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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Israel – Simon Walters [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Israel – Simon Walters [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2023.

    Mr Simon Walters has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Israel in succession to Mr Neil Wigan OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Walters will take up his appointment during August 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Dates Role
    2022 to present Full Time Language Training, Hebrew
    2019 to 2022 FCDO, Director National Security for Middle East and Africa
    2017 to 2019 FCO, Director, Policy and Requirements
    2016 to 2017 FCO, Regional Lead for South-Eastern Europe, Istanbul
    2013 to 2016 FCO, Head, Global Prosperity Team
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Head, Arabian Peninsula Team
    2008 to 2011 Jerusalem, Her Majesty’s Consul
    2006 to 2008 FCO, Private Secretary to PUS
    1999 to 2006 Postings in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen
    1998 to 1999 Full Time Language Training (Arabic), Cairo
  • PRESS RELEASE : Ancient Egyptian limestone relief of female musicians at risk of leaving UK [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ancient Egyptian limestone relief of female musicians at risk of leaving UK [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 23 January 2023.

    Export bar placed on the relief to allow time for a UK institution to acquire the work.

    • The relief depicts a group of female musicians asleep in the palace of the pharaoh Akhenaten

    A limestone relief that offers an insight into daily Egyptian life more than 3,300 years ago is at risk of leaving the UK unless a domestic buyer can be found.

    The artwork depicts a group of female musicians asleep in the palace of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. It was created at some point during his 17-year reign from 1351 to 1334 BC.

    The relief could be very valuable to historians studying this period of history. It is highly unusual in depicting women as musicians and by making them the focus of attention, unlike other, more marginal, depictions. It also offers an insight into life in the palace at the time away from the king and queen.

    There are also very few reliefs from this period that have survived in such a large piece, with four figures depicted on the same fragment of stone.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    “This limestone relief offers a beguiling glimpse into daily life in the Amarna Period of Ancient Egypt and is hugely valuable to academics researching this fascinating period of history. I hope a UK buyer can come forward so this important artefact can be enjoyed and studied here by future generations, for the benefit of people all over the world”.

    The minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

    Committee Member Pippa Shirley said:

    “This ancient object speaks to us with extraordinary clarity across thousands of years. It shows an instantly recognizable subject – a group of women asleep. They are musicians, and we see them in wholly natural, individual poses, lying on mats with sheets drawn up around them, with their instruments (harps, lutes and box lyres) close at hand, and a brazier in each room to keep them warm. They are part of the entourage of the fabled pharaoh, Akhenaten and his equally famous queen, Nefertiti, and are depicted with great care by the sculptor in their palace quarters. Glimpses of the private lives of servants from this period are immensely rare, and this one, in the revolutionary style developed by Akhenaten for the palaces and temples at his new capital city, Amarna, is unparalleled. The King and Queen oversaw the design and execution of the decorative schemes, and encouraged not only greater artistic freedom and naturalistic composition, but a growing interest in reflecting the lives of ordinary people. Although only a fragment, the light the relief casts on aspects of art, culture and daily life during the reign of one of the most intriguing rulers of Ancient Egypt means that every effort should be made to keep it in this country”.

    The committee made its recommendation on the basis the relief meets the second and third Waverley criteria for its outstanding contribution to the study of Amarna period, Egyptology, art history and early human societies.

    The decision on the export licence application for the relief will be deferred for a period ending on 22 April 2023. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the relief at the recommended price of £69,300 (plus VAT of £2,860 which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for three months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK imposes further coordinated sanctions on Iranian regime officials [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK imposes further coordinated sanctions on Iranian regime officials [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 January 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary has announced further sanctions on Iranian regime officials, including on Deputy Prosecutor General Ahmad Fazelian.

    The UK is placing further sanctions on regime officials in Iran today, including on Deputy Prosecutor General Ahmad Fazelian.

    These sanctions, alongside designations by the European Union and the United States, demonstrate the international community’s unified condemnation of the horrific violence the Iranian regime is inflicting on its own people, including the execution of dual British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari.

