Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to package holidays to encourage more choice and cheaper summer breaks [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 September 2023.

British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.
- 12-week consultation launched to make UK-based domestic package travel rules clear and effective
- New rules could cut red tape for businesses and help grow the economy
- Consultation to ensure the effective protection of consumer rights alongside bespoke package travel protections
British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.

The Government has today [Wednesday 20th September] launched a consultation to ensure consumer protection rules for package holidays within the domestic UK market are fit for purpose for both businesses and consumers. This comes as part of a wider set of reforms aimed at bringing in Smarter Regulations for businesses.

The consultation will seek feedback from the domestic travel and tourism sector on how new rules could best suit British needs to help drive growth, support businesses and offer cost-effective options to consumers. Voices across the industry will be invited to provide insights and feedback, including businesses like tour operators and travel agents, regulators and consumer advocacy groups.

The consultation will look at areas including whether the same set of regulations for international holidays are needed for UK-based package holidays, as well as making current rules more proportionate to businesses including where current industry groups say they are dissuaded from offering package style arrangements because of disproportionate regulatory burdens.

They will consider how package travel rules could be simplified and unnecessary burdens could be lifted with the result that businesses offer more choice, at competitive prices, to consumers.

Improved regulations in this industry will ensure businesses are supported and aren’t held down by unnecessary regulatory burdens, and consumers will better understand what rights they have when booking a package holiday.

This consultation comes as the travel industry recovers from the pandemic, offering an opportunity to reflect on where improvements could be made to unlock growth and deliver better outcomes for customers, including in unforeseen circumstances or in the face of significant disruption.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

“Our domestic travel industry is crucial to our economy, but many holiday companies are faced with often over-burdensome regulations that make it difficult for them to grow and thrive.

“Today’s consultation is a major step to cutting red tape, which could benefit millions of British holidaymakers and give the sector a much-needed boost for the future.”

The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of consumer protection and we have introduced the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to Parliament to strengthen these protections in the UK.

Notes to Editors
- A 12-week consultation begins today which will conclude in December
- The consultation looks at whether reforming domestic package holidays would unlock opportunities for the UK tourism sector to offer new and cheaper options to holidaymakers and in recognition of the unique challenges consumers can face when things go wrong overseas.
- The consultation identifies areas where business could have greater freedom in how they secure consumer protections and where the regime could be simplified so businesses are better able to meet requirements and consumers are clear about their rights. This includes seeking to understand lessons learned from how the regime operated over the pandemic and what would best support business and consumers to deal with significant unforeseeable disruption in the future.
- Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board, ensuring it is as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate. The Government is committed to taking action to reduce the burdens on business; reduce the cost of living and deliver choice to consumers.
- Whilst ATOL is not a key announcement today, the consultation document does reference the ongoing work by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to reform the ATOL scheme. It also identifies that DfT is also reviewing the enforcement options available to the CAA to ensure that they have the right tools for the purposes of maintaining compliance with the ATOL scheme.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Landmark agreement with Israel takes UK global science mission to new heights [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 September 2023.

UK and Israel agree Memorandum of Understanding for faster and deeper collaboration on science, innovation and technology.
UK and Israel agree Memorandum of Understanding for faster and deeper collaboration on science, innovation and technology

deal unlocks £1.7 million worth of joint research projects, focusing on critical technologies like quantum

agreement shows the recent deal on Horizon is only the start of the UK’s global science ambitions, and the government is determined to unlock sci-tech partnerships right across the world

Israel will become the latest country to sign a landmark agreement with the UK, to collaborate on science and innovation, when the two countries’ Science Ministers meet in London later today (Wednesday 20 September). As part of the deal, both countries will commit a total of £1.7 million in of support to joint research focused on technologies critical to our future prosperity and quality of life, like quantum.

Today’s agreement comes just weeks after the new UK-EU agreement the Prime Minister secured earlier this month on the UK’s association to Horizon, the world’s largest programme of research cooperation – which Israel is also an associate member of. The deal will enable quicker, deeper collaboration on areas of science and innovation, like AI, health and the environment, which are critically important to the jobs and economy of the coming decades.

This agreement is the latest in a series of bilateral international science deals the UK has signed recently, which include partnerships with India, Switzerland and South Africa. The UK is also putting serious financial backing behind international science collaboration with a new global research warchest, the International Science Partnerships Fund, which launched last year with an initial £119 million to deliver world class science and research with partners around the globe.

