Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Work on track to bring HS2 to Birmingham [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 July 2023.

The new Curzon Street Station will bring high-speed rail services to help connect cities and towns across the West Midlands and beyond.
- Transport Secretary and Australian Transport Minister visit HS2’s Curzon Street Station
- pair to inspect the city centre’s new viaduct to see the view passengers will witness while travelling into Birmingham on HS2 trains
- visit promotes a global Britain and marks government’s ongoing commitment to the high-speed line, which is growing the economy and supporting hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands
Transport Secretary Mark Harper is today (17 July 2023) visiting the West Midlands with his Australian counterpart Catherine King to see the construction of High Speed Two (HS2)’s iconic new Curzon Street Station taking shape.

In the next decade, the new station will welcome high-speed services into the heart of Birmingham city centre. This will increase the capacity of our rail network and connect cities and towns across the West Midlands and beyond – creating new job, business and educational opportunities whilst boosting growth in the regional economy.

Even now, the project is already delivering huge benefits across the Midlands and the North. The construction of Curzon Street Station alone will create over 1,000 jobs, including 100 new apprenticeships and a restart scheme to support unemployed people. Even more jobs will be supported and created as work will continue to ramp up across the region in the years to come, with the HS2 Interchange Station set to be built in Solihull.

The Secretary of State and Minister King will take an exclusive first walk on top of the grand, 300-metre-long HS2 viaduct to see first-hand the view passengers will witness when travelling into the city on HS2 trains.

The walk will mark a key construction milestone, celebrating the half-way point of the viaduct’s completion, which now has 15 of its 30 v-shaped piers in place.

The meeting will also promote a global Britain, demonstrating how the UK is leading the way on major infrastructure projects to help grow the economy, ensuring the work and learning of HS2 is extended overseas.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

The fantastic city of Birmingham is a hive of construction, with HS2 supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships, as we gear up to bring its services into the city centre over the next decade.

As Europe’s largest infrastructure project, HS2 is being recognised globally and, alongside the Australian Transport Minister today, I take great pride in seeing this once-in-a-generation opportunity come to life, which will better connect our regions and grow the economy for years to come.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

I am pleased to join Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper – and Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King – to showcase the progress underway at the Curzon Street Station site.

HS2 is already delivering tangible benefits for our region – creating jobs, drawing in investment and helping to drive up the number of cranes dotting the skyline.

So as we continue to work closely with government, I’m sure that we will go on attracting global investment – including from our friends in Australia – to seize the HS2 related opportunities to the full, support our region’s economy and advance prosperity for local people in the months and years ahead.

Once built, HS2’s Curzon Street Station will be one of the most environmentally friendly stations in the world and eventually welcome 9 high-speed services per hour into the city centre. With 7 terminal platforms, it will form part of HS2’s opening phase, with the first services expected to run from West London into the station by 2033, serving around 25,000 passengers a day.

Today’s visit comes as HS2 Ltd prepares to carry out the UK’s heaviest bridge drive to install a box structure beneath the West Coast Main Line near Lichfield. The 6,200 tonne structure, which has been built over the last 6 months, will allow the high-speed railway to pass beneath the main line. It will be slowly moved into place on the back of a transporter vehicle.

Supporting one of the government’s 5 priorities to grow the economy, the construction of HS2 will bring transformational benefits to passengers and communities for generations to come. Currently supporting over 28,500 jobs and having created more than 1,200 apprenticeships, the project will level up communities and connect Britain’s largest cities, delivering fresh education, job and business opportunities across the regions.

The line will also provide much needed capacity for passenger and freight services on our railways, offering faster and more reliable journeys right across the UK. A greener way of travelling will also be unlocked, with every trip being powered by zero carbon energy.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HMRC pledges £5.5 million in partnership funding to support customers who need extra help [July 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 17 July 2023.

Bids for the 2024 to 2027 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding, worth £5.5 million, open on 24 July.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is awarding £5.5 million to voluntary and community organisations to support customers who may need extra help with their tax affairs.

HMRC is inviting eligible organisations to bid for the funding, worth £1.8 million a year from 2024 until 2027, through HMRC’s Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding programme. Bids can be submitted between 24 July and 21 August 2023 with successful organisations being announced in October ready for the new funding to start from 1 April 2024.

