Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Department for Business and Trade statement on recent Supreme Court decision on litigation funding [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 August 2023.

A statement from the department in response to the Supreme Court’s Judgement in the case of Paccar Inc. and others vs. Competition Tribunal and others.

Following the Supreme Court’s judgement of 26 July 2023 in the case of Paccar Inc. and others vs. Competition Tribunal and others , the Department for Business and Trade has released the following statement:

The Department is aware of the Supreme Court decision in Paccar and is looking at all available options to bring clarity to all interested parties

August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Birmingham [August 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 August 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Dr Michael Volland, Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, for election as Bishop of Birmingham, in succession to The Right Reverend David Urquhart, following his retirement.

Michael was educated at Northumbria University, King’s College London and Durham University and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He served his title at Gloucester Cathedral and was ordained Priest in 2007.

In 2009, Michael was appointed Director of Mission at Cranmer Hall, Durham, and additionally served as Chaplain to Durham Army Cadet Force from 2012 and as Team Leader and Mission Priest for the East Durham Mission Project and also Area Dean of Easington from 2014. In 2015, Michael was appointed Director of Context-Based Training and Pastoral Tutor at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and in 2017 he took up his current role as Principal of Ridley Hall. Since then he has also served as President of the Cambridge Theological Federation and Chair of the Theological Education Institutions Principal’s Steering Group.

August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointments [31 August 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 August 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.
- Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP as Secretary of State for Defence;
- Claire Coutinho MP as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero;
- David Johnston OBE MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education.
August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new education partnerships and projects in Rwanda [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 August 2023.

Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell launches new partnerships to support access to education in Rwanda.
- Africa Minister to launch new UK partnerships to increase girls’ access to education on visit to Rwanda between 31 August and 2 September
- the Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) programme focuses on keeping girls in school who are at risk of dropping out and supporting children with disabilities
- a Digital Library programme will also increase availability to educational resources in the central African country
Two new education initiatives are set to be launched by the UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, during a 3-day visit to Rwanda.

Under the UK’s new Girls in Rwanda Learn (GIRL) programme, the minister will sign a 7-year partnership with UNICEF that focuses on keeping girls in school who are at risk of dropping out and supporting children with disabilities.

He will also launch the British Council’s globally renowned Digital Library for the first time in Rwanda. This is part of the UK’s efforts to make educational resources available to all. Access to the library will be free for 12 months and provides over 80,000 resources.

The minister will see the impact of British Investment Partnerships in Rwanda, visiting a water treatment plant that is part of a joint venture between British International Investment (BII) and Metito.

BII supports companies helping developing countries and emerging economies grow. In Rwanda, this focuses on growth in key sectors such as water infrastructure, renewable energy, health, and telecommunications, providing hundreds of local jobs.

The UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said:

During my visit to Rwanda, I will explore the depth and breadth of our relationship. Our 2 countries continue to work together on a range of issues important to both nations, and the region, including climate change and women and girls’ education.

The long-term partnership between the UK and Rwanda is underpinned by our support to help eradicate poverty, educate children, especially girls, and provide British expertise to improve the delivery of public services for all.

Finally, the minister will meet participants of the UK’s development programmes in Rwanda. He will hear how UK funding is helping families to build their resilience and sustainably exit poverty, while students in all primary schools across Rwanda are benefiting by their teachers receiving training in English and maths from UK experts.

High-level discussions will also take place with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vincent Biruta, focusing on bilateral relations and regional issues. Minister Mitchell will also attend Rwanda’s annual gorilla-naming ceremony, Kwita Izina, which aims to highlight conservations efforts to protect these endangered species.

The UK is a committed partner with Rwanda and will build on our economic partnership at the UK-African Investment Summit, which will be held in London in April 2024.
August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Boost to heat pump rollout with plans for cheaper and easier installation [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 31 August 2023.

Simplified approach to qualifying for a heat pump grant could save consumers time and money, and variable grants will improve access.
- Varied heat pump grants to improve access to low-carbon heating
- consumers to save time and money thanks to simpler energy performance requirements
- heat pump vouchers offers up to £6,000 off installation, with over £81 million issued
Homeowners and small businesses could find it cheaper and easier to install heat pumps under new proposals set out today (Thursday 31 August).

Proposed measures could mean varying the levels of grants that are made available, depending on the customer’s property type or existing fuel source.

This would make heat pump installations more affordable for even more households and small businesses, enabling them to benefit from low-cost and low-carbon heating.

Households could also save time and money through a simplified approach to qualifying for a heat pump grant by removing the need to install loft or cavity wall insulation first.

These changes will help more homes and businesses move away from costly foreign fossil fuels and onto cleaner, cheaper homegrown energy – forming part of the government’s drive to decarbonise the nation’s heating, with more than £81 million in vouchers already issued to customers under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Today’s new proposals also provide an additional option to help consumers install new biomass boilers that also work as an oven, helping more households access the latest in cutting-edge, green technology.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said:

Heat pumps are a vital tool in cutting the carbon emissions from people heating their homes, while also helping to drive down costs and boosting our energy security.