These bilateral agreements, alongside Horizon association, demonstrate the UK’s global ambitions to deepen collaboration with leading lights in science right across the globe. The government is determined to open up the broadest range of opportunities, for the brightest British minds to unlock breakthroughs with colleagues, the world over.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Israel will be signed later today, in the heart of historic Whitehall. Elevating the already-strong bonds between the UK and Israel’s research and technology communities – with some of the £1.7 million announced today also supporting UK researchers to build their links with partners in Israel – will support high-skilled jobs and drive economic growth, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.

George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:

Israel is known as the Start-up Nation for good reason: from its world-leading approach to R&D, to its flourishing biotech, cyber, space and agritech sectors, it is truly one of the world’s most innovative economies.

That’s why I prioritised Israel alongside Japan and Switzerland as one of our first priority R&D collaborations, in our network of global collaborations, to better attract investment and support the global impact of UK innovation as part of our science superpower mission.

This collaboration is structured in the standard 3 pillars – research, commercialisation and bilateral government priorities – and will take our deep and longstanding science and technology partnership to new heights, to the benefit of scientists, researchers, investors and companies in both nations.

Minister Ofir Akunis of Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology said:

I’m delighted and proud to sign today the Bilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MOST) and the UK Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

I believe this signing will contribute significantly to the scientific and technological cooperation and networking between scientists and entrepreneurs across many sectors in both our countries.

Over the years, our two countries have developed excellent, cutting-edge technology in many fields. This collaboration will not only benefit our scientific communities but will also benefit the broader economy, and security of our nations.

By boosting the UK and Israel’s science and research links, the deal builds on the objectives of the UK Science and Technology Framework, which sets out how the government will consistently champion and strengthen the UK’s science and technology sectors overseas through work with international governments, academics, industries and more. The bonds between both countries’ innovators are being further bolstered by the UK’s association to Horizon Europe, of which Israel is also a non-EU associate member.

The funding being announced today includes £1.1 million which will go towards Universities UK International’s UK-Israel Innovation Mobility Scheme, supporting UK-based researchers to travel to Israel and work jointly with Israeli partners, at top Israeli institutions.

More than £600,000 will support the UK-Israel quantum collaboration being led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, to develop disruptive new quantum technologies that could eventually be rolled out commercially, to underpin the workings of quantum computers.

All of this forms part of the £20 million commitment for science, research and innovation collaboration in the UK-Israel Bilateral Roadmap, which was signed by both countries’ Foreign Ministers in March.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes soon after quitting [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 20 September 2023.

Stoptober is back and calling on smokers to join the thousands of others committing to quit from 1 October.
- New research reveals smokers can expect positive changes as soon as 2 weeks after quitting, including having more energy (45%), feeling healthier (42%) and improved breathing (42%)
- Data announced as the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ (OHID) national quit smoking campaign, Stoptober, returns to encourage smokers to quit this October and highlights both the immediate benefits and longer-terms gains ex-smokers can expect
- Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England with over 5 million people in the country still smoking
- Campaign is supported by TV stars and ex-smokers Bobby Norris and Malin Andersson
A new nationwide survey released today ahead of Stoptober shows nearly all (95%) ex-smokers see positive changes in their life as early as 2 weeks after quitting.

Stoptober’s mass quit attempt will launch on 1 October, calling on smokers in England to join the thousands of others committing to quit. While smoking rates are declining, over 5 million adults in England still smoke and smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the country – linked to 64,000 deaths a year. The total cost from smoking to society in England is approximately £17 billion a year – this includes the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking at approximately £1.9 billion a year.

This supports the government’s bold new measures – such as financial incentives for all pregnant women who smoke to quit – to help us achieve our bold ambition to be Smokefree by 2030.

New data from more than 3,000 ex-smokers, found some of the top benefits they saw within 2 weeks of quitting included having more energy (45%), feeling healthier (42%) and breathing better (42%). In addition to key improvements in health measures, many survey respondents also noted improvement in their ability to exercise (22%), healthier looking skin (24%), their sense of taste returning (25%), and saving money (34%). On average, a smoker could save £38 a week by quitting smoking, which is around £2,000 a year.

These findings reinforce the near-immediate improvements smokers can expect when they quit – including improvements to senses of taste and smell within as little as 48 hours.

NHS doctor, Dr Dawn Harper, said:

As a GP, I am always trying to encourage my patients to quit smoking as I know the detrimental impact it has on so many of our body’s systems. Quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health, and kick starts a range of benefits from easier breathing to reduced coughing to better tasting food. It will also put you on the road to long-term health benefits including reduced risk of heart attack and lung cancer. So why not give it a shot this Stoptober?

