Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Frequently Flooded Allowance – Funding for repeatedly flooded communities [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Frequently Flooded Allowance – Funding for repeatedly flooded communities [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 April 2023.

    £100 million of funding for areas in England that have suffered repeated flooding.

    Floods Minister Rebecca Pow has today (Wednesday 5 April) announced the first communities in England to receive better flood protection as part of the government’s £100 million Frequently Flooded Allowance to protect areas which have been affected by repeated flooding.

    The first 53 projects announced today will be allocated more than £26 million in total, better protecting more than 2,300 households and businesses across the country.

    Communities that will be better protected include those in Worcestershire, which faced severe flooding with Storm Christoph in 2021, and Cumbria, whose residents suffered major flooding from Storm Desmond in 2015 and Storm Ciara in 2020.

    It will also better protect properties in the Calder Valley, which was devastated by flooding when it was hit by both Storm Ciara and Storm Eva in 2015.

    The allowance targets communities where 10 or more properties have flooded twice or more in the last 10 years. These communities are often smaller and can face barriers to access funding due to the relative complexity and cost of building flood defences compared to the size of the community.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    We know only too well the devastating impact that flooding can have on communities and businesses, as we face more extreme weather brought about by climate change.

    I am determined that we do whatever we can to prevent flooding that affects so many towns and villages across the country.

    This much-needed funding will go a long way to support those whose homes and livelihoods are repeatedly threatened by flooding and forms a key part of our record £5.2 billion investment by 2027 to protect communities in England better.

    John Curtin, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said:

    We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK and around the world, with increased flooding just one aspect of this. Protecting people and communities is our top priority as look to tackle this challenge.

    The funding announced today will help better protect thousands of homes and businesses at risk from repeated flood incidents across the country.

    The Environment Agency’s strong track record in delivering flood defence schemes means we have better protected 314,000 homes since 2015.

    Projects will improve resilience through a mixture of hard engineering flood defences and natural flood management measures. The allowance also supports the installation of property flood resilience (PFR) measures such as flood doors and barriers, meaning more homes will be better protected in communities where traditional defence schemes are not always viable.

    The ring-fenced funding is part of a record £5.2 billion investment in flood defences to protect communities across England better.

    Since the start of the current £5.2 billion investment programme (2021-2027), we have already better protected more than 35,000 properties. This follows our successful delivery of the previous £2.6 billion investment programme between 2015 and 2021, which better protected more than 314,000 homes across England.

    See below for a full list of projects to receive funding:

    • Alconbury Flood Alleviation Scheme Stage 2
    • Brighton & Hove City Council Surface Water Management Feasibility Study
    • Bingley and Shipley Property Flood Resilience Study
    • Bledington Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Burrow Beck Conveyance Improvements
    • Carlisle Appraisal Package Appleby Town Centre
    • Chard Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Cocker Beck, Lowdham, Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Dufton Close Feasibility Study
    • Earby Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 3, Earby Beck
    • Eardisland Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Erringden Hillside
    • Falmouth Integrated Urban Drainage Management
    • First Avenue Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Flood Risk Reduction Schemes 2 – Copley Village Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Flood Risk Reduction Schemes 2 – Cottonstones near Lumb, Calderdale
    • Flood Risk Reduction Schemes 2 – Railes Close between Luddenden and Midgley
    • Greyfriars Community Flood Risk Management Scheme
    • Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Ilminster Flood Alleviation Study
    • Intake, Flood Risk Management Scheme
    • Irwell Vale to Chatterton
    • Langstone (Havant) Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme
    • Larkspur Close Integrated Urban Drainage Scheme
    • Lavendon Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Leintwardine and Walford Property Flood Resilience
    • Lindale Road Grange over Sands
    • Lipson Vale Phase 1, Trefusis Park (South West Water Integrated Urban Drainage Modelling)
    • Little Bollington River Bollin Property Flood Resilience
    • Market Weighton Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Natural Flood Management Upstream of Cirencester
    • Northumbria Integrated Drainage Partnership – Redcar (Yearby, Kirkleatham & Low Farm Drive, and West Dyke Road) Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Northumbria Integrated Drainage Partnership – Saltburn (Princes Road & Marske Road) Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • North Road, Holme Village Flood Alleviation
    • Pallion Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • River Teme, Tenbury Wells Community Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Rolleston Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme, Staffordshire
    • Ruislip Park Wood and Pinn Meadows
    • Severn Stoke Flood Alleviation Scheme, River Severn
    • Skipton Road
    • Small Communities Property Flood Resilience Scoping
    • South Cave Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Stony Stratford Flood Alleviation Study
    • Stubbing Holme Road
    • Tenbury Wells Integrated Flood Solution
    • Toronto Close Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • Undefended Properties in the Ironbridge Gorge – Individual Property Protection
    • Upper River Piddle Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme
    • Walsden Flood Alleviation Scheme
    • West End Road, St Helens
    • Whitley Brook Flood Reduction Scheme
    • Williton Flood Alleviation Study
  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost for Welsh businesses as UK strikes deal to join major free trade bloc in Indo-Pacific [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost for Welsh businesses as UK strikes deal to join major free trade bloc in Indo-Pacific [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 April 2023.