This is the 12th round of funding HMRC is awarding as part of its commitment to help everyone get their tax right. The programme builds on more than a decade of partnership funding, worth in excess of £20 million.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:

We know that customers really value the trusted tax advice they receive from our voluntary and community sector partners. The funding programme is an important part in our commitment to support our hardest to reach customers and builds on the current support HMRC offers to those who may need extra help with their tax affairs.

David Newbold, Director of Sight Loss Advice Service, from RNIB, one of 12 organisations previously awarded under the grant programme said:

RNIB is extremely grateful to HMRC for its generous support, ensuring blind and partially sighted people can access the advice, information and practical help they need to deal with their tax affairs and HMRC. We’re proud to have HMRC as a partner, its contribution is vital to continue our important work in supporting vulnerable individuals.

In the last year alone, funded organisations have supported 39,000 customers over the phone, with face-to-face meetings and via email.

Successful organisations will receive funding to provide free advice and support to customers who:
- may face barriers in understanding their tax obligations and claiming their entitlements
- are digitally excluded from accessing HMRC services
- have any other difficulty in interacting directly with HMRC
As well as providing support to customers who may need extra help, organisations will provide valuable insight to improve HMRC’s understanding of customers in vulnerable circumstances. This will allow HMRC to reduce barriers and improve the customer experience when dealing with the department.

HMRC’s Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding programme complements the work of HMRC’s Extra Support Team, who are on hand to help customers whose health conditions or personal circumstances make contacting HMRC difficult.

More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found online at GOV.UK.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary to focus on AI and Russia during UN presidency [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 July 2023.

James Cleverly is visiting the US to lead UN Security Council sessions on Ukraine and AI as UK takes on presidency, and to address the Aspen Security Forum.
- James Cleverly to lead UN Security Council (UNSC) session on Ukraine and chair first ever UNSC session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as UK takes on presidency in July.
- He is expected to announce further UK action to hold Russia to account, and will call for international dialogue on the risks and opportunities of AI.
- This will be followed by a visit to Colorado to address this year’s Aspen Security Forum.
Today (Monday 17 July), Foreign Secretary James Cleverly begins a visit to the UN in New York, coinciding with the UK’s presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July.

Cleverly will lead a UN Security Council session on the war in Ukraine, prior to which he is expected to announce further UK action to hold the Russian government to account for its calculated deportation of Ukrainian children. Over 19,000 children have been forcibly relocated to re-education camps in an attempt to erase their cultural and national identity.

He will also attend the UN High-Level Political Forum to deliver the UK national statement on sustainable development with Member States, civil society organisations and private sector firms, showing the UK’s leadership in bringing the international community together to promote future global security, stability, and prosperity, which in turn will benefit the UK economy – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

He will also chair an event, co-hosted with Jamaica, where he will emphasise the need for more investment in climate resilient infrastructure and innovative climate solutions for developing countries.

On Tuesday, he will chair the first session on AI in the history of the UN Security Council and call for international dialogue on its risks and opportunities for international peace and security, ahead of the UK hosting the first ever global summit on AI later this year. Ranking third globally across several metrics, the UK is a world leader in AI and well-placed to convene these discussions. It also stands to gain from growth in the AI sector, which already contributes an estimated £3.7 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy and employs over 50,000 people.

The Foreign Secretary will then travel to Colorado to address the Aspen Security Forum on Wednesday, where he will reaffirm UK and allied support for Ukraine.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Two solicitor members appointed to the Insolvency Rules Committee [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 17 July 2023.

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Robert Paterson and Alexander Wood.as Solicitor Members of the Insolvency Rules Committee.

Robert Paterson is appointed, for three years, from 26 June 2023. Alexander Wood will be appointed, for three years, from 1 October 2023

Biographies

Robert Paterson

Robert is a partner at Wedlake Bell LLP and specialises in all aspects of restructuring and insolvency law. He acts for officeholders, lenders, directors and creditors. He has recently advised on a number of cross-border insolvencies. Robert spent 6 months on secondment to the Policy Unit of the Insolvency Service. He is also a licensed insolvency practitioner.

Alexander Wood

Alex is a former partner at Shearman & Sterling. He has over 25 years’ experience working on some of the most complex insolvency and restructuring matters including Westinghouse, MF Global, the Lehman Bros cases and the sovereign debt restructures of Ukraine and Argentina. He continues to consult, with Shearman, in addition to undertaking other activities including teaching corporate insolvency at post-graduate level.
The appointment of Solicitor Members of the Insolvency Rules Committee are made under Section 413(4) of the Insolvency Act 1986, by the Lord Chancellor after consulting the Chancellor of the High Court. The appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The Insolvency Rules Committee considers amendments to the rules arising out of a review of secondary insolvency legislation, giving their recommendations to the Lord Chancellor.

