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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government needs to better understand faith, independent review claims [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government needs to better understand faith, independent review claims [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 26 April 2023.

    A landmark review into faith engagement has found the government needs to recognise faith groups as a force for good.

    • Colin Bloom publishes independent review into faith engagement
    • Faith is an ‘overriding force for good’ and government needs to improve its engagement with these groups, report finds
    • A better understanding of faith will help government tackle systemic issues including forced marriages, child safeguarding and extremism

    A landmark review into faith engagement has found the government needs to recognise faith groups as a force for good.

    Colin Bloom, Independent Faith Engagement Advisor, considered how government can best celebrate the contribution of faith groups, while tackling harmful practices.

    More than 21,000 people responded to the public consultation and today Colin Bloom has set 22 recommendations for government.

    In his review, Bloom examined engagement with faith in a broad range of public institutions – from the Civil Service and the Armed Forces, to schools and prisons – and called on the government to bring in a new programme of faith literacy training for all public sector staff, ensuring public servants understand those they are helping, and to increase partnership opportunities with faith groups who are already playing a valuable role in the social fabric of our society.

    Bloom noted that a better understanding of faith would also equip government to tackle issues such as forced marriage, of which there are estimated to be thousands a year in the UK; radicalisation in prison; and faith-based extremism, including the ongoing challenge of Islamist extremism, and the small but growing trends of Sikh extremism and Hindu nationalism.

    Bloom also calls for appropriate regulation of out-of-school settings, including the faith-based sector, to safeguard the physical safety and wellbeing of children.

    Colin Bloom, the government’s Faith Engagement Adviser said:

    “For millions of people, faith and belief informs who they are, what they do and how they interact with their community, creating strong ties that bind our country together.”

    “As we as a nation continue to become more diverse, so too does the landscape of faith and belief. Our government’s understanding of the role of faith in society must remain both current and alive to its evolutionary changes.”

    “It must also not shy away from some of the challenges that exist in small pockets within faith communities, from forced and coercive marriages to faith-based extremism, financial exploitation, and child safeguarding. These must not be consigned to the ‘too difficult’ box.”

    “Greater understanding of faith in all its diversity will ensure that we remain a country that respects, celebrates and understands people of all faiths, beliefs and none.”

    Faith Minister, Baroness Scott of Bybrook said:

    “As Faith Minister I will continue to shine a light on the important work of faith groups across the country, who play such an important role in public life.”

    “I welcome this review and thank Colin for his work – we will carefully consider the recommendations and I’ll make it my mission to continue to work closely with those of all faiths.”

    Bloom notes that there are many areas where government is already doing good work with faith groups, including the Faith New Deal grant programme, the co-design of COVID-19 guidance with places of worship, and tackling freedom of religion or belief internationally. He argues that this good practice should be built on and applied consistently across services to enable stronger and more integrated communities.

    Government will consider the findings and will respond in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : More bill discounts for energy and trade intensive sectors [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : More bill discounts for energy and trade intensive sectors [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 26 April 2023.

    Energy and trade intensive businesses as well as heat network operators can from today apply for further support.

    • Support for energy and trade intensive businesses opens for applications today, with savings of up to 20% on wholesale energy bills.
    • Heat network operators also able to apply for additional support to help protect their customers from higher bills.
    • Part of new government support package for businesses as wholesale energy prices fall.

    Some businesses could see their bills slashed by as much as 20% off predicted wholesale prices, thanks to further government support launched today (26 April) for sectors using high amounts of energy.

    Applications have now opened for energy and trade intensive sectors that are most affected by the unprecedented rise in global energy prices to claim further discounts on their bills between April 1 2023 and 31 March 2024 – helping deliver on the government’s priority to halve inflation.

    Ceramics and textiles are among the wide range of sectors potentially in line to benefit. These companies use high amounts of energy to deliver their goods, but also are exposed to strong international competition, meaning they cannot raise their prices to cover the increase in costs they have faced.

    Ministers are today urging companies to check their eligibility and submit their applications at the earliest opportunity, as the government continues its unprecedented support package that has protected businesses and as of April has saved them £5.9 billion on energy costs – over £30 million a day.

    Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

    We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel for global energy prices as Putin’s grip on the market weakens – but our vital energy and trade intensive industries remain uniquely exposed to these challenges.