    The bloc is home to over 500 million people and will have a total GDP of £11 trillion once the UK joins.

    • UK announces deal to join CPTPP – a major trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific which will have a total GDP of £11 trillion once the UK joins
    • More than 450 businesses in Wales exported to CPTPP countries in 2021 and could benefit after today’s announcement
    • Joining the Trans-Pacific partnership, which contains some of the world’s fastest growing economies, gives Welsh companies, start-ups and farmers access to the world’s emerging middle class

    The Welsh economy is expected to benefit after the UK Government today (31 March) announced the conclusion of trade talks with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a vast free trade area spanning the Indo-Pacific.

    The bloc is home to over 500 million people and will have a total GDP of £11 trillion once the UK joins. Joining the bloc could boost the Welsh economy by improving businesses’ access to some of the world’s largest markets.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    We are at our heart an open and free-trading nation, and this deal demonstrates the real economic benefits of our post-Brexit freedoms. As part of CPTPP, the UK is now in a prime position in the global economy to seize opportunities for new jobs, growth and innovation.

    Joining the CPTPP trade bloc puts the UK at the centre of a dynamic and growing group of Pacific economies, as the first new nation and first European country to join. British businesses will now enjoy unparalleled access to markets from Europe to the south Pacific.

    There are numerous opportunities for Welsh businesses to benefit from joining CPTPP, with more than 450 businesses in Wales exporting over £900m worth of goods to CPTPP countries in 2021.

    Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    This is an important moment for the UK. Our accession to CPTPP sends a powerful signal that the UK is open for business and using our post-Brexit freedoms to reach out to new markets around the world and grow our economy.

    Joining CPTPP will support jobs and create opportunities for companies of all sizes and in all parts of the UK. It is also about giving Welsh businesses improved access to the countries that will be gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific region which is projected to make up the majority of global growth in the future.

    Joining the trade bloc will mean more than 99 percent of UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be eligible for zero tariffs. In the long run, it could boost the UK economy by £1.8 billion and lead to a £1.7 billion increase in UK exports to CPTPP countries as result of the reduction of barriers across goods and services according to the Government’s published scoping assessment. Key Welsh exports such as machinery and power generators could benefit from the removal of tariffs as a result of the agreement.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    This trade deal is great news for Welsh business. CPTPP countries are already an important sector in the Welsh export market. Over 450 companies, including Halen Môn and Fifth Wheel, will benefit from less red tape and better opportunities. These growing markets will help businesses in Wales increase export opportunities and boost the global appetite for Welsh goods and services.

    Fifth Wheel Company are a multi-award winning business specialising in the design and manufacturing of luxury tourers. All of their vehicles are assembled in-house at their factory in Rhuallt in North Wales, and they’re excited about the exporting opportunities that will be created by the UK joining CPTPP.

    Gethin Whiteley at Fifth Wheel, commented:

    We’ve been exporting our luxury caravans to Australia and New Zealand customers for the last five years. The leisure and camping market within these countries is growing, and our products offer the size and space of a motorhome and the practicality of a car and caravan so are perfectly suited to explore.

    We have already embarked on a trade mission to strengthen our position in these markets, and we believe that joining CPTPP, along with the bilateral deals, will further assist us in our search to increase exports of our products to markets of growing importance.