July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Crackdown on rip-off university degrees [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 17 July 2023.

University courses that fail to deliver good outcomes, with high drop-out rates and poor employment prospects will be subject to strict controls.

Students and taxpayers will be better protected against rip-off degree courses that have high drop-out rates, don’t lead to good jobs and leave young people with poor pay and high debts, the Prime Minister and Education Secretary have announced.

Under the plans, the Office for Students (OfS) will be asked to limit the number of students universities can recruit onto courses that are failing to deliver good outcomes for students.

The UK has some of the world’s leading universities, but a minority of the courses on offer leave students saddled with debt, low earnings and faced with poor job prospects. The government wants to make the system fairer for them, but also for taxpayers – who make a huge investment in higher education and are liable for billions of pounds in unrecovered tuition fees if graduate earnings are low.

Figures from the Office for Students show that nearly three in ten graduates do not progress into highly skilled jobs or further study 15 months after graduating. The Institute for Fiscal Studies also estimates that one in five graduates would be better off financially if they hadn’t gone to university.

The government wants to make sure that universities and colleges are offering the same standard of high-quality provision expected in our schools, and that young people are encouraged to choose the path that is right for them – whether it’s a university degree, a higher technical qualification, or an apprenticeship.

As part of today’s announcements, the government will also reduce the maximum fee that universities can charge for classroom-based foundation year courses to £5,760 – down from £9,250 currently.

These are an additional year of study designed to help prepare students for degrees with specific entry requirements or knowledge, such as in medicine and veterinary sciences. However, research shows that too many people are encouraged to take a foundation year in some subjects like business where it is not necessary.

The Office for Students will also continue work to make it easier for students to assess the quality of each university course, including its earnings potential, so that they can make the most informed decision about where and what to study. We are asking the Office for Students to ensure that courses which fail to deliver good earnings are subject to stricter controls.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world and studying for a degree can be immensely rewarding.

But too many young people are being sold a false dream and end up doing a poor-quality course at the taxpayers’ expense that doesn’t offer the prospect of a decent job at the end of it.

That is why we are taking action to crack down on rip-off university courses, while boosting skills training and apprenticeships provision.

This will help more young people to choose the path that is right to help them reach their potential and grow our economy.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Students and taxpayers rightly expect value for money and a good return on the significant financial investment they make in higher education.

These new measures will crack down on higher education providers that continue to offer poor quality courses and send a clear signal that we will not allow students to be sold a false promise. Wherever they choose to study, it is vital students can gain the skills needed to get great jobs and succeed – supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow our economy.

Philip Augar, chair of the independent Review of Post-18 Education and Funding, said:

This is another strong signal for universities to control such recruitment as is not in students’ best interests and I hope the sector responds constructively.

Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor and President Nottingham Trent University and panel member of the independent Review of Post-18 Education and Funding, said:

Following careful consideration and extensive consultation, the reform agenda for higher education being pursued by Government is consistent with the approach articulated in the Augar Review.

The alignment of the fee for Foundation Years with that of Access to HE for lower cost subjects is in the interests of students as is the proposition that the future refinement of the quality framework deployed by the Office for Students, including potential selective student number controls, should make subject appropriate use of graduate salaries.

Baroness Alison Wolf, panel member of the independent Review of Post-18 Education and Funding, said:

I am delighted that the government has introduced reforms for foundation year courses, whose current meteoric growth is hard to justify educationally or in cost terms.

Aligning their fees explicitly with college-based access courses should also promote the greater alignment of further and higher education to which the government is, rightly, committed.

The government has already taken decisive steps to make sure young people and adults can access more high-quality training opportunities. This includes rolling out new T Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications, establishing a network of 21 Institutes of Technologyand working with employers of all sizes to create more apprenticeships in a wider range of exciting roles. Plans to expand UCAS to allow students to apply for apprenticeships alongside traditional degree have also been announced so thousands more young people can benefit from a wider choice of high-quality options.

