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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on South Sudan [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Statement on High Commissioner’s report on South Sudan [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2023.

    Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on technical assistance and capacity-building for South Sudan.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    Let me begin by thanking the High Commissioner for his report. We share his sobering assessment of the continuing dire human rights, humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan, and in particular that – and I quote his words – “Rule of law mechanisms, as well as accountability mechanisms for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed across the country, continue to be weak or non-existent, thus perpetuating widespread impunity and leaving victims without redress or effective remedies”.

    We of course agree that South Sudan is in real need of technical assistance and capacity building to help improve its human rights situation and to build a sustainable peace, but that is only part of the solution. We need accountability and a more comprehensive approach to improving human rights in South Sudan is needed, which has to include, for us, the continued scrutiny by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

    We do encourage, once again, the Government of South Sudan to continue its cooperation with the Commission, and we encourage our fellow Council members to extend its mandate in full this session.

    So if I may ask, what immediate steps the Government can take in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including Chapter V, to improve the human rights situation on the ground?

  • PRESS RELEASE : Spurdog fishing returns to UK waters after stock recovers [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Spurdog fishing returns to UK waters after stock recovers [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 April 2023.

    Northeast Atlantic spurdog stock has recovered enough to support landings.

    This weekend (1 April) UK fishermen were once more able to fish Northeast Atlantic spurdog in UK waters as the latest scientific evidence revealed the stock is recovering and can support landings in 2023 and 2024.

    Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), also known as picked or spiny dogfish, are a type of shark species that inhabit UK waters. They have been managed as a prohibited species in UK and EU waters for around five years to facilitate stock recovery. But now, following a recently updated scientific assessment, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has advised the stock is recovering and landings of spurdog can be supported again.

    Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

    Through the management of spurdog as a prohibited species, we have enabled stocks to recover to the point where our fishing industry can once again fish this species commercially on a sustainable basis.

    We will continue to use the latest scientific advice and monitor stocks to ensure appropriate management measures are in place to protect the species, cementing our commitment to establish a sustainable and profitable UK fishing industry for generations to come”.

    A total allowable catch (TAC) has been agreed for North-east Atlantic Spurdog at the UK – EU fisheries negotiations, with the UK receiving a quota allocation of 2,781 tonnes in the North Sea and 4,825 tonnes in Western waters for 2023.

    North Sea spurdog quota will be shared between the UK Fisheries Administrations in England, Scotland, Wales and NI using existing fixed quota allocation units for allocation to industry groups. Western spurdog quota will be kept unallocated and managed by monthly tonnage limits in UK vessel licences, with limits being closely monitored and adjusted as necessary once more data is gathered on the fishery.

    As part of the UK’s precautionary approach to reopening the fishery, a reserve of 25% of the North Sea quota will be held by the UK government, with a decision on allocating this reserve to be made later this year. The UK and EU will also prohibit landings of spurdog over 100cm in length to discourage the targeting of larger females and provide protection for the breeding stock.

    The UK will continue to gather more information on the stock as part of this approach, and additional measures could be introduced if necessary.

    Full details on our new approach and updated Spurdog guidance can be found on GOV.UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Transport investment turbocharges UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth in Scotland [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Transport investment turbocharges UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth in Scotland [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 April 2023.

    Government commitment to develop new green technologies in Scotland will improve connectivity, create jobs and encourage people to walk and cycle.

    • Transport Minister Richard Holden outlines commitment to UK sustainable transport and maximising economic growth in Scotland
    • new hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow will help create a carbon-free future
    • meetings held with local businesses and communities to explore ways to boost connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK

    Plans to boost Scottish connectivity and economic growth through transport were at the heart of Transport Minister Richard Holden’s visit to Scotland today (3 April 2023). In meetings with local businesses and community leaders, he outlined the government’s commitment to developing new green technologies.

    Minister Holden was in Glasgow to see new hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks – backed by £16 million government funding – which could be seen on UK roads in the near future. These vehicles would make roads safer, increase productivity and help protect the environment.

    This investment is supporting the UK’s ambition of achieving net zero by 2050 and ensuring the UK maximises the opportunities offered by new technologies while supporting high-skilled jobs.