    Alongside the Prosecutor General in Iran, whom the UK sanctioned last week, Fazelian is responsible for a judicial system characterised by unfair trials and egregious punishments, including use of the death penalty for political purposes. Last week Alireza Akbari tragically became a victim of this brutal system.

    The list of sanctions imposed today also includes:

    • Kiyumars Heidari, Commander in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ground Forces – Heidari has publicly admitted to his and his force’s involvement in the violent response to the November 2019 protests that led to the death of at least hundreds of protesters, and he continues to order the repression of protests today.
    • Hossein Nejat, Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Sarallah HQ – Sarallah is the division of the IRGC responsible for the security of Tehran, where we have seen some of the most brutal violence against the Iranian people.
    • The Basij Resistance Force – The Basij force within the IRGC are mobilized by the regime leadership to enforce the brutal repression on the streets of Iran.
    • Salar Abnoush, Deputy Commander of the Basij –  Abnoush has publicly described his command-and-control role over Basij forces and continues to lead their repressive tactics today.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Those sanctioned today, from the judicial figures using the death penalty for political ends to the thugs beating protestors on the streets, are at the heart of the regime’s brutal repression of the Iranian people.

    The UK and our partners have sent a clear message through these sanctions that there will be no hiding place for those guilty of the worst human rights violations.

    The UK has now imposed 50 new sanctions in response to human rights violations by the Iranian regime since Mahsa Amini’s death and will continue to take a wide range of actions to hold the regime to account.

    These sanctions impose an asset freeze and UK travel ban on the individuals sanctioned and send a wider signal on the UK’s commitment to backing condemnation with action.

    Further information

    The full list of those sanctioned today is:

    Entities:

    • Basij Resistance Force
    • The Basij Co-operative Foundation

    Individuals:

    • Ahmad Fazelian, Deputy Prosecutor General
    • Kiyumars Heidari, Commander in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ground Forces
    • Salar Abnoush, Deputy Commander of the Basij
    • Qasem Rezaei, Deputy Commander of the Law Enforcement Force (LEF)
    • Hossein Nejat, Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Sarallah HQ
  • PRESS RELEASE : Concern over drop in HPV vaccine coverage among secondary school pupils [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Concern over drop in HPV vaccine coverage among secondary school pupils [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the UK Health Security Agency in 23 January 2023.

    With Cervical Cancer Prevention Week starting today, UKHSA urges young people to catch up on any missed HPV vaccinations.

    The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report on the routine adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme for 2021 to 2022, which is primarily delivered in schools, shows that coverage in year 8 and year 9 pupils is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

    The HPV vaccine is offered to all 12 to 13 year olds in school years 8 and 9 and follows a 2-dose schedule.

    HPV vaccine coverage decreased by 7% in year 8 girls and 8.7% in year 8 boys in 2021 to 2022 when compared to the previous academic year. The data suggests that the NHS has already caught up many children who missed out on their HPV vaccine since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with dose 1 uptake improving for children in year 9 and year 10, but coverage remains below pre-pandemic levels.

    The UK HPV vaccination programme is one of the most successful in the world, with high uptake and millions of doses given since its launch in 2008.

    The programme in England has been shown to have dramatically lowered rates of harmful infections and cervical cancer in vaccinated women, with the strongest effects seen in those vaccinated at younger ages, and is saving lives. HPV vaccination also protects against genital warts and other cancers of the genital areas and anus, as well as some cancers of the head and neck.

    A study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that cervical cancer rates were 87% lower in young women who had been eligible for HPV vaccination when they were aged 12 to 13 years, compared to similar young women born a few years earlier who had not been offered vaccination, clearly showing the programme is preventing cervical cancers. Overall, the study estimated that the HPV programme had prevented about 450 cancers and 17,200 pre-cancers up to mid-2019.

    All the routine adolescent immunisation programmes have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and coverage is not back up to pre-pandemic levels.

    UKHSA is urging parents and guardians to ensure eligible young people are caught up with their HPV vaccine before they leave school.

    Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

    The HPV vaccine is available for girls and boys in year 8 and we encourage everyone eligible to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine when offered. In recent years we have seen vaccine coverage fall due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young people who missed out on their vaccinations have already been caught up, but more needs to be done to ensure all those eligible are vaccinated.

    Children and young people who have missed out on their HPV vaccinations should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up – they remain eligible until their 25th birthday.

    In addition to HPV vaccination of young people, all women aged 25 and over in England are offered cervical screening which can detect early signs of disease and so also prevents cancers and deaths.

    The HPV vaccine will prevent most cervical cancer cases, but not all, and so even vaccinated women should still attend for cervical screening when invited to do so. If you’ve missed your appointment it’s important you arrange another screening as soon as possible.

    Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said:

    As a nurse who has worked on cancer units, I have seen first-hand the importance of HPV vaccination in saving countless lives by preventing cervical cancer.

    We’re improving the cervical cancer screening process, including opening up 24/7 laboratory screening and expanding the location options available – so people can get their tests easier and results faster.

    I encourage all 12 and 13 year olds who are offered this vaccine to take it – it could save your life.

    Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust:

    We have the evidence that shows the HPV vaccine is stopping young women from developing cervical cancer, and that’s an incredible thing. Around 9 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day in the UK and the vaccine is helping to change that. I’d urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer. Whether you have been vaccinated or not, going for cervical screening remains important to help further reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government targets bomb making materials and poisons in new crackdown [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government targets bomb making materials and poisons in new crackdown [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 January 2023.

    Today (23 January 2023) the government has laid secondary legislation to further tighten controls for poisons and chemicals which can be used to make explosives, also known as ‘explosives precursors’, by updating the Poisons Act 1972.

    Following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the government committed to enhancing its capabilities to detect terrorist activity including that which involves the use of bomb making materials.

    New measures will come into force on 1 October 2023 and include improving requirements for reporting of suspicious activity, adding new substances, providing additional obligations on online marketplaces, and requiring that certain information is recorded when selling regulated explosives precursors to business users.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    Around the UK, businesses and individuals use various chemicals for a wide range of legitimate uses. However, we must also minimise the risk posed by the illicit use of bomb making materials and poisons.

    It is our responsibility to ensure our robust controls of these substances are updated and controls in place against those who wish to abuse them. These steps will do just that.

    New chemicals will be added to the lists of reportable and regulated substances. This will prevent access to materials of the highest concern for illicit purposes, while maintaining access for legitimate purposes. Shops and businesses will continue to be required to report any suspicious transactions and to report any significant losses or thefts. A public consultation ran from December 2021 to March 2022.

    British Retail Consortium (BRC) Retail Products Advisor Adrian Simpson said:

    Retailers play an important part in reporting any suspicious activity from customers when buying particular chemical products and we welcome these important legislative changes which will better protect the public.

    Retailers will ensure they clearly communicate all changes to their customers and will provide additional information online to explain the risks associated with certain products.

    Head of Counter-Terrorism Policing Matt Jukes said:

    Every year, reports from the public, including industry and businesses, play a vital role in how we tackle the terrorist threat in the UK.

    These new measures will serve to enhance how we received information and intelligence from our communities and also enable us to take targeted and robust enforcement action to keep people safe.

    The Poisons Act 1972 already sets out controls of chemicals which can be used to make explosives and poisons, restricting the general public’s access to the most dangerous materials. It permits a licensing regime for the purchase and use of regulated substances where there is a legitimate need and no safer alternative.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Talented individuals in aviation help inspire next generation of workers [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Talented individuals in aviation help inspire next generation of workers [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 January 2023.

    New aviation ambassadors to inspire young people to pursue a rewarding and successful career in aviation.