Stopping smoking also brings multiple long-term health benefits, including a reduced risk of several cancers and lung diseases. Just one year after quitting, the risk of a heart attack is halved and after 10 years, the risk of death from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, said:

Over the past 12 years Stoptober has helped over 2 and a half million people quit. However, while smoking rates are in decline, there are over 5 million adults in England who still smoke, so it’s vital we support everyone to go smoke free. Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked. It’s never too late to stop. I encourage you to give it a go.

Health Minister, Neil O’Brien, said:

Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death. When people quit smoking, the benefits are huge – they are healthier, wealthier and pressure on the NHS eases.

Stoptober will motivate thousands to quit smoking this October by providing people with the support and confidence to go smoke free.

We remain committed to our bold ambition to be smoke free by 2030, bolstered by a package of new measures giving vapes to a million smokers, new financial incentives for pregnant women to quit and new pack inserts to provide support to people to quit.

Stoptober is based on evidence showing that if you can make it to 28 days smoke free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. This year’s new campaign – ‘When you stop smoking, good things start to happen’ – is designed to highlight the immediate benefits smokers can expect when they stop smoking.

While stopping smoking can be challenging, the survey also revealed interesting findings in terms of where people find support to quit, with family and friends (29%) and talking to others who have quit smoking (21%) rated as key motivators. Other top tips included finding a distraction from smoking such as keeping hands busy (37%), changing routine (37%) and going for walks (37%).

Ex-smokers The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris and Love Island’s Malin Andersson are joining the campaign this year to tell their stories of how they quit successfully and encourage others to also give quitting a go.

The Only Way is Essex star, Bobby Norris, said:

Three years ago, I finally made the decision to give up smoking after almost 20 years. I was surprised by how quickly I felt the benefits – I’ve instantly had more energy to do the things I love like improving my fitness, I feel so much healthier, I never want to go back. With the great support on offer via Stoptober I couldn’t recommend a better time to get involved and give it a go from this year.

Campaigner, broadcaster and former Love Islander, Malin Andersson, said:

I quit 2 years ago because I was pregnant but was amazed to discover there are so many other benefits to stopping smoking, such as being able to breathe easier, I had more energy and just felt so much healthier. I used to smoke 8 to 10 cigarettes a day for 8 years – so I know how hard it can be to quit, but after seeing these improvements, I had to stick with it. This could be you too!

Stoptober offers a range of free quitting support, including the NHS Quit Smoking App, Facebook support group, an online Personal Quit Plan and local stop-smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.

For free support to quit this October, search ‘Stoptober’.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Second 2023 to 2024 Cost of Living Payment dates announced [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 20 September 2023.

Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.
- Millions of households to receive £300 from DWP between 31 October and 19 November 2023
- This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 supporting eligible people on means-tested benefits with the cost of living
- Payments make up part of government’s record financial support for the most vulnerable worth an average of £3,300 per household
- Tax credits-only customers who do not qualify for a payment from DWP will receive £300 from HMRC between 10 and 19 November 2023
Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.

This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023 to 2024, and eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply, contact the Government, or take any action to receive it. This includes tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 10 and 19 November 2023.

The payment reference for bank accounts will be the recipient’s National Insurance Number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS.

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

The best way we can boost bank balances is by bearing down on inflation, but as we get there, we are ensuring the most vulnerable households are cushioned from high prices with a further Cost of Living payment.

Alongside this, thousands of Work Coaches across the country are helping find work, increase their hours and boost their skills. I encourage anyone who wants to progress their career and strengthen their finances to visit their local Jobcentre to find out what help is available.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added:

Halving inflation and getting price rises under control is the best way to support households struggling with their bills. But it is also right that we are helping the most vulnerable in our society, and this latest Cost of Living payment is part of a package of support worth £3,300 per household on average over this year and last to help those struggling the most.

The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment are those who are eligible and receive at least one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, or payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates. From HMRC, you need to have received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023.

