Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Five major hospitals to be rebuilt as part of over £20 billion new hospital infrastructure investment [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 May 2023.

Five hospitals constructed mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) will be rebuilt by 2030 as part of the New Hospital Programme.
- Government remains committed to building 40 new hospitals by 2030
- Government confirms for the first time the New Hospital Programme is now expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment in hospital infrastructure
Patients and staff will benefit from safe, state-of-the-art new facilities and improved care as the government announced its commitment today (Thursday 25 May) to rebuild 5 major hospitals by 2030, as part of the New Hospital Programme. For the first time, the government has confirmed a record investment of over £20 billion is expected to be spent on new hospital infrastructure.

The 5 hospitals are Airedale in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey. These hospitals all have significant amounts of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) – a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past but which has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly.

The NHS has asked the government to prioritise the rebuilding of these hospitals given the risks they pose to patients and staff – the full extent of which has come to light since the New Hospital Programme was first announced in 2020.

Two of the worst affected hospitals – West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and James Paget Hospital in Norfolk – have already been announced as part of the New Hospital Programme and the construction of these major new hospitals will be prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.

As a result of this reprioritisation, as well as the rising cost of construction materials, up to 8 schemes that were originally due to be constructed towards the end of the decade will now be completed past 2030.

The government remains committed to delivering all hospitals within the programme as soon as possible – the biggest in a generation – and will ensure all schemes have adequate funding.

It is on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030, because in addition to the 5 RAAC hospitals, 3 mental health hospitals will also be delivered through wider capital funding by 2030 – as part of a commitment to eradicate dormitory accommodation from mental health facilities across the country and put mental health on an equal footing to physical health.

Two hospitals in the New Hospital Programme are already complete and 5 in construction. By the end of next year more than 20 will be underway or complete.

The government will keep the situation under review and do everything it can to accelerate the completion timeline of the hospitals impacted, if circumstances allow. The New Hospital Programme will continue to work closely with new and existing schemes on their plans to ensure they deliver for patients, staff and communities.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

These 5 hospitals are in pressing need of repair and are being prioritised so patients and staff can benefit from major new hospital buildings, equipped with the latest technology.

On top of this I’m strengthening our New Hospital Programme by today confirming that it is expected to represent more than £20 billion of new investment in hospital infrastructure.

As we approach the 75th anniversary of our fantastic NHS, this extra investment will ensure it can care for patients for decades to come and help cut waiting lists so they get the treatment they need quicker.

Going forward, new schemes will be considered through a rolling programme of capital investment in hospital infrastructure to secure the building of new hospitals beyond 2030.

It will mean further future investment to upgrade NHS facilities across the country, with details to be agreed periodically to provide greater future certainty, and will allow more than 40 new hospitals to be built in the longer term.

By developing a national approach to delivering new hospitals, they can be built more quickly and at a reduced cost, providing value for taxpayers. Patients and staff will benefit from modern hospital design making use of the latest technology, digital innovation and sustainability to improve overall patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.

This is in addition to substantial wider capital investment which is delivering vital improvements across the NHS, including major upgrades.

The government remains committed to eradicating RAAC from the wider NHS estate by 2035 and has already allocated £685 million in immediate support to affected trusts to help keep patients and staff safe.

Health Minister, Lord Markham, said:

We are investing in new NHS facilities across the country giving patients the certainty they can access world-leading care in state-of-the-art hospitals, both now and in the years to come.

In the immediate term, we’re focussing on quickly and safely rebuilding hospitals in areas which need it most – specifically those affected by this specific type of concrete, which poses a significant risk to patients and staff if not rebuilt by 2030 – with over £20 billion expected to be invested in new hospital infrastructure.

In the long term, our new standardised design means we can rapidly replicate new hospitals across the country, helping speed up construction and improving services for patients faster.

Senior Responsible Owner of the New Hospital Programme, Natalie Forrest, said:

This is a significant milestone for the New Hospital Programme, as we continue to progress with delivering facilities for staff and patients at the cutting edge of modern technology with the experience of those who will use these hospitals at the heart of our focus.