    • new cohort of ‘aviation ambassadors’ announced to help inspire next generation to take up rewarding careers in the sector
    • this year’s group includes the UK’s youngest qualified flying instructor, a trailblazing air traffic controller, and a former Air League scholar
    • forms part of wider Generation Aviation where government and industry are working together to build an aviation workforce fit for the future

    The government has revealed the names of the next cohort of aviation ambassadors who will engage with young people and help inspire them to pursue a rewarding and successful career in aviation.

    Working with the government, the ambassadors will share their skills and experience, particularly with young people and underrepresented groups, to highlight the wide range of opportunities available in the sector.

    They will help to raise the profile of aviation, promoting it as an exciting and accessible career, supporting the development and expansion of career pathways, developing outreach activities in communities across the country, and supporting efforts to champion diversity, accessibility and social mobility.

    This work is vital to ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future, helping retention and recruitment, and ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline.

    Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:

    This year’s cohort of aviation ambassadors yet again shines a light on the enormous talent we have in our world-leading sector.

    From champions for women and girls’ opportunities to young people who have already proven themselves to be rising stars in the industry, I look forward to working with our ambassadors to encourage more and more people to consider a career in aviation.

    We’ll continue doing everything in our power to support ongoing growth in the sector following the pandemic, nurture fresh talent, and realise a new generation of aviation workers.

    This year’s group of inspirational individuals includes 16-year-old Jack Jenner-Hall, the UK’s youngest pilot who qualified as a glider pilot at the age of 14. Jack is passionate about aviation and STEM and is keen to share this passion to inspire people to get involved with the aviation industry and show that anything is possible, whatever your age.

    Kanchana Gamage also joins this year’s cohort. As the founder of the Aviatrix Project, Kanchana leads initiatives to encourage women and girls and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider a career in aviation and aerospace.

    The group also includes Brian Wheeler, who’s was paralysed in May 2018 with a rare condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome and was told it was unlikely he would ever walk again. He not only learnt to walk, he ran a half marathon in 2021 raising money for the disabled flying charity Aerobility, where he is a trustee.

    The full group includes:

    • Adel Charles, UK HR Director at dnata UK Ltd
    • Brian Wheeler, NATS Deputy General Manager of Operations
    • Carol Anderson, aviation lawyer, Clyde & Co
    • Daniela Agachi, fuel cell engineer and mentor at ZeroAvia
    • Emma Henderson MBE, CEO of Project Wingman
    • Jack Jenner Hall, glider pilot and aviation advocate
    • Keith Bennett, drone and counter-drone capability lead for West Midlands Police
    • Kanchana Gamage, founder of the Aviatrix Project
    • Kathan Dudhela, the UK’s youngest flight instructor and the world’s youngest flight examiner
    • Katherine Moloney, Director of Transair Flight Equipment
    • Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, Senior Flight Systems Engineer at BAE Systems
    • Suzy Morgan, captain on the Boeing 777 at British Airways
    • Tetyana Shevchenko, accountable manager, airworthiness coordinator, compliance manager and pilot

    Outreach programmes will see the ambassadors inspiring young people by providing practical experience, and engaging with the next generation to help solve current and future challenges faced by the industry.

    Importantly, the work of this year’s cohort will showcase the varied job opportunities in aviation, including for those that have worked in aviation roles before and those that haven’t, and including less well known roles that people may not have considered before.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Government figures shine a light on which suppliers are supporting households this winter [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Government figures shine a light on which suppliers are supporting households this winter [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 23 January 2023.

    The government today publishes figures showing how many vouchers have been used across energy suppliers.

    • New figures reveal which suppliers are meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more to deliver £400 government energy bill support for prepayment meter customers.
    • £5.7 billion has been provided to 99% of households in Great Britain through the Energy Bills Support scheme, with 71% of all prepayment vouchers redeemed so far.
    • Government also announces off-grid homes will receive their £200 energy bill support payment from 6th February.

    Households across Great Britain are now able to see which suppliers are doing the most – and the least – to ensure prepayment meter customers are receiving £400 of support with their winter energy bills, as the government today (23 January) publishes figures showing how many vouchers have been used across suppliers.