Alongside the measures announced today to boost the quality of higher education, the government is going further still to support people and employers to take advantage of the wide range of free training options available to them, helping to fill skills gaps, get people into work and support the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

This includes launching a new digital platform from the autumn where people and employers can search for everything from apprenticeships and T Levels to Skills Bootcamps and essential skills courses – all in one place. The government is also making it easier for employers to take on apprentices. This includes by cutting the steps needed to register to take on an apprentice by a third and updating 100 apprenticeships in sectors such as construction and healthcare so they reflect the latest technological advancements and so they work better for employers and apprentices.

Anthony Impey, Chief Executive of Be The Business, said:

Small businesses are run by some of the country’s most impressive and resilient people, but they are time poor and lack the resources of their peers in much larger companies. So these changes will make a real difference in opening up apprenticeships at a time when small businesses are looking for all the help they can get to boost their productivity.

FD Works, Top 50 SME apprentice employer and accountancy firm based in Bristol said:

At FD Works, we believe that the power of apprentices is unmatched. The passion and perspective they bring have been a huge part of our ongoing success, but as a small business, our time is incredibly valuable. The investment far outweighs the cost already, but the Department for Education is continuously improving the system with us in mind, which is clear in this latest update.

As an innovative company, we’re really excited to see changes happening that will help us move quicker, share more opportunities, and empower even more apprentices to find a career they love.

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy, British Chambers of Commerce said:

Apprenticeships are key to boosting technical skills in the workforce and helping firms tackle skills shortages. However, many firms with great apprenticeship opportunities have found the process difficult. So it’s good to see Government taking steps in the right direction to reduce the complexity and excess bureaucracy in the apprenticeship system.

We also need more candidates to choose the apprenticeship route to employment and so we welcome initiatives that raise awareness and help match people to the great jobs and training available in local business communities throughout the country.

July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government seizes post-Brexit freedoms for fishing industry [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 17 July 2023.

New measures will support thriving fishing industry.
- Package of measures will help fishing industry thrive and deliver a healthier marine environment
- Reforms seize new freedoms outside the EU and mark a clear departure from the Common Fisheries Policy
- Announcement builds on investment and uplift in fisheries opportunities worth more than £200 million
The UK Government has today set out further steps to deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment for generations to come.

Seizing the opportunities of our freedoms outside the EU, the UK is introducing a world class system of fisheries management which draws on the best available science and the expertise of our fishermen to ensure our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable long into the future

This new system will be underpinned by Fisheries Management Plans – blueprints for how best to manage fish stocks – with the first six published today, including bass, king scallops, crab and lobster; amazing produce which we are renowned for around the world.

These management plans – developed together with industry and anglers over 18 months – deliver commitments from the Fisheries Act 2020 and will help to build a modern, resilient fishing industry while securing sustainable fish stocks. These plans will be a combination of actions that can be taken now to protect stocks – such as seasonal closures or further scientific studies – and longer-term approaches, using the latest scientific evidence so we have the most productive and sustainable sector possible.

Today’s announcement includes a boost for the small under 10 metre vessels which are the lifeblood of our coastal communities, making use of our post Brexit quota increases by removing a cap on the amount of quota they can use and opening up more potential income for smaller businesses.

There will also be a consultation launching the government’s vision for remote electronic monitoring (REM) in English waters, setting out the proposed approach and next steps. REM systems include cameras, gear sensors and GPS units, and will ensure our management plans are supported by robust evidence and data. This cutting-edge technology can gather data while fishing boats are at sea, including on the amount, size and species of fish which are being caught. They will also be able to record information on accidental bycatch of sea birds or whales and dolphins. The information REM can deliver will support the fishing industry to manage stocks sustainably for the benefit of future generations and give fish buyers and retailers greater confidence in the sustainability of our fish.

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey, said:

The UK has some of the finest fish stocks in the world, forming an integral part of healthy marine ecosystems while providing livelihoods, enjoyment and prosperity to coastal communities.

Today’s reforms mark a clear departure from the outdated Common Fisheries Policy now we are an independent coastal state, and will deliver the UK’s ambition to build a modern, resilient and profitable fishing industry underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment for the future.

Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said:

For centuries, fishing has produced food, provided jobs and supported communities. Measures to strengthen fishing businesses and enhance their sustainable growth will bring tangible benefits to the UK.

