Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Ten Days to claim Pension Credit and qualify for £301 Cost of Living Payment [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 May 2023.

All pensioners on a low income should check if they qualify for Pension Credit in order to also receive a Cost of Living Payment.
- Pensioners urged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, worth over £3,500 a year on average
- Those who successfully claim by 19 May could also receive a £301 Cost of Living payment – demonstrating Government’s focus on delivering the five priorities, including halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt
- Pensioners can check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator
There are just ten days to go for people to claim Pension Credit and still qualify for the latest £301 payment, which they will receive direct into their bank accounts.

Provided a claim is made before 19 May, it can be backdated for up to three months so long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.

This builds on the extensive support that was delivered to pensioners last year, alongside measures such as holding down households’ energy bills and freezing fuel and alcohol duty, which deliver on Government’s priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said:

“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 a year – is reaching everyone who needs it, particularly as we know how much pressure households across the country have been under.

“Please check if you or your loved ones can claim for this extra support, and if you do it by 19 May you could qualify for the £301 Cost of Living Payment – giving another financial boost to those who need it most.”

Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.

It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.

Worth on average over £3,500 a year, even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments, worth up to £900 this financial year.
May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Washington DC to reaffirm sustained UK-US support for Ukraine [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet US Secretary of State and leading members of Congress to discuss the US and UK’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.
- Foreign Secretary travels to Washington today (Monday 8 May) for meetings with the administration and Congress on sustaining UK-US support for Ukraine
- James Cleverly to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and leading Democrat and Republican figures in Congress
- part of UK efforts to secure long-term, international commitment to Ukraine emerging from the war as a strong, sovereign and free nation
The Foreign Secretary travels to Washington DC today (Monday 8 May) for meetings with the Biden Administration and the US Congress, to discuss the US and UK’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.

James Cleverly will stress the importance of a continued, united international front for ensuring a Ukrainian victory.

Beyond Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary will use his meetings to encourage the $1 trillion bilateral investment relationship between the UK and US, which is driving economic growth in both countries. He will stress the need for the UK and US, as likeminded democracies, to make their economies more resilient and protect livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic in a more geopolitically contested world.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

For well over a century the UK and US have been partners of first resort in standing up for freedom and democracy.

Whether it’s standing up for our friends in Ukraine, or promoting transatlantic prosperity through our $1 trillion investment relationship, the UK-US relationship continues to make life better for our people and the world.

On Tuesday James Cleverly will meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and on Wednesday he will hold talks with leading Republican and Democrat members of Congress.

The UK’s efforts to push for a Ukrainian victory and boost economic security are supporting the government’s priorities of bringing down the cost of living, by tackling inflation and creating more opportunities for growth.
May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission celebrates the Coronation in New Delhi [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 May 2023.

The British High Commissioner To India, Alex Ellis hosted a reception and screening of the Coronation of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen, at his residence in New Delhi today.

This historic milestone is being celebrated in the UK over a special long weekend with events to bring the UK together, and celebrations and events taking place at 280 diplomatic missions around the world.

The reception was attended by a wide range of dignitaries from the Government of India, representatives from Commonwealth nations, business leaders, and other eminent personalities. The High Commissioner also joined Chef Shaun Kenworthy in the kitchen to prepare the ‘Coronation Quiche’ for the guests.

Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said,

The Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen is a historic event. Today’s ceremony reflected a modern and diverse UK, with representatives from many faiths – including Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam – carrying the Coronation Regalia.

His Majesty has had a long and enduring love for India and it is my privilege celebrating this moment with friends here in Delhi.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New plan to make it easier for patients to see their GP [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 8 May 2023.

Action to make it easier for patients to contact their GP and end the 8am rush, with £240 million given to practices across England to embrace latest technology.

Patients will be able to contact their general practice more easily and quickly – and find out exactly how their request will be handled on the day they call – as part of a major multi-million pound overhaul of primary care, the government and NHS will announce this week.

Practices across England will also be given £240 million this year to embrace the latest technology, replacing old analogue phones with modern systems so patients never get engaged tones and easy-to-use online tools to ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible.

This will mean that when patients contact their practice online or over the phone they will know on the day they make contact how their query will be managed, rather than being told to call back later. If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. If it is not urgent, appointments should be offered within 2 weeks, or patients will be referred to NHS 111 or a local pharmacy.