    Wales-based company Halen Môn produce ANGLESEY Sea Salt, which can be found in over 100 of the UK’s best delicatessens, as well as in retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and Harvey Nichols.

    They already export to more than 22 countries across the globe, including several CPTPP members, and are looking forward to exploring the further exporting potential created by the UK’s accession to the trading bloc.

    Alison Lea-Wilson at Halen Môn said:

    Anything the UK government can do to help realise the huge potential of trading with CPTPP member states is to be welcomed. We already export to Japan and Singapore and see opportunities in Australia too.

    We are delighted to be supplying a Japanese bakery ingredients company with our innovative oak smoked water. There is already a great relationship between Wales and Japan forged in part by rugby, seaweed and even leeks, and we look forward to building on it.

    Membership is a gateway to the wider Indo-Pacific region, which has 60% of the world’s population and is set to account for the majority (54%) of global economic growth and around half of the world’s billion middle-class consumers in the decades ahead.

    As a member of CPTPP, the UK will help influence and shape global rules for industries of the future like digital, data and services, and secure our place as a global leader in a network of countries committed to free trade.

    The UK and CPTPP members will now take the final steps required for the UK to formally sign in 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tick-borne encephalitis detection in England [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tick-borne encephalitis detection in England [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 5 April 2023.

    A new risk assessment, published by a multi-agency cross-government committee, reports that tick borne encephalitis is now likely to be present in England.

    The risk assessment is based on both human cases and the detection of the virus in ticks in several areas of the country. The risk to the general public in the UK remains very low.

    There have been 3 cases of probable or confirmed tick-borne encephalitis acquired in England since 2019, including one linked to the Yorkshire area in 2022. This case in 2022 is the first confirmed case in England. The virus has also been detected previously in the Hampshire and Dorset, and Norfolk and Suffolk border areas but may also be present elsewhere as the tick species that carries the virus is widespread in the UK.

    The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a virus carried by ticks and is common in many parts of the world, including many countries in Europe. It causes a range of disease, from completely asymptomatic infection, to mild flu-like illness, to severe infection in the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis. Symptoms of this are similar to other causes of meningitis, and can include a high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or reduced consciousness.

    Investigations into why the virus has been found in ticks more frequently in recent years are under way, but is likely due to a number of factors.

    The risk to the general public in the UK remains very low from TBEV, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recommended changes to testing in hospitals so that any further cases can be detected promptly and will be enhancing surveillance – including asymptomatic surveillance in people in the areas where TBEV has been detected.

    Ticks can carry other diseases such as Lyme disease – a bacterial infection which can be treated with antibiotics – so UKHSA is reminding the public to check themselves for ticks after they have been outdoors and remove them promptly and correctly if they are found.

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said:

    Our surveillance suggests that tick-borne encephalitis virus is very uncommon in the UK and that the risk to the general population is very low. Ticks also carry various other infections, including Lyme disease, so take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten when outdoors in areas where ticks thrive, such as moorlands and woodlands, and remember to check for ticks and remove them promptly.

    UKHSA carries out surveillance of vector-borne disease in the UK, closely monitoring sentinel animals, tick and mosquito species and their distribution, and the infections that they carry, to understand more about emerging infections in this country.

    The public are reminded that they should seek GP advice if they are unwell after a tick bite, and should seek urgent medical attention if they or someone they know:

    • has symptoms of meningitis:
      • severe headache
      • stiff neck
      • pain looking at bright lights
    • develops neurological symptoms:
      • a fit (seizure), if not known to be epileptic
      • sudden confusion or change in behaviour
      • weakness or loss of movement in arms and legs
      • facial dropping, change in vision or slurred speech
  • PRESS RELEASE : New industry and government forum launched to boost freight decarbonisation and innovation [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New industry and government forum launched to boost freight decarbonisation and innovation [April 2023]

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

    Energy and freight industry experts work together to support rail, road, air, maritime and warehousing reach net zero by 2050.

    • industry and government forum to support the freight sector across all modes in the transition to net zero by 2050
    • the forum will create a plan to roll out future energy infrastructure for the industry
    • solutions will be explored to help the freight sector start reducing emissions immediately

    Measures to help boost the freight sector are moving forward today (5 April 2023), as a new government-industry forum is launched to help the sector decarbonise and ensure its long-term sustainability.

