Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Help to Save extended to April 2025 [May 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 23 May 2023.

Help to Save is open to people receiving benefits including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit and offers a generous savings bonus.

Help to Save – the government savings scheme for low-income earners, which offers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over 4 years – has been extended to April 2025, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.

More than 359,200 customers have opened savings accounts since its launch in September 2018 and an additional 3 million individuals could still benefit from the savings scheme as a result of the extension.

Help to Save is a savings scheme for low-income earners. Savers can deposit between £1 and £50 a month into their account and will receive a government bonus– even if money has been withdrawn.

Savers will earn a 50 pence bonus for every £1 saved and the bonus payments are paid in the second and fourth years. This means that someone saving £2,400 – the maximum amount they could deposit over four years – would receive a £1,200 bonus from the government, paid directly into their bank account.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

Help to Save can encourage positive saving habits – no matter what you can afford to save – and the 50% government bonus payment can help savers when they need it most.

It is quick and easy to apply online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘help to save’ on GOV.UK to find out more.

Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:

Millions of people could benefit from a boost to their savings through Help to Save and thanks to our Spring Budget reforms the scheme has been extended until 2025.

Whatever amount you can save will trigger a top up from the Government, so take advantage and apply today.

Individuals can open a Help to Save account if, when they apply, they are receiving:
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit and are entitled to Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit and they (with their partner, if it is a joint claim) had take-home pay of £722.45 or more in their last monthly assessment period.
Accounts are open for a maximum of 4 years and individuals can make deposits as many times as they like by debit card, bank transfer or standing order, without going over the monthly saving limit of £50. Individuals can also withdraw money at any time, although this may affect their 50% bonus payments.

The government published a consultation on the Help to Save scheme on 27 April 2023, seeking views on how the scheme can be reformed and simplified.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Five new species set to be protected under Ivory Act extension [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 May 2023.

Hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, killer whale and sperm whale set to be protected under Ivory Act extension.
- The five endangered CITES-listed species to receive greater legal protections under world-leading Ivory Act 2018
- Key manifesto commitment met as part of a wider UK drive on international conservation
Hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, killer whale (orca) and sperm whale are set to receive greater legal protections under the UK’s world-leading ban on importing, exporting and dealing in items containing ivory, the Government has announced today (Tuesday 23 May 2023) – delivering on a key animal welfare manifesto commitment.

Hippopotamus is the species most at risk from the trade in its ivory after elephants. The other species are already threatened by climate change, and the continuing trade in their ivory may exacerbate these threats and make their long-term survival less likely.

Putting the UK at the forefront of global conservation efforts, today’s consultation response confirms plans to extend the Ivory Act 2018 to ban all dealing in ivory from these species, including imports and exports.

The UK’s world-leading Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales in the world, with some of the strongest enforcement measures. Those found guilty of breaching the ban face tough penalties including an unlimited fine or up to five years in jail.

Biodiversity Minister Trudy Harrison said:

“This is a pivotal moment in delivering one of our key manifesto commitments on international conservation.

“The Ivory Act is one of the toughest bans of its kind in the world and by extending greater legal protections to five more species, we are sending a clear message the commercial trade of ivory is totally unacceptable.

“The UK has long led the way in conservation and our ban shows continued global leadership in doing all we can to protect the world’s most endangered species.”

Steve Backshall MBE said:

“This is an important moment in the conservation of these iconic species.

There is widespread public support for the Ivory ban and today by extending it further we are sending a clear message that there is no place in the UK for this vile trade.”

Frances Goodrum, Head of Campaigns and Programmes at IFAW UK said:

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the UK Ivory Act coming into force, IFAW UK are encouraged by early indications that the ban is having a significant impact on the trade in elephant ivory. Yet other species are still poached globally to meet an unnecessary demand for “luxury” ivory products, including the hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, sperm whale and killer whale. We welcome DEFRA’s decision to extend this powerful legislation, which will go a long way in cracking down on a damaging trade. Today is a good day for conservation and a step change towards international commitments to safeguard our natural world”

The five species are all listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates their trade internationally, and hippopotamus, walrus and sperm whale are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.