The DWP continues to encourage low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as – thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules – they could still qualify for both the second Cost of Living Payment as well as the third payment due in Spring 2024. Over eight million pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Additional information
- These payments are tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
- The 3 means-tested Cost of Living Payments for 2023 to 2024, worth up to £900 in total, are being delivered in three slightly different amounts, each relating to a specific qualifying period before the payment is made. This allows DWP and HMRC to ensure support is targeted at those who need it and are eligible; to determine if a payee received the correct payments and identify the payment value; and to reduce the risk of fraud.
- To get the £300 payment someone must (subject to a very limited exception) have been entitled to a payment of a qualifying benefit as follows:
  - for Universal Credit, payment for an assessment period ending between 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023
  - for all other DWP means-tested benefits, payment in respect of any day between 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023
  - for tax credits-only customers, a payment of tax credits in respect of any day in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023, or later be paid in respect of any day in this period
  - those on DWP benefits other than Universal Credit who are entitled to less than 10 pence and meet all other qualifying criteria but who do not receive a benefit payment, will still receive a Cost of Living Payment
- For joint tax credits claimants, where one claimant receives Working Tax Credit and the other claimant receives Child Tax Credit, payments will be made into the same bank account as the Child Tax Credit.
- Payment windows and eligibility criteria for the third Cost of Living Payment will be announced in due course.
- For more information on these payments, please visit Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024
- For those requiring an extra layer of cost of living support, people are encouraged to visit their council website to find out what extra help is available at a local level. Councils in England are continuing to offer various forms of support to cover the cost of essentials thanks to DWP’s £842 million extension to the Household Support Fund this year
- DWP will pay over seven million households and HMRC will follow with around 830,000 more, bringing the total number of households eligible for the Cost of Living Payment to around eight million
- Receiving a previous Cost of Living Payment does not mean you will be entitled to a future one. Customers will need to meet the separate eligibility criteria for each payment
- The number of payments made by HMRC has reduced over time, when compared with the 2022 to 2023 HMRC payments, as people move from tax credits to Universal Credit and may therefore receive their latest payment from DWP if they are eligible
- Beware of scams targeting Cost of Living Payments. If someone contacts you about this payment saying they are from DWP or HMRC, it might be a scam. Check advice on spotting scams by visiting GOV.UK and searching ‘phishing and scams’
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 19 September 2023.

As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research has found that nearly half of students worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.
- Nearly all students say they felt lonely at least once during the last academic year, yet almost half have hidden feelings of loneliness because they fear no one will understand
- 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely
- Government partners with Wingstop, Sporting Wellness and Student Radio to boost campaign to tackle stigma around loneliness
- Small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee help to combat loneliness
As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research commissioned by the Government has found that while loneliness is experienced by almost all students (92%), nearly half (43%) worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.

The research, collected by YouGov, has indicated that over half (53%) feel more uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness; a higher proportion than any other concern listed.

The sample of more than 1,000 students highlighted that concerns about loneliness (52%) came ahead of other major concerns including managing money (49%), course difficulty (49%), finding suitable housing (26%) or even ‘fitting in’ (48%).

However, the research found there was little judgement from others towards those that admitted to feeling lonely. Almost nine in ten (87%) students disagreed they would judge someone who said they felt this way, while 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely.

This new research comes as the Government partners with international restaurant chain Wingstop. A free campaign on the chain’s in-store digital screens and social media channels will encourage students to get together at meal times and direct them to the Better Health – Every Mind Matters website which has resources and support for loneliness and mental health issues.

The Government is also partnering with charity Sporting Wellness, as well as the Student Radio Association, Student Roost and Student Minds, to raise awareness of the campaign and its resources through their channels and university focused activities. This aims to make young people feel more comfortable talking about loneliness, addressing the stigma as well as pointing them to support.

The latest phase of the Government’s Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign targeted young people. It encouraged those aged 16 to 34 to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’ by carrying out small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee.

Minister for Loneliness, Stuart Andrew said:

As these findings make clear, loneliness can affect anyone at any time. While freshers’ week is an exciting time for many, it can often be a daunting prospect for students. Moving away from home and away from friends and family can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially while trying to manage coursework, make new friends and often navigate a new city.

There are small things everyone can do to help alleviate loneliness and open up the conversation. This includes reaching out to those that might be struggling and spending time volunteering, such as by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated.

We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about loneliness and to help them find the right advice and support whenever they need it.

The findings revealed that eight in ten (82%) said they had supported or would support a friend feeling lonely, most often by just starting a conversation and offering reassurance, showing that the issue is far more normal than many perceive.

When it comes to tackling the issue, research also found that joining a society or club was the most helpful intervention, with nearly half (42%) of those who did this as a result of feeling lonely saying it was the most helpful action they took.

Research also found that the experience of loneliness at university differs for female students and disabled students, with more than half (58%) of female students saying they don’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness compared to nearly half (48%) of male students. Similarly, 61% of disabled students say they wouldn’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness, compared to 51% non-disabled students.

