Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : People urged to get Covid jab before offer ends [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 5 May 2023.

The offer of a first or second dose of Covid vaccine will end on 30 June 2023 for most people.
- The offer of a first and second dose of Covid vaccine for those at lower risk of severe illness will end on 30 June 2023
- There are eight weeks left for people who are completely unvaccinated to get their first and second doses
- Around 40 million adults across England have already come forward for both doses
People who have not yet come forward for their first and/ or second dose of the Covid vaccine are being encouraged to get their jabs before the offer ends on Friday 30 June.

The NHS’s world-leading vaccination programme has so far delivered over 146 million Covid jabs, helping to save tens of thousands of lives, protect the most vulnerable from serious illness and allowed us to resume our normal lives without restrictions.

For people aged 18 and over, there is an 8-week interval requirement between receiving a first and second dose of Covid vaccine. Appointments can be booked easily online, by calling 119, or people can visit one of the hundreds of walk-in vaccination sites open across the country.

Building on the success of autumn and spring booster programmes, a seasonal, targeted vaccination offer will remain open for those most at risk, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This will help to focus efforts and ensure the most efficient use of NHS resources as we work to cut the backlogs and reduce waiting times.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

As we live with Covid without restrictions on our freedoms, it is right that we move towards a more targeted vaccination offer that prioritises those most at risk, so we can focus our efforts on cutting waiting lists for NHS treatment – one of the Prime Minister’s top five priorities.

As the offer for any adult to get a Covid vaccine comes to an end on 30 June, I would urge those who have not yet come forward to choose to have the first and second Covid vaccine. It takes minutes to get your jab and thousands of sites are open across England.

Vaccines are our best line of defence against the virus. I’ve stayed up to date with mine – it’s quick and easy so I would urge you to do the same before the offer closes.

This year’s spring booster programme continues to gather pace, with over two million eligible people receiving their vital top-up dose.  Roving NHS vaccination teams have been visiting care homes across the country since 3 April, with eligible people living in the community accessing the jab since 17 April. The spring campaign will end on 30 June – the same day the offer of a first or second jab ends.

The JCVI advised the risk of serious illness with Covid continues to be disproportionately greater in those from older age groups, residents in care homes for older adults, and persons with certain underlying health conditions.

NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said:

The fastest and largest vaccination programme in NHS history has delivered more than 146 million Covid jabs since it began, including more than 45 million first doses, but now it is right as we learn to live with covid, that we move to targeted seasonal campaigns to protect the most vulnerable.

With the existing offer of a first and second dose for everyone set to end alongside the current spring campaign, everyone aged 18 and over who is unvaccinated must come forward for their primary course by the end of June to receive protection.

The vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to boost your protection from serious illness caused by covid – so please do come forward for your dose of protection.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

The Covid vaccines have enabled us to live with the virus thanks to the protection they have given the millions >of people who have come forward to date.

Getting the vaccine remains the best way to avoid severe illness and it can increase your protection even if you have previously had the virus. It only takes a few minutes and I encourage anyone who has not yet done so to come forward before the offer ends.

Should a person move into an at-risk group, the offer of a first or second dose will re-open with the seasonal booster programmes.
May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with the Amir of Qatar [May 2023]

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

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to Downing Street this morning.

The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for travelling to London for the Coronation of His Majesty the King, noting that it reflected the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Qatar.

The leaders discussed the exciting opportunities to deepen cooperation between our two countries, including through greater investment in strategic industries such the partnership between Qatar and Rolls Royce to invest in ground-breaking green engineering projects. They highlighted the unique joint RAF squadrons operating in Qatar and committed to further develop our defence cooperation.

Turning to international affairs, the leaders shared their deep concern at the unfolding conflict in Sudan. They stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to facilitate talks between the parties, to end the violence and transition to a civilian-led democratic government.

The Prime Minister also welcomed Qatar’s principled support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion and they agreed our governments would continue to work together to support Ukraine’s defence and recovery.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand [May 2023]

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

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, at Downing Street today ahead of His Majesty The King’s Coronation tomorrow.

