Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : We will not let Russia’s brutality be normalised – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s ongoing aggression as we approach 500 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On 1 June, which was the International Day of the Protection of Children, many in this room, including me, called on Russia to stop its persecution of two Ukrainian teenagers, Tihran Ohannisian and Mykyta Khanganov. Aged just 16 and 17, these boys endured months of abuse at the hands of the Russian authorities. I was horrified to hear that Tihran and Mykyta were both killed on 24 June. There is never a justification for the abuse and murder of children. Those responsible must face justice. The UK supports those working to uncover the full circumstances of their deaths, and our thoughts are with Tihran and Mykyta’s families.

I was also appalled by the missile strike on Kramatorsk on 27 June. Three children were among the thirteen people killed as they ate at a restaurant. The award-winning Ukrainian writer and war crimes researcher Viktoria Amelina was also killed. We are also deeply concerned by reports overnight of casualties in Lviv, after missiles struck a residential building. Attacks on civilians, especially children, are completely unacceptable in any circumstance. We will not let this barbarism become normalised. We also note Russia’s continued recklessness in its control of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We once again call on Russia to return control of the plant to the Ukrainian authorities.

Mr Chair, 500 days ago today, the Russian Delegation told us that “the key to lasting peace, the restoration of civil accord in Ukraine and the defusing of the tension around this country lies in the implementation of the Minsk agreements in good faith”. That very evening, Russia tore the Minsk agreements apart by recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as so-called “independent states”. For 500 days since, we have seen the same formula from Russia: broken promises, unwarranted aggression, lies, and threats.

When Russia launched its unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, it trampled on its international commitments. Russia violated the Helsinki Final Act, contravened UN Charter Article 2(4), and breached the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Their claims of self-defence are manifestly false. Cynical allegations of genocide and Nazism are untrue, not to mention deeply offensive. Indeed, Mr Prigozhin, President Putin’s erstwhile confidant, recently admitted what the whole world already knew. That the justifications given by the Kremlin for the invasion were simply not true. That there was no threat from Ukraine or NATO. That President Putin’s campaign is one of aggression and conquest.

The UK, along with our partners, will not tire of countering Russia’s disinformation. Russia itself knows that its falsehoods convince no one. That is why it resorts to threats. These threats are designed to deter international support for Ukraine, but only serve to strengthen our resolve, and to damage Russia’s global standing further.

Mr Chair, Ukraine is fighting for freedom, for peace, but also for truth. And with the help of its partners, Ukraine’s future will be that of a stronger and more prosperous country than ever, safe within its internationally recognised borders. In contrast, Mr Chair, Russia’s reputation will be damaged for years to come.

Thank you.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : What the PM’s action plan to tackle anti-social behaviour means for you [July 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2023.

We’re making more progress on my plan to tackle anti-social behaviour. Here’s what that means:

More police in high crime areas

We’re increasing the police presence in areas with high rates of anti-social behaviour. Resources will be focused on locations like public transport and parks, helping to deter crimes from being committed in the first place.

Immediate punishment for vandals and drug-users

We’re making criminals pay for their crimes as soon as 48 hours after they’re been committed. Local police forces and victims get to decide on the punishment, but it should be visible to the public and, importantly, the local community will also get a say in what the punishment should be.

Offenders could be made to wash cars, clean up graffiti or litter-pick, whilst wearing high-vis vests.

These plans will be extended to all areas in England and Wales from 2024.

More money for better crime prevention

We’re giving an extra £60 million – that’s £1.4 million for every police force in the country – to have better crime prevention measures like CCTV, street lighting or community projects that combat anti-social behaviour. This will help prevent more burglaries and make streets safer for women and girls

Ridding our streets of chewing gum litter

More than 50 councils across the UK will receive £1.2 million to remove discarded chewing gum from our streets and prevent it from being littered again.

“I made a promise in January that we will work tirelessly to crack down on anti-social behaviour. For too long, people have put up with it ruining their neighbourhoods.