    We stand firmly behind British business and that’s why we’re protecting them with an additional offer of support so they can continue to thrive. I urge businesses to check their eligibility and submit an application right away so they can get the help they need.

    Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, said:

    We welcome the fact Government has recognised the on-going difficulties that the ceramics sector and other energy intensive industries are facing, and hope energy prices return to sustainable levels. We look forward to a smooth application process that recognises the variety of corporate structures amongst energy intensive businesses.

    The offer is part of the government’s new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, launched this month, which will continue to automatically give businesses across the UK money off their energy bills – as wholesale energy prices fall to the lowest level since before Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    Businesses are advised to check gov.uk as soon as possible to find out their eligibility and what they need to do to apply. Discounts could be reflected in bills from as soon as June, with support backdated to 1 April. This could save some around 20% on predicted wholesale energy costs.

    Heat networks with domestic customers can also now receive a new, sector-specific support rate to make sure households do not face disproportionately higher bills compared to customers supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. Heat suppliers will need to apply for this rate and are legally obligated to pass on the discount to their customers.

    This is just one of a range of ongoing schemes supporting households and businesses with energy costs at this time – which the government is urging all eligible customers to apply for and take full advantage of.

    The Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme is providing top-ups starting at £750 for organisations using large quantities of kerosene heating oil, such as such as farms, hotels, charities and public buildings like schools and hospitals. Organisations have until 28 April to apply for this support via gov.uk.

    This scheme is also offering £150 payments to organisations using alternative fuels. A minority of those eligible will also need to apply for this extra support by 28 April if they have not received payments automatically through an electricity supplier.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan – UK Statement on Sudan [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan – UK Statement on Sudan [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 April 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on Sudan.

    Thank you, President.  And may I start by  thanking SRSG Volker Perthes, ASG Joyce Msuya, Her Excellency Fatima Mohamed and Special Envoy, Ismael Wais.

    SRSG, can I begin by paying tribute to your tireless work, to the work of the UNITAMS team, to the UN agencies and NGO implementing partners on the ground. We are very relieved that the operation to evacuate and relocate international and UN workers was successful and we thank you and your teams for your commitment and dedication to Sudan, and extend our condolences to those colleagues who have lost their lives.

    For the UK, we carried out our own operation to evacuate British embassy personnel on 23 April and today we have begun flying out British Nationals.

    We would like to thank our international partners for their co-operation in these efforts.  Our priority continues to be the safety of all British nationals in Sudan and support to those in need.

    The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the military clashes that continue to take place across Sudan. We echo the Secretary General’s calls for peace and especially for an end to attacks on civilians, and humanitarian workers.

    Hundreds have died, thousands are injured. Adding to acute humanitarian needs across the country.

    We welcome the 72-hour ceasefire brokered yesterday by the United States, but we are concerned by reports that once again the parties have failed to uphold their commitments.

    We call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces immediately to establish a lasting ceasefire across the country and we are in direct contact with the SAF and RSF leadership to end the violence and de-escalate tensions.

    We call on both sides to allow humanitarian access, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian and medical workers.

    We welcome and encourage continued regional and diplomatic initiatives including those set out today. We will continue to work with all Council members and the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the Council supports efforts towards an end to fighting, a permanent ceasefire and a political resolution.

    In closing, we stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “Peace will only be sustainable if both Israelis and Palestinians recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement” – UK Statement on the Middle East [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : “Peace will only be sustainable if both Israelis and Palestinians recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement” – UK Statement on the Middle East [April 2023]

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

    Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

    Colleagues,

    Before starting, I recognise that today is Remembrance Day in Israel, and express the hope that this conflict which has cost so many lives on all sides may be brought to a just and peaceful end. I thank Tor Wennesland for his briefing and also acknowledge the presence of Foreign Minister Malki earlier with us.

    Sadly, in recent weeks we have witnessed violence that is unacceptable.  We call on all parties to desist from unilateral measures which undermine peace, stability and the two-state solution.