While a heat pump can be installed for a similar price to installing a gas boiler, the support we’ve put in place means it is an option for more and more households.

Today’s changes go even further and will mean even more people could benefit from making the switch, offering them the option for a low-emission, low-cost form of heating their homes.

A heat pump takes heat at a low temperature from the air or ground, increases it to a higher temperature, before transferring the heat into homes for heating and hot water. This technology is significantly more efficient than traditional boilers and uses cleaner electricity rather than fossil fuels – helping to reduce the carbon footprint of a home.

The government’s £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme was recently extended until 2028 and offers grants of £5,000 towards the installation of an air source heat pump; £6,000 off a ground source heat pump; and £5,000 off a biomass boiler. Consumers can also receive a zero VAT rate on installations.

Consumer satisfaction is also high, with 92% of surveyed heat pump owners saying they were highly satisfied with the technology after 2 winters, in an evaluation of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme, which was replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Heat pump installers, manufactures, suppliers, and the wider industry are now being invited to offer their views on the government’s proposed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with the consultation open on GOV.UK until 12 October.

This comes alongside a government commitment to the Future Homes Standard coming into force in 2025. The Building Regulations will continue to set a performance-based standard rather than mandating or banning the use of any technologies.

However, to make sure that new homes are zero carbon ready we plan to set the performance standard of the Future Homes Standard at a level which will effectively preclude new homes being built with fossil fuel heating.
August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Military takeover of power in Gabon – Minister Mitchell’s statement [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2023.

The UK Minister for Africa condemned the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and called for the restoration of constitutional government.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

The UK condemns the unconstitutional military takeover of power in Gabon and calls for the restoration of constitutional government. We acknowledge concerns raised regarding the recent electoral process, including restrictions on media freedom, and urge all parties and citizens to commit to and follow legal and constitutional processes to resolve any electoral disputes. We continue to monitor the situation in Gabon.

Any British nationals in Gabon who need consular support should contact us on +44 20 7008 5000 and sign up for alerts on our travel advice.

August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK strongly supports the renewal of the Mali sanctions regime and Panel of Experts mandate – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2023.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Mali.

The United Kingdom thanks France and the UAE for their efforts on this resolution.

Despite having to make a number of difficult compromises, we voted in favour of the resolution because of our strong support for the renewal of the Mali sanctions regime and Panel of Experts mandate. These are important tools in support of peace and stability in Mali.

For this reason, the United Kingdom deeply regrets Russia’s reckless use of the veto. This will reduce the Council’s oversight and engagement on Mali’s peace process at a critical juncture.

Against the backdrop of MINUSMA’s withdrawal from Mali, what we need now is renewed commitment to maintain the Peace Agreement in the face of violations of the ceasefire in Timbuktu and Kidal regions.

The United Kingdom cannot support Russia’s proposal to dissolve the Panel of Experts on Mali, nor its attempt to predetermine the termination of sanctions measures. We pay tribute to the dedication of the members of the Panel; whose rigorous work in challenging circumstances we firmly support.

We remain deeply concerned about the worsening political, humanitarian and security situation in Mali. Despite the outcome of today’s vote, the UK remains committed to supporting Mali’s Peace Agreement and pursuing accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Legal powers given to Lucy Letby inquiry [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 August 2023.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay announces that the inquiry into the circumstances around crimes committed by Lucy Letby will become statutory.
Government announces inquiry into murders and attempted murders at Countess of Chester hospital will become statutory

After listening to the views of families of the victims, the move will give the inquiry legal powers which include compelling witnesses to give evidence under oath

The inquiry will look at the circumstances surrounding the murders and attempted murders committed by Lucy Letby

The inquiry into circumstances around the horrific crimes committed by former neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby, will become statutory, the Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay announced today (Wednesday 30 August).

While statutory inquiries traditionally take longer to conclude than non-statutory inquiries, moving to a statutory footing will mean the inquiry will have legal powers to compel witnesses, including former and current staff of the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, to give evidence. It will also mean that evidence must be heard in public, unless the inquiry chair decides otherwise.

Announced shortly after Letby was convicted of murdering and attempting to murder babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital, it will ensure vital lessons are learned and will provide answers to the parents and families impacted.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has been clear from the outset that he wants the families impacted in this tragic case to have the opportunity to engage with and shape the scope of the inquiry. Following a meeting with them yesterday, the government has acted swiftly to respect their wishes and put the inquiry on a legal footing.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

The crimes committed by Lucy Letby are truly harrowing, and my thoughts remain with the families of her victims.

Following her conviction, we announced an inquiry and said the nature of this inquiry would be shaped by the families.

Having now discussed this with the families, we will launch a full statutory inquiry giving it the legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.

This statutory public inquiry will aim to give the families the answers they need and ensure lessons are learned.