    For the first time, figures released today reveal voucher redemption rates for the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) broken down by supplier. E Gas and Electricity are at the top with an 85% success rate and Bulb coming in second with 79%. Those with the fewest redemptions include Good Energy, Utilita and Scottish Power, with the government calling on them and others to make sure they are doing all they can to ensure their customers with prepayment meters know what to look out for and exactly how to redeem their vouchers.

    Administered by energy suppliers, EBSS is designed so customers receive the discount in the same way they pay their energy bills, such as via direct debit, credit, smart meters and traditional prepayment meters. Most people will receive the support automatically, with no action necessary. However, people who use traditional prepayment meters are sent monthly vouchers by their supplier via text, email or post with suppliers having contacted customers in advance of the scheme launching in October to advise how the discount would be applied.

    Yesterday, the Business Secretary pledged to crack down on the mistreatment of energy users by suppliers, following reports showing some aren’t doing enough to support vulnerable customers. As part of this he committed to publishing a list of supplier redemption rates for Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers – showing who is meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more.

    Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    “The public have a right to know which suppliers are leading the charge with getting this help to them, and that’s why I’m holding energy companies to account to make sure they are doing everything they can to support their customers at this time.

    “We’re ramping up efforts so consumers know exactly what they need to do to redeem these vouchers, but we need suppliers to do much more and I want to see these numbers rise.”

    Today’s figures show nearly £5.7 billion of support has now been provided to 99% households across Great Britain through the Energy Bills Support Scheme to help with their winter energy bills, provided in monthly instalments that began in October and will continue until March.

    71% of vouchers have now been redeemed since the scheme launched, up from 65% following continual engagement with energy suppliers and consumers throughout the delivery of the scheme. However, ministers want to see this rise as figures show 99% of vouchers have been issued.

    The Government is furthering campaign activity to reach eligible customers with additional advertising rolling out from today (Monday) across community radio, social media and national magazine titles.

    Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said:

    “Government support has directly cut billions from household bills over the last few months, but we also want everyone to get the extra £400 help as well. With the return of freezing conditions, it’s more important than ever that those with prepayment meters look out for and redeem their vouchers as soon as possible.

    “I want energy suppliers to do more to alert people to this help and make sure that everyone eligible is prompted to cash the vouchers in – particularly those who are struggling most. Everyone can help though. If you know someone with a prepayment meter, ask them if they’ve got their vouchers and prompt them to use them.”

    Suppliers will tell customers where to redeem vouchers, which will be at a Post Office branch or a PayPoint shop, and must make several attempts to contact customers who have not redeemed their vouchers.

    Off-grid households to receive Alternative Fuel Payments from February

    The UK government has today also set out more detail on which households will be eligible to receive £200 of support under its Alternative Fuel Payments (AFP) scheme, with the vast majority of eligible households due to receive the payment automatically from 6 February.

    The scheme will deliver £200 to households who use alternative fuels such as biomass, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or heating oil, helping around 2 million off-grid households to meet their energy costs this winter. The scheme will particularly support households in rural areas that are not connected to the gas grid. Support was doubled to £200 in the Autumn Statement to reflect the price rises experienced by people using alternative fuels to heat their homes.

    Details set out today outline how households can expect to receive the payment, with delivery mirroring the methods used to provide support under the government’s other energy bill support schemes. Most households will not need to take any action to receive the support. A small proportion of households will need to apply for the AFP, for example because they do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier. Today’s publication includes more detail on how the scheme will determine which households need to apply for support.

    Wider government support with energy bills

    The EBSS and AFP come in addition to wider government support to help households with the cost of living this Winter. As well as discounts provided through the EBSS, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household around £900 this winter, based on what energy prices would have been under Ofgem’s current price cap – reducing bills by roughly a third.

    The EPG will continue to provide support for another 12 months from April 2023, and with energy prices forecast to remain high, this equates to an average of £500 support for households in 2023 to 2024. An additional £1,200 of support in direct payments is being provided to vulnerable households this year, with £26 billion worth of targeted support to help protect the most vulnerable announced by the Chancellor for the next financial year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Mental health services boosted by £150 million government funding [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Mental health services boosted by £150 million government funding [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 23 January 2023.

    Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency will benefit from more tailored emergency care and support in the community through specialised mental health ambulances, more crisis services, and improved health-based places of safety.

    A £150 million investment up to April 2025 will better support people experiencing – or at risk of experiencing – mental health crises to receive care and support in more appropriate settings outside of A&E, helping to ease pressures facing the NHS.

    Patients presenting with mental health problems are twice as likely to spend 12 hours or more in emergency departments than other patients. While some of these patients will be in A&E for urgent medical care, we know that often they would be better treated elsewhere.

    The funding will allow for the procurement of up to 100 new mental health ambulances, which will take specialist staff directly to patients to deliver support on scene or transfer them to the most appropriate place for care.

    It will also fund 150 new projects centred on supporting the provision of mental health crisis response and urgent mental health care. The new projects include over 30 schemes providing crisis cafes, crisis houses and other similar safe spaces, as well as over 20 new or improved health-based places of safety which provide a safe space for people detained by the police. Improvements to NHS 111 and crisis phone lines will also be rolled out.

    In the middle of a challenging winter, the government is doing everything it can to ease the pressure on the NHS, particularly A&E, by making sure people are receiving the care they need in the most appropriate setting.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    People in mental health crisis deserve compassionate care in a safe and appropriate setting. Too often, they end up in A&E when they should be receiving specialist treatment elsewhere.

    This important funding will make sure they get the help they need, while easing pressures on emergency departments and freeing up staff time – which is a huge priority for the government this winter.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    With the health systems facing huge challenges this winter from the rise in flu, ongoing Covid cases and the impact of the pandemic, we need to ensure people are still receiving the right specialist care.

    These dedicated facilities will ensure patients experiencing a mental health crisis receive the care they need in an appropriate way, whilst freeing up staff availability including within A&E departments.

    These schemes – along with the up to 100 new mental health ambulances – will give patients across the country greater access to high-quality, tailored support when needed the most.

    The new ambulances have been designed to provide a calmer environment, avoiding the bright yellow interior of traditional NHS ambulances and using simple NHS service logos, dimmable lighting and space for family and friends to accompany the patient during assessment. These are backed by £7 million in government funding.

    The remaining £143 million of capital funding, announced in the 2021 Spending Review, will go towards the 150 new projects. It will be invested in providing and improving a range of spaces to support people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, mental health crises. This includes new mental health urgent assessment and care centres and the redesign and refurbishment of existing mental health suites and facilities including in emergency departments, creating spaces outside of A&E, and the expansion of crisis lines.

    With planned projects located across the country, the 150 schemes support the wider government commitment to level up mental health and wellbeing across the country – including some of the most deprived local authority areas in England.

    Programmes will also focus on preventative measures, including improvement of sanctuary spaces, to improve mental wellbeing, and community mental health facilities that will work to help people before reaching crisis point.

    This builds on our existing plans to improve mental health services. We are investing at least £2.3 billion of additional funding a year by April 2024 to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.

    Every area now has in place 24/7 NHS open access urgent mental health helplines; the helplines are currently taking around 200,000 calls per month, with only 1 to 2% reported as being directed to 999 or A&E. In the community, NHS Mental Health Support Teams are being rolled out in schools and colleges, offering early mental health help to children and young people, we are on target to reach 35% of pupils by the end of this year.

    This comes as the government has committed to increase mental health spend to 8.9% of all NHS funding.

    NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said:

    Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic the NHS is on track to deliver its Long Term Plan commitment to boost mental health spending by £2.3 billion a year, enabling around 4.5 million adults and over 700,000 young people to access mental health services.

    As well as expanding capacity to meet record demand, the NHS is transforming mental health services to help people get more appropriate care when they contact services and this investment will see specialist mental health ambulances deployed, new crisis cafes opened, and existing facilities modernised, to deliver urgent and emergency mental health care to more people who need it.