    First, de-escalation remains imperative.  We condemn indiscriminate rocket fire into Israel from terror factions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. This year, 19 Israelis have been killed in acts of terrorism and 90 Palestinians killed by Israeli security forces.  Among the former, three British-Israeli nationals, members of the same family, were victims of a terror attack in the West Bank on 7 April.  The Palestinian Authority must denounce incitement to violence.  There is never justification for such acts.  Among Palestinian fatalities, a 15-year-old boy was killed near Jericho on 10 April.  While Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, its security forces must exercise restraint in use of force and investigate all fatalities.

    Second, we urge all parties to cease unilateral actions which diminish prospects for peace.  We condemn Israeli security forces’ raids on Al Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, injuring many worshippers, and we call on all parties to respect the historic Status Quo and Hashemite custodianship.

    Third, we urgently need to redouble efforts towards a long-term peace.  We applaud those laying foundations for dialogue, notably recent Jordanian, Egyptian and US initiatives.  It remains critical that both Israel and the Palestinians respect commitments made, including Israel’s commitment to suspend settlement advancement.  Settlements are illegal under international law and threaten the viability of a two-state solution.  Our position is reflected in our enduring support for UN Security Council Resolution 2334.

    The UK remains committed to working with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, to bring an end to the terrorism that Israel faces, and the destructive cycle of violence that continues.  Peace will only be sustainable if both Israelis and Palestinians recommit themselves to a negotiated settlement, leading to a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian State.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : North East man, Christopher Williams, sentenced after waste illegally burnt on land [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : North East man, Christopher Williams, sentenced after waste illegally burnt on land [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 25 April 2023.

    A County Durham man has been sentenced to suspended jail time for repeatedly storing and burning waste in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.

    Christopher Williams, 64, of Acton Dene in Stanley, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 18 April where he pleaded guilty to two charges of operating an illegal waste site and one of not complying with an Environment Agency notice to provide information about waste disposal.

    Prosecuting on behalf of the Environment Agency, Chris Bunting told the court that Williams dumped and burnt waste on a smallholding at School House Farm in Kiln Pitt Hill, near the A68 and Derwent Reservoir.

    He was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.

    The land was not authorised for any waste activities and the court heard that it would be very unlikely that a waste operation would be allowed at that location.

    Advice and law ‘deliberately disregarded’

    Andrew Turner, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

    Environmental permits are in place for the protection of the public and environment and waste crime such as this – burning waste like plastics and treated wood that produces a toxic smoke – can be extremely damaging.

    Our officers repeatedly told Williams to stop burning waste and clear it from the land but he deliberately disregarded their advice and the law.

    We take all waste crime seriously and I hope this sentence sends out a message to others that we will take tough action against those who flout the rules. People can report waste crime to our 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.

    Environment Agency investigation

    Williams operates an organisation known as the LCA Community Charity, which provides help to people, schools and other charities with clothing and furniture, and offers house and shop clearance services. However, the court heard that Williams regularly dumped and burned residual waste from those activities at the smallholding.

    In March 2020, the Environment Agency received a report of burning on land at School House Farm. Officers attended and saw mixed construction and household waste, including a metal garage door, plastic guttering, wood, a shopping trolley and a fridge. They also saw evidence of burning, with a one-metre high pile of ash.

    Officers instructed Williams to stop the fires and clear the remaining waste from the land, but checks at the end of May revealed more waste had been dumped with nearby piles of ash from fires.

    Williams said no further burning would take place and he would clear the site of waste and at the end of August 2020 the site was largely cleared.

    During the following months officers continued their investigation into the waste activities and issued a notice to Williams requiring him to provide documentation relating to the removal of waste from his site, so the EA could track its disposal. They didn’t receive a response and Williams received a fine, which he did not pay.

    In March 2022, Environment Agency officers again attended the farm, and again saw household waste had been dumped, along with doors, window frames and furniture. Two months later, several reports were received of waste again being dumped and burned on the site, and inspections revealed a large pile of ash with a new, more concealed burning location discovered and waste hidden under a tarpaulin.

    The court was told that Williams had twice been convicted in the past 9 years for similar offences involving waste burning. Magistrates decided that although a custodial sentence was inevitable, it could be suspended on account of the guilty pleas and testimonials from people who had been supported by donations received.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Economic Secretary re-establishes the Asset Management Taskforce [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Economic Secretary re-establishes the Asset Management Taskforce [April 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 25 April 2023.