Fisheries Management Plans represent a genuinely ambitious attempt to break away from the unsuccessful top-down impositions of the CFP and unite fishers, scientists and regulators in building something new and better. Fishermen’s livelihoods depend on healthy seas and sensible regulations. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate in shaping them.

The government has also announced that it is:
- Setting out a new approach to managing discards in England which will support the long-term future of the English fishing fleet and coastal communities whilst protecting our marine environment and the fish stocks that industry depends on;
- Consulting on the establishment of a licensed recreational bluefin catch and release tuna fishery, providing economic opportunities for coastal towns and rural communities;
- Awarding a further £45.6 million from the UK Seafood Fund to modernise infrastructure across the UK seafood sector and ensure we are using the best research for fisheries management, and support around 1,500 jobs;
- Responding to a consultation on flyseining (a method of trawl fishing) to provide some immediate protection for squid stocks and wider demersal non-quota species; and
- Publishing a summary of responses to a consultation on spatial management of sandeels, with a majority of respondents being in favour of the option to fully close industrial sandeel fishing in English waters of the North Sea.
These reforms will play a crucial role in achieving the goals in our Environmental Improvement Plan and the UK Government’s Food Strategy, helping to improve food security as well as levelling up some of our much-loved coastal towns and communities.

Today’s announcement builds on the progress which the UK government has already made to deliver a thriving fishing sector outside the EU. The UK government successfully negotiated a significant uplift in quota shares following EU exit, valued at around £101 million in fishing opportunities to the UK fleet this year alone. Meanwhile the UK Seafood Fund is investing £100 million into the long-term future of the UK fisheries sector, helping to drive innovation, support job creation and boost seafood exports to new markets.

Defra and partner organisations are running online and in-person events throughout August and early September for those with an interest in the commercial and recreational fishing and the marine environment, to find out more about the reforms and how they can respond to the consultations. All events are listed on Eventbrite.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK signs treaty to join vast Indo-Pacific trade group as new data shows major economic benefits [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 July 2023.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to the CPTPP trade group in New Zealand this morning.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch formally signed the treaty confirming the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – the Indo-Pacific trade bloc now worth £12 trillion in GDP – in New Zealand today [Sunday 16th]

To celebrate this huge moment, the Government released new figures showing CPTPP-owned businesses employed one in 100 UK workers, with membership expected to turbocharge investment in the UK even further

British whisky and cars amongst 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP set to be eligible for zero tariffs as UK businesses given unparalleled access to market of over 500 million people

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to CPTPP trade group in New Zealand this morning [Sunday], kickstarting the UK’s membership of a modern and ambitious trade deal spanning 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific, and now Europe.

The Secretary of State is in Auckland to put pen to paper on this mega deal, alongside New Zealand Trade Minister Damien O’Connor, Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, Japanese Minister for Economic Revitalisation Goto Shigeyuki and Australian Deputy Trade Minister Tim Ayres.

The signature is the formal confirmation of agreement for the UK to join the group, following substantial conclusion of negotiations earlier this year. The Government will now seek to ratify the agreement, which will include parliamentary scrutiny, whilst other CPTPP countries complete their own legislative processes.

The signing comes as a new government report reveals one in every 100 UK workers was employed by a business headquartered in a CPTPP member nation in 2019, equating to over 400,000 jobs across the country.

Membership of the trade group is expected to spark further investment in the UK by CPTPP countries, already worth £182 billion in 2021, by guaranteeing protections for investors.

Ian Stuart, CEO at HSBC UK, said:

The UK’s formal accession to CPTPP marks a significant milestone for UK trade, enabling ambitious British businesses to connect with the world’s most exciting growth markets for start-ups, innovation and technology. At HSBC UK, we are incredibly excited about the opportunities this agreement presents; as the world’s leading global trade bank we will support UK businesses to achieve their full potential and open up a world of opportunity.

Cath White, Head of International at Belvoir Farm said:

The UK’s accession to CPTPP will mean more than 99% of UK goods exported to CPTPP member countries will be eligible for zero tariffs. It will also ease administrative and commercial trade barriers to allow talented and passionate UK producers to tell their story on a worldwide scale. At Belvoir Farm, we export 20% of our turnover to markets across the globe, with one third of exports bound for Indo-Pacific markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow British brands, especially this year when the spotlight is on the UK.

