Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Millions to take home more cash as new law on Tipping passes [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 May 2023.

Withholding tips from staff becomes unlawful as the Tipping Bill achieves Royal Assent, with more than 2 million workers to have their tips protected.
- Withholding tips from staff becomes unlawful as Tipping Bill achieves Royal Assent.
- More than 2 million workers will have their tips protected and be able to view an employer’s tipping record.
- An estimated £200 million a year will go back into the pockets of hard-working staff by retaining tips that would have otherwise been deducted.
Millions of UK workers will take home an estimated £200 million more of their hard-earned cash, as employers are banned from withholding tips under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which today (Tuesday 2 May) received Royal Assent.

Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service charges from customers to their staff.

This Bill makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive the tips they have earned. The measures are expected to come into force in 2024, following a consultation and secondary legislation.

This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors helping to ease cost of living pressures and give them peace of mind that they will keep their hard-earned money.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

As people face rising living costs, it is not right for employers to withhold tips from their hard-working employees.

Whether you are pulling pints or delivering a pizza, this new law will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it.

I want to thank Dean Russell MP, Virginia Crosbie MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality and improved the lives of workers across the UK.

Dean Russell, Conservative MP for Watford, said:

I am very pleased that my Tips Bill has received Royal Assent. Hard working people working in hospitality in Watford and across the country will be able to retain their tips, knowing that they will now have a fair deal.

I have always had reservations that some employers kept tips which were earnt by their staff. This new law will stop this immediately and will ensure that the tips are given to the individual staff member, or team.

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to every business and individual who has been in touch to share their support for my Bill.

Virginia Crosbie, Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, said:

I am pleased this bill is now law. Driving it forward was all about fairness for workers and for those who give tips for good service. It was never right that a minority of companies could pocket tips when the public wanted them to go to the person who served them or made their food.

The law will now boost wages for what are often lower paid jobs and not boost company profits at the expense of hard-working staff. But it is also about valuing the people who do important jobs in our economy, especially in tourist areas like Anglesey, and I am proud to have played my part.

Through the Act, a new statutory Code of Practice will be developed to provide businesses and staff with advice on how tips should be distributed. On top of this, workers will receive a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping record, enabling them to bring forward a credible claim to an employment tribunal.

UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said:

Fantastic hospitality experiences don’t happen without a huge effort from our teams, both front and back of house, and tips are a generous way of customers showing their gratitude, while providing a welcome boost to employees’ earnings. Tips are just one part of what makes working in hospitality a great job and career.

We’re pleased to support this new piece of legislation as it comes into law today and look forward to working with Government and other stakeholders on a code of practice that ensures a fair distribution of gratuities amongst all who contribute to providing great hospitality.

Today’s Royal Assent follows a range of government action to support people with the cost of living and help those on lower incomes keep more of what they earn, whilst delivering on the government’s priority to halve inflation. Most notably, last month the National Living Wage increased by 9.7 percent, keeping the government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the National Living Wage to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, provided economic conditions allow.

Further recent government action to support households with the cost of living includes extending the Energy Price Guarantee at its current level for another two months, which keeps energy bills at £2,500 for a typical household until the end of June. We have also extended the freeze on fuel duty, saving the average car driver in the UK £100 over the next year.
03/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Homes England appoints suppliers to Development and Regeneration and Technical Services Framework [May 2023]
The press release issued by Homes England on 2 May 2023.

Homes England has awarded its new DaRTS Framework, which will deliver a broad range of built environment professional and technical services on its land.

The DaRTS Framework, which will run from 2023–2027, has been introduced as the replacement for the Multidisciplinary Framework 2019-2023 for accessing technical and professional services.

Barry Cummins, Chief Development Officer at Homes England, said: “We want to work with ambitious suppliers who can help us drive regeneration and housing delivery to create high-quality homes and thriving places across the country.

“Suppliers appointed to the new framework bring with them a wealth of knowledge and housing expertise that will enhance the work of Homes England. In addition to the re-procurement of a multidisciplinary lot providing a comprehensive range of technical and professional services, a second placemaking-focussed lot will allow us to engage directly with specialists to help deliver our agenda to promote quality, decency, good design and sustainability.”