The announcement today comes following an extensive public consultation and with the one-year anniversary of the successful ivory ban approaching.

Since 6 June 2022, there has been over 6,500 registrations and certificates issued for exempted items so that they continue to form part of our artistic and cultural heritage.

The Government is a world leader in international conservation – with the UK playing a key role supporting the agreement of the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December. The new deal, signed by 195 countries, commits countries to protect 30% of our land and ocean by 2030 and end human-induced extinctions of known threatened species.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Child sexual abuse redress scheme to be established [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 May 2023.

The government has committed to a redress scheme for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
A redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse will be launched in England, recognising the trauma victims have suffered, the government has announced today (22 May).

To be set up on the back of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), the scheme will acknowledge the institutional failures that allowed children to suffer at the hands of despicable predators.

Victims, survivors and charities representing them will be closely consulted as the government develops the scheme, including asking who the scheme should support, how we can best help them and how non-state institutions should be involved.

The government is also moving quickly to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England, which will make it a legal requirement for those who work with young people to speak out if they suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited. This will help to prevent the continued abuse of children and ensure that they receive support earlier. A 12-week public call for evidence has been launched today, asking how this should be implemented.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Thousands of brave victims and survivors came forward to give evidence to the Independent Inquiry, sharing heart-breaking details of how they were ignored by the people who should have protected them.

While nothing will make up for how badly they were let down, or the abuse that they suffered, we must make sure that victims and survivors get the support they need and redress they deserve.

We will stop at nothing to stamp out these vile crimes, punish the perpetrators, and make sure every child across the country can grow up in a safe environment.

The Independent Inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, spent seven years examining widespread failings in both state and non-state institutions to properly safeguard and protect children in England and Wales. The institutions investigated included government departments, the police, schools, local authorities, religious organisations, political parties and the armed services.

It heard from over 6,000 brave victims of child sexual abuse and considered 4.2 million pieces of written evidence from charities, institutions and witnesses.

The government has listened to the voices of victims and survivors and reviewed the painstaking work of the Independent Inquiry over many years. As a result, it has pledged to deliver deep-rooted change to make sure children are never again so badly let down by the very institutions that should have protected them.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

Thanks to the brave testimony of thousands of courageous victims, this inquiry uncovered a dark and disturbing truth – that adults often turned a blind eye to the serious sexual abuse of the children under their care.

No apology or compensation can turn the clock back on the harrowing abuse these victims suffered, but it is important survivors have that suffering recognised and acknowledged. That is what the compensation scheme will deliver.

By bringing in mandatory reporting for adults working with children, we are shining a light on a crime which has for too long been hidden and silent. Today we are bringing this crime out of the shadows and saying ‘no more’. Perpetrators – you will have nowhere to hide.

The views of victims and charities will also be extensively engaged on the future of therapeutic support.

As part of its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the government is also:

looking at ways to improve access to therapeutic support for victims and survivors

improving the way police collect data on child sexual abuse to better understand the scale and nature of the crime

driving forward the world-leading Online Safety Bill, which will place clear legal duties on companies to remove child sexual abuse material and keep children safe on their services

reforming the child protection system to make sure children are better protected

looking at options to extend the list of people barred from working with children

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Every single person who came forward to give evidence to the inquiry showed immense bravery, and we owe them a debt of thanks for making sure that sexual abuse will never be allowed to go under the radar again.

I am absolutely determined to make sure the reform already underway in children’s social care, in child protection, and across society delivers the change that is needed.

The work we are undertaking on mandatory reporting is vital to fully address the concerns raised through the independent review, and I would encourage victims and survivors, as well as children and those that work with children, to share your thoughts – your voices must continue to be heard.

The measures build on the government’s pledge to tackle grooming gangs last month through a new Grooming Gangs Taskforce, which will see specialist officers ‘parachuted in’ to assist police forces with live child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations to bring more of these criminals to justice.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the Sudanese people – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Thank you, President. And thank you Special Representative Perthes, Commissioner Adeoye and Executive-Secretary Gebeyehu for their briefings.