Findings differ for those who identify as LGB+, with almost half (47%) saying they felt isolated from their peers compared to a third (34%) of heterosexual students. While nearly half (48%) of heterosexual students were concerned about feeling lonely before starting their course, the figure jumps to 62% for LGB+ students.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Starting university is an exciting time for many young people but the new environment and expectations can be challenging.

As this research shows, meeting new people and making friends is a top concern for students starting university, but I hope that they can see that they are not alone in this. Not only is this a common feeling for people at any age, but their fellow students are supportive and understanding.

We have asked the Office for Students to allocate £15 million on a range of mental health support, including for students’ transition to university. If students are struggling, I would encourage them to visit Student Space, which has already supported over 450,000 students with free resources and support on mental health and issues like loneliness.

Lauryn Davey, Medical Student, Youth Ambassador at Sporting Wellness said:

Starting university can be such a big step, as many of us are surrounded by new people in new environments. It’s so important to talk about loneliness with those around you and to recognise those feelings as completely normal. For me, joining a sports club was so helpful for my mental wellbeing, physical health and it helped me meet some of my closest friends.

Jenny Smith, Policy Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, said:

This evidence shows that while loneliness is a common concern in our university communities, there’s a lot of sympathy and understanding among students.

Anybody struggling can look at these figures and know what they’re going through isn’t unusual or uncommon. Of course, this doesn’t mean that any student should have to suffer in silence.

Loneliness can be detrimental to mental wellbeing and university experience, so it’s crucial that students are empowered to address loneliness and form connections.

We’re pleased to see the government is raising this issue, and want people to know that help is available. Student Space is here to help you with the uncertainties of student life with a range of resources available to support students dealing with loneliness and worries about making friends.

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at Mental Health Foundation, said:

We know that some groups of people, including young people aged 16-24, are more at risk of loneliness so it’s important that we do more to understand their experiences and provide the right support.

An important step is to address stigma about who experiences loneliness so that young people don’t feel ashamed about how they feel. Being able to have open conversations is vital but the stigma of loneliness can make it hard to talk about, as we worry about being judged or feeling like a burden.

Starting college or university is an exciting but nerve-wracking time so we encourage new students to access our Behind the Books resources for expert tips and advice. We welcome any government support for student wellbeing that helps prevent poor mental health.

Since launching the world’s first government strategy on loneliness, the Government and its partners have invested over £80 million in tackling loneliness. This includes up to £30 million allocated via the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’ creating volunteering opportunities and helping reduce loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas.

Practical tips for students dealing with feelings of loneliness include:
1. Spend time helping other people, such as volunteering with student groups or by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated
2. Keep in touch with friends and family over the phone
3. Join a club or society at university to connect with others who have similar interests
4. Be open to everyone, as university is a great place to meet people from all different backgrounds
5. Get in touch with the university’s student services about the welfare and support it can provide
More information and support can be found on the Better Health website.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : E3 representatives meet with Iranian counterpart [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 September 2023.

The UK, France and Germany (E3) issued a statement during a meeting between senior E3 officials and their Iranian counterpart in New York.

An E3 spokesperson said:

UK, French and German Political Directors met their Iranian counterpart in New York on 19 September to discuss the nuclear issue and other areas of mutual interest.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Britain makes internet safer, as Online Safety Bill finished and ready to become law [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 September 2023.

Online Safety Bill passes its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law.
- The Online Safety Bill has been signed off by the Houses of Parliament and will become law soon
- the bill will make the UK the safest place in the world to be online by placing new duties on social media companies – honouring our manifesto commitment
- the bolstered bill has been strengthened through debate, with firmer protections for children, more control for adults and clarity for social platforms
The Online Safety Bill has today (Tuesday 19 September) passed its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law.

This major milestone means the government is within touching distance of delivering the most powerful child protection laws in a generation, while ensuring adults are better empowered to take control of their online lives, while protecting our mental health.

The bill takes a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children and makes sure social media platforms are held responsible for the content they host. If they do not act rapidly to prevent and remove illegal content and stop children seeing material that is harmful to them, such as bullying, they will face significant fines that could reach billions of pounds. In some cases, their bosses may even face prison.

The bill has undergone considerable parliamentary scrutiny in both the Houses and has come out with stronger protections for all.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

The Online Safety Bill is a game-changing piece of legislation. Today, this government is taking an enormous step forward in our mission to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with this bill. Our common-sense approach will deliver a better future for British people, by making sure that what is illegal offline is illegal online. It puts protecting children first, enabling us to catch keyboard criminals and crack down on the heinous crimes they seek to commit.