Framework structure and suppliers

The framework, which is Homes England’s largest professional services framework, will feature a new two-part lotted structure to provide direct access to suppliers with a place-making specialism.

Lot 1 – end-to-end technical and professional services

Under lot 1, the framework will provide access to consultants delivering a wide range of multidisciplinary professional and technical services. The services available under lot 1 include structural and civil engineering services, transport and traffic services and environment and sustainability services. This lot also includes non-mandatory asbestos services that will be delivered by suppliers who successfully tender to deliver these services.

Non-mandatory service suppliers are indicated with an asterisk below.
- AECOM
- Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited *
- Atkins Limited
- Avison Young (UK) Ltd *
- Buro Happold Limited
- Campbell Reith Hill LLP *
- Gleeds Advisory Ltd
- Jacobs U.K. Limited
- Mace Consult Limited
- Mott MacDonald Limited
- Ove Arup & Partners Ltd *
- Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd *
- Ramboll UK Limited
- Stantec UK Limited *
- Tetra Tech Limited *
- Turner & Townsend Project Management Limited
- WSP UK Limited.*
Lot 2 – placemaking, master planning and design services

Lot 2 has been created to reflect the importance of quality placemaking and will provide the ability to engage directly with master planning, landscape design and ecology, planning, and community engagement specialists.

The suppliers for lot 2 are:
- Allies & Morrison LLP
- BDP
- David Lock Associates Limited
- Fabrik Limited
- HTA Design LLP
- LDA Design
- Maccreanor Lavington Limited
- Prior+Partners Ltd
- Rolfe Judd Planning AR Urbanism Ltd
- Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design Ltd.
02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Martyn’s Law progresses as government publishes draft legislation [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK will be better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks under new draft laws published by government.

The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that, under Martyn’s Law, venues and other organisations will have to meet to ensure public safety. ‘Martyn’s Law’ is a tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee, ahead of formal introduction.

In December 2022, the government announced that Martyn’s Law will introduce a tiered model for certain locations depending on the capacity of the premises or event and the activity taking place, to prevent unnecessary burden to business. The legislation will ensure venues are prepared for, and ready to respond in the event of, an attack.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations, causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about their everyday lives,

This is a significant step forward for Martyn’s Law and our ability to further protect the public. I welcome the committee’s scrutiny to ensure that this legislation is proportionate while enhancing our national security.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:

Today is an important step forward to a safer country. Martyn’s Law will end the ridiculous situation where venues have legal obligations for how many toilets they have but no obligation to keep their customers protected.

Of course Martyn’s Law won’t stop all terror attacks, but it will make crowded places better protected and prepared, and make the terrorists’ job that bit harder.

Almost six years after the Manchester Arena attack it’s now critical this bill is passed into law as quickly as possible and in the strongest form possible.

British Retail Consortium Assistant Director, Graham Wynn, said:

Given the number of retail premises, Martyn’s Law is particularly relevant to retailers. We have appreciated the Home Office’s willingness to make adjustments to the bill – such as the move to make capacity the basis to meet changing needs – as well as make it more practical and proportionate.

It will be important to ensure all operational details work effectively – such as how the tiers operate at the margins. After closer examination of the detail, we look forward to the opportunity to provide additional suggestions as appropriate during the Parliamentary process.

The government is committed to working closely with businesses and other stakeholders to ensure this legislation is proportionate whilst also being effective. Dedicated guidance and support will be provided to ensure those in scope can meet their responsibilities. ProtectUK already hosts a range of expert advice, training, and guidance.

The standard tier will apply to public premises with a maximum capacity of 100 or more people, whilst the enhanced tier applies to public premises and events with a maximum capacity of 800 or more people. Limited exemptions to the capacity requirements apply to education establishments and places of worship. Guidance and training materials will also be available to premises with a capacity of under 100, should they want additional support.

Standard tier premises will be required to undertake basic, low-cost activities to improve their preparedness, including terrorism protection training and evaluating the best procedures to put in place in order to minimise impact.