We’re continuing to build healthcare infrastructure that improves patient care – including modern designs, creating single rooms ensuring maximum natural light and access to outdoor spaces. This new design will reduce the workload of NHS staff through digital solutions, well designed flow and designated areas for staff recuperation.

I look forward to continuing to work with all trusts already in the programme and welcoming the new ones into the New Hospital Programme.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Collaboration urged as climate change puts water security at risk [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 May 2023.

Environment Agency Chief Executive John Curtin chaired the latest National Drought Group meeting on 24 May.
Whilst spring rainfall has been a welcome relief for most of the country, experts caution that ongoing action will remain vital for securing our water supply into the future.

At this week’s meeting of the National Drought Group (Wednesday 24 May), chaired by Environment Agency Chief Executive John Curtin, the group discussed how the government, regulators and water companies can work together to better prepare for the continual shocks and erratic weather patterns caused by a changing climate.

Two Environment Agency areas remain in drought – parts of East Anglia, as well as Devon and Cornwall. Both areas are beginning to improve following above average rainfall throughout April.

The Environment Agency is advising water companies to get their drought preparedness plans in order now, as another hot, dry spell could see drought conditions return.

England is experiencing more extreme weather more often, with parts of the country experiencing drought and flooding at the same time. Earlier this year, we also saw the driest February in 30 years followed by the wettest March in 40 years, which demonstrates how we cannot rely on weather alone to secure sufficient water resources.

The National Drought Group – which is made up of senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, the Met Office, water companies and key farming and environmental groups – heard that a collaborative approach is needed to improve the environment and ensure adequate water supplies are available for people, agriculture, wildlife and the environment.

Environment Agency Chief Executive and NDG Chair, John Curtin, said:

This spring’s wet weather continues to improve water availability. But increasingly extreme climate shocks, such as last summer’s hot and dry spell, can change everything in an instant.

We need to be better prepared for future climate-driven drought, as well as learn from what we have already experienced. That is why government, regulators, water companies and all water users will continue to work together, using the latest science and best practice, to ensure our water resources are prepared for more extreme events in the future.

Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

Whilst recent rain has been a relief for many, it is crucial that we all work together to ease pressures on our precious water supply and increase resilience to drought – everyone has an important role to play.

The government will continue to work collaboratively with the Environment Agency and industry, and through our Plan for Water, we are ensuring key water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs can be built more quickly. Water companies must better deliver for customers, step up their water resource planning efforts and take precautionary steps to ensure water resilience.

The natural environment continues to take time to recuperate from the impacts of last summer and the Environment Agency is also focusing ongoing efforts on monitoring how well fish and invertebrates are recovering from drought. As of 16 May, the total reservoir capacity across England was at 92%. This compares with 49% at the end of September 2022, when reservoirs were at their lowest following the drought through summer. Almost all river flows are normal or higher for this time of year.

National Drought Group members are continuing to plan ahead in case of another unprecedented summer and are managing water resources to reduce the risk of drought measures being required again this year.

National Drought Group members heard that:

With climate change causing the UK’s weather patterns to become increasingly unpredictable, we must act now whilst we’re in an improved position to help secure our water resources into the future.

Water companies, retailers and regulators must learn from the response to the 2022 drought and plan ahead to better respond to future droughts. They are expected to demonstrate more actions to help conserve water in areas of drought for the benefit of customers, other water users and the environment.

The Environment Agency, Defra, the National Farmers Union and the agriculture sector have worked together to plan support for farmers in East Anglia. This includes regular updates on the prospects for irrigation and the Environment Agency introducing water abstraction e-alerts to help optimise water availability. A new multi-sector Water Resources East Dry Weather Group will meet regularly and work together to collectively help identify local opportunities for support.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More choice to help cut hospital waiting times [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 May 2023.

Patients will be given more choice and greater control over their own care, including through the NHS App.
- App and website will show different provider information to help patients choose where to go
- Research shows giving patients choice can cut up to 3 months off their waiting time – helping to deliver the Prime Minister’s promise to cut waiting lists
Patients will be empowered to choose where they receive their NHS care under new plans to help cut waiting lists, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

A letter issued by the NHS today to local areas will require patients to be offered choice when clinically appropriate.