Ian Galbraith, Group Strategy Director at Mott MacDonald, said:

Mott MacDonald is strongly supportive of UK accession to CPTPP and proud to have been part of the technical board advising the British negotiating team. The Partnership’s ambitious services and procurement chapters pave the way for greater recognition of professional competence in engineering and architecture, and establish open, fair and transparent competition rules in government procurement, allowing world-leading firms like Mott MacDonald to win and service new contracts across the many countries covered by CPTPP.

Speaking ahead of the signing, Kemi Badenoch said:

I’m delighted to be here in New Zealand to sign a deal that will be a big boost for British businesses and deliver billions of pounds in additional trade, as well as open up huge opportunities and unparalleled access to a market of over 500 million people.

We are using our status as an independent trading nation to join an exciting, growing, forward-looking trade bloc, which will help grow the UK economy and build on the hundreds of thousands of jobs CPTPP-owned businesses already support up and down the country.

The report found CPTPP investment accounted for:

Over £240 billion in turnover in London, £35 billion in the South East and £18 billion in the East of England

The creation of 26,000 jobs in 2021 and 2022

75% of all employment in CPTPP-owned businesses was outside of London

One in 50 jobs in the North East

One in every 25 jobs in the manufacturing sector

The report also found that CPTPP companies punch above their weight economically. While they account for 0.3% of all businesses in the UK, they generate 6.1% of the UK’s total turnover – 20 times higher than the proportion of businesses they represent.

The UK will be the first European member and first new member since CPTPP was created, which would have been impossible had we remained in the EU. With the UK as a member, CPTPP will have a combined GDP of £12 trillion and account for 15% of global GDP.

The Government will now take the steps needed to bring the agreement into force, expected to be next year.

Being part of CPTPP will mean that more than 99 per cent of current UK goods exports to CPTPP countries will be eligible for zero tariffs. Dairy farmers, for example, will benefit from reduced tariffs on cheese and butter exports to Canada, Chile, Japan and Mexico. This builds on the £23.9 million worth of dairy products we exported to these countries in 2022.

The agreement is a gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific which is set to account for the majority of global growth and around half of the world’s middle-class consumers in the decades to come, bringing new opportunities for British businesses and supporting jobs.

Background

The signing ceremony will take place between 2:30am and 3:30am GMT (1:30-2:30pm New Zealand time) on Sunday 16th July.

Other ministers from CPTPP countries expected to be in attendance are Chilean Vice-Minister for International Economic Relations Claudia Sanhueza, Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Mexican Ambassador Alfredo Perez Bravo, Peruvian Trade Minister Juan Carlos Mathews Salazar, Singaporean Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong and Vietnamese Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.

FDI figures refers to the new report ‘The role of Businesses from Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries in the United Kingdom’ which is available on GOV.UK.

GDP and population data refers to data from 2022 and is taken from IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023 edition.

Additional benefits of UK accession to CPTPP include:

Boosting services: The UK is the world’s second largest services provider and services accounted for 43% of our trade with CPTPP members last year. Joining the agreement can reduce red tape – UK firms will not be required to establish a local office or be resident to supply a service and will be able to operate on a par with local firms.

Increased flexibility: Modern ‘rules of origin’ could make British businesses more competitive by allowing them to trade more freely across the trade area. For example, UK car manufacturers could sell car engines tariff-free to a car maker in the grouping who could then sell those cars tariff-free to any other member country, subject to meeting the rules of origin. This is currently not possible under all the bilateral trade agreements the UK has in place with CPTPP members and will help exporters diversify their supply chains and create new export opportunities.

Pro-investment: Investment between the UK and CPTPP countries is expected to increase as the agreement contains provisions to limit barriers and encourage more inward investment. Inward investment stocks to the UK from CPTPP countries were worth £182 billion in 2021.

Cutting-edge: Remotely delivered services from the UK to CPTPP were worth £23 billion in 2021. CPTPP sets modern rules for digital trade across all sectors of the economy and will support UK businesses of all sizes to seek new opportunities in CPTPP markets.

New Markets: Joining means we will have a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia for the first time, giving businesses far more access to an economy worth £330 billion in GDP in 2022. Tariffs of around 80% will be eliminated on UK exports of whisky within 10 years and tariffs of 30% on UK exports of cars will be eliminated within 7 years, helping the UK get a larger share of the market.

Cheaper consumer prices: Reduced tariffs on imported goods could also lead to cheaper prices for British consumers on high-quality products like fruit juices from Chile and Peru and honey and chocolate from Mexico.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – démarche of Chinese Ambassador on Hong Kong [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2023.