I am deeply thankful to the tireless campaigning and efforts of parliamentarians, survivors of abuse and charities who have all worked relentlessly to get this bill to the finish line.

Without this groundbreaking legislation, the safety of children across the country would be at stake and the internet would remain a wild west of content, putting children’s lives and mental health at risk. The bill has a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children, meaning social media platforms will be legally responsible for the content they host and keeping children and young people safe online.

Social media platforms will be expected to:
- remove illegal content quickly or prevent it from appearing in the first place, including content promoting self-harm
- prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content
- enforce age limits and age-checking measures
- ensure the risks and dangers posed to children on the largest social media platforms are more transparent, including by publishing risk assessments
- provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise
NSPCC Chief Executive, Sir Peter Wanless said:

We are absolutely delighted to see the Online Safety Bill being passed through Parliament. It is a momentous day for children and will finally result in the ground-breaking protections they should expect online.

At the NSPCC, we hear from children about the completely unacceptable levels of abuse and harm they face online every day. That’s why we have campaigned strongly for change alongside brave survivors, families, young people and parliamentarians to ensure the legislation results in a much safer online world for children.

Children can benefit greatly from life online. Tech companies can now seize the opportunity to embrace safety by design. The NSPCC is ready to help them listen to and understand the online experiences of their young users to help ensure every child feels safe and empowered online.

In addition to its firm protections for children, the bill empowers adults to take control of what they see online. It provides three layers of protection for internet users which will:
1. Make sure illegal content will have to be removed
2. Place a legal responsibility on social media platforms to enforce the promises they make to users when they sign up, through terms and conditions
3. Offer users the option to filter out harmful content, such as bullying, that they do not want to see online
If social media platforms do not comply with these rules, Ofcom could fine them up to £18 million or 10% of their global annual revenue, whichever is biggest – meaning fines handed down to the biggest platforms could reach billions of pounds.

Also added to the bill are new laws to decisively tackle online fraud and violence against women and girls. Through this legislation, it will be easier to convict someone who shares intimate images without consent and new laws will further criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate deepfakes.

The change in laws will make it easier to charge abusers who share intimate images and put more offenders behind bars and better protect the public. Those found guilty of this base offence have a maximum penalty of 6 months in custody.

Former Love Island star and campaigner Georgia Harrison said:

Violence against women and girls is so common, with one in three women in the UK having experienced online abuse or harassment.

The Online Safety bill is going to help bring this to an end, by holding social media companies accountable to protect women and girls from online abuse.

Under the bill, the biggest social media platforms will have to stop users being exposed to dangerous fraudulent adverts by blocking and removing scams, or face Ofcom’s huge new fines.

The government has recently strengthened the bill even further, by amending the law to force social media firms to prevent activity that facilitates animal cruelty and torture (such as paying or instructing torture). Even if this activity takes place outside the UK but is seen by users here, companies will be forced to take it down.

Anticipating the bill coming into force, the biggest social media companies have already started to take action. Snapchat has started removing the accounts of underage users and TikTok has implemented stronger age verification.

Ofcom Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes said:

Today is a major milestone in the mission to create a safer life online for children and adults in the UK. Everyone at Ofcom feels privileged to be entrusted with this important role, and we’re ready to start implementing these new laws.

Very soon after the bill receives Royal Assent, we’ll consult on the first set of standards that we’ll expect tech firms to meet in tackling illegal online harms, including child sexual exploitation, fraud and terrorism.

While the bill has been in progress, the government has been working closely with Ofcom to ensure changes will be implemented as quickly as possible when it becomes law.

The regulator will immediately begin work on tackling illegal content and protecting children’s safety, with its consultation process launching in the weeks after Royal Assent. It will then take a phased approach to bringing the Online Safety Bill’s into force.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Using technology to improve the effectiveness of public services [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 19 September 2023.

The Department for Education (DfE) have developed software to sort thousands of emails, reducing the time taken to communicate with the public.
Background

DfE receive up to 100,000 comments and enquiries from the public each year. Prior to implementing an innovative computer programme, each email and letter needed to be read by a staff member, logged onto a database, and assigned to the appropriate team for a response. This required hundreds of days of combined labour and meant staff had less time to complete other tasks.

The knowledge asset solution

Aware of how Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is used in the private sector and elsewhere in government to make decisions about data handling, DfE investigated how the technology could help them when it came to organising enquiries from the public. They undertook work to programme a robot named ARNOLD – ‘Automated Robot Negating the Onerous Logging of Data’ – to streamline some of their processes.