After speaking with their GP, patients will be able to view information for a minimum of 5 providers where possible, with information about waiting times, distance to travel and quality to help them make their choice. They will then be able to make a choice about where they go for treatment using the NHS App or website, based on their own circumstances.

Currently just 1 in 10 patients exercise their right to choose but 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.

During the pandemic, millions of people downloaded the NHS App to access services including the NHS COVID Pass. The plans announced today will expand the way that the NHS App and website are used to improve how patients choose to receive their care. Newly updated software to IT systems will also make the process easier for GPs when referring patients for treatment.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Empowering patients to choose where they receive treatment will help cut waiting lists, one of my 5 key priorities.

Currently, just one in 10 patients make a choice about where they receive care. We want to change that by helping the NHS to offer patients a real choice while also giving patients the information they need to decide.

Our aim is to create an NHS built around patients, where everyone has more control over the care they receive, wherever they live or whatever their health needs are.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Every patient should be able to easily choose where they go to receive treatment and today’s package will put that power in their hands.

Millions of people downloaded the NHS App during the pandemic. Increasing use of this fantastic resource will enable them to exercise more choice and get access to essential information about the options for their care including journey time, length of wait and quality of service – all at the swipe of a smartphone screen.

This will not only give patients more control over their own care but could also wipe months off their wait by finding a hospital or clinic with a shorter waiting list.

Cutting waiting times is one of the government top 5 priorities and we are already making progress to tackle the backlog and are rolling out community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs to boost the numbers of tests, scans and operations.

Patients already on waiting lists will also benefit as, from October, those who have waited more than 40 weeks for an appointment but have not yet been given a treatment date, will be asked whether they want to switch hospitals, including one with a shorter wait, if possible and clinically appropriate. This builds on existing NHS ‘mutual aid’ arrangements between hospital trusts.

As the NHS continues to make progress in tackling the backlog, this threshold could be reduced over time, based on clinical advice, towards 18 weeks as fast as possible.

A new public awareness campaign will also encourage patients to exercise their right to choose and guidance has been provided to GP practices to support them to offer choice, with training available on using IT systems to make referrals.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said:

By giving patients greater choice and more information about their care through the convenience of the NHS app, we can change the way people access treatment options while also building on the fantastic work already being done by NHS staff across the country in bringing down the longest waits for care.

Despite significant pressure, the NHS reduced 18-month waits for care by more than 90% by April and alongside existing tools like elective hubs, surgical robots and ‘prehab’ checks, this is another way that we are continuing to embrace the latest innovations and tech for the benefit of patients.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Staff at NHS trusts across the country have been working flat out to reduce the amount of time patients are waiting for elective treatment, and are making incredible progress.

Giving patients even more access to information about their appointments, and being able to choose where they take place through the convenience of the NHS App, will help trusts continue to provide patients with the best possible care, as quickly as possible.

The NHS App, which serves as a digital front door to the NHS, has over 32 million sign ups and receives around 75 million visits a month. Patients are already able to book and manage their GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and manage their hospital referrals through the app.

Dr Sarah Clark of Westgate Surgery, Otley, said:

As a GP I know how important it is for our patients to have the choice in where and when they are treated. Patients have different priorities and different needs and offering choice better fulfils that need.

By extending the options for patients they will be able to choose to be seen quicker or in more convenient locations for them. Hopefully this will, in part, help reduce the wait for secondary care referrals but also reduce the number of appointments not attended by patients who have been given no option over where or when they are seen.

This change will be embraced by my patients and is something which I, as their GP, support.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said:

We hope this announcement will make it easier for patients in England to use their long-established right to choose where they receive their care.

Work we’ve done shows patients’ awareness of choice is not high, nor are many offered choice regularly. Earlier this year, our survey of patients’ experience of healthcare found around only 1 in 6 patients we questioned had been given the opportunity to choose where they had their hospital care.