These are not minor crimes. They disrupt people’s daily lives, hold businesses back and erode the sense of safety and community that brings people together.

That’s why I’m bringing forward a new plan to crack down on this behaviour once and for all – so that everyone can feel proud of where they live.

This is how the new measures will affect you.

I’m bringing in tougher punishments for criminals

Those responsible for offences such as vandalism or graffitiing will start cleaning up their crimes as quickly as possible, aiming for offenders to start work within 48 hours of receiving an order.

Victims and affected communities will also get a say in deciding what type of punishment or consequences offenders should face, alongside input from local police and crime commissioners.

We are banning nitrous oxide

We will ban nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, putting an end to litter and intimidation in our parks so people feel safer.

We will test more criminals for illegal drugs

The police will also now be able to drug test criminals who take illegal drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamine, and we will drug test offenders who have committed a wider range of crimes, like violence against women and girls, serious violence, and anti-social behaviour.

We’re introducing tougher fines for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping

We are increasing he upper limit on fines for littering and graffitiing from £150 to £500 and fines for fly-tipping will increase from £400 to £1,000.

We will also support councils to hand out more of these fines to disrespectful offenders, with councils keeping these fines to reinvest in clean up and enforcement.

We’re making evictions of anti-social tenants easier

We are aiming to make it quicker for private landlords to evict anti-social tenants after serving notice, as well as broaden the disruptive and harmful activities that can lead to eviction.

We will also strengthen rules so previous anti-social behaviour perpetrators are deprioritised for new council housing.

By establishing a zero-tolerance approach where offenders know they will face the full consequences of their actions – we can prevent more of these crimes from happening in the first place.

I am determined to tackle these crimes with the urgency they deserve, restoring your confidence that these will be quickly and visibly punished.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International Community to help rebuild Ukrainian legal system and champion rule of law [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 6 July 2023.

Justice Secretary to join international efforts to assist Ukraine in re-building of justice system.
Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk attending G7 meeting in Japan and meeting ASEAN justice ministers

UK Government to also fund new study to help Ukrainian legal system recover

The UK’s Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, will be working with his international counterparts to champion the rule of law and help rebuild Ukraine’s justice system at the meeting of the G7 Justice Ministers in Japan.

This is the first time Justice Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be joining their G7 counterparts at the meeting.

The UK will be supporting G7 initiatives to aid the Ukrainian justice system, including the development of a new Anti-Corruption Taskforce

Government will also announce plans to fund a study into challenges affecting the Ukrainian justice system currently under pressure due to the impact of the Russian invasion and identify reforms to address these problems.

The Ministry of Justice will work with the Government of Ukraine to direct this study towards the most pressing issues hindering investment and confidence in the system, helping to increase transparency and build trust in the judiciary and the consistent enforcement of laws.

The G7 and ASEAN meeting also represents a unique opportunity for G7 and ASEAN countries to forge closer links between their legal sectors.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk said:

All of us in the G7 have an important role to play in championing the rule of law as the foundation of global stability and economic prosperity.

We will also repledge our international support for Ukraine and the independent investigation by the International Criminal Court into war crimes, and discuss how we can better work together to support Ukraine’s justice system.

The UK, as part of the G7 nations, has played a crucial role in reaffirming international support for holding Russian war criminals accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine.

The UK Government funding of up to £30,000 for the study with Ukraine is in addition to the bespoke package of support the UK has offered to the ICC in the last year in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including:

£1 million additional funding to support investigations over the past year

A dedicated police liaison officer based in The Hague to lead on swift information sharing between the UK and ICC

Ongoing defence analysis and monitoring of events in Ukraine, including preservation of any evidence relating to war crimes

Delivery of war crimes investigation training to Ukrainian police on behalf of the ICC, in collaboration with the Norwegian Police

The G7 Justice Meeting complements The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) held in London last month, which galvanised international backing for the country in the face of Putin’s ongoing attacks and raised over $60 billion towards Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. This includes the UK’s new updated commitments of a further $3 billion of guarantees to unlock World Bank lending to Ukraine and £240 million of bilateral assistance.