Enhanced tier premises and events have further requirements in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. This will include appointing a designated senior officer who must regularly review the security of the venue.

An inspection and enforcement regime will be established to promote the requirements for each tier. In the event of non-compliance, sanctions and ultimately penalties will be issued to premises.

Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and has been developed following extensive consultation with the public, businesses and campaign groups. The significant majority agree that those responsible for publicly accessible locations should take measures to protect the public from potential attacks.

Among the campaigners was Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett. Her campaign for ‘Martyn’s Law’ has informed the process leading to the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. Figen and others have worked tirelessly with the government to ensure this bill is delivered and publishing the draft legislation is a credit to their efforts. Publication of the draft bill today follows a commitment made by the Prime Minister to Figen shortly after he took office that the government would bring forward the measures in the Spring.

02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on France [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at France’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.
The UK recognises France’s strong commitment to maintaining and strengthening human rights.

We commend France’s commitments to tackle human trafficking, to advance gender equality, and to address gender-based violence. We note that the number of female victims of domestic violence in France has decreased from 2019 to 2022. However, in 2021, one woman was killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner.

We recommend:

Developing capacity to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Improving access to justice for victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence.

Improvements to conditions and over-crowding in prisons.

Thank you, Mr President.
02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Tonga [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK delivered a statement during Tonga’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
I would like to start by welcoming the recent steps taken by the Kingdom of Tonga to promote and protect human rights including the ratification of the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Furthermore the UK commends Tonga for their engagement with civil society to work towards ending sexual and gender-based violence.

However we were deeply saddened by the murder of Polikalepo Kefu, a leading human rights activist for LGBTI+ rights. We encourage Tonga to take concrete steps to repeal laws that sanction and discriminate against LGBTI+ persons.

We recommend Tonga:

Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and consider a national plan of action to end SGBV.

Ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and support the disaggregation of SDG Reporting data by disability by the end of 2023.

Ratify the Convention Against Torture, and strengthen domestic implementation by establishing a Cabinet Working Group.

Thank you.
02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Romania [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 May 2023.

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

The UK welcomes Romania’s continued commitment to the UPR. We recognise its efforts in developing and adopting cross-government strategies and legislation on human rights, including on tackling Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and anti-Semitism and xenophobia. We encourage Romania to focus on implementation and outcomes.

We recommend that Romania:
1. Improve equality of opportunity, particularly in rural areas and for marginalised groups, address income disparities and extreme poverty, improve access to inclusive education, and reduce social-economic exclusion.
2. Intensify efforts to reduce underage pregnancy, violence against women, Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, including by addressing the social attitudes that drive these problems.
3. Demonstrate ongoing political commitment to create an environment where minority groups, especially Roma and LGBT people, can be confident and open in their identity.
Thank you, Madam President.
02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : British Forces Cyprus contribute to HM The King’s Coronation [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 May 2023.

Soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment undertake a final inspection parade in Cyprus before departing for Ceremonial duties in the UK.

Personnel stationed at British Forces Cyprus, a Strategic Command overseas base, will be participating in the Coronation of HM King Charles III in London.

The ceremonial groups have participated in training in the UK, alongside other members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, before they represent The Sovereign Base Areas at the Coronation.

The Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus are part of the global network of locations, managed by Strategic Command, that provide UK Defence with a global reach and support the security of the UK, its allies, and partner nations.

Asked about the importance of the Coronation to those posted overseas, Commander British Forces Cyprus and Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas, Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires, said:

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III is an especially momentous event for the UK Overseas Territory on Cyprus and all those who serve or support our work here.

Having conducted our own Proclamation Ceremony last September and with the Administrator being appointed directly by the Sovereign, we have a close relationship with the Monarchy as demonstrated by the many Royal visits we have hosted, most recently when Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal opened the Queen Berengaria School in January.

We are proud that British Forces from Cyprus have been chosen to participate in the Coronation, and our personnel and families will join the rest of the UK, the Commonwealth and globe in enjoying this historic occasion throughout the weekend of celebration.