We hope the planned communications campaign will clearly explain choice and encourage people to exercise it. We welcome news of the support general practice is to get, but with the current pressures on general practice, it will be important they are supported to work in partnership with their patients to increase uptake of patient choice.

We hope the planned changes will lead to more patients exercising their right to choose where they have their treatment, enabling them to access and benefit from the healthcare they need to live well.

David Hare, Chief Executive, Independent Healthcare Providers Network:

We welcome today’s announcements from the government, and patients will too.

An awareness campaign to help the public understand their rights to choose is good news. We know many patients want to be given a choice as it can dramatically reduce their wait for NHS care. But too often patients are unclear that they have the right to choose a healthcare provider to deliver their NHS care – whether an NHS organisation or an independent sector one – free at the point of use.

Delivering new ways for patients to use the NHS App to choose and progress their care is a very exciting development. It’s great to see this functionality and capability being rolled out. Millions of people downloaded the app during the pandemic, so using this technology will really help modernise how we access healthcare, putting control into the hands of patients themselves.

Significant progress has already been made in bringing down waiting lists for patients – the NHS successfully met the first target in the elective recovery plan to virtually eliminate waits of over 2 years and has cut 18-month waits by over 91% from the peak in September 2021.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Report by Head of OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek – UK response [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

Ambassador Holland voices UK support for the work of OSCE’s Programme Office in Bishkek, including on border security, human rights, and climate change.

May I first welcome you, both Ambassador Rogov and Acting Director Indira Satarkulova to the Permanent Council. Thank you and your colleagues for your report and hard work over the past year.

The UK remains committed to a strong partnership with Kyrgyzstan. We look forward to the visit there next month by our Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty.

The UK values the important work of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. The Academy continues to inform and support policymaking in the region across all three dimensions of the OSCE.

This year’s Programme Office report outlines the effective coordination with the Kyrgyz authorities, including through the Consultative Mechanism. So I also thank the Kyrgyz Ministry for Foreign Affairs for their support in implementing the Programme’s Office’s mandate.

There are three themes in the report that I would like to focus on today.

Firstly, the Programme Office’s role in facilitating cross-border cooperation and security. We reiterate our call for a peaceful resolution of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border disputes that resulted in violence last year. We commend the dialogue opened between the two countries to discuss unresolved demarcation and delimitation issues. The OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, supported in Kyrgyzstan by your office, is a crucial and effective tool to grow further inter-state cooperation.

Secondly, on human rights. Kyrgyzstan’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2023-2025 is an excellent opportunity for the Kyrgyz Government to make further progress. We hope that it, with the support of the OSCE, will strengthen human rights mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan to protect vulnerable groups and enhance the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

It is particularly important to build upon efforts to support survivors of gender-based violence in and around Batken province. The enhancement of the Programme Office’s Women Initiative Groups is a great example of how the OSCE can directly provide support to vulnerable groups in the region. And it aligns with the UK’s own UNFPA activity.

The Kyrgyz Government must also protect and support the rights of all media workers. Freedom of speech is one of the core pillars of a strong and prosperous state and is protected under the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. We welcome the work done by the OSCE Academy to promote the necessity of independent journalism to young people.

Lastly, we welcome the Programme Office’s work to amplify Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to tackle climate change. As the report notes, Kyrgyzstan’s geography and topography means it is particularly susceptible to the increasing threats of rising temperatures and glacial melt. Support for initiatives, such as the Aarhus Centre Network’s promotion of environmental democracy, demonstrate the OSCE’s crucial role in reversing climate trends in the region. The Programme Office’s support at November’s Central Asian Regional Green Economy Forum has helped with confidence-building and knowledge-sharing. This is particularly valuable as Kyrgyzstan looks to transition towards a green economy.

Mr Chair our discussions today, as they did a year ago, unfortunately take place against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This continues to impact the security of all OSCE participating States. I would like to thank our colleagues in Bishkek for delivering right across the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. We wish them continued success in the year ahead.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Workers’ rights wins for parents and carers [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 May 2023.