It follows an international Justice Ministers’ conference held in London earlier this year to boost support for the International Criminal Court’s vital investigations into war crimes.

Over 40 nations were represented at the conference in March, hosted by the UK and the Netherlands, with over £4 million announced in support of the International Criminal Court, including a £1 million contribution from the UK to support the most vulnerable witnesses and victims of war crimes.

The support of over 50 national experts, including a prosecutor from Japan, has been offered to the Court – bringing their specialist knowledge in policing, forensics, and conflict-related sexual violence as well as crimes against children.

The G7 meeting takes place from 6 to 7 July 2023 in Tokyo.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Lord Chancellor signs first-ever UK-Japan agreement to share Justice expertise [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 6 July 2023.

The United Kingdom and Japan have signed the first-ever Memorandum of Cooperation on Justice issues in Tokyo today (6 July 2023).
agreement signed by the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and Justice Minister Ken Saitō in Tokyo today

new pledge will increase and strengthen collaboration between both Justice ministries

Justice Secretary attending the Justice Ministers G7 in Tokyo

This new commitment will build a platform to increase collaboration between the 2 nations by establishing a regular dialogue to share information, expertise and exchange views on legal and justice matters.

This will improve policymaking in both countries as officials learn from each other on the best ways to deliver justice for victims.

The agreement also signals a mutual desire to strengthen cooperation between Japanese and UK legal services sectors, which will be key to the growth of both economies.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk said:

This is another milestone in the strong and growing relationship between Japan and the UK and evidence of the shared values that underpin our legal systems. It demonstrates Global Britain in action, working hand in hand with our allies to forge closer ties, exchange expertise and connect across markets.

We are committed to learn from each other, to best help victims and deliver justice for all.

The Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk met with the Japanese Justice Minister Ken Saitō during the G7 Justice Ministers meeting where the focus has been on assisting Ukraine, promoting the Rule of Law and connecting the G7 and The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in the field of law and justice.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Microsoft UK pledges support for Digital Skills for Defence [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 July 2023.

Personnel across the Ministry of Defence will benefit from enhanced digital skills, as a result of a new partnership with Microsoft UK.
Accelerating work on advancing digital skills development across UK Defence.

Delivering skills development and training to thousands of personnel across UK.

Transforming digital skills across the whole workforce for military personnel and civilians.

Personnel across the Ministry of Defence will benefit from enhanced digital skills, as a result of a new partnership with Microsoft UK.

Accelerating digital learning at scale and pace, the programme will support The Digital Skills for Defence (DS4D) programme, helping transform the digital skills across the whole workforce; military, civilian, digital professionals and leaders.

This partnership will help upskill the MOD workforce through deeper collaboration with Microsoft UK, supporting the Government’s priority to grow the economy. The key elements are:

Supporting the workforce in enabling training for Microsoft products and services.

Helping to raise awareness of additional skills programs and resources that align with DS4D’s training objectives and support the programme’s skills and development pathways.

Offering shadowing opportunities for Senior MOD staff to foster a culture of sharing best practice and adopting innovative digital approaches.

Earlier in the year, the programme hosted an event at the Microsoft Innovation Centre in London. It was attended by senior leaders in Defence and aimed to get them thinking about the changes needed to transform the wider Defence culture, increase levels of curiosity and create a step change in the ability to a work collaboratively across Defence.

The importance of Digital skills was a major theme of the day and it was clear that this is a topic that impacts everyone from the Chief of the Defence Staff through to a ‘day one’ recruit.

At the event, Claire Fry, Director Functional Integration commented on the need to ensure that Defence is digitally ready for the future:

Our ambition is to deliver and then continuously adapt a critical capability uplift for Defence through the delivery of a world class digital skills education programme for the whole workforce, our leaders and for digital professionals. This is fundamental to retaining our advantage and keeping ahead of our competition.