The statutory inquiry will investigate the wider circumstances around what happened at the trust, including the handling of concerns and governance. It will also look at what actions were taken by regulators and the wider NHS.

We will publish the inquiry’s terms of reference – setting out the scope of the work – in due course.

The government has indicated that it will look to appoint a judge to chair the inquiry, and the Health and Social Care Secretary is working with colleagues across government to identify a suitable candidate as soon as possible.
August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Indo-Pacific Minister visits Laos and Malaysia [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 August 2023.

Focus on climate cooperation and development as UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan visits Laos and Malaysia.
- Minister for the Indo-Pacific will be in Laos and Malaysia for talks on climate cooperation, regional security and economic development
- Anne-Marie Trevelyan will visit UK-supported charities in Laos aimed at clearing unexploded mines and youth empowerment
- Visits to a green transport project and biodiversity conservation site will also be a focus for Minister Trevelyan while in Malaysia
Regional security, economic development and cooperation on climate issues will be the focus of discussions for UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan during a week-long visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Malaysia from 1 September.

The UK’s Integrated Review Refresh, published in March 2023, made increased engagement with the Indo-Pacific a long-term pillar of the UK’s foreign policy. With over half of global growth projected to come from the Indo-Pacific by 2050, the region is vital to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy. The UK officially signed its Accession Protocol to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trading bloc (CPTPP) in July 2023. The partnership positions the UK at the heart of the fast growing and dynamic economies across the Indo-Pacific. Minister Trevelyan’s visit to the region follows the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Philippines and China this week.

In Laos, the Minister will visit UK government-supported charity Mines Advisory Group (MAG) International to see their life-saving work clearing unexploded mines. She will meet with the Governor in Xiang Khoang and visit Lone Buffalo centre, a UK-supported development programme aimed at upskilling and empowering young people in Laos.

While in Vientiane, Trevelyan will meet with the Vice-Foreign Minister, H.E Bounleua Phandanouvong, the Minister for Energy and Mines H.E. Phosay Sayasone and Minister for Agriculture and Forestry H.E Phet Phomphiphak to discuss clean energy transition and sustainable growth. The Minister will also visit the Lao Rugby Federation, an organisation that promotes female participation in sports, and English-language teaching charity Lone Buffalo.

Minister Trevelyan will travel to Malaysia on 5 September for engagements focused on security, trade, climate and nature protection, with Malaysia ranked the 12th most biodiverse country in the world.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Minister will meet Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and Deputy Minister of International Trade & Industry Liew Chin Tong to deepen our bilateral cooperation. The Minister will also deliver a speech on businesses and climate action at the Climate Governance Summit SME Workshop event.

She will meet the Sarawak community indigenous to Borneo, where she will tour a refuelling site for hydrogen-powered buses, and see biodiversity conservation in action with a visit to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

Ahead of the visit, Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

We must work together with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to address the shared global challenge of climate change.

Through our partnerships in Laos and Malaysia, the UK is supporting sustainable growth and accelerating the clean energy transition to secure a resilient and prosperous future.

As Laos prepares to take up ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, the UK will continue working with partners across the region to advance prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.
August 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Flu and COVID autumn vaccine programmes brought forward [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 31 August 2023.

Precautionary measure taken to protect those most vulnerable from illness during winter following the identification of COVID-19 variant BA.2.86.
Vaccinations are now set to start on 11 September 2023 in England with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first

Eligible people urged to come forward for their jab as soon as they’re invited

This year’s autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes will start earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

The precautionary measure is being taken as scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examine the variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18 August 2023.

According to the latest risk assessment by UKHSA, BA.2.86 has a high number of mutations and has appeared in several countries in individuals without travel history.

While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.

The decision means those most at risk from winter illness – including people in care homes for older people, the clinically vulnerable, those aged 65 and over, health and social care staff, and carers – will be able to access a COVID vaccine in September.

The annual flu vaccine will also be made available to these groups at the same time wherever possible, to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.

Vaccinations are now set to start on 11 September 2023, with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first. NHS England will announce full details of the accelerated roll-out soon, and those who fall into higher-risk groups are being encouraged to take up the jab as soon as they’re invited.

There is no change to the wider public health advice at this time.

Health Minister, Maria Caulfield said:

As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.

It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.

I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible.

Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dame Jenny Harries said:

As we continue to live with COVID-19 we expect to see new variants emerge.

Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter.

There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86 so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. As with all emergent and circulating COVID-19 variants – both in the UK and internationally – we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise government and the public as we learn more. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.

For operational expediency and in line with public health recommendations, wherever possible flu and COVID-19 vaccines should be administered at the same time.

The vaccination campaign was previously due to commence in early October 2023. This is because the best protection is usually provided by getting vaccinated with as short a gap as possible before exposure to circulating influenza and COVID-19 viruses.

The advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for this autumn, is to offer the vaccine to those at high risk of serious disease from COVID-19 and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.

Those eligible for vaccination are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine as soon as they are called to ensure they head into winter with the best protection.
August 31, 2023