Parents and carers to be given new protections at work, covering leave entitlement and redundancy rules.
- These new rights derive from three Government backed cross party bills that have now been granted royal assent
- This follows a wave of wins for workers this year after a record National Minimum Wage uplift and measures to ensure staff can keep their hard-earned tips.
Parents and unpaid carers are set to receive a boost with new employment protections, as three Government backed Private Members Bills received royal assent yesterday [ Wednesday 24 May].

This wave of new workers’ rights has been welcomed by charities and parties across parliament.

When in force, these new laws will help to increase workforce participation, protect vulnerable workers, and level the playing field by ensuring unscrupulous businesses don’t have a competitive advantage and delivering on our priority to grow the economy.

Parents and carers will benefit from the following new protections once in force:
- Up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave for employed parents whose children are admitted to neonatal care, so that they can spend more time with their baby at what is a hugely stressful time. This is in addition to other leave and pay entitlements such as maternity and paternity.
- Redundancy protection for pregnant women and new parents with the extension of existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work
- A new entitlement for unpaid carers to a week of flexible unpaid leave a year, for employees who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need. This will enable carers to better balance their caring and work responsibilities, supporting them to remain in employment.
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

We know how stressful it can be for parents caring for a new-born in neonatal care, or someone who is trying to juggle work with caring responsibilities, and these additional protections will ensure they get the support they need.

Over the past year, we have proven our commitment to supporting workers across the UK, including raising the national living wage to its highest yet. Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting businesses to grow remains a priority for this government and a dynamic labour helps to drive up wages, employment and economic growth.

The Government backed bills will boost support to vulnerable workers, and to parents during incredibly difficult times. Up to 12 weeks of paid leave provided by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay Act makes the UK as a world leader in this area, allowing parents to be with their babies instead of worrying about work.

Shocking research from the Equality and Human Rights Commission showed that approximately one in nine mothers were either dismissed, made compulsorily redundant or treated so poorly they felt they had to leave their job. The Protection from Redundancy Act will extend existing protections to protect pregnant women and new parents against this discriminatory practice.

Charities have been calling for further support for carers. There are millions of unpaid carers in the UK, and The Carer’s Leave Act will provide the support they need to continue with their invaluable contribution to society. Once in force, they won’t have to struggle between caring for the ones they love and working to provide for their families.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Blow for Putin as UK marks one year free from Russian gas [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

New figures published today show the UK did not import any Russian gas in the 12 months to end of March 2023, while UK gas exports to Europe tripled over the same period.
- New figures published today show UK did not import any Russian gas in the past 12 months
- it comes as Ofgem announce energy price cap reduction, which is set to see average household bills fall by £430
- record renewable energy generation and rise in UK gas exports to Europe helping to kick Putin out of energy market and power up Britain from Britain
The UK has gone a full year without importing any Russian gas – in a boost for the country’s energy security and blow to Putin’s war machine.

New figures published today show the UK did not import any Russian gas in the 12 months to end of March 2023, while UK gas exports to Europe tripled over the same period.

It comes as Ofgem announced a reduction in the energy price cap, which will see household bills fall by around £430.

Today’s figures also show renewables generated a record 46.2% of UK electricity from major power producers over the past 3 months. This is up from just 3.5% for the same period in 2010.

The decisive action taken by the UK to ban Russian gas, support European allies and increase the amount of energy generated from renewable sources is helping to kick Putin out of the global energy market and drive down bills.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:

We have led the world in standing up to Putin’s attempts to use energy as a weapon of war and, by slamming the door shut on Russian gas, we are helping to cripple the Kremlin war machine and safeguard the UK.

It’s positive households across the country will see their energy bills fall by around £430 on average from July, marking a major milestone in our determined efforts to halve inflation.

We spent billions to protect families when prices rose over the winter, covering nearly half a typical household’s energy bill, with wholesale energy prices down by over two thirds since their peak as we’ve neutralised Putin’s blackmail.

I’m relentlessly focused on reducing our reliance on foreign fossil fuels and powering-up Britain from Britain to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure energy.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Like his efforts on the battlefield, Putin’s attempts to weaponise energy supplies are failing.