02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK hands operations at Wadi Seidna airfield back to Sudanese authorities after successful evacuations [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 May 2023.

Royal Navy, Army, and RAF handed international evacuation operations back to Sudanese authorities after leaving the airfield in good order.

The UK military’s evacuation Joint Task Force has handed over the coordination of evacuation operations at Wadi Seidna airfield to Sudanese authorities, after more than 20 evacuation flights.

The airfield, located to the north of Khartoum, had been the UK’s primary location for evacuating UK nationals and their dependents, with further flights continuing on Monday from Port Sudan.

While the final UK flight from Wadi Seidna departed on Saturday, members of the three services of the UK Armed Forces remained on site into Sunday to ensure the airfield was left in good order.

Members of the Royal Engineers carried out urgent repairs to the runway between flights, due to deterioration of the runway surface as a result of the volume of international flights, handing it back to Sudan’s senior representative in a better condition than when the UK took over the coordination of evacuations at the airfield.

Before departing the facility for the final time, the UK’s Joint Task Force Commander held a call with his Sudanese counterpart to thank him for their close working relationship, which allowed his team to safely conduct the operation to evacuate more than 2,000 people.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Yet again our Armed Forces are leading the way. I am extremely grateful to all our personnel, as well as the contributions of our international partners, including the US, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, who have helped ensure the safe evacuation of more than 2,000 civilians, including those from more than 20 other nations.

The dedicated work of all those deployed on this operation at short notice has seen the biggest and longest evacuation effort from Sudan of any Western nation. First in, last out. Defence gets things done.

Significant background work was required to ensure that people fleeing the current conflict could be managed with dignity, compassion and as much comfort as was possible in such an austere and challenging environment.

Speaking after his return to the UK’s Forward Mounting Base in Cyprus, the UK ground commander at Wadi Seidna, Lt Col Oliver Denning RM, said:

I am extremely proud of each and every member of the UK Rapid Extraction Task Force, who were operating in a high-pressure environment and in austere conditions, amid temperatures of more than 45 Celsius.

Personnel from all Services – in support of FCDO and Home Office colleagues – demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion and care to enable the extraction of personnel aged between 5 days and 92 years, and of more than 20 different nationalities”.

As well as ensuring the evacuees were protected and had access to food, water and shelter, UK civilian and military personnel at the evacuation facility also distributed children’s toys, comforts and sanitary products.

The airfield underwent the first operational runway repair conducted by British forces since the Falklands conflict in 1982, and the mobile medical facility provided care to 130 people, including life-saving surgical interventions.

Major Mark Borley, Commanding Officer of 51 Parachute Squadron RE, said:

The works to the runway were conducted at night and in challenging conditions, but the team’s work provided a real boost to military aircrew confidence when landing, allowing our aircraft to operate safely and get vulnerable people to safety.

The work was hot and demanding. But fulfilling a role which for which we train hard alongside a significant number of other stakeholders was incredibly rewarding, particularly on operations and in support of vulnerable people. I am extremely proud of the team; their determination and professionalism was superb and their success has made a real difference.

HMS Lancaster remains docked in Port Sudan, where her crew continue to provide support to evacuees and officials.

02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Canada announce winner of 2023 Media Freedom Award [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 May 2023.

Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr wins joint UK-Canadian accolade for extraordinary commitment to high-quality independent journalism.
- Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr wins joint UK-Canadian accolade for extraordinary commitment to high-quality independent journalism
- The newspaper continued to report, amidst a takedown of their website and legal threats to its reporters
- Signal of UK and Canada’s enduring commitment to supporting free and independent journalism
The 2023 Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award has been presented today to independent Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr for its extraordinary commitment to high-quality independent journalism. The newspaper continued to report, amidst a takedown of their website and legal threats to its reporters. This award signals Canada and the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting free and independent journalism.

Since its inception almost ten years ago, the online newspaper has been recognised for its unyielding commitment to high-quality journalism despite external pressures. The paper has stood their ground despite having their website blocked in Egypt, and its journalists, including Editor-in-Chief Lina Attalah, facing legal charges.

The award has been presented during the fourth Media Freedom Coalition event in New York, by James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Robert Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York.