The leaders welcomed the announcement that New Zealand and the UK’s Free Trade Agreement would come into force this month, agreeing it would unlock huge trading potential for both countries.

Reflecting on strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders discussed the UK and New Zealand’s shared commitment to uphold stability in the region and how both countries could work closely with partners to improve economic resilience.

The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Hipkins for New Zealand’s strong commitment to Ukraine and the leaders discussed New Zealand’s contribution to Operation Interflex.

The tangible support offered by New Zealand through that programme was clearly making a difference on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said, welcoming Prime Minister Hipkin’s commitment to extend New Zealand’s training through to 2024.

The leaders also discussed the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be hosted in Samoa in 2024, and looked forward to working closely with Pacific partners to deliver a successful summit.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of Australia [May 2023]

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

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Downing Street this morning, ahead of His Majesty The King’s Coronation this weekend.

The leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-Australia relationship, across defence, security and trade, and agreed it was driving economic growth and creating jobs across both countries.

Both Prime Ministers welcomed the opportunities the Free Trade Agreement would also bring for young Australian and British workers through the new mobility scheme, which would extend visa lengths and lift age barriers.

The Prime Minister welcomed Australia’s new Defence Strategic Review and the leaders agreed on the importance of democracies working together to diversify supply chains and improve economic resilience.

The leaders looked forward to seeing each other at the G7 later this month and a summer of strong sporting rivalry between the UK and Australia during The Ashes and FIFA Women’s World Cup.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister visits the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 5 May 2023.

John Lamont was shown around the Synagogue and Heritage Centre by Manager Kerry Patterson and by two members of the Board, Liz Cameron and Deborah Haase.

Liz Cameron is Vice-Chair of the Board and former Lord Provost of Glasgow, in addition to being a volunteer guide on the weekday guiding service. Deborah Haase is Honorary Curator of the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre and trustee on the Heritage Centre Board.

Beginning in the historic synagogue, the group discussed the roots of Scotland’s Jewish communities before visiting the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre and displays.

Here, the Minister was shown one of the Learning Kits – about Dorrith Sim – used by school groups who visit to learn about the stories of Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

For the past 200 years the Jewish community has made a significant contribution to life in Scotland and it was a real privilege to hear more about this while exploring the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre. Established in 2021, in part through funds from the UK Government-backed Community Security Trust, visitors to Glasgow’s wonderful Category A-listed Garnethill Synagogue can learn about the history and culture of Scottish Jewry, including how Scotland responded to events in Nazi Germany and took in a number of refugees.

The UK Government is committed to supporting Jewish communities so they can live and worship safely. I thank those involved in the only Jewish Heritage Centre in Scotland and urge as many people as possible to visit – and make a donation if able – to support this vital project.

For more information – https://sjhc.org.uk/

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Luxembourg [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at Luxembourg’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President. Je voudrais souhaiter la bienvenu à la délégation luxembourgeoise et je voudrais la remercier pour les réponses à nos questions.

Tout d’abord, nous reconnaisons le travail formidable de Luxembourg en tant que member de ce Conseil.

We also commend Luxembourg’s progress in furthering women’s rights and empowerment, including its work to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and work to promote gender diversity in the financial sector.

We also welcome Luxembourg’s efforts to strengthen the maximum penalties for crimes of incitement to hatred and violence. However, we note that Luxembourg does not report hate crime statistics, so:

We recommend that Luxembourg:
1. Take effective measures to collect information on hate crimes and report statistics, so as to strengthen the protection of the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.
2. Endorse and encourage use of the Murad Code.
3. Continue to contribute to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Thank you et merci, Monsieur le President.
May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Barbados [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at Barbados’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.
Let me start by warmly welcoming the Honourable Minister and his delegation from both Bridgetown and Geneva, and thank him for his presentation this morning.

And let me congratulate Barbados for its recent publication of the Barbados Charter, which reaffirmed rights and freedoms for all.