Let me start by underlining our support for SRSG Perthes and all UN staff who continue to work in Sudan under extremely challenging circumstances.

President, the conflict in Sudan is a tragedy and has had a devastating impact on the Sudanese people.

The United Kingdom urges the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to immediately stop fighting, protect civilians and grant safe and immediate humanitarian access.

Coordinated action by international and regional partners is crucial to help end this conflict.

We welcome all diplomatic efforts towards this goal including the 11 May Jeddah Declaration and the Ceasefire Agreement agreed on 20 May.

But these commitments will be worthless if they are not put into action or used to secure a military advantage. We call on the parties to fully abide by their commitments in their letter and spirit.

We also welcome the efforts of the AU, IGAD, and League of Arab States to help bring an end to the violence. It is essential that there is strong coordination of efforts between regional and multilateral bodies.

It is also imperative that the voices of the Sudanese civilians are heard loud and clear. They must be included at every stage of the process, especially in mediation efforts to bring an end to the fighting and ultimately to deliver a democratic transition with a civilian government.

President, let me address the appalling human rights and humanitarian situation caused by this fighting.

As we heard, over 500 civilians have been killed. Thousands injured. Millions more lack food and medicine. In West Darfur, visceral violence is igniting at a scale not experienced in decades.

Over 150,000 people have been forced to flee Sudan. The United Kingdom would like to extend our thanks and pledge our support to the neighbouring countries who have welcomed refugees.

Humanitarian need has risen sharply, having already been at record levels prior to the conflict.

We call for an immediate end to the continued attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and places of worship. The looting of humanitarian assets is simply unacceptable. We reiterate that the perpetrators must be held accountable.

President, in closing, we offer our full support to UNITAMS as we enter discussions on the renewal of the mandate and we stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

Thank you.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Suspended sentence for father Michael Joseph Richards who ran illegal waste firm with son [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 22 May 2023.

A father who ran an illegal waste business with his son at their home in Cornwall was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence by magistrates.

Michael Joseph Richards, 59, now living at Menorca Lane, Bugle, appeared for sentence on two charges relating to the illegal waste business that he and his son, also called Michael, ran at their then home at The Paddocks, St Stephen’s Road, Sticker.

Richards Senior was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 18 May 2023.

Richards Junior was fined for three offences relating to the business last month. Richards Senior was also ordered to pay half of the £4,397.75 costs awarded previously.

In a case brought by the Environment Agency both men had admitted offences relating to running a waste site without a permit.

An investigation was launched by the Environment Agency following a fire at the site where building and household waste, including plasterboard, timber, cement bags, rigid insulation, electrical appliances, furniture and plastic household objects had been kept.

Surrounding the fire was more waste debris including radiators, fridges and a caravan. The fire was close to a gas tank and the main A390 road which meant there was the potential for causing a smoke hazard.

Magistrates said that waste crime is one of the worst types of offending that comes before them and that Richards failed to supervise what was happening on his land.

Following the hearing, Stephen Clark from the Environment Agency said:

We’re pleased with the outcome of this case. Mr Richards Senior had a previous similar conviction. This sends out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.

Background

Michael Richards Senior pleaded guilty to two charges:

Between 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, permitted the carrying on of a waste operation, on land known as The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to regulations 38(1)(b) and 12(1)(b) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

Between the 21 September 2020 and 25 June 2021, deposited, or knowingly caused or knowingly permitted the deposit of controlled waste including mixed building and household waste on land, namely The Paddocks, St Stephens Road, Sticker, St Austell, in respect of which no environmental permit was in force.

Contrary to section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Over £450 million investment to improve school buildings [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 22 May 2023.

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools will receive funding to improve their school buildings.

Over 1,000 school building improvement projects will receive the green light today as part of plans to boost the condition of the school estate.

859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary-aided schools in every region of the country will receive a share of a £456 million pot created to help refurbish and repair school buildings.