    So as ever anybody in need of help should not hesitate in contacting the NHS so they can get the care they need.

    Olly Parker, Head of External Affairs at YoungMinds said:

    We welcome further investment in the ways young people can access support and hope that this goes some way to ensuring that there are appropriate settings for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

    Ultimately, we want to prevent young people reaching crisis in the first place and for there to be better access to early support. We therefore look forward to the government publishing its promised long-term plan for mental health, and for it to have young people at its heart.

    Dr Adrian James, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

    It’s good to see the renewed commitment of £150 million Government funding into mental health services. Having reached record levels of referrals in the past year, the pressures on crisis care is immense. We welcome the investment to build and improve 150 new services which will support those most in need, in some of the most deprived communities.

    It’s clear more must be done to reach people as early and as quickly as possible. The concept of tailored emergency care is positive, and we’re pleased to see the investment of 100 new specialist mental health ambulances, staffed by both physical and mental healthcare professionals.

    This will go some way in easing system pressures, however, we must remember that times are hard for everyone, with the cost-of-living crisis adding to this, demand for mental health services will continue to rise.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary warns energy suppliers to end mistreatment of customers [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary warns energy suppliers to end mistreatment of customers [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 23 January 2023.

    The Business and Energy Secretary is today calling on suppliers to do more to protect vulnerable energy users.

    • Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps backs consumers as offensive launched to crack down on rogue energy suppliers
    • Energy suppliers told they must stop the practice of forced fitting prepayment meters as the answer to families struggling to pay bills, following a huge surge in cases
    • The Business Secretary asks suppliers to share data on the number of warrants they have requested for this purpose to name and shame worst offenders

    Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has today (22 January 2023) pledged to crack down on the mistreatment of energy users by suppliers, following reports showing some are doing nowhere near enough to support vulnerable customers.

    He has written to energy suppliers calling on them to stop the harmful and anxiety inducing practice of forcibly moving consumers over to prepayment meters without taking every step to support consumers in difficulty.

    The Business Secretary is asking suppliers to voluntarily commit to stopping this practice and holding their feet to the fire by demanding they share the number of warrants they’ve applied for in recent months.

    He wants to see much greater efforts from suppliers to help consumers in payment difficulties before leaping to the extreme of forced prepayment switching, such as offers of additional credit, debt forgiveness or tools such as debt advice. In his letter, he has asked suppliers to discuss possible further action they can take to support customers and avoid forced fitting.

    This action is part of a drive to increase transparency around prepayment meter installations, to track down the worst culprits and find out which energy companies are trigger happy in applying for them.

    Courts are being overwhelmed with applications for warrants as they continue to mount, with reports that huge batches are being approved in a matter of minutes. The Business Secretary is working with Ofgem and the Secretary of State for Justice to ensure that the process by which suppliers bring these cases to court is fair, transparent and supports vulnerable customers.

    Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps, said:

    “Suppliers are clearly jumping the gun and moving at risk customers onto prepayment meters before offering them the support they are entitled to – I simply cannot believe that every possible alternative has been exhausted in all these cases.

    “I am deeply concerned to see reports of customers being switched to prepayment meters against their will, with some disconnected from supply – and quite literally left in the dark.

    “Rather than immediately reaching for a new way to extract money out of customers, I want suppliers to stop this practice and lend a more sympathetic ear, offering the kind of forbearance and support that a vulnerable customer struggling to pay should be able to expect.”

    This follows reports that the number of customers switched to prepayment meters has soared in recent months, and in many cases unwillingly and without the offer of support. In some instances, this has led to vulnerable customers having their gas and electricity supplies cut off with little or no notice.

    Prepayment meters allow customers to pay for gas and electricity on a pay-as-you-go basis and serve an important function by helping the avoidance of debt and court action. A moratorium on forced prepayment switching could lead to an increase in bailiff action and so the Government wishes to avoid going down this route.