Thanks to the steps we and our allies have taken, including to fast-forward the clean energy transition and on energy efficiency, Russian energy revenue continues to be dented and global prices have also fallen.

Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will continue to undermine Putin’s ability to wage war, including by cracking down on the circumvention of our sanctions.

Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine had a devastating effect on global energy markets, forcing up wholesale prices and with it the energy bills of households and businesses in the UK and around the world.

In response, the government took swift action to shield consumers and companies from the worst effects, paying around half a typical household’s bill over the winter and half the wholesale energy costs paid by some businesses.

The Powering Up Britain plan published in March set out the UK’s ambitious plans to scale up affordable, clean, homegrown power and build thriving green industries – boosting the country’s energy security and independence and reducing household bills for the long term.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Peace in Ukraine must be just and lasting – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says that Ukraine must be able to secure peace on their own terms. Russian aggression cannot be rewarded.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Today, I would like to talk about peace. We hear many calls for a stop to the fighting in Ukraine in the name of peace. Some of these are well-meaning. But some draw a false equivalence between Ukraine’s struggle to defend itself and its territory, and Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is expansionist, but for Ukraine, it is existential. Russia invaded a fellow participating State of the OSCE. Russia’s actions contravene the Helsinki Final Act and trample on the foundational commitments of this organisation. Ukraine is not only defending its right to exist as a sovereign and democratic State; in doing so Ukraine is defending the right of all peoples to live in freedom and peace, without fear of aggression.

The way to peace and an end to the terrible impacts of Russia’s invasion begins with the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. However, Russia has continually shown that it has no genuine interest in peace. A country interested in peace does not bomb warehouses of humanitarian aid. A country interested in peace does not play havoc with the world’s food supply. And a country interested in peace does not put civil nuclear facilities at risk.

The path to a just and lasting peace is one rooted in the UN Charter and OSCE principles. These are principles that all of us, including Russia, have committed to uphold. Ukraine has been clear that it seeks a diplomatic end to the war, as set out in President Zelenskyy’s peace formula. But a truly sustainable and just peace for Ukraine must provide for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It must ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held to account. And it must restore stability and security to Europe and the wider OSCE region.

We will continue to support Ukraine to secure peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace. We will also ensure that Russia is not rewarded for its aggression, and that others are not emboldened to do the same. As my Prime Minister said ahead of last week’s G7 Summit, “for the sake of global peace and security, we must show that brutal violence and coercion does not reap rewards”. The G7 Summit demonstrated that our international partners share our resolve; a new range of sanctions and economic measures will constrain Russia’s war machine further. G7 Leaders said: “Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world”.

Mr Chair, through this support, we will ensure that Ukraine can secure peace on their own terms, and have the freedom to choose their own future. As G7 Leaders pledged in Hiroshima, “together with Ukraine, [we will] make every effort to bring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Thank you, Mr Chair.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms support for Ukraine as government hands over presidency of International Transport Forum [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 25 May 2023.

Transport Secretary highlights devastating impact war has had on Ukraine transport infrastructure and calls for changes to ITF rules to adapt to unprecedented global events.
- Transport Secretary reiterates condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine as he hands over UK’s presidency of the International Transport Forum to Lithuania
- joint statement with vice-presidencies Lithuania and Chile highlights impact of war on Ukraine’s transport infrastructure and calls for change to ITF rules to adapt to unprecedented global events
- Transport Secretary due to meet his German counterpart in Berlin later in the week to discuss UK-German cooperation on transport including a possible high-speed rail connection
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has reiterated the UK’s condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine – highlighting the devastating impact it’s had on the country’s transport infrastructure – during a 2-day summit of transport ministers from across the world in Leipzig, Germany.

The UK has held the presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) for the past year, and today (25 May 2023) issued a statement – in conjunction with vice-presidencies Lithuania and Chile – highlighting the work the ITF has done to support Ukraine in rebuilding its transport systems and infrastructure.

As part of our ongoing support to Ukraine and its people, the UK rail industry has made several donations of critical rail infrastructure and humanitarian aid, recently delivering £10 million in materials to repair rail infrastructure and to facilitate the movement of grain out of Ukraine. Bolstering the country’s skillset, Ukrainian engineers were trained in the UK on how to use the bridge repair materials, too.