    Established as part of the Future of Freight plan, the Freight Energy Forum is meeting today to bring government and industry together to support the sector across all modes – including rail, road, air, maritime and warehousing – reach net zero by 2050.

    The forum will discuss potential solutions that the sector could take to start reducing emissions now and, for the longer term, will look to create a plan or roadmap to roll out future clean energy infrastructure for the industry.

    The forum will bring together expertise and senior representatives from across the energy and freight industries, including individual operating companies, national organisations and sector associations, such as the Road Haulage Association, Logistics UK and National Grid.

    The forum will be chaired by the Department for Transport officials and will also include senior representatives from across government, including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Topics will include:

    • assessing the supply and demand of the energy the freight sector will need
    • examining the types of energy infrastructure that will be required to provide refuelling or recharging
    • identifying where energy and infrastructure will be needed across the regions and locations, such as motorway service areas, warehouses, rail freight terminals, airports, ports and beyond

    The forum will be technology-neutral, meaning that it will look at a range of potential solutions for the freight sector and not prioritise one type of technology.

    Transport Minister Richard Holden said:

    We recognise that the transition to clean fuels is one of the biggest challenges facing the freight sector and we are committed to delivering a strong future for the sector that will help create good long-term jobs.

    Clean energy supplies and infrastructure is critical to the drive for a cleaner freight sector and the Freight Energy Forum will address those longer-term challenges across the whole industry.

    The forum could help to create high-skilled, highly-paid jobs across the UK by giving the industry greater certainty to invest in sustainable modes of freight transport and the supporting energy infrastructure needed to transition to net zero, in turn supporting the growth of the economy.

    The government’s Future of Freight plan was published in June 2022 and sets out how we can deliver a cost-efficient, reliable, resilient and environmentally sustainable freight sector. One of the 5 priority areas it identified to achieve this goal was to establish this forum to help enable the transition to net zero.

    Working as a partnership between industry and government, the forum will focus on the energy infrastructure requirements needed for the freight sector to transition to cleaner ways of working.

    Meeting quarterly, the forum will look to produce several items from its meetings including:

    • a roadmap plan outlining the roll out of clean energy infrastructure for the freight sector
    • a review into the regulatory barriers to implementing zero carbon energy infrastructure, including where the planning system makes the installation of this infrastructure difficult and solutions to removing these obstacles
    • actions to address regional and local differences in the coverage of zero carbon energy infrastructure and understanding where the zero-carbon energy infrastructure will be needed, making sure there’s good regional coverage and that the planning system allows for the infrastructure to be built
    • assessing energy supply and demand across all types of freight transport
    • identifying solutions that can help the entire freight sector to start reducing emissions immediately and increase the speed of transition to net zero

    Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK Denise Beedell said:

    As the only business group representing the whole of the logistics industry, Logistics UK is delighted to be part of the Freight Energy Forum and represent the needs of our members in identifying and clarifying the energy infrastructure and solutions, which will be needed if the industry is to reach net zero.

    Road Haulage Association (RHA) lead on the environment and vehicles Chris Ashley said:

    The RHA strongly welcomes the Freight Energy Forum. The manufacture of electric and hydrogen lorries is only one part of the jigsaw that gets these vehicles on our roads quickly. The other part is the infrastructure needed to power them.

    Our members are keen to start operating these vehicles as soon as possible yet face considerable cost headwinds. Public investment in the UK’s energy capability is, therefore, essential to ensure a viable and reliable energy supply exists. We look forward to scoping out how this is achieved so that all parts of the UK economy can be serviced by our members.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 7 year low in maternal whooping cough vaccine uptake puts newborns at serious risk of hospitalisation [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 7 year low in maternal whooping cough vaccine uptake puts newborns at serious risk of hospitalisation [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 4 April 2023.

    2022 data shows the average vaccine uptake across England has dropped to 61.5%, its lowest level since 2016.

    The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is given to pregnant women to help protect their babies against whooping cough from birth during their first weeks of life.