Our partnership with companies like Microsoft enables us to bring in leading edge digital learning for Defence, I’m delighted to have them on board.

The DS4D programme is a key driver in delivering critical digital skills capability uplift, for defence leaders, digital professionals and the whole Military and Civilian workforce. This is fundamental in building and retaining operational and business advantage, keeping up with and ahead of the competition. The ambition of the programme goes beyond education by looking to transform the learning culture and the way Defence works collaboratively.

There are also several other collaborative projects that will be developed to support the whole force at MOD to increase their digital skills and knowledge. Microsoft joins other key partners in supporting the MOD in transforming the way the whole workforce accesses digital learning.

MOD Chief Information Officer, Charles Forte said on this agreement:

The Digital Skills for Defence Programme is enabling us to build, support and drive digital capabilities within the MOD. The programme will future proof the role we have in continuing to provide world class defence against our adversaries whether that’s in the battlespace or the back office. We are driving our culture of digital innovation by teaming up with partners like Microsoft to provide our whole force with development and training opportunities.

Claire Barclay, Microsoft UK CEO said:

Almost every organisation I speak to is prioritising digital skills. When businesses invest in people, we all benefit; skills open doors for everyone. It’s an exciting time for the Ministry of Defence and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Bishop of Winchester [July 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 July 2023.

The King has approved the nomination of The Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, for election as Bishop of Winchester, in succession to The Right Reverend Dr Timothy Dakin, following his retirement.

Background

Philip was educated at Southampton University and Magdalen College, Oxford, before training for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St James’, Gerrards Cross and St James’, Fulmer, in the Diocese of Oxford, and was ordained priest in 1989.

In 1992, Philip was appointed Vicar of St James’, West Streatham, in the Diocese of Southwark. Between 1998 and 2006, Philip worked for the Church Pastoral Aid Society during which time he held several roles. From 2007, he served as Chaplain of St Michael’s, Paris, in the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe and, in 2012, he was appointed Chief Executive of the Church Mission Society.

In 2019, Philip took up his current role as Bishop of Truro. He is married to Ruth, a former strategic planner, and they have one adult daughter.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – Statement on High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

Thank you, High Commissioner, for your valuable update.

The people of Myanmar continue to suffer at the hands of the military regime. The military continues to target civilians with horrific tactics, including air strikes, torture and sexual and gender-based violence. Over 17.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including over 1.8 million displaced. Thousands of civilians, including children, have been jailed, tortured and killed. And over 10,000 political prisoners remain in detention.

The pre-existing humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by the devastation of Cyclone Mocha. Reports of the military blocking humanitarian access to those in need is extremely concerning.

Mr Vice President, humanitarian aid must not be weaponised. Full humanitarian access must be granted immediately.

The UK will continue to apply pressure through international fora, targeted sanctions and other means to respond to the military’s actions. There must be an end to a culture of impunity. The UK is providing half a million pounds sterling to the Independent Investigative Mechanism and established the Myanmar Witness programme which reports on serious human rights violations.

High Commissioner, what more can the international community do to improve our response to the risk of further mass atrocities?

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s war has left many Ukrainians vulnerable to human trafficking – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Justin Addison (UK Delegation to the OSCE) tells an OSCE joint committee meeting that the UK is committed to working with international partners to reduce the risks of trafficking.

Thank you, Madam moderator. And thank you to the speakers for sharing your thoughts with us today. It’s really valuable to hear the perspectives from civil society. And it’s clear from what has been said that this issue crosses all three of the OSCE’s dimensions.

As we have heard from the deputy minister, Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine has left many Ukrainians vulnerable to human trafficking. Unfortunately, this includes highly gendered and toxic demand for sexual services, as criminals prey on the vulnerability of the displaced. The UK is committed to working with international partners to reduce the risks of trafficking for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

In this challenging context, we thank the Office of the Special Representative for their leadership on anti-trafficking prevention and support to cyber and trafficking police, technology companies, and NGOs working to combat online exploitation. We also thank ODIHR for its important work.

The Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons in April was an important milestone for the OSCE region, demonstrating the importance of national leadership and a global response to tackling human trafficking. Although progress has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go. That is why the UK is committed to supporting Theresa May in her work to establish a new Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Such a commission will inject political momentum at this critical time, and will support the global community to achieve our shared goal of eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030. We encourage participating States who have not already done so to evaluate how they can support this important new initiative.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New global taskforce unveiled to bolster resilience in aviation workforce [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 July 2023.

UK-led taskforce launched to address global skills challenges in aviation.
- global Aviation Skills Taskforce launched to boost careers in aviation as demand for flights grows post-COVID-19 pandemic, creating a resilient workforce and helping to grow the economy
- this taskforce will demand collaboration between international partners to address global skills challenges in aviation
- comes as government has also signed 2 memoranda of understanding to work with Spain on accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel, establishing green shipping corridors and protecting seafarers
The Aviation Minister has today (6 July 2023) launched a UK-led global taskforce at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Gender Summit in Spain to boost careers in the aviation sector.

Building on the success of the government’s existing domestic programme Generation Aviation, which aims to build a resilient and diverse workforce fit for the future, the UK is partnering with Airport Council International (ACI World), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) – demonstrating the importance of international collaboration to address global skills in aviation and aerospace.

Alongside other countries and industry, the taskforce will aim to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in aviation and will retain and upskill the current workforce, as well as promote diversity – unleashing the sector’s economic potential and helping grow the economy.

Aviation and Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:

Since the pandemic, demand for flights has grown but the sector is still facing challenges in recruiting and retaining the people it needs globally.

It takes a united effort to fix that, which is why I am keen to work with international partners to attract the best talent to aviation and deliver a diverse and resilient workforce to overcome the challenges of the future.

The UK has also committed to levelling up both the aviation and maritime sectors by working with Spain to grow the economy and boost the sectors’ standards and sustainability.

Future-proofing our aviation sector doesn’t just sit with the next generation of aviators but requires leadership today. That is why Baroness Vere is also signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spain to promote sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions in the aviation sector by sharing knowledge and best practice and fostering high standards of sustainability globally.

Building on our shared naval heritage, Baroness Vere is also signing the MOU to establish green shipping corridors and protect seafarer welfare.

Earlier this year, the UK government implemented its Seafarers Wages Act, to increase pay and protect seafarers regularly entering the UK.

As part of its Nine-point-plan to work with international partners to reform employment and welfare of seafarers, the UK and Spain will collaborate on protecting seafarers and raising standards on the Anglo-Spanish shipping routes, as well as sharing expertise to develop maritime standards.

The environmental impact of shipping remains at the forefront of the government’s push to decarbonise transport, which is why the UK is also establishing green shipping corridors with Spain as part of the Clydebank Declaration. This will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also promote sustainable economic growth and enhance global efforts to combat climate change.
July 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : NHS Recovery Summit held to help cut waiting lists [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 July 2023.

Health and Social Care Secretary will convene the next NHS Recovery Summit with health experts to help drive innovation across the NHS.
Summit will focus on digital innovation and technology to help deliver better care for patients and boost work to cut waiting lists – one of the government’s top 5 priorities

Ministers to host roundtable sessions across elective, urgent and emergency, primary and adult social care

The Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay will convene ministers, clinical leaders and health experts for the next NHS Recovery Summit today (6 July 2023) to drive forward plans to help cut waiting lists and improve care for patients, in the week of the NHS’s 75th birthday.

Health and social care ministers will host roundtable sessions covering elective, primary, urgent and emergency and adult social care, bringing together NHS chief executives and clinical leaders from across the country and experts from independent and charity sector organisations. This includes the Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s National Director of Transformation, Dr Tim Ferris and Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services.