At the Foreign Secretary’s instruction his senior official conducted a formal diplomatic démarche of the Chinese Ambassador.

As the Minister for the Indo-Pacific stated in Parliament yesterday, on 13 July a senior official conducted a formal diplomatic démarche of the Chinese Ambassador at the instruction of the Foreign Secretary.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The démarche set out our objections to actions in Hong Kong in recent weeks, including the issuing of arrest warrants and bounties for eight individuals living overseas, three of whom live in the UK, and the detention and questioning of the family members of some of those individuals in Hong Kong.

“The démarche also set out our ongoing opposition to the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing on Hong Kong, which is a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.”

Background Information
- It is standard practice for almost all démarches to be conducted by senior officials.
July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Belize coastal highway transformed by UK-led partnership [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 July 2023.

Coastal Highway upgraded thanks to the UK Government, Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Belize under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund.

More than 49,000 residents, including 3,000 daily road users now have access to the improved Coastal Highway. The highway has been transformed from an unpaved, gravel road to a modern, climate-resilient corridor along the East coast of Belize. This USD 78 million upgrade is as a result of a partnership between the Government of the United Kingdom, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Belize under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF). An inauguration ceremony was held at the Gales Point Junction on the Coastal Highway to commemorate this significant achievement.

CDB Programme Manager, Infrastructure Partnerships, Sharon Griffith noted that the project is in keeping with the Bank’s strategic objective of building social resilience through improving access to basic social infrastructure and services. Sharon Griffith said:

The new highway will provide a vital link between Southern and Central Belize. It has reduced travel distances between Dangriga and Belize City resulting in significantly enhanced connectivity. There is evidence of improved livelihood opportunities and the emergence of new businesses in the area, on account of the improved infrastructure along the corridor.

The Coastal Highway Upgrading Project, which was launched in 2020 is the first project to have infrastructure completed under the UKCIF. It included the upgrading of 59 km of unsealed roadway and drainage infrastructure, as well as the rehabilitation and building of new bridges. The improved, all-weather access passageway which links the George Price and Hummingbird Highways has also shortened travel times and improved safety along the road.

UK Minister for Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley said:

The UK is committed to supporting projects that enhance economic prosperity for the people of Belize and the wider Caribbean. This £26 million grant from UKCIF to upgrade the Coastal Highway will have an enormous impact in improving road safety, building climate resilience and creating opportunities for Belizean businesses and residents. Following this successful launch, I congratulate all involved in this fantastic project – which is just the start of our efforts to improve critical infrastructure in the region.

British High Commissioner to Belize, Her Excellency Nicole Davison, also remarked:

The fact that residents in Gales Point, Mullins River, La Democracia, and Hope Creek are no longer isolated when there is heavy rainfall, and residents including children and those most vulnerable can access essential health, education, and social services despite adverse weather conditions, demonstrates the tangible and positive difference this climate-resilient infrastructure is making in the everyday lives of Belizeans.

She also lauded the strong partnership between the UK, the Caribbean Development Bank and Belize as embodied in the Coastal Highway and other initiatives. The Coastal Highway Project was collaboratively funded through a £26 million grant from the United Kingdom, USD36.6 million in loan financing from the CDB, and a USD7.5 million contribution from the Government of Belize. The project also includes technical assistance projects to explore livelihood enhancement options for two communities along the road corridor.

Belize is also benefiting from UKCIF support for the ongoing Philip Goldson Highway and Remote Bypass Rehabilitation Project which involves a major transformation of 125 km of the key arterial route linking Belize City to the Mexican border. This, along with 11 other UKCIF projects, is being delivered in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank, in eight countries and one British Overseas Territory.

July 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New campaign to boost free bus travel this summer [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 July 2023.

Take the Bus campaign encourages older people to make the most of free bus travel.
- new campaign launched to encourage older people to use their free bus pass to meet friends and family, rediscover local attractions and get their ‘culture fix from 66’
- drive to increase bus travel will boost wellbeing of older and disabled people, support sustainable bus services and help grow the economy
- latest statistics show a 36% drop in bus usage since 2019 for concessionary passholders, sparking move to encourage eligible people to get out and about for free
Older and eligible disabled people are being urged to make the most of free bus travel to meet friends, connect with nature and visit new places this summer, through a new government campaign launched today (15 July 2023).