    City minister re-establishes influential forum convening senior leadership from industry and the FCA to identify and harness the potential of innovative new technologies for the UK asset management industry.

    The Economic Secretary’s Asset Management Taskforce has been joined by five new senior executives from the UK’s world-class investment industry, it was announced today (25 April 2023).

    Hans Georgeson (CEO, Royal London Asset Management), Mark Murray (Senior Partner, Artemis), Joseph Pinto (CEO, M&G Asset Management), Nick Ring (CEO EMEA, Columbia Threadneedle) and Andrew Telfer (CEO, Baillie Gifford) have joined the Taskforce in the wake of the Chancellor’s Edinburgh Reforms, which aim to drive growth and competitiveness in the financial services sector.

    The Economic Secretary has also launched a new Technology Working Group, which will run in parallel to the Taskforce to examine the impact of new technology on the asset management sector. The group – chaired by Michelle Scrimgeour (CEO, Legal and General Investment Management) – will work to articulate the benefits of technology for investors and industry, and will identify the main opportunities presented by technologies including tokenisation, artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technology.

    The group’s membership will be drawn from Taskforce members, government and regulators, and wider non-asset management stakeholders. It will hold a series of meetings over the next year and subsequently produce a final report to the Taskforce.

    The report will explain the group’s findings and contain guidance and recommendations for government, regulators and industry. Previous reports produced by the Taskforce – on the UK funds regime and on stewardship – have been very successful in progressing their respective agendas.

    Andrew Griffith, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said:

    “Investment management is of central importance to the UK economy and I am determined to help it continue to flourish.

    “The UK is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by new technology in financial services, and I look forward to the Technology Working Group’s findings with great interest.”

    Asset Management Taskforce members

    Stephen Cohen, Head of EMEA, BlackRock

    Chris Cummings, CEO, Investment Association

    Helen Dean, CEO, NEST

    Hans Georgeson, CEO, Royal London Asset Management

    Sean Hagerty, Managing Director of Europe, Vanguard

    Peter Harrison, CEO, Schroders

    Catherine Howarth, CEO, ShareAction

    Mark Murray, Senior Partner, Artemis

    Joseph Pinto, CEO, M&G Asset Management

    Anne Richards, CEO, Fidelity International

    Nick Ring, CEO EMEA, Columbia Threadneedle

    Michelle Scrimgeour, CEO, Legal & General Investment Management

    Andrew Telfer, CEO, Baillie Gifford

    Patrick Thomson, CEO EMEA, JP Morgan Asset Management

    Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director – Markets, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s tech sector promoted to American entrepreneurs and investors [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s tech sector promoted to American entrepreneurs and investors [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 25 April 2023.

    A campaign designed to promote the UK’s thriving tech sector to American entrepreneurs and investors has been launched in Silicon Valley.

    • New campaign launched in US – with billboards across Silicon Valley – to encourage tech experts to invest in the UK and help deliver on priority to grow the economy
    • Campaign promotes that UK is now the third country in the world to have a trillion dollar tech sector
    • Short film narrated by Stephen Fry highlights the UK’s tech success

    In 2022, the UK became only the third country in the world to have its tech sector valued at one trillion dollars, making it a tech superpower alongside the US and China.

    To date, 162 ‘tech Unicorns’ – private start-ups which are valued at more than $1bn – have been started in the UK, more than the total number in Germany, France and Sweden combined.

    Yet government research suggests that many of Silicon Valley’s top tech entrepreneurs and investors are still not aware of the UK’s world-leading strengths in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and medical technology.

    GREAT, the government flagship marketing programme, has taken steps to address this by launching its ‘Unicorn Kingdom’ campaign, which promotes the UK as a place with all the right ingredients to breed new tech unicorns and aims to drive international investment, grow the economy and create jobs across the UK.

    The campaign launched with billboards in San Francisco promoting the UK sector’s scale ($1trillion), agile regulation and world-class talent. The campaign also includes targeted LinkedIn and digital display ads and a content partnership with TechCrunch, with promotional videos narrated by Stephen Fry.

    The campaign is being supported by multiple UK tech unicorns including Darktrace, Deepmind, Revolut, and Matillion – and is the latest in a number of recent actions from the government which demonstrates its strong support for UK tech.