    Whooping cough can be a serious, life-threatening disease in young babies, usually requiring hospital treatment.

    The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data on the maternal whooping cough vaccine programme shows that uptake has dropped to its lowest level in 7 years.

    Data for 2022 shows an average uptake across England of 61.5%, a decrease of 3.9% since 2021 and 7.6% from 2020. Coverage in London is particularly low at 41.4%.

    The maternal vaccine provides newborn babies with protection against whooping cough which lasts until they are old enough to be routinely vaccinated, with the immunity from the mother passed through the placenta during pregnancy.

    Maternal vaccination was first introduced in 2012 due to very high rates of whooping cough. A study published last year found the vaccine provided 89% protection against hospitalisation and 97% protection against death from whooping cough in babies born to vaccinated mothers.

    It is important that babies continue to be protected against this serious disease, though rates have fallen since 2012. Whooping cough is associated with difficulty breathing, and can lead to pneumonia, permanent brain damage and even death, particularly in infants under 6 months.

    Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

    The whooping cough vaccination programme for pregnant women has been hugely successful in protecting newborn babies in the first weeks of life from serious disease and hospitalisation.

    Whooping cough can be very serious for young babies, particularly under 6 months, and can lead to pneumonia, permanent brain damage and even death. That’s why it’s so important that all expectant mothers get the vaccine at the recommended time from 20 weeks, to give their babies the best protection from this serious and highly contagious disease.

    If you aren’t sure whether you’ve had the vaccine, or would like further information, speak to your GP or midwife.

    Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

    Whooping cough can have serious consequences on the health of newborn babies, and in some cases it can be life threatening.

    It’s really important we do what we can to protect the health of our babies, so I want to encourage all expectant mothers to come forward for the free whooping cough vaccine and give your baby the protection it needs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : End of mission of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Paraguay [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : End of mission of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Paraguay [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

    Mr Matthew Hedges took office at the British Embassy in Asuncion in August 2017. He will finish his mission in Paraguay in August 2020. Deputy Head of Mission John Davie, who joined the British Embassy in Asuncion in June, will become Chargé d’Affaires in the transition period after Mr Hedges’ departure. The official announcement of Mr Hedges’ successor as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Paraguay is expected shortly.

    During his three years as British Ambassador, Mr Hedges promoted the expansion of commercial ties between the UK and Paraguay, overseeing multiple exchanges between experts and business leaders. Cooperation in education and defence became a signature of the Paraguay-UK relationship throughout his tenure. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst resumed its scholarship program for Paraguayan military officers, while the BECAL and the Chevening programmes signed an alliance which increased the number scholarships for Paraguayan citizens. Projects on transparency, media freedom, rights of women to live free of violence and rights of the LGBTQI+ community were some of the areas in which the British Embassy also offered its cooperation. Throughout his posting, but especially during the coronavirus pandemic, he has led the embassy’s efforts to support British nationals in the country.

    Reflecting on his time in Paraguay, Mr Hedges said:

    These have been an extraordinary three years in which I have found a new home, a passion for Jopara and mbeju, and a deep connection with the people and land of Paraguay.

    Paraguay and the UK have much to offer each other in business, education, addressing global challenges like climate change, and shared values. This work will continue after I leave, through my excellent embassy colleagues and successor, who is due to arrive in a few months.

    After his time in Paraguay, Mr Hedges will join the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in London as Director for Asia.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 38th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Paraguay [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 38th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Paraguay [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

    The UK delivered the statement on Paraguay at the 38th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.

    The United Kingdom welcomes steps taken by Paraguay to promote and protect human rights, notably the promulgation of Law 5777/16 to eradicate all forms of violence against women in Paraguay. As the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue around the world, we encourage Paraguay to prioritise full implementation of this law by ensuring universal access to health, education and justice to all women and girls.

    We also encourage Paraguay to share information on its mechanisms to protect human rights defenders, including those working on environmental issues and journalists, particularly regarding freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

    We recommend that Paraguay:

    Safeguards the land tenure systems for all, including indigenous people and ensures they are protected from all forms of modern slavery such as forced or compulsory labour and debt bondage.