The condition improvement funding will ensure that pupils can learn in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms.

Overall, the government has committed £1.8 billion of capital funding for the financial year 2023 to 2024 to improve the condition of school buildings – including £1.1 billion for local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies announced in March.

Minister for the School System, Baroness Diana Barran MBE said:

Our Condition Improvement Fund has already completed over 11,000 projects, making a difference to pupils and teachers across the country. These projects help to create safer learning environments that make a difference to the quality of education for pupils.

It’s hugely important that every school has access to high-quality learning facilities and these funding allocations will make sure that responsible bodies can start to plan ahead and get projects started to replace roofs, boilers and windows – so pupils and teachers can learn and work in a comfortable space.

The department has allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to support the government’s priority for schools to have safe, well-maintained facilities that support a high-quality education for pupils.

The announcement follows on from 239 new school buildings confirmed in December as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme, with 400 out of 500 schools and sixth-form colleges now been selected for rebuilds through the 10-year programme.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Kemi Badenoch visits Gulf to boost trade ties [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 May 2023.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, visits the Middle East to advance the UK’s ambitions for a modern, comprehensive trade deal with the GCC.
- Business and Trade Secretary will visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on a five day tour this week.
- A deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council is expected to increase trade by 16% between the UK and the region.
- 2022 saw a significant boost in UK services exports to the region, including innovative British green firms expanding across the Gulf.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will hold talks to encourage the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers to advance the UK’s ambitions for a modern, comprehensive trade deal as she visits Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week.

Meeting her ministerial counterparts in each nation, and new Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Badenoch will also speak with senior business leaders and investors to build on inward investment to the UK – currently worth more than £15.7 billion – delivering on the government priority to grow the economy.

Ahead of her visit, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

We already have a strong trade and investment relationship with the Gulf nations, but I’m determined to strengthen this even further.

The GCC represents an enormous opportunity for UK firms, whether it’s selling brilliant British food and drink products into new markets or offering new consumers for our flourishing digital trade and renewable energy sectors.

I know my counterparts are as ambitious for this deal as I am, and I’m ready to match their ambition.

The trip comes as the total trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high of £61.3 billion in 2022.

The UK began negotiations with the six-country bloc in 2022 and has completed three rounds of talks so far.

Collectively, the GCC is equivalent to the UK’s seventh largest export market. Their demand for goods and services is expected to grow rapidly to almost £1 trillion by 2035 – an increase of over 75%.

This will open huge, new opportunities for UK businesses, from food and drink to cars and clothes – removing these types of tariffs as part of a trade deal will help to increase choice for GCC consumers, giving them access to a greater range of UK products. This will help to create jobs across the country, support businesses to expand and grow the economy.

A deal with the GCC will also play to the UK’s strengths as a global services superpower. UK exports to GCC amounted to £36 billion, with more than half being services.

Pioneering green technology firms based across the UK are already taking advantage of the region’s pivot away from fossil fuels. Innovators including Levidian Nanosystems, Sonihull, Graphene Solutions and G-volution are boosting sustainability and clean energy and have expanded their operations to the Gulf as the region diversifies its economy.

Levidian Nanosystems CEO John Hartley said:

The GCC is an important region for Levidian – the combination of large-scale gas assets which require decarbonisation, heavy industry which can benefit from graphene application, and a political will to decarbonise at pace make it an area in which Levidian can have significant impact.

The Business and Trade Secretary will speak at the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday and take part in a series of business engagements throughout the week.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Group partners meet in Warsaw to discuss European security [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 22 May 2023.

Key threats and challenges to European security was the focus of meeting of ministers from 12 European countries today.

Ministers and representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK met in Warsaw, Poland today for the Northern Group Ministers meeting.

Currently chaired by Poland, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace attended the meeting hosted by Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak in Legionowo, near Warsaw.