    Minister Holden also had a tour of new transport links in Ravenscraig and the surrounding areas, which has received £127 million investment jointly funded by the UK government, Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council.

    This investment will improve connectivity to local towns and cities, create thousands of jobs and encourage more people to walk and cycle.

    Transport Minister Richard Holden said:

    Innovation like this in Scotland will help the UK become a world-leading next-generation transport hub by protecting the environment and meeting our global ambitions.

    Boosting transport connections across the UK will grow the economy and ensure that everyone no matter where they live has access to well-paid, high-quality jobs.

    The regeneration of the Ravenscraig site is estimated to generate 4,600 construction jobs in follow-on development and generate £626 million for the local economy.

    This funding is part of the Glasgow Region City Deal, which saw over £1 billion committed for major infrastructure projects in Glasgow and the surrounding areas comprising funding from the UK and Scottish governments.

    UK government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

    UK government investment is helping power Scotland into the fast lane of sustainable transport innovation and delivering improved connectivity – levelling up the UK and bringing communities closer together.

    From hydrogen-powered and self-driving trucks being developed in Glasgow, the regeneration of Ravenscraig’s road, rail, cycling and walking infrastructure, a new ferry to save Fair Isle, to a green transport hub in Dundee, we are working to improve people’s journeys, boost economic growth and protect the environment.

    But there’s more to be done and we are committed to continue working closely with the Scottish Government and local partners to deliver the benefits travellers want and businesses need.

    Minister Holden met local businesses and communities to explore how investment in road schemes, railway lines and domestic flights between Scotland and the rest of the UK could boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

    Research found 60% of people thought that improving transport links across the UK would make a positive difference to their own nation. Minister Holden will also be visiting Northern Ireland and Wales in the coming days.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Professor Dame Angela McLean takes up role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Professor Dame Angela McLean takes up role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Government Office for Science on 3 April 2023.

    Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS takes up the role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) today after being appointed by the Prime Minister in February.

    Dame Angela was previously Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Defence and Deputy GCSA. She is the first woman to hold the post.

    The role of the GCSA is to provide independent scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of Cabinet and advise the government on aspects of policy on science and technology. The GCSA ensures the quality of and improves the use of scientific evidence and advice in government.

    The GCSA leads the Government Office for Science, is Head of the Government Science and Engineering Profession, Co-Chair of the Council for Science and Technology and is part of the executive team of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

    Speaking about her new role, Dame Angela said:

    “I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time in our country for Science Innovation and Technology. All of us in government are going to greatly miss Sir Patrick, and I look forward to working with colleagues to build on the work he has led during his time as GCSA.

    “My long-term mentor, the late Lord Robert May, held the post of GCSA between 1995 and 2000 and that personal connection adds a particular depth to my sense of honour in being asked to take on this role.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : NatWest on track to return to private ownership as successful trading plan extended [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : NatWest on track to return to private ownership as successful trading plan extended [April 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 3 April 2023.

    Government extends successful NatWest Group trading plan for a further two years to support the intention to exit its shareholding by 2025-26.

    • This represents continued progress in meeting the government’s aim to return its shareholding in NatWest Group to private ownership
    • Since the trading plan was established in August 2021, over £3.7 billion in proceeds have been raised

    NatWest is on track to return to private ownership as the government announces a two-year extension to its trading plan for NatWest Group (formerly the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc) today (03 April 2023).

    A trading plan involves selling shares in the market through an appointed broker over the duration of the plan. Today’s extension, ensuring the plan will be in place until August 2025, indicates the government’s commitment to returning NatWest Group to full private ownership.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said:

    We are determined to return NatWest to full private ownership.

    Today’s extension marks another significant milestone in delivering this – ensuring we achieve best value for the taxpayer as we sell down the shareholding.

    The government’s NatWest Group shareholding currently stands at around 42%, down from around 84% at its peak. The government will only dispose of its NatWest Group shareholding when it represents value for money to do so and market conditions allow.