This was particularly challenging given that emails are unstructured data, and people do not write in a standard way. ARNOLD scans the content of emails and follows a series of rules to prioritise them based on potential risk. It then enters the data into DfE’s database. ARNOLD has replaced the manual data entry of emails and letters from the public, improving productivity and increasing efficiency.

Who has this helped?

The public: DfE have been able to reduce the time taken to respond to queries and concerns from the public which means they can offer a more efficient customer service.

DfE staff: The use of the robot has freed up time for teams to focus on learning and development.

What impact has this innovation had on the team?

Owen Roffe, Head of Digital Communications and Public Enquiries at DfE, was delighted that ARNOLD was quickly seen as one of the team. “Everyone is clear about roles and where technology plays its part,” he said. “The robot has taken away the need for manual data entry, which was an area where the team felt they added less value. As a result, they are able to focus on more rewarding work, develop their skills and provide a quicker service to customers.”

Next steps

ARNOLD made an appearance at the Civil Service Live roadshow in the summer of 2023 to showcase how data logging can be streamlined and the benefit this knowledge asset might have for other government departments. DfE is continuing to look at different ways for how technology can improve efficiency to benefit staff and the public.
September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government intention to intervene at Birmingham City Council [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 19 September 2023.

Proposal to intervene at Birmingham City Council to fix serious problems announced by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.

Government proposals to tackle serious financial and governance problems at Birmingham City Council were announced today (19 September 2023) by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.

On 5 September, Birmingham City Council issued a ‘section 114 notice’ – an admission its backdated equal pay liability, currently estimated by the council as being up to £760 million, along with an in-year budget deficit that includes the costs of implementing an IT system was too significant for the council to manage.

In an oral statement to Parliament, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove outlined the government was minded to intervene at Birmingham City Council, subject to a representation period of 5 working days, in order to protect the residents and taxpayers of Birmingham. The proposals include the appointment of commissioners and a local inquiry to investigate the root of the issues faced by the local authority.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

Birmingham Council’s record is of ineffective, inefficient and unaccountable government. It is failing in its basic duties.

Where local leaders fail, it is residents who are let down. This cannot go on.

I can announce that I am today writing to the council to set out my proposal to intervene and appoint commissioners, and that I intend to launch a local inquiry.

I do not take these decisions lightly, but we must protect the interests of residents and taxpayers of Birmingham and provide assurance to the sector.

The package of proposals, if implemented, would see commissioners provide advice and challenge the council whilst making decisions directly, if necessary. They would be handed powers relating to governance, scrutiny of strategic decision making, finance and senior appointments.

Directions would be issued to Birmingham City Council requiring them to undertake specific actions including the preparation and implementation of an improvement plan within 6 months, to return it to a sustainable financial footing.

The local inquiry could look at the fundamental questions about how the issues facing Birmingham have developed and would examine the council’s ongoing management of issues identified in Lord Bob Kerslake’s review of the authority in 2014, and the non-statutory intervention afterwards.

The independent review, commissioned after the ‘Trojan Horse’ investigation into a number of Birmingham schools, found successive administrations had failed to tackle deep-rooted problems – and highlighted a culture of sweeping problems under the carpet, rather than tackling them head-on.

A representation period for the proposals has been set for 5 working days, until 26 September, to ensure the views of stakeholders are taken into consideration before a final decision on whether to intervene is taken.

Max Caller CBE, an experienced local government professional and former commissioner, has been named as the preferred candidate to lead the intervention if the package of proposals are implemented.

The proposal comes after the Minister for Local Government, Lee Rowley, requested the then council leader, Councillor Ian Ward, to commission an independent governance review in April. He acted after governance and service delivery concerns were raised by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, the Housing Ombudsman and the Department for Education’s Commissioner for Special Educational Needs and Disability at the council.

This review was extended to include the flawed implementation of a new IT system and the council’s handling of its equal pay liability. Another letter was sent in August to the council leader Councillor John Cotton, seeking assurances over whether the council was compliant with its Best Value Duty in relation to decisions on equal pay, of which to date there has been no response.

Further information

Max Caller CBE was the Chief Executive of the London Boroughs of Hackney and Barnet, and a Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. He has experience in multiple interventions, including having previously been Lead Commissioner at Slough, Lead Inspector for the Liverpool and Northamptonshire Best Value Inspections, and a Commissioner at Tower Hamlets.

Max also has experience of working with Birmingham City Council, having been appointed by the Council as one of their Non-Executive Advisors following the non-statutory intervention.