The new ‘Take the Bus’ campaign is targeting people aged 66 and above, and disabled people who are eligible for a concessionary pass, to encourage them to use the free bus travel available.
Make the most of free bus travel
- apply for an older person’s bus pass
- apply for disabled person’s bus pass
The move comes as statistics show concessionary journeys are down by more than a third since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign reminds passholders of the benefits of using bus travel, including staying active, visiting new places, taking up hobbies and seeing friends and family – while saving money on travel. The new adverts encourage pass holders to ‘Take the Bus’, with posters and social media assets made available for local authorities, bus companies and others to customise, co-brand and use in their area.

Along with the government’s £2 bus fare cap scheme, the campaign aims to get more people using the bus to help reduce congestion and emissions while supporting the bus industry and helping grow the economy.

Thanks to the free bus fare scheme, concessionary pass holders around the country can access great days out for free. People can leave the car at home and grab one of Stagecoach’s frequent ‘triangle’ routes to Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, or hop on the Coastliner 840 from Leeds to Whitby, voted England’s most scenic bus route for its incredible views across the North York Moors National Park.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

We want those eligible to embrace all the benefits their concessionary pass can bring, with free bus travel allowing them to enjoy great trips out – all they need to do is ‘take the bus’.

Around £1 billion a year of central and local government funding goes towards concessionary passes to help older and disabled people get out and about while saving them money and helping grow the economy.

Cora Woodhouse, Arriva Marketing and Customer Service Director, said:

We’re pleased to be working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to support and encourage concessionary travel across our network. We are keen to remind the communities we proudly serve every day that we are here to connect them to the places they want to get to and the people they love and for no cost with a concessionary pass.

There are many places you can use our services to visit and enjoy days out and, of course, taking the bus offers an environmental and social benefit, too. Here at Arriva, we will be extending the reach of the DfT campaign, pushing the campaign via our website, email, social channels and app. We will also be investing in a paid-for media campaign alongside local community events, firstly in Yorkshire and the East Midlands with the view to then roll it out across our full network.

David Sidebottom, Director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said:

Passengers tell us that buses are a vital lifeline to help them see family and friends, visit high streets, get to essential appointments and connect them to the places and things they love. This campaign is great news for bus pass holders and, hopefully, they will take full advantage to get out and about and travel to places old and new.

In Transport Focus’s forthcoming research, 91% of free pass holders told us they knew a fair amount about their local bus service, so now is a great time to give it a go and take the bus.

As part of the Help for Households campaign, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is promoting free and low-cost events happening across England for those looking for affordable activities over the summer. People can find out what’s happening near them using this new interactive map – from discounted cinema tickets to free museum exhibitions, accessible via the concessionary bus passes available.

Simon Pearson, Chief Commercial Officer of First Bus, said:

The bus is an ideal way for older people to get out and about and enjoy life in their local area and beyond. Bus travel adds the experience of the day, whatever you have planned. At First Bus, we’re excited to welcome more customers on board to discover where a concessionary pass can take them.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

With summer upon us, it’s a great time for concessionary pass holders to be planning a trip out with family and friends, making the most of free bus travel to explore the outstanding attractions and destinations across England and in a relaxing and environmentally friendly way.

There is always so much going on in England during the summer, whether enjoying a trip to our stunning coastline, beautiful countryside or our vibrant city attractions. I know our tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to see you.

Alongside the campaign, councils spend around £1 billion on concessionary travel, provided through government funding from the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to enable local authorities to provide free travel via local bus operators to elderly and disabled concessionary pass holders.

This is in addition to the recently announced long-term bus funding to support and improve bus services, including £200 million to continue capping single fares outside of London at £2 until 31 October 2023 and then £2.50 until 30 November 2024, as well as £300 million to protect bus services across the country.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

The bus is a great way to access the best of what our city regions have to offer, whether that be world-class cultural experiences, great green spaces or brilliant places to socialise and shop.

Local transport authorities play an important part in connecting our local communities and we encourage older people and those with disabilities who are eligible for a free concessionary pass to take the bus and explore their local areas.

Sylvia Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Better Transport, said:

Taking the bus is a wellbeing boost. Buses keep us connected to friends and family, transport us on days out and help us to stay active. We hope to see more bus pass holders to embrace the benefits of free bus travel to get out and about and enjoy the summer.
July 24, 2023