    HMT and UK Government Investments continue to keep other disposal options under active consideration for future sales. Extending the trading plan does not preclude government from using other options to execute future transactions that achieve value for money for taxpayers, including directed buybacks and/or accelerated bookbuilds.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for rare and threatened species with new conservation funding announced [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for rare and threatened species with new conservation funding announced [April 2023]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 3 April 2023.

    It will be used to create solutions to address species decline in England, research and to invest in wildlife habitat restoration and creation.

    A new multi-million pound grant scheme was launched today (Monday 3rd April) by Natural England to help safeguard rare and threatened species from extinction.

    Species such as lady’s slipper orchid, water vole, natterjack toad, wartbiter cricket and curlew could benefit from a grant from the £18 million Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme.

    The scheme will support projects over two years delivering targeted conservation action through the creation and improvement of specific wildlife habitats, conservation translocations – whereby native at-risk species are moved or released from one geographic area to another to boost populations – as well as supporting research and creating solutions to address species decline.

    Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:

    England’s wildlife is subject to a range of pressures with many species seeing drastic decline. The fragmentation of habitats, historic losses of natural areas, pollution, the changing climate and the impact of invasive alien species have all played their part, to the point today where nearly 40 per cent of England’s wildlife species are in decline and about 15 per cent in danger of becoming extinct here.

    We know that we can turn this around though. The return of large blue butterfly to flower-rich grasslands in the Cotswolds, red kites coming back to soar over the Chiltern Hills and beyond, the bittern making a comeback back in East Anglian wetlands and the white-tailed eagle to the South Coast all present practical cases in point as to what we can be done with careful planning and partnership working. The funding announced today will continue to build and support the excellent collaborative work that is happening as we work to put Nature on the road to recovery.

    Grants will be available for environmental charities, local authorities, protected landscapes, scientific institutions and others to improve the prospects, rebuild populations of vulnerable species and improve targeted habitats for nature across England.

    The fund supports the Government’s commitment to halt nature’s decline by reducing the risk of species extinction by 2042, and supports the creation of a Nature Recovery Network of wildlife rich habitat that allows nature to thrive and people to benefit.

    The new scheme is part of Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme (SRP), which has helped improve the conservation status of England’s priority and threatened species since the 1990s. Previous notable successes have included:

    • A targeted recovery effort for bittern, involving the restoration and creation of extensive reedbeds. Over a 20-year period, the bittern population has increased from 11 booming males to over 200 now, more than have occurred in England for over 200 years.
    • The recovery of the fen raft spider. Known in only three sites in the UK, recovery action began in 1991, first tackling water levels and quality, and then on reintroductions of the species at former sites using captive breeding.

    Natural England encourages applications from today (3 April 2023) that focus on the recovery of England’s most at-risk species across land, freshwaters and seas. Further details of the grant scheme, including how to apply, can be found on the Natural England blog.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £1.6 billion investment brought forward to speed up vital water infrastructure projects [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £1.6 billion investment brought forward to speed up vital water infrastructure projects [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 3 April 2023.

    Projects worth over £1.6 billion of investment will tackle water pollution and increase resilience to drought.

    Over £1.6 billion of new investment will be directed into vital infrastructure to improve the water quality of our rivers, lakes and coastal waters and secure future water supplies, the government and Ofwat announced today (3 April).

    It follows a request from Defra to English water companies to accelerate investments between now and 2025 to tackle storm overflow discharges, reduce nutrient pollution from treatment works and address water resilience challenges.

    This announcement comes ahead of the government’s Integrated Plan for Water, which will be published tomorrow, and will set out how we can achieve cleaner and more plentiful water for future generations. The investment announced today will ensure improvements are made more quickly to address the unacceptable levels of pollution in waterways and deliver for customers.

    As part of the new package of investment, announced in draft form by Ofwat, companies will commit £1.1 billion to help eliminate harm caused by storm overflows. A further £400 million will be spent on water resilience schemes and £160m to help reduce nutrient pollution.