    This includes the establishment of the new Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the launch of  the International Tech Strategy, the upcoming AI Whitepaper and the Government’s commitment to provide £20 billion of funding to research and development by 2024-25 – the highest ever level of public support for UK researchers and innovators.

    The next stage of the campaign will see leaders from the US tech sector invited to the UK for London Tech week, to see the benefits of working in the UK first-hand.

    Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

    The UK has all the right ingredients for tech companies to thrive. But we’ll keep working hard to foster the right conditions for the tech sector, so that it can continue to deliver on my priority to grow the economy and create jobs right across the UK.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said:

    The UK tech sector is a wonderful success story. Only three countries in the world are in the trillion-dollar tech club – and we’re one of them. We’re home to some of the brightest minds and best universities, and our doors are open to any tech entrepreneur who wants to start the next Deepmind or Deliveroo.

    Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    The UK has one of the top tech sectors in the world with a valuation of more than a trillion dollars. It’s diverse, resilient, and continues to grow at a rapid pace with the most venture capital investment in Europe. The goal of this campaign is to attract as much collaboration and investment as we can from Silicon Valley.

    The formation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, shows Investors and entrepreneurs that the UK is more dedicated than ever to forming a tech sector that is pro-innovation, pro-talent and pro-growth. Our commitment for R&D spending to be £20 billion a year by 2024 drives forward the government’s ambitions for the UK to be a science and tech superpower.

    As well as the promotional campaign, business leaders from across Silicon Valley were invited to a special reception to promote the UK tech sector in San Francisco.

    At the event, they met the leaders of tech companies from across the UK as well as senior government officials, who explained to them the UK’s place at the centre of the tech world and the benefits of investing in the country.

    Matthew Scullion, CEO and founder of Manchester-based tech company, Matillion, said:

    In the UK, we really have all the ingredients required for building consequential companies. We have brilliant grassroots engineering skills from our very strong university ecosystem. We have skills, we have capital, and we have a great environment for starting and building businesses.

    Further activities will also be carried out in the UK during London Tech Week in June, when leaders from the tech sector in America will be invited to the country to see the benefits of working in the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Storm overflow target to be enshrined in law [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Storm overflow target to be enshrined in law [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 April 2023.

    The government’s target to reduce storm overflows will be enshrined in law.

    The government has announced today (Tuesday 25 April) that its target to reduce storm overflows will be enshrined in law.

    The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, published in August 2022, set out stringent targets to protect people and the environment, backed up by up to £56 billion capital investment – the largest infrastructure programme in water company history.

    Today, the government is announcing that it will enshrine the Plan further in law through the Environment Act 2021. It will make its costed and credible target to reduce storm overflows legally binding, in line with the Plan.

    This will be backed by existing separate interim milestones for bathing waters and high priority nature sites.

    The targets in the Plan provide an achievable, realistic route to tackling sewage and delivering the improvements customers expect without disproportionately impacting consumer bills. Alongside the plan, the government published a detailed economic assessment.

    Today’s announcement builds on:

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

    I have been unequivocal on this issue. Water companies need to clean up their act – and they need to cover the costs.

    But the hard truth is that however much we all want to see this fixed immediately, the scale and complexity means there is no way that we can stop pollution overnight. To suggest otherwise is dishonest.

    I am using the full force of my powers to make sure that we stop the damage caused by storm overflows as quickly as possible. That includes our plans today to put our costed and credible target on a new legal footing.

    The Plan for Water – published on 4 April – set out further detail on how the government is tackling every source of pollution – not just storm overflows, but also agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Milestone reached in UK-Albania agreement on illegal migration [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Milestone reached in UK-Albania agreement on illegal migration [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 25 April 2023.

    Over 1,000 Albanian nationals have been returned since the UK-Albania joint communiqué was signed on 13 December.

    Following the landmark joint communiqué between the Prime Ministers of Albania and the UK on tackling illegal migration, operational teams in the UK and Albania have intensified operational work to address illegal migration, particularly the small boat crossings in the English Channel.

    The UK and Albanian authorities have been working together to make it more difficult for illegal migrants to arrive and stay in the UK. Since the communiqué was agreed, new figures show that over 1,000 Albanian nationals have been returned to Albania. This figure is a combination of failed asylum seekers, foreign national offenders and voluntary returns and covers the period from agreement of the joint communiqué on 13 December up to the first week in April.