The threats and challenges to European security were discussed during the meeting. All partners agreed that Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has seriously changed the security environment and that Russia’s aggressive posture constitutes a direct threat to the security, stability and the prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Northern Group members share a common view that providing further military assistance to Ukraine to support its defence against Russia’s brutal aggression is crucial.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Defence partnerships like the Northern Group are vital to tackle shared threats. As likeminded nations we are determined to continue our support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, for as long as it takes.

It was a pleasure to meet again with my friend and close defence partner Mariusz Błaszczak. For over 150 years we have enjoyed a close defence alliance with Poland and our ongoing cooperation is supporting security and stability across Europe.

NATO Vilnius Summit was also discussed during the meeting, including the implementation of decisions agreed during the Madrid Summit in 2022. Northern Group members agreed that the Vilnius Summit should enhance regional security by further strengthening of Allied deterrence and defence posture.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace also held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak during the meeting. It is less than a month since Ben Wallace was last in Poland, invited as a guest to the Bucharest 9 meeting. Prior to that the Ministers met in October 2022 where they signed an Air Defence Complex Weapons Memorandum of Understanding MOU and the Arrowhead-140 Statement of Intent.

The Air Defence MOU enables the UK and Poland to cooperate in the development and manufacture of current and future complex weapons, further strengthening the relationship built through the Defence and Security Cooperation Treaty (2017) and deepening the interoperability of our Armed Forces. The Arrowhead-140 Statement of Intent provides a framework for our governments to collaborate on the procurement and operation of three Arrowhead-140 frigates. The Polish Frigates will be a variant of the Arrowhead-140.

At the end of April, a major £1.9 billion export agreement was signed by the UK and Poland. The contract with UK firm MBDA for a British-designed air defence system is a major boost for Euro-Atlantic security and will support hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the UK.

It is one of the largest deals of its kind in NATO and will see the UK equip 22 Polish air defence batteries with sophisticated UK Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMMs) and launchers.

These announcements are just the latest recent collaboration between our two countries aimed at helping Poland bolster its armed forces to deter aggression, and are in addition to the UK’s deployment of the Sky Sabre air defence system to Poland.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ron Kalifa and Frances O’Grady reappointed to the Court of the Bank of England [May 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 22 May 2023.

Sir Ron Kalifa and Frances O’Grady have been reappointed by His Majesty the King as Non-Executive Directors of the Court of the Bank of England. They have been reappointed for second terms of four years, to 31 May 2027.

The Bank’s Court acts as a unitary board, and as Non-Executives of the Court, Sir Ron and Frances O’Grady will help determine the Bank’s objectives and strategy, and advise on how to ensure the effective discharge of the Bank’s functions and the most efficient use of the Bank’s resources.

Court is not responsible for the matters reserved to the Bank’s main policy committees, the Monetary Policy Committee, the Financial Policy Committee, and the Prudential Regulation Committee.

As Non-Executive Directors, Sir Ron is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee; and Frances O’Grady is a member of the Remuneration Committee.

The Chair of the Court of Directors, David Roberts, said:

I am delighted that both Sir Ron Kalifa and Frances O’Grady have been reappointed to the Court of Directors at the Bank of England. Their experience and expertise provide Court with key insights and challenge. I look forward to continuing to work with Sir Ron and Frances during their second terms.

About the appointments

The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK. It is governed by a board of directors known as the Court of Directors. Further information can be found at the Bank of England website.

Members of Court are appointed by HM The King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sir Ron and Frances O’Grady have both served as Non-Executive Directors of Court since 1 June 2019.

All appointments to the Court are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who provides independent assurance that appointments are made in accordance with the Government’s Principles of Public Appointments and Governance Code. In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public.

Sir Ron has confirmed that he has not engaged in any political activity in the last five years. Sir Ron is Chairman of Network International, a leading payments firm, and a Trustee of the Royal Foundation. He is also a Non-Executive Director for the England & Wales Cricket Board and sits on the Council of Imperial College London. He was knighted in Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee Birthday 2022 Honours List for services to financial services, technology, and public service.