    It includes major new projects such as:

    • United Utilities reducing around 8,400 spills per year, including reducing discharges into Lake Windermere (£800 million)
    • Yorkshire Water improving wastewater treatment infrastructure in Ilkley to improve the bathing water quality of the River Wharfe (£67 million)
    • South West Water upgrading assets and storage to reduce discharges in Falmouth and Sidmouth (£70 million)
    • Anglian Water accelerating its regional storm overflow reduction plan in the east of England (£27 million)
    • Essex and Suffolk Water increasing water resilience in their area to better meet the needs of local customers including businesses (£18 million)
    • Severn Trent rolling out smart meters and modifying its Draycote Water reservoir in Warwickshire to increase water capacity (£70 million)

    Schemes will also focus on new infrastructure to reduce nutrient pollution. Improvements at 14 wastewater treatment works, with an investment of £160 million, will significantly reduce phosphorus pollution in protected site catchments. This includes proposals from Anglian Water to both reduce pollution and support sustainable housing development.

    All work will start in the next two years, from 2023 to 2025.

    Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    These new schemes will help accelerate the delivery of the urgent improvements we need to protect our environment. It includes £1.1 billion of new investment to stop sewage discharges at sites across the country and will deliver a reduction of 10,000 discharges per year in places like Lake Windermere, the River Wharfe, Falmouth and Sidmouth.

    The investment set out here will also provide an important boost for regional jobs, businesses and local communities.

    It builds on the key commitments in our five year strategy – our Environmental Improvement Plan – as well as our upcoming Plan for Water to tackle pollution, reduce water consumption and protect our waters.

    Ofwat Chief Executive David Black said:

    Substantial investment is needed to address the challenges to our water system of storm overflows, river and bathing water quality and drought resilience.

    We are pleased that we’ve been able to work with companies and identify significant investments which companies can start well before the next price control period. This will bring substantial benefits for customers and the environment and bring them faster. We want to see companies making more rapid progress in delivering improvements, and will hold them to account if they fall short.

    Ofwat will consult on these draft decisions and the consultation will close at midday on Monday 24 April 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pre-recorded evidence improves rape victims’ experience of court [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pre-recorded evidence improves rape victims’ experience of court [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 April 2023.

    Report finds process less intimidating and yields better evidence.

    • pre-recording means victims can seek vital support earlier, such as therapy
    • rape cases reaching Crown Court double since launch of Rape Review

    Rape victims who pre-record their evidence are more likely to have a better experience of the court process, findings published today (3 April 2023) reveal.

    Today’s report finds that victims who use the measure, which has been available in all Crown Courts in England and Wales since September last year, find their experience less intimidating as they do not have to face their alleged attacker in the full glare of a courtroom.

    Other benefits include improved recall of events as a result of cross-examination being brought forward, normally nearer to the time of the alleged offence, and knowing exactly when they will need to give evidence. It also meant they were able to access vital support services earlier, such as therapy, without fear that it could be used against them in cross-examination.

    The rollout of pre-recorded evidence is one of several actions the government is taking as part of the Rape Review Action Plan to give every victim the confidence to come forward and get support they need, and bring more rapists to justice. Our actions are working, the latest figures show that the number of rape cases reaching Crown Court has doubled since the Rape Review was commissioned in 2019 and that the government is closer to its target of returning to 2016 levels by the end of this Parliament. Pre-recorded evidence will help ensure all cases reaching court are supported in the appropriate way to see justice delivered.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:

    Pre-recorded evidence is an important part of our plan to improve rape victims’ experience of the criminal justice system – reducing the stress and trauma that many suffer as a result of facing court. This report shows it is making an important and positive difference.

    Alongside better collaboration between police and prosecutors and a 24/7 support line we will stop at nothing to make sure that victims feel able to persevere with the process and bring more perpetrators to justice.

    Today’s report finds that pre-recording evidence can create a calmer, less intimidating cross-examination experience for witnesses compared to traditional cross-examination in a trial. One witness who had pre-recorded their evidence said:

    Making it possible to go and pre-record it, I have no words to explain how much pressure it took from my shoulders.

    I feel safe, and I felt like I don’t have to meet anyone I don’t want to meet. I felt protected, just a safe environment to me.

    A police officer interviewed for the evaluation report said:

    I’ve […] watched the complainant giving evidence and I really felt for that person because they’ve just been pulled apart and in that horrible, hostile courtroom environment which I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

    Other practitioners interviewed for the evaluation report – including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA), at-trial advocates and police – highlighted the benefit of the witness knowing the exact date and time that they will give evidence, compared to traditional cross-examination where the witness may have to wait in court for days to give their evidence.