In a speech during the forum, the Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

As the UK hands over the ITF presidency, we do so not just with pride at what ITF has achieved over the past 12 months, but also a commitment to continue championing the values and aims of this vital organisation.

But sadly, those values and aims aren’t shared by all. We continue to see parts of Ukraine laid waste by Putin’s illegal war.

Today’s joint presidencies statement, from the UK, Lithuania and Chile, shows Ukraine doesn’t stand alone.

The statement came as the UK handed over its year-long presidency of the ITF to Lithuania during the 2-day annual summit.

The UK also called for amendments to the general rules of the ITF to make sure the organisation can be more flexible in responding and adapting to future unprecedented events as seen with coronavirus (COVID-19) and the invasion of Ukraine.

The ITF is a world-leading intergovernmental organisation for transport policy bringing together over 60 countries, hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Last year, former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps assumed the presidency by outlining 5 priorities for the UK’s tenure: leading global transport transformation by making transport more connected, greener, inclusive, safe and resilient, and innovative.

Also during the summit, Mark Harper chaired meetings of the inter-governmental Zero Emissions Vehicles Transition Council (ZEVTC), which he used to discuss efforts to transition to zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) – essential to decarbonising our roads and meeting global climate targets.

He also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Chile, Brazil, South Korea and Switzerland, discussing how to increase collaboration between the UK and its international partners around the world to tackle shared transport priorities.

Following the ITF summit, the Transport Secretary will travel to Berlin to meet his counterpart Dr Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, and Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn.

Next month, the UK will host the Ukraine Recovery Conference – a continuation of the series of annual events dedicated to Ukraine’s transformation. The first took place in London in 2017 as the Ukraine Reform Conference.

This year’s conference will focus on the mobilisation of international and private sector support for the economic and social stabilisation of Ukraine.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 prevents governance gap in Executive’s absence [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 25 May 2023.

The Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act, which received Royal Assent yesterday (24 May 2023), also allows the UK Government to explore, with the Northern Ireland Civil Service, options for budget sustainability.

Current civil servant decision-making arrangements are due to expire on 5 June. This Act continues these powers until an Executive is formed, and in the absence of ministers enables preparatory work to take place around options for budget sustainability, including further revenue raising. Further, the Act requires that NI departmental accounts are laid in the House of Commons to increase transparency and scrutiny around how public money is spent.

This Act supports the UK Government’s focus on the restoration of the Executive and Assembly. Locally elected, accountable and effective devolved government is the right way for Northern Ireland to be governed, per the vision of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Through this Act, the UK Government is acting to ensure the management of public services and funds can continue, but a restored Executive is necessary to progress much needed and long promised public service transformation.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

I greatly appreciate the ongoing work by Northern Ireland’s civil servants to keep public services going while we are without an Executive. While I am hopeful that locally elected ministers will once again resume their responsibilities in government, this new legislation ensures continued governance for the people of NI.

The government has a responsibility to provide this certainty, and our desire to see an Executive restored recognises that strong local devolved government offers the best way to build a brighter future for the people, communities and businesses of NI.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International coordination meeting on Myanmar sanctions efforts [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

UK Sanctions Coordinator met with US, EU and Canadian counterparts to discuss continued cooperation on Myanmar sanctions efforts.

On 24 May, the Sanctions Coordinators for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the services in charge of sanctions policy and implementation of the European Commission and the European External Action Service met to continue to assess and align ongoing efforts related to sanctions on Myanmar.

The partners discussed the significant scope of actions taken since the military coup in February 2021, ongoing coordination efforts, and the importance of continued information and target sharing to support sanctions packages. The UK announced further sanctions on 31 January and 27 March 2023, targeting suppliers to the Myanmar regime of military equipment and other material being used to attack its civilians. The partners identified the continued need for sustained direct cooperation in order to restrict the regime’s ability to carry out atrocities against the people of Myanmar and pressure the regime to change course to restore the country’s path toward genuine and inclusive democracy.

June 2, 2023