    Under Ofgem rules forced switching to prepayment must only ever be a last resort but, with the nation battling with energy prices, more have struggled to pay their bills and been forced installations and self-disconnection. In recognition of this, some energy suppliers are already taking steps to support consumers such as by pausing remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode or providing additional credit to customers struggling to pay. The Business Secretary wants all suppliers to step up this kind of support to avoid resorting to forced fitting.

    Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart said:

    “Switching users onto a prepayment plan should only ever be a very last resort and suppliers have a duty to exhaust all other avenues. It cannot be right that, at a time when consumers need compassionate treatment more than ever, so many are being let down in this way.

    “The Government will continue to do all we can to ensure families and households stay warm this winter and we’re taking urgent action to bring about greater transparency when it comes to bad energy supplier practice.”

    Concerns were also raised around the low number of vouchers being redeemed under the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme – meaning many vulnerable households had not had cash knocked off their energy bills. Suppliers are urged to make every attempt to make sure this happens, with the Government to publish a list of supplier redemption rates – showing who is meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more.

    The Business Secretary is worried about the low uptake of customers on traditional meters in prepayment mode and has demanded more transparent reporting of voucher redemption rates. He has encouraged traditional meter replacement with smart meters as they are able to receive government support payments automatically and detect self-disconnection.

    Mr Shapps has written to Ofgem to ask that they do more to make sure suppliers protect vulnerable consumers. This includes revisiting their approach to enforcing supplier compliance, as well as the urgent publication of recent investigations outcomes into vulnerable customers. The Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart has asked energy suppliers, Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice to meet with him at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss matters further next week.

    The five-point plan to tackle bad behaviour by energy suppliers comprises the following actions:

    1. A call for suppliers to voluntarily stop the practice of forced prepayment switching as the answer to households struggling to pay bills and make greater effort to help the most vulnerable.
    2. Request of the release of supplier data on the number of warrant applications they have made to forcibly enter homes to install meters.
    3. Urgent publication of a list of supplier redemption rates for the Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers – showing who is meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more.
    4. The launch of a Government public information campaign reminding and informing eligible consumers to redeem their Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers and how to do so. This will be through both advertising and direct communication channels, targeting the most vulnerable and those most likely not to have redeemed vouchers.
    5. Coordination with Ofgem ensure they take a more robust approach to the protection of vulnerable customers and conduct a review to make sure suppliers are complying with rules.

    The five-point plan forms part of a wider effort to ensure that energy users are protected at this challenging time and the Government is exploring longer term measures to address this.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary to drum up investment opportunities in Northern Ireland in first official US trip [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary to drum up investment opportunities in Northern Ireland in first official US trip [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 22 January 2023.

    The Secretary of State will use his first visit to the US to build on the already strong US-NI partnership and to drum up investment opportunities in Northern Ireland.

    The Secretary of State will also meet with range of key political, business and civic organisation including the State Department, the National Security Council, members of congress, business and trade organisations and councils and the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement – as part of routine US-UK engagement on Northern Ireland issues.

    While there, he will also highlight his efforts in securing functioning devolved institutions to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland, and separately, this year’s 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, which will be marked by celebrations on both sides of the Atlantic.

    During his five day visit, the Secretary of State will meet with Joe Kennedy III for their first in-person meeting since his appointment as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. They will discuss the upcoming Trade and Investment event in NI, announced in the Autumn Statement, and further opportunities to showcase NI’s creative high-tech business environment and the unique trade and investment opportunities it offers.

    Before departing for Washington, Heaton-Harris said:

    I am excited to meet US stakeholders in person for the first time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The US has been pivotal in supporting Northern Ireland. I greatly value our partnership and look forward to deepening our collaboration, especially in areas of trade and investment.

    Through a busy agenda of meetings with business and government representatives I will raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s offering as a great place to live, work and do business and encourage continued trade and investment opportunities from the US.

    As the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement approaches, I look forward to discussing with US stakeholders the UK Government’s plans to mark this significant milestone. The US and UK share a commitment to upholding the Agreement and continuing to transform Northern Ireland for the better.