    The report also found the reduced time between the alleged offence and the cross-examination could improve witnesses’ memory recall. This could be especially beneficial to vulnerable witnesses, particularly children, whose recollection is more at risk of impairment while waiting for trial.

    The findings follow the introduction of the Victims and Prisoners Bill which places on a statutory footing the foundations of the Victims’ Code. This means that victims will be entitled to challenge decisions to not charge or continue a prosecution, receive information on how their case is progressing, and be able to access support services such as ISVAs.

    The rollout of pre-recorded evidence was a major part of the Rape Review Action Plan to drive up prosecutions and convictions for adult rape cases. Alongside this the government has also:

    • Launched a 24/7 support line run by Rape Crisis for rape and serious sexual violence victims
    • Expanded Operation Soteria to a further 14 police forces and to 3 new Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) areas
    • Passed new laws via the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022) to stop unnecessary and intrusive requests for victims’ phones, with the majority of forces in position to ensure no victim should be without their devices for more than 24 hours
    • Committed to introduce new legislation on the way the police can request access to personal data from third parties such as medical data
    • Launched a specialist sexual violence support pilot at 3 Crown Courts – Leeds, Newcastle, and Snaresbrook in London. It seeks to provide victims with enhanced at-court support and help increase throughput of cases. It includes the introduction of trauma-informed training for court staff, maximising the use of technology, and access to ISVAs at court
    • Quadrupled victim support services funding by 2025 compared to 2010 levels. This includes increasing the number of Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advisors (ISVA and IDVA) by 43% over the next 3 years taking the total to over 1,000

    Taken together these measures are driving improvements across the system. Alongside the doubling in the number of rape cases going to Crown Court compared to 2019, the latest statistics show the key targets of the Rape Review are close to being achieved.

    These reveal that police referrals to the CPS and CPS charges, respectively, are up 117% and 94% on the 2019 quarterly average. Police referrals are also up 30% on 2016 levels with charges just 12% below the target the government set for the end of this parliament.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 3 April 2023.

    An additional 200,000 Universal Credit claimants will be able to access quicker support with their mortgage from today.

    • Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme extended to 200,000 additional Universal Credit claimants in efforts to support more households with the cost of living
    • They will be able to access help towards mortgage interest on their home or certain home improvements worth up to £200,000 after three months on Universal Credit
    • Support will be automatically offered to qualifying claimants after three months on Universal Credit

    Previously, claimants would need to have been unemployed for nine months before they could access a Support for Mortgage Interest loan, which helps them cover interest payments for a mortgage, or a home repairs and improvements loan, whilst they seek work.

    Today’s reforms, which were announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, mean claimants will be able to receive the support after just three months of being on Universal Credit, and in another change they now do not have to be unemployed to do so. They will also be able to re-claim the support if they leave Universal Credit but return within six months.

    Mims Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said:

    The fear of losing your home when you have fallen on difficult times is incredibly stressful and makes getting back on your feet all the more difficult.

    This increased support is an important lifeline to help provide stability for those who are seeking to find work and move back towards long-term prosperity.

    Support for Mortgage Interest loans will now be automatically offered to claimants by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they qualify after three months on Universal Credit – they do not need to do anything to receive this offer.

    The loans are designed to help claimants with the interest on mortgages or loans for certain home improvements, such as repairs or improvements to keep their home habitable or to adapt them for people with disabilities, whilst they are on Universal Credit. Even if claimants reject the offer of a loan initially, as long as they are still eligible, they can start claiming it at any point.

    The loan needs to be repaid when claimants sell their home, though no one will be asked to sell their home in order to repay it. If needed, claimants can contact the DWP about transferring the loan to a new home.

    More widely, the Government is projected to have spent £28.5 billion supporting renters in 2022/23, whilst the Affordable Homes Programme, worth £11.5 billion, will deliver more affordable homes across the country, including tens of thousands for social rent.