Demonstrations throughout the day will showcase how technology in the NHS is transforming care for patients and consider how to go further and faster in embracing new technology to improve access to services, as well as boosting use of NHS 111 and the NHS App to ease pressures and improve choice for patients.

It follows on from the Prime Minister’s NHS Recovery Forum held in Downing Street on 7 January, which discussed a range of measures such as the expansion of virtual wards, greater use of pharmacy to ease pressures on general practice and more choice over elective care for patients, many of which have now been introduced across the health service.

Waiting times have substantially reduced from the peak of winter pressures in December, and since then the NHS has published the Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, the Primary Care Recovery Plan and the first ever NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to help put the NHS on a sustainable footing.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

The NHS is a national treasure and it’s important we take the chance to look at its achievements over the last 75 years, take stock of where we are now and look ahead to where we want to be in the future.

Today’s summit is about keeping up momentum to recover health and social care services, by bringing together key experts to share knowledge and arrive at solutions to tackle the key challenges facing the NHS and social care, from embracing innovative AI tools to maximising the full potential of the NHS App for patients.

I’m focused on improving care for patients through the use of technology to diagnose and treat patients more quickly – delivering on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.

Examples of the tech being demonstrated include DERM AI, which is being used to assess skin lesions for cancer across the NHS. DERM has been shown to be 99.7% accurate in predicting skin lesions as non-cancerous. The number of people being referred for skin cancer is increasing year on year, with more than 600,000 people sent for a skin cancer check last year, almost a 10% increase on the year before. DERM could help to triage more patients faster, which could reduce the burden on clinicians and help people receive the care they need sooner.

The government is investing in DERM and other technologies through the AI Awards, with £123 million invested into 86 technologies since 2020. Last month the government also announced an additional £21 million fund to roll out the latest AI diagnostic tools across the NHS.

There will also be a demonstration of cutting-edge medical technology that can help the NHS improve care, such as Rezum – a minimally invasive procedure that uses water vapour to treat enlarged prostates, relieving symptoms without the need for an overnight admission as people can be treated as outpatients.

Virtual reality headsets will be used to showcase Hospital 2.0 designs, demonstrating what the new, nationally designed hospitals of the future will look like as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme. This includes a design that will be adaptable to a variety of locations, featuring an open and light environment, single inpatient bedrooms and staff rest spaces.

The landmark NHS Long Term Workforce Plan will deliver hundreds of thousands more staff over the next 15 years, and the most radical modernisation and reform of the workforce since the NHS was founded in 1948.

Significant progress has been made on elective care, as 2-year waits have been virtually eliminated and 18-month waits have fallen by more than 91% from their September 2021 peak. Community diagnostic centres have formed a vital part of this effort, with 111 already open across the country and over 4 million additional tests, checks and scans delivered since July 2021.

In May, the government also announced plans to empower patients to choose where they receive their NHS care through the NHS App. Patients should be offered a choice of a minimum of 5 providers, where clinically appropriate, by their referring clinician, with information available about waiting times, distance to travel and quality to help them make their choice. Research shows that giving patients choice can cut up to 3 months off their waiting time by selecting a different hospital in the same region.

As part of the Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, the NHS has already rolled out 7,000 virtual ward beds to adults, and now they will be expanded to tens of thousands of children across the country to allow them to be treated from the comfort of their own home.

The Primary Care Recovery Plan included £240 million for practices across England to embrace the latest technology to tackle the 8am rush and reduce the number of people struggling to contact their GP, alongside the introduction of Pharmacy First, which will see pharmacists treating patients for common conditions, as well as an expansion of blood pressure and contraception services within pharmacies.

Work is also underway across community health services and intermediate care to improve social care this winter and beyond, supported by the Better Care Fund – including £1.6 billion of discharge funding over the next 2 years to ensure patients can leave hospital as soon as they’re ready.
July 12, 2023