Established in 2020, the Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom award recognises those who have championed freedom of speech and democracy. Mada Masr is Egypt’s leading independent media outlet and is known for its free news coverage in Egypt and across the wider Middle East.

James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, said:

“Today, more than ever before, journalists are on the frontline of the battle to uphold democratic freedoms and the Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award continues to recognise those who work tirelessly to promote and protect free speech.

“I’m delighted to honour the work of editor Lina Attalah and her team, who have upheld those ideals amidst significant pressure. I hope that independent media outlets around the world will take this as a signal that we will always support them.”

Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York, said:

“Media freedom is central to democratic societies, and essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It takes courage and conviction to be among those on the frontlines advocating for our human rights and defending against efforts to undermine them.

“Today I am honoured to present the Canada-UK Media Freedom Award to Editor-in-Chief of Mada Masr, Lina Attalah and her team, who remain fierce advocates for independent journalism in Egypt and the wider Middle East.”

As the 2023 winner, Mada Masr joins former Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award recipients, Vietnamese journalist Pham Doang Trang, who was named as winner in 2022, and 2020 winner the Belarusian Association of Journalists.

Journalists who champion democracy and human rights need to be protected and continued coordinated commitment to ensuring media freedom is helping to highlight their brave work around the world, from Myanmar to Russia and Afghanistan.

The announcement of the third Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award comes ahead of UN World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
02/05/2023
PRESS RELEASE : 2197 people safely evacuated from Sudan by the UK [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 May 2023.

The UK has evacuated 2197 people to safety from Sudan, in the longest and largest airlift by any Western nation during the crisis.
- UK Government arranged extra evacuation flights from Port Sudan today (Monday, May 1).
- Follows end of UK evacuation flights from Wadi Saeedna airfield, near Khartoum, on Saturday evening (29 April).
- Total number of people evacuated is now 2197 (as of 17:30 Monday 1 May), in the longest and largest evacuation from Sudan by any Western nation
The UK has evacuated 2197 people to safety from Sudan, in the longest and largest airlift by any Western nation during the crisis, as the attention now turns to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

Further flights were expected from Port Sudan on Monday evening, supporting British nationals and others – including Sudanese doctors working in the NHS – who have arrived in Port Sudan.

In addition to British nationals, the UK has also helped evacuate 1087 people from other nations, including the US, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada, Germany and Australia.

The UK Government is no longer running evacuation flights from Wadi Saeedna airfield because of a significant decline in the number of British nationals coming forward and an increasingly volatile situation on the ground.

A UK team is now set up at Port Sudan to provide consular assistance, including to British nationals leaving by commercial routes.

Royal Navy ship HMS Lancaster is supporting evacuation efforts from Sudan.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

With thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff and military, the UK has brought 2197 people to safety from Sudan so far – the largest airlift by any Western nation.

As the focus turns to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, we will continue do all we can to press for a long-term ceasefire and an immediate end to the violence in Sudan.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Yet again the men and women of our Armed Forces have led the way. In one week, the RAF have flown more than 20 flights, deployed over a thousand personnel, evacuated over 2,000 civilians and helped citizens from more than 20 countries to get home.

HMS Lancaster will remain at Port Sudan and her crew will continue to help provide support.

The UK is leading diplomatic efforts for peace in Sudan, with International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell in Nairobi over the weekend, meeting with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat to discuss the conflict in Sudan.

The UK Ambassador to Sudan was deployed to Addis Ababa last week (27 April) to support the UK’s diplomatic regional response to Sudan from the British Embassy in Ethiopia.

The UK is also exploring options to provide effective humanitarian assistance to people in Sudan, in close coordination with international partners, the UN, and NGOs. The UK is a committed donor in Sudan, having spent over £250 million in humanitarian aid in the last five years.

The UK continues to provide consular support to British nationals in Port Sudan and in neighbouring countries in the region.

The safety of all British nationals in Sudan continues to be our utmost priority and we urge everyone to continue to follow our travel advice. The situation remains volatile and our ability to conduct evacuations could change at short notice.
02/05/2023