Frances O’Grady has declared that she served as General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) from 2013 until the end of 2022, and received a life peerage in 2022, sitting in the House of Lords as a working (Labour) peer. Frances O’Grady first joined the TUC in 1994 as a campaigns officer, and launched the Organising Academy in 1997. She took over as head of the TUC’s organisation department in 1999 and became deputy general secretary in 2003.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 45 community groups awarded Windrush day funding [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 May 2023.

Funding to support educational, arts and sporting projects to celebrate the Windrush generation and their contribution to UK society.

More than 40 groups have been awarded funding through the Windrush Day Grant Scheme for arts, educational and sporting projects across England on the 75th anniversary of arrival of the MV Empire Windrush to the UK, the Minister for Communities announced today.

£750,000 has been awarded to projects across England, including The Brixton Project, a community-led carnival of art, theatre and music, and the Blackstory Partnership, a commemorative Windrush 75 event in Birmingham. More than 200 Windrush Day projects have received a share of the £2.75 million funding over four years in celebration of the contributions of the Windrush generation and their families.

These community-led initiatives will celebrate the anniversary with events and activities taking place between 8 June and 31 August this year.

Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Communities, said:

We wanted to celebrate the positive contribution the Windrush generation and their families bring to this country and recognise the contributions made by all British Caribbean people in our communities.

Bringing people together is a way to ensure better understanding and social cohesion. I very much encourage everyone to get involved in what’s going on in their local area.

This year’s celebration of the British Caribbean community will mark the arrival 75 years ago of the MV Empire Windrush, when the first passengers disembarked at Tilbury Docks.

Next month, communities will come together to honour and celebrate those pioneers who answered the call to come to Britain and help rebuild the nation following the Second World War.

Last year also saw the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument at London Waterloo station. The Monument is a permanent tribute to the contribution of Caribbean pioneers in communities across the United Kingdom. DLUHC worked with the advisory Windrush Commemoration Committee, chaired by Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, to complete the project.

Chair of the Windrush Community Funds and Schemes sub-group of the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group, Paulette Simpson CBE said:

This year’s celebration of the British Caribbean community will be extra special, as we mark the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks 75 years ago.

From those first passengers who went on to build their lives and make their home here, those that followed, and their descendants have and continue to make an enormous contribution to all aspects of British life.

National Windrush Day is now a firm fixture in the nation’s calendar and from Brixton to Wolverhampton, fantastic events and activities will be taking place across the country.

I’d urge everyone to get involved in this significant moment in our shared history.

Funded projects for 2023 include:
- The Brixton Project is a community-led celebration with the support of local artists that cements the histories, experiences and voices of the Windrush generation, promoting community cohesion through a carnival of art, theatre and music as well as local landmark visits integral to the Windrush story.
- Manchester City of Literature is a creative project that allows young people to develop the skills and confidence needed with a professional filmmaker to create documentary films and podcasts of Windrush generation members from South Manchester churches to tell their stories of migration, faith, education, home and community-building.
- The Blackstory Partnership showcases a truly commemorative Windrush 75 event in Birmingham, including choir performances of West Indian folk songs, a West Indian Army Standard Ceremony, the launch of the ‘Windrush Generation – This Is Our Story’ book, as well as a Windrush 75 Awards Ceremony that will recognise Windrush pioneers.
- Jamaica Society Leeds presents ‘Here: Windrush 75 Leeds’ – a series of public Windrush installations across the city featuring 75 larger than life portraits to showcase the Windrush generation’s contribution to social and economic life within Leeds. Interactive school sessions, a publicity campaign, and an online gallery of the portraits will form the project’s legacy.
- Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity’s ‘Came to Care’ project explores the entwined stories of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush and the NHS, both of which celebrate a 75th anniversary this year, offering young creatives the opportunity to exhibit artwork at a celebratory Windrush and NHS 75 event.
- Friends of St Paul’s Luxuriance creates a floral display in central Bristol to honour the Windrush generation, running an educational training programme for young people and launching an afternoon garden party entwining Caribbean and UK native plants to produce a stunningly beautiful, vibrant display.
The full list of projects being awarded funding can be found here.
June 2, 2023