    Passes legislation prohibiting discrimination, including comprehensive prohibitions against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

    Undertakes measures to prevent high incidence of early, unintended pregnancy, including comprehensive sexuality education in schools and access to services in support of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “El Embajador” beer collaboration raises funds for soup kitchens [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : “El Embajador” beer collaboration raises funds for soup kitchens [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

    The British Embassy in Asuncion and local craft brewery “The Hop” joined to create the beer “El Embajador” (The Ambassador), to raise funds for soup kitchens.

    In an original collaboration, the British Embassy in Asuncion and local craft brewery “The Hop” joined to create the beer “El Embajador” (The Ambassador). The Hop will donate the proceeds from the sales of “El Embajador” throughout the months of September and October to the soup kitchens “Kuña Guapa” in the city of Luque, and “El bosque restaurador” in the city of Limpio.

    José Duarte, owner of The Hop, raised the proposal to collaborate with the British Embassy, creating a new variety of craft beer in order to raise funds and support those who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The launch of the idea took place on 13 August, with the participation of then Ambassador Hedges and the staff of the British Embassy in Asuncion. Through a live broadcast on Instagram on The Hop page, the Ambassador announced that proceeds from the non-profit sales would be given to the two soup kitchens.

    Jose Duarte of The Hop said:

    This idea represents an act of solidarity in trying times. When there is a willingness from the involved parties to try to help, these things come together.

    “El Embajador” will be available for sale at The Hop bar in 500ml bottles and also available for refill of growlers (glass jugs) also for sale at The Hop. The beer will remain on the brewery’s menu after the fundraising campaign is over.

    “El Embajador”: a tribute

    The idea of the collaborative beer coincided with the announcement of the end of the mission of former Ambassador Matthew Hedges. In response to the news, The Hop proposed that the recipe for the new beer be a tribute to the outgoing diplomat.

    Thus “El Embajador”, whose name was the most voted in a Twitter poll, was born. The brand design uses the colours and the dragon of the Welsh flag, as the Ambassador’s home nation. The beer, a session IPA, is a mix of traditional British styles with a modern touch, bitter but low in alcohol content. The use of English and American hops gives it a soft aroma of herbs and fruits.

    The then Ambassador Hedges closed the launch with an invitation:

    I invite you all to collaborate with this project, and to try this delicious beer. Cheers!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 37,700 women access cheaper hormone replacement therapy scheme [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 37,700 women access cheaper hormone replacement therapy scheme [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 April 2023.

    37,700 women have purchased Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificates (PPC) following the launch, saving over £1.13 million.

    • Over 37,700 certificates have already been purchased following the launch of the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC)
    • As a result, over £1.13 million has been saved by women in four days alone
    • Following huge demand on the website NHSBSA confirms their website is up and running

    Over 37,700 certificates for HRT have been purchased already, both via the online website and in-person in pharmacies, following the launch of the new Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) on Saturday 1 April.

    As a result of these new certificates, it has been estimated women have saved over £1.13 million in prescription charges for the year, with the average person saving £30 for a year’s supply.

    The creation of a bespoke HRT PPC means women can access HRT as many times as they need across the year, easing pressure on supply, paying a one-off charge equivalent to two single prescription charges (£19.30) for all their HRT prescriptions. The HRT PPC can be applied for and used on or after 1 April 2023.

    The new prescription pre-payment certificate is predicted to enable around 400,000 women to have cheaper access to menopause support.

    On the launch of the scheme on Saturday, the huge demand for the much-anticipated certificate meant some patients were unable to access the website on the morning of 1 April. The NHS Business Service Authority has ensured that the site has been working, allowing thousands of women to continue to successfully purchase a prescription for a year’s worth of hormone replacement therapy products which help treat the menopause.

    Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said:

    Over 37,700 women have come forward to claim cheaper HRT this weekend alone, showing what happens when we listen to what women want.

    Delivering on our promise to make women’s health a priority comes with challenges – but it is hugely important to everyone, and I am massively proud of the work we have done.

    Michael Brodie, chief executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, said:

    It’s great to see how many people relying on HRT are already benefitting from a more cost-effective way of accessing it.

    We are proud to be delivering the HRT PPC, which is a great addition to the range of NHS services we offer to help people manage their health costs.