    The Government has also provided over £1.5 billion for Discretionary Housing Payments since 2012, whilst Local Housing Allowance rates were increased above inflation during the pandemic and have been maintained since to provide housing support to Universal Credit claimants.

    Additional Information

    • Support for Mortgage Interest loans are available for people on the following qualifying benefits:
    • Universal Credit
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Pension Credit
    • For more information on Support for Mortgage Interest, please visit www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest or speak to your work coach.
    • Support for Mortgage Interest payments are made directly to the lender every month.
    • Today’s changes come in addition to extensive support with the Cost of Living, including a year-long extension to the Household Support Fund. Worth over £2 billion in its lifetime, the fund is designed to help the most vulnerable with the cost of food and energy essentials.
    • And the Government is directly paying £301 to over 8 million people on means-tested benefits from 25 April to help with the cost of living. Further payments worth £300 and £299 will be made later in the financial year, whilst additional payments of £300 for pensioners and £150 for disabled people will also be made in 2023, meaning some people will receive up to £1,350 in direct Government support.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to clamp down on Grooming Gangs [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to clamp down on Grooming Gangs [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 April 2023.

    Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today (Monday 3 April).

    Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today (Monday 3 April).

    A new Grooming Gangs Taskforce will see specialist officers parachuted in to assist police forces with live child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations to bring more of these despicable criminals to justice.

    Led by the police and supported by the National Crime Agency, the taskforce will be made up of officers with extensive experience of undertaking grooming gang investigations. They will provide crucial support to forces across the country to root out grooming gangs and put more perpetrators behind bars.

    Data analysts will work alongside the taskforce using cutting edge data and intelligence to identify the types of criminals who carry out these offences, helping police forces across the country catch offenders who might otherwise be missed. This will also include police recorded ethnicity data to make sure suspects cannot evade justice because of cultural sensitivities.

    This will include better data on the make-up of grooming gangs, including ethnicity, to make sure suspects cannot hide behind cultural sensitivities as a way to evade justice.

    The Prime Minister will launch the taskforce later today. To mark this, he will be in Leeds and Greater Manchester to meet survivors, local police partners and members of the new taskforce.

    Speaking ahead of this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    “The safety of women and girls is paramount. For too long, political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women. We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.”

    Alongside the new taskforce, the Prime Minister has pledged to make sure grooming gang members and their ring leaders receive the toughest possible sentences.

    Legislation will be introduced to make being the leader of or involved in a grooming gang a statutory aggravating factor during sentencing. This reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to make sure these offenders face the toughest sentences for their crimes and the longest time behind bars.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:

    “Grooming gangs are a scourge on our society and I want to send a clear message to anyone who exploits vulnerable children that they will face the full weight of the law.

    “This builds on the extensive action this Government has already taken to introduce tougher sentencing, and the reforms introduced last week in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars, while making sure victims get the support they need at all times.”

    Today’s announcement follows on from the Home Secretary’s commitment to bring in mandatory reporting for adults working with children if they suspect or identify that child is being abused. By ensuring people speak out if they have concerns, authorities can stop the abuse, put perpetrators behind bars and get victims the support they need much sooner.

    Mandatory Reporting was one the key recommendations in the important Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which gave a voice to thousands of courageous survivors. Today’s announcement shows how seriously the Government is taking the Inquiry’s recommendations.

    Speaking in response to the Government’s announcement on mandatory reporting, Professor Alexis Jay OBE, Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and Author, Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, said:

    “The Prime Minister’s statement today places a renewed focus on tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by organised networks. I welcome these announcements, some of which reflect the recommendations of the Inquiry’s own report on child sexual exploitation in 2022. The commitment to Mandatory Reporting is very encouraging, and I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the full package of the Inquiry’s recommendations in its Final Report is taken forward to better protect children from sexual abuse in the future.”

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.

    “The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.

    “And the despicable abusers must be brought to justice. They should not be able to hide. And they must face the full force of the law for their crimes.

    “That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failures identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to its findings.

    “I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.”

    Alongside the mandatory reporting duty, we are bolstering support for the NSPCC’s whistleblowing helpline, as well as their public helpline, giving professionals and members of the public a voice to raise concerns about children, or about child grooming in their community.