Primary care is the way most people access the NHS and the government is committed to modernising the way patients contact their GP surgeries – improving satisfaction and delivering on the Prime Minister’s promise to cut waiting lists.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, will announce a major expansion of the role of receptionists to become expert ‘care navigators’, whose job it is to gather information, to make sure patients are directed to the most suitable healthcare professional and to simplify and streamline the process.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

We are already making real progress with 10% more GP appointments happening every month compared to before the pandemic.

I want to make sure people receive the right support when they contact their general practice and bring an end to the 8am scramble for appointments.

To do this we are improving technology and reducing bureaucracy, increasing staffing and changing the way primary care services are provided, which are all helping to deliver on the government’s promise to cut waiting lists.

Minister for Health, Neil O’Brien, said:

Where GPs have already moved over to these new technologies we see they free up the phones, making it much easier for people to get through to their general practice team.

As well as being more convenient for patients, these really easy to use digital tools allow a lot of patients to get the help they need without ever needing to go in for an appointment, which will help cut waiting lists.

Investing £240 million in these modern tools and the help GPs need to move onto them will make things more convenient for patients, but also make the workload more manageable for general practice teams.

An average sized practice of 10,000 patients often receives more than 100 calls in the first hour every Monday.

With advanced digital telephony, rather than an engaged tone, patients will receive a queue position, a call back option and their call can be directly routed to the right professional. The phone system will also be integrated with the clinical systems so practice staff can quickly identify patients and their information from phone numbers.

Practices that have invested in modern online booking and messaging systems find they help free up phones for those who prefer to call, while giving patients a convenient way to get the help they need.

As well as helping patients to make contact, the government is supporting staff in dealing with the calls. Working with NHS England the government will fund 6,500 care navigator training places – that is one member of staff per practice who can then pass on the training to colleagues.

Care navigators will help assess, prioritise, respond and assist. They can help make sure those who want to see a named GP or preferred member of staff can do so while those who are happy to see a duty doctor can also do so.

Care navigators will direct patients to other professionals within the general practice or other medical professionals such as community pharmacists who can best meet the needs of the patients. Successful care navigation can help direct 40% of requests more effectively and speeds up appointments for those who need them.

The government will provide primary care networks and GP practices with the funding and support required to make the changes, including through integrated care boards.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England, said:

Produced by the NHS, this plan will make it easier for patients to access the care they need.

GPs and their teams are already delivering half a million more appointments a week than before the COVID pandemic.

However, we know staffing needs to be put on a sustainable footing so we are also working with government to publish a long term workforce plan.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak hosts Coronation lunch for community heros and Ukrainians forced to flee their homes [May 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 May 2023.

Community heroes, Ukrainian families and youth groups will gather in Downing Street today for a special Coronation lunch hosted by the Prime Minister and Mrs Murty.
- Lunch will be held in Downing Street with food from across the UK
- Community heroes, Ukrainians forced to flee their homes and youth groups are expected to attend
- Over 50,000 Coronation Big Lunches are being held in the UK and across the globe
Community heroes, Ukrainian families and youth groups will gather in Downing Street today for a special Coronation lunch hosted by the Prime Minister and Mrs Murty.

The event is taking place as part of The Big Lunch, a nationwide initiative to bring neighbours and communities together to celebrate the Coronation.

Over 50,000 Big Lunch street parities are expected to take place in the UK and in countries across the globe.

Downing Street will be adorned with bunting featuring the official Coronation emblem and the Union Flag. Crockery will be donated by Emma Bridgewater – the award-winning ceramics company based in Stroke-on-Trent – including a limited edition King Charles III teapot.

Recipients of the Points of Light Award – volunteers that have made an outstanding contribution to their community – have been invited to attend the event.

They include Zoe and Andy Clark-Coates who set up Saying Goodbye a charity that supports thousands of people who have lost a child during pregnancy, at birth or infancy – and Navjot Sawhney whose hand-cranked washing machine is benefitting over 1,000 families without access to an electric machine in underdeveloped countries or refugee camps.

Also joining is Laura Ashurst from Stokesley in North Yorkshire. A three-time breast cancer survivor, Laura has campaigned for fifteen years to improve the lives of the 35,000 women across the UK with secondary breast cancer.

Attendees will enjoy food sourced from across the UK, including Loch Duart salmon from Sutherland in North West Scotland and soda farl from Northern Ireland.

Beef will come from Gloucestershire in South West England and ice cream has been sourced from Chilly Cow, a company based in Ruthin, Wales.

Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war on Ukraine and their UK-based sponsors will also join the event. They include Olga Breslavska who travelled to the UK as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme and is currently studying an intensive English course. Caroline Quill – a Homes for Ukraine sponsor – has been instrumental in matching 250 families across East Sussex and Kent and will also join the lunch.

Young people from organisations such as UK Youth and the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs have also been invited to mark the occasion.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Come rain or shine, thousands of friends and neighbours are coming together this weekend to put up the bunting, pour the tea and cut the cake at street parties and community events across the UK.

I am proud to welcome Ukrainians forced to flee their homes and some incredible community heroes to Downing Street for our very own Coronation lunch to celebrate this historic moment.

In England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland – and across our Overseas Territories and the wider Commonwealth – people are marking this momentous occasion in the spirit of unity and hope for the future
May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada [May 2023]

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

The Prime Minister hosted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Downing Street this evening.

The leaders remarked on how special the occasion had been and reflected on their conversations with counterparts from across the world.

Discussing the UK’s recent accession to Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for his support, and both agreed to use the momentum to further bilateral trade talks.

Looking ahead of the G7 in Hiroshima this month, both welcomed the strong alignment between G7 nations on addressing global challenges and praised Japan’s focus on economic resilience during their presidency.

The leaders also discussed how Canada and the UK could deepen collaboration on defence and security technology, including in cyber security and quantum.

Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring Ukraine continues to get the support it needs for its defence and reconstruction, now and for years to come. They looked forward to an important summit for NATO at Vilnius.

The leaders looked forward to seeing one another at the G7 later this month.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary Alister Jack on the Coronation of His Majesty [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 6 May 2023.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack on the Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III and The Queen Consort:

Huge congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, ahead of their Coronation later today.

I hope everyone has the chance to come together with friends and family to celebrate what is an incredibly important moment for the whole of the United Kingdom.

Have a fantastic long weekend and please join me in wishing the King and Queen a long and happy reign.

God save the King.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister’s words to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla [May 2023]

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

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued words to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023.

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride.

Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy: its constancy, devotion to duty, and service to others.

No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and street parties.

But this is not just a spectacle.

It’s a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions.

A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country.

And a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.

In the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years, representatives of every faith will play a central role for the first time.

And in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean Age, people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness.

So let’s celebrate this weekend with pride in who we are and what we stand for. Let’s look to the future with hope and optimism. And let’s make new memories, so we can tell our grandchildren of the day we came together to sing: God Save The King.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Lula da Silva of Brazil [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed President Lula da Silva to Downing Street today.

The leaders discussed the great potential in the relationship between the UK and Brazil, including in health, research and development and technology.

On trade, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to address trade barriers and unlock investment between the two countries.

The Prime Minister praised President Lula’s leadership on climate change and welcomed his reflections on the concerning situation in the Amazon.

The UK would contribute £80 million to the Amazon Fund to help stop deforestation and save the rich biodiversity in the area, the Prime Minister added.

That contribution built on the launch of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership at COP27, which was another strong signal of the UK’s commitment to the protecting the Amazon, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine and agreed that Russia’s invasion was unacceptable, as was the killing of innocent civilians.

Peace was in everyone’s interests, both leaders agreed.

The Prime Minister said that while Russia’s forces remained in Ukraine it would be impossible for the country to find peace and reiterated the need for the international community to continue to press President Putin to withdraw his troops.

The leaders agreed to stay in close touch and looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 later this month, and to Brazil hosting the G20 in 2024.

May 9, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Kagame of Rwanda [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to Downing Street.

The Prime Minister opened by saying his sympathies were with all those affected by the devastating floods in Rwanda in recent days.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Kagame’s leadership of the Commonwealth as current Chair-in-Office, and the leaders discussed the unique opportunities the grouping offered, including in trade, tackling climate change and youth empowerment.

Reflecting on the deep partnership between the UK and Rwanda, the Prime Minister said he hoped to be able to broaden cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade and cyber security.

Discussing the UK and Rwanda’s Migration and Economic Development Partnership, the Prime Minister updated on the court process and reiterated his commitment to operationalise the policy and begin flights to Rwanda at the earliest opportunity.

The leaders also discussed international security challenges, including in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine. The leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just peace for Ukraine and working together to alleviate the global impact of Russia’s aggression.

Both looked forward to attending His Majesty The King’s Coronation this weekend.

May 9, 2023