We also commend Barbados for its abolition of the mandatory death sentence, which the Minister just mentioned, and we encourage the Government to take steps towards full abolition of capital punishment. We also welcome the recent ruling by the Barbados High Court decriminalising consensual same-sex activity, again mentioned by the Minister.

We recommend Barbados:

Ensure the Constitution guarantees the rights of marginalised groups, including the LGBTQI+ community.

Ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Implement a comprehensive approach to reduce and end gender-based violence including domestic violence perpetrated against women and girls.

Thank you.
May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : National Highways Chair, Dipesh Shah, moves on as fixed term comes to an end [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 May 2023.

Dipesh Shah, who helped oversee the second road investment strategy, will step down from his role at the end of the year.

Dipesh Shah OBE has announced today (5 May 2023) that he will be leaving his role as Chair of National Highways at the end of his current term of office later this year.

National Highways operates and maintains the 4,500-mile strategic road network.

Dipesh was appointed Chair in September 2020 to help oversee the delivery of the second road investment strategy, as well as supporting a range of key strategic initiatives for the government-owned company.

During this time, Dipesh has worked closely with the National Highways executive and board as well as ministers and officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) to help transform this vital piece of national infrastructure.

DfT will begin the process to recruit a new Chair soon.

Commenting on the announcement, Dipesh said:

I have been privileged and honoured to serve as Chair at National Highways, which plays such a pivotal role in connecting communities across England.

We have achieved much during my tenure and I am grateful to everyone involved with National Highways for their welcome and support.

I advised the Secretary of State for Transport of my plans earlier this year and I will continue to work with colleagues at National Highways to deliver our goals during the remainder of my time as Chair.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I would like to thank Dipesh for his work as Chair of National Highways over the past 3 years.

Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport have enjoyed working with Dipesh and appreciated his collaborative approach. I wish him the best of luck in his next steps.

Over the second road period from 2020 to 2025, National Highways expects to have sustained up to 64,000 jobs in the construction industry and added £27 billion to the economy, mainly via a £10.5 billion programme to improve the network.

Ten major improvement schemes have been completed since 2020 while 23 are under construction and 25 are in the development phase, helping to improve safety and journey reliability. The company has also outlined a new vision to cut carbon emissions on the network to net zero, as well as progressing towards its target of a 50% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured by 2025.

Nick Harris, National Highways Chief Executive, said:

I would like to thank Dipesh for his dedication and support during his time as Chair. His contribution has always been extremely valuable in helping shape and drive our priorities.

Dipesh’s fixed 3-year tenure is due to end in August. He has agreed a short extension to his current term with the Secretary of State for Transport – taking him up to the end of the year if required – while his successor is recruited.

Dipesh has enjoyed a highly successful career in both the public and private sectors and will be continuing with his other Chair roles outside National Highways as well as taking on additional responsibilities.

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Made in Kenya, trained by the UK – first-ever Kenyan Marines make history [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 May 2023.

UK-Kenya partnership creates first Kenyan Marine Commando Unit to counter threats and fight terrorism.

Friday 5 May – The first-ever Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) have made history by successfully completing their basic training, marked by a passing-out parade at Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa.

The KMCU will be an elite fighting force with the ability to conduct specialised amphibious operations to weaken and disrupt threats to Kenya, and take the fight to Al-Shabaab by land and by sea.

Ten British Marines from 40 Commando Royal Marines trained the KMCU over twelve weeks as part of a training programme including physical fitness and amphibious assaults.

Potential recruits were selected from the Kenyan Military to undertake rigorous training programme. The UK-funded obstacle course that was constructed at Mtongwe Naval Base is a near identical replica of the course used at the Royal Marine Commando training base in Lympstone, UK.

This first cohort of Marines have kick-started a self-sustaining training cycle, whereby the Kenyan Navy will eventually be able to train their own Marine Commandos.

This joint endeavour to create the Marine Commando Unit is an example of the UK and Kenya’s enduring commitment to building a strong, capable and adaptable Kenyan Military that is already an anchor of regional stability and security.

The UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, is an ambitious five-year agreement delivering mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya, and keeping our people safe; it is underpinned by the Defence Cooperation Agreement that provides the framework for this training programme.

The US Military are also an integral part of the creation of the KCMU by ensuring this specialist and formidable force are equipped to the highest standard.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot said:

“The UK, Kenya the US stand shoulder to shoulder in the shared endeavour of countering Al Shabaab. This history-making partnership – the creation of the first-ever Marine Commando Unit – is a clear signal of our three countries’ enduring commitment to the Kenyan Military and to regional security.”

May 8, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Coronation Medal to go to Armed Forces and frontline emergency service workers [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 May 2023.

Members of the Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers and people actively contributing to The King’s Coronation will be among the 400,000 people to receive a Coronation Medal, the design of which is unveiled today.
- Culture Secretary unveils design of Medal to mark Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort
- Medal will be given to Armed Forces, frontline emergency service workers and those taking part in the Coronation
- Medals, made of nickel silver and plated in nickel, feature image of The King and Queen Camilla
The Medal acts as a thank you gift from the nation to commemorate the Coronation for the people who will make the historic service happen.

Everyone actively contributing and supporting the Coronation on 6 May – including choristers, police officers, military personnel and St John Ambulance personnel – as well as those directly involved in the delivery of the Coronation are eligible.

It will also be given to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and armed forces that have completed five full calendar years of service. It is expected that more than 400,000 Coronation Medals will be issued.

The design features a double portrait of Their Majesties on the front and a version of the Royal Cypher, a laurel wreath and the date of the Coronation on the reverse.

The ribbon is made up of red, blue and white vertical stripes – the colours of the Union Flag and are made of nickel silver and plated in nickel.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

The Coronation Medal will act as a reminder of the important part each person has played in this moment of history. From our Armed Forces who protect our country to the emergency services who care for us at home, alongside those volunteers who are giving up their time to make this event so special, I am delighted that we can mark their contribution to this special day, and for each and every day that they go above and beyond serving their country.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

The Coronation would not be possible without the dedication and selfless service shown by our armed forces and other public servants. This Medal is a fitting recognition of their efforts, and a thank you from the nation. It will be worn with pride for years to come.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

This Medal is a symbol of the critical role our emergency services will play in this potentially once in a lifetime opportunity to honour our new King. However, it rightly also goes further and recognises not just those who are helping at the Coronation, but the heroes across our emergency services, such as the police, fire and rescue services, that go to work every day to protect and support us all.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Our Armed Forces and the Monarch have a unique bond. Our histories and customs mirror the reigns of Kings and Queens. Our deployments are in their names and our allegiance is sworn by each and every one of us. The Coronation Medal will celebrate that bond and allow huge numbers of service personnel to reaffirm that linkage as King Charles is crowned our new Monarch.

The double portrait of The King and Queen Consort on the front of the newly unveiled Coronation Medal was designed by Martin Jennings who also designed the official effigy of The King for the new coins issued by the Royal Mint. The Medal is made by Worcestershire Medal Service Ltd in Birmingham.

Those who will receive the Medal for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort are:
- Individuals who have actively contributed to the official Coronation events in Westminster Abbey and processions, and other officially recognised ceremonial Coronation events;
- Serving members of the Armed Forces who have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023 or participate in Armed Forces Coronation events during the course of 2023;
- Frontline emergency personnel who have been in paid service, retained or in a voluntary capacity, dealing with emergencies as part of their conditions of service, and completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023;
- Prison services personnel who are publicly employed and who have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 May 2023;
- Living individual recipients of the George Cross or of the Victoria Cross.
The tradition of Coronation Medals dates to the reign of King James I when the first Medal was awarded in 1603. This Medal featured a bust of James I wearing the costume of a Roman Emperor. Its reverse included a crowned lion rampant holding a beacon and a wheat sheaf.
May 8, 2023