    UK and Albanian operational teams have set up a joint migration task force, which serves as the main gateway to coordinate specialised operational measures and actions to manage illegal migration of Albanian citizens to the UK.

    These include reinforced checks on free movement criteria at all border crossing points across the country, increased verifications on Albanian citizens who are found to be illegally in the territory of the UK, and exchange of senior-level police officers in both countries.

    Head of the Albanian Border and Migration Police, Saimir Boshnjaku, said:

    We are working hand in hand with our British colleagues under the joint migration task force to prevent irregular migration to the UK and related crimes.

    The Border and Migration Police urges all citizens to follow the legal way of migration and assures that all persons breaking the law will face the consequences.

    UK Director General of Immigration Enforcement, Tony Eastaugh, said:

    These numbers are evidence that our partnership with the government of Albania to speed up the removal of those with no legal right to be in the UK is working.

    As we intensify this activity further, Albanian nationals who enter the UK illegally and have no right to be here should be under no illusion that we will remove them as quickly as possible.

    In 2022, there were 1,888 returns of Albanian nationals, of which 954 (51%) were enforced returns and 934 (49%) were voluntary returns. The number of voluntary returns is 90% higher than in 2021 (492). This is a new and encouraging trend, which we have seen continue into 2023. Already in 2023, from January to March, 795 Albanian nationals have been returned. Of these, 389 (49%) were enforced returns and 406 (51%) were voluntary returns. These operations are expected to intensify further in the upcoming months.

    The Border and Migration Police of Albania and the UK Home Office are determined to put a stop to illegal migration which seriously impedes the prosperity and safety of citizens and enables criminality, exploitation and other forms of illegality.

    The UK’s latest illegal migration statistics, published this morning (Monday 24 April) and covering a range of nationalities, also show that:

    • enforcement visits conducted between January and March 2023 have increased since the same period last year (a 53% rise, from 2,111 to 3,228)
    • as at 31 March 2023, the number of legacy cases in the asylum initial decision backlog was 11% lower than as at 31 December 2022
    • the number of asylum decision-makers has increased since July last year. As at 1 March 2023, there were 1,281 asylum decision makers, 48% higher than on 1 July 2022 (when there were 865)
  • PRESS RELEASE : More rigorous checks for fire and rescue employees [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : More rigorous checks for fire and rescue employees [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 25 April 2023.

    Fire and rescue authorities will be able to carry out stringent new record checks, helping fire and rescue services protect the public and their staff.

    Fire and rescue authorities will be able to carry out a new level of criminal record checks for all employees, helping drive up standards and protect the public and fellow staff, under new plans announced by the government.

    Currently staff are only automatically eligible for basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, however, legislation introduced yesterday (24 April 2023) will, when passed, mean all staff will be eligible for more rigorous standard DBS checks. Basic DBS checks only provide information on unspent cautions and unspent convictions, whereas standard DBS checks also provide information on spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings, subject to filtering rules.

    These checks will allow fire and rescue services to understand and mitigate risk, to protect their colleagues and the public, and support high standards of integrity. How and where these are used are at the discretion of each individual fire and rescue authority.

    The changes follow recent findings in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report, commissioned by the Crime, Policing and Fire Minister, as well as the London Fire Brigade’s independent review into its own culture, which found evidence of bullying, harassment and discrimination across the services.

    Fire minister Chris Philp said:

    Fire reform is urgently needed, and this is a step in the right direction to help raise overall standards and ensure the integrity of fire and rescue services.

    We want to see a service where everyone is welcome and treated with respect.

    Stringent criminal record checks will help ensure staff and the public are better protected and is an important part of the change that now needs to happen.

    The government will support this work with the creation of new guidance by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), in partnership with the DBS, to help ensure appropriate checks are undertaken. This guidance will be consulted on by the NFCC shortly.

    This change forms just one part of work ongoing to secure consistently high standards of integrity across fire and rescue services. Steps taken to date include commissioning the inspectorate report referenced above, funding the first ever fire culture conference through the NFCC, supporting the creation of a code of ethics, and funding Fire Standards on matters such as ethics and safeguarding.