September 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Legislation to clamp down on cruel animal experiences abroad [September 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 September 2023.

Action reinforces UK’s commitment to delivering better animal welfare standards both at home and abroad.

The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act passed into law yesterday (18 September), confirming the UK’s position as a world leader in animal welfare standards both at home and abroad.

The legislation – which was introduced by Angela Richardson MP and Lord Black of Brentwood, supported by the government – allows the government to bring forward a ban on the advertising and sale of specific unethical activities abroad where animals are kept in captivity or confinement, subjected to cruel and brutal training methods, forced to take selfies or are ridden, drugged and de-clawed.

The independent evidence on these kind of experiences shows that animals used in the tourist trade are often subject to harsh treatment to ensure their compliance in activities. A study by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit published in 2015 concluded that up to 550,000 animals worldwide suffered for tourist entertainment.

Brutal training methods are often used to ‘break in’ Asian elephants to make them safe to be near tourists and partake in unnatural activities like playing football, painting, tourist rides and excessive bathing.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord Benyon said:

We know that some foreign tourist attractions often subject majestic animals like elephants to cruel and brutal training methods.

The Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act is an important step in our commitment to ensure high animal welfare standards both here in this country and abroad, and I encourage holidaymakers to do their research so they can make informed choices that do not encourage poor animal welfare practices.

Conservative MP for Guildford Angela Richardson said:

I am thrilled that the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act has received Royal Assent this week.

This legislation is a world first and will work towards greater protection of vulnerable animals in low welfare settings from being exploited as tourist experiences.

Duncan McNair, CEO Save The Asian Elephants, said:

“Save The Asian Elephants and the millions who have supported our campaign hope the passing into law of the landmark Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act will prove a momentous day for animals everywhere. The measures, resolutely implemented and enforced, will help protect endangered and vulnerable species across the world from extreme exploitation, harm and death in tourism. They will also save many lives of humans too, turned on by maddened elephants and other creatures provoked by torture.

Save The Asian Elephants is hugely appreciative of all who have supported our campaign for these changes, of our government, our Parliament across the party divide, the charity sector and the public. All must now set our hand to starting the transition from brutal and dangerous practices to ethical sanctuaries and wildlife reserves.

Britain can take pride in this world-first law and we must encourage the world to follow suit whilst time remains for so many beleaguered species.

The Act – applicable in England and Northern Ireland – means the government, through secondary legislation, can ban the advertising and offering for sale of these cruel experiences and protect these special creatures from unnecessary harm.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) already has published guidelines and a list of activities which they classify as unacceptable. Reputable and responsible tour operators should not be offering activities that support poor animal welfare.

This new legislation is part of a wider Government effort to build on our existing world-leading animal welfare standards. Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021 we have brought in new laws to recognise animals sentience, introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences, brought forward a ban on glue traps, and introduced tougher penalties for hare coursing.

Notes to Editors:

Action we’ve already delivered on animal welfare since 2010 includes:
- Recognised animal sentience in law and introduced accountability to Parliament for how well all government policy decisions pay due regard to the welfare needs of animals.
- Ramped up enforcement with:
- Increased maximum sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years’ imprisonment.
- New financial penalty notice powers in addition to other existing penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
- New protections for service animals with ‘Finn’s Law’.
- Raised farm animal welfare:
- Launched the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway with new annual vet visits and grants.
- Implemented a revised welfare at slaughter regime and introduced CCTV in all slaughterhouses.
- Banned traditional battery cages for laying hens, permitted beak trimming via only infra-red technology.
- Raised standards for meat chickens.
- Significantly enhanced companion animal welfare:
- Revamped the local authority licensing regime for commercial pet services including selling, dog breeding, boarding, animal displays.
- Banned the third party puppy and kitten sales with Lucy’s Law.
- Made microchipping compulsory for cats and dogs.
- Introduced offences for horse fly-grazing and abandonment
- Introduced new community order powers to address dog issues
- Provided valuable new protections for wild animals:
- Banned wild animals in travelling circuses.
- Passed the Ivory Act which came into force last year, including one of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales in the world, and extended it to five further species.
- Gave the police additional powers to tackle hare coursing.
- Banning glue traps.
- Supported the Private Member’s Bill currently before Parliament banning the import of hunting trophies.
- Supported the Private Member’s Bill banning trade in detached shark fins.
- Supported the Private Member’s Bill banning the advertising and offering for sale here of unacceptably low animal welfare activities abroad.
September 24, 2023