    As of 12pm today (4 April), 37,240 HRT PPCs have been bought online and 501 in-pharmacy, totalling 37,741 certificates.

    HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most women going through menopause and perimenopause. It can help relieve menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness.

    Taking HRT can also reduce the risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease.

    Making HRT more accessible, by reducing the cost, is one of the ways the government is making menopause support more readily available to women, alongside working with suppliers to encourage and support HRT supply to meet growing demand.

    The NHS England National Menopause Care Improvement Programme is working to improve clinical menopause care in England and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The NHS is also developing an education and training package on menopause for healthcare professionals.

    The introduction of the HRT PPC delivers one of our year 1 priorities for the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Published last summer, the strategy sets out an ambitious new agenda for improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls, and to improve how the health and care system listens to women. Menopause was announced as a priority area within the strategy.

    To ensure all women get the support they need, we recently announced a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs. Women’s health hubs provide integrated services for women in the community, enabling easier access to essential women’s health services such as menstrual health, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.

    Menopause can affect all areas of a woman’s life, we recently appointed Helen Tomlinson as the government’s first Menopause Employment Champion – and have awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.

    Notes to editors:

    • The NHSBSA website temporarily crashed on 1 April, due to receiving high volumes of web traffic. This was fixed shortly after.
    • To access HRT PPC, please see online: to https://health-charge-exemptions.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/buy-hrt-ppc/start

    How to use the new PPC

    There are a few different ways to get the HRT PPC:

    • online on the NHSBSA website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
    • in person at some pharmacies
    • if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHSBSA using the text relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May 2023
    • the NHSBSA also offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille on request

    Patients can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.

    To use your HRT PPC, ask your prescriber for your HRT items on a separate prescription to any other medicines you are prescribed (one prescription per item). This is to ensure the prescription can be processed correctly at the pharmacy.

    Take your prescriptions and HRT PPC to a pharmacy and use it as many times as you need over 12 months.

    Before getting the HRT PPC:

    • check that you’re not already eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker on the NHSBSA website
    • check that your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC – see the list of eligible HRT medication
    • check whether a 3 or 12-month general PPC is more suitable for you – it covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items, and may be more cost-effective if you are prescribed other medicines as well as HRT
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government unveils taskforce chair to boost older people’s housing [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government unveils taskforce chair to boost older people’s housing [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 4 April 2023.

    A new taskforce to help improve housing options for older people will be headed by Professor Julienne Meyer.

    Professor Meyer, a leading expert in care for older people, will chair the Older People’s Housing Taskforce, spearheading work to support the growth of a thriving older people’s housing sector across the country.

    The taskforce will work across housing, heath, and care sectors to drive an increase in the volume and range of housing options and make recommendations to the Government.

    The appointment was unveiled as part of the government’s Adult Social Care Implementation plan published by the Department for Health today.

    Housing Minister Rachel Maclean said:

    Making sure older people can access the right homes that meet their needs later in life is a government priority. And by unlocking more housing for older people, we can also have a hugely beneficial impact on their health and wellbeing.

    I am very excited to have Professor Meyer leading this taskforce, as we radically improve the choices available to older people, whether that’s retirement housing or support to help people live independently for longer.

    Older People’s Housing Taskforce Chair Professor Julienne Meyer said:

    I am delighted to be leading the taskforce, an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of older people. Working between housing, health and social care will be critical to its success and I’m looking forward to advising government on proposals that give older people more choices in later life.

    The taskforce will run for up to 12 months and will produce an independent report to DLUHC and DHSC Ministers, with interim findings available after 6 months.

    The panel is expected to include up to 14 members with expertise from the social and private retirement sector, local government, adult social care, and from investors and developers.

    Professor Meyer co-founded My Home Life, an international collaborative initiative to promote quality of life in care homes for older people. A former nurse, she has led research in care for older people at City University of London for 23 years. During her career, she worked in a variety of different settings (health, social care, and housing; general and mental health; primary, secondary, and tertiary care).

    Professor Meyer will work with the government to finalise the Taskforce membership and the group’s Terms of Reference, with a first meeting to take place by Spring once all members are confirmed.

    This work will be taken in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, building on the commitments set out in DHSC’s adult social care reforms today.