later this year after the application process closed on 30 August 2023.

September 24, 2023