Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Investing in the health and protection of women and girls in humanitarian crises – UK Statement at UNFPA Humanitarian Action 2023 Overview [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 December 2022.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UNFPA Humanitarian Action 2023 Overview.
Thanks very much, good morning, and good morning to all colleagues on the call.

First of all, let me just thank Executive Director Kanem and UNFPA staff for everything they do to provide life-saving services to the millions of women and girls in crisis-affected countries. You have the UK’s full admiration and support.

We are faced with a sobering picture and a bleak trajectory. In 2023, 339 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance. Conflict and crises are increasingly trapping marginalised people, in particular women and girls, in cycles of vulnerability. 70% of women in crisis settings experience gender-based violence; adolescent girls in conflict zones are 90% more likely to be out of school; and 60% of preventable maternal deaths take place in conflict, displacement and natural disaster settings. These are not just numbers. They represent individual lives.

It is why the UK funds humanitarian efforts aimed at the health and protection of women and girls. It is why UNFPA’s work is so critical. The UK is proud to be one of your top humanitarian donors, supporting life-saving Gender Based Violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health interventions this year in Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, and Ukraine. We are also proud to be the largest donor to UNFPA’s Supplies Programme, ensuring contraceptives and life-saving maternal, new-born and child health commodities reach those most in need.

But it’s not just about funding. The UK uses all levers at our disposal to ensure the health and protection of women and girls, including our convening power. Just two weeks ago, at the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Conference in London, we led efforts to strengthen the global response to conflict related sexual violence, including through prevention, justice and accountability and support to survivors. Alongside our partners, we committed:

First, to strengthen humanitarian responses to gender-based violence (GBV), including by ensuring access to clinical management of rape and by championing the Call to Action on Protection from GBV in Emergencies;

and, second, to ensure access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health, including safe abortion, at the outset and throughout crises.

We are grateful to you, Dr. Kanem, and UNFPA colleagues for engaging in the conference and using your platform to highlight the critical role of women-led organisations in preventing GBV and supporting survivors’ access to SRHR and GBV services, including the life-saving role of safe abortion emergencies. The UK is committed to bolstering our support to local, women-led organisations – the true experts on the needs of their communities.

The UK’s aim is to strengthen people’s ability to recover from crises, to protect and prioritise the most vulnerable when crises occur, and to amplify the voices of the most marginalised, in particular women and girls, to ensure their needs are met.

Only if we work collectively can we better prepare, take early action and respond to safeguard the rights, health and lives of women and girls in emergencies. We have seen first-hand the critical role UNFPA plays in this regard, and I urge other donors to continue to step up so that UNFPA has the funding it needs to continue leading the global response to GBV in emergencies and to prepare and respond flexibly when those crises hit.

Thank you very much.
December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Social housing tenants to receive training and support to make their voices heard [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 13 December 2022.

People living in social housing will have access to new government-backed training scheme, helping them to raise issues with their landlord.
- Residents in England to get new advice on how to hold their landlord to account
- £500,000 government grant awarded to training provider for launching new scheme in Spring
- Part of wider reforms that will give social housing residents a stronger voice.
Social housing tenants will be better empowered to raise issues with their landlords and help hold them to account, as a result of new guidance and support announced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities today.

A partnership of experts in the sector has received a £500,000 government grant to roll out a new training package open to anyone living in social housing in England. The scheme aims to help residents engage effectively with their landlord to demand a higher quality of service, where needed.

Residents will learn how to take an active role in how their home is managed – through a series of workshops, forums and online resources that will run over the next two and a half years. For example, this could include advice on how to set up a residents panel or how to challenge a landlord if they fail to meet required standards.

The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove last month called for all landlords to meet their responsibility in providing decent homes for tenants. The warning came as he took action against Rochdale Boroughwide Housing for failing to treat hazardous mould that contributed to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.

The Social Housing Regulation Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, will also mean that tenants’ complaints are listened to and dealt with quickly and fairly, with stronger powers for the Regulator to hold landlords to account.

Minister for Social Housing Baroness Scott said:

Landlords are responsible for giving tenants the decent home they deserve and the government is taking action to ensure tough consequences for any who fall short.

We also want to make sure every resident is heard and has the opportunity to be actively involved in how their home is managed.

This new government-backed scheme will help to do just that – empowering residents to challenge their landlord where needed and contribute to positive change in their homes and communities.

The government-backed training will be provided by two organisations – the Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) and the Public Participation, Consultation and Research (PPCR). Both have expertise in empowering residents within the social housing sector.

CCH Chief Executive Officer, Blase Lambert, said:

CCH and PPCR is receiving support from government to enhance our work empowering and inspiring social housing residents in England.

We exist to promote resident empowerment and control and want all residents to understand their rights, be able to raise issues with their landlords and hold them to account and to be able to shape and improve the services they receive and the homes they live in.

Our vision for this programme is for it to be a catalyst for change, complementing other government action outlined in the Social Housing White Paper and helping to drive a process of cultural change in the social housing sector leading to a better balance of power between landlords and residents.

Last month, social housing residents from across the country came together to launch a new 250-strong panel, which will advise the government on its plans to raise social housing standards.

This new training will now form part of the government’s work to address issues raised by the panel, such as the handling of repairs and maintenance, as well as landlord accountability.

Details of the programme and how to participate in training will be provided by CCH before the scheme launches for social residents across England, in Spring 2023.

To make sure tenants know their rights and can hold housing providers to account, the government is also launching a £1 million public information campaign early next year.

The Social Housing Regulation Bill will introduce new powers for the Housing Ombudsman to take action on complaints. It will also provide the regulator with tougher powers to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs where there is a serious risk to tenants and the landlord has failed to act, with landlords footing the bill.
December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Assembly stunt provides useful distraction for Sinn Fein – Gordon Lyons [December 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 7 December 2022.

DUP MLA Gordon Lyons has said the recalled sitting of the Assembly was another political stunt and called on the UK Government to get on with delivering the UK-wide assistance to all parts of the UK, including the Energy Support Payments.

Speaking after the Assembly sitting he said,

“Each time the Assembly has been recalled it has been a political stunt, but this one had an additional benefit for Sinn Fein. It provided a useful attempt to distract from ongoing proceedings in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin and the allegations made there about Sinn Fein’s links to gangsterism and crime.

The cost of living crisis is impacting every single person in Northern Ireland, but Sinn Fein also recognised how this could be best tackled when Conor Murphy said in July that “the levers which can make the biggest difference sit with the UK Government” when he penned a joint letter along with the Scottish and Welsh Finance Ministers.

The United Kingdom Government has delivered additional support. Each of those has been delivered on a UK-wide basis, including the Energy Price Guarantee which was administered despite energy being devolved in Northern Ireland and the fact we have a different energy market to Great Britain. The Energy Support Payment is another UK Government scheme which they have promised to all citizens in the UK. They now need to get on with delivering it to all parts of the UK.

The Government knows what needs to be done to restore devolution in Northern Ireland. Threatening an election doesn’t change anything, cutting salaries doesn’t change anything but what will unlock devolution is getting the Protocol sorted, restoring Northern Ireland’s place in the UK Internal Market and removing the democratic deficit.

When that happens, we will not be found wanting. We will elect and Speaker and we will nominate Ministers.“

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Call for Public Health co-operation on Strep A [December 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 6 December 2022.

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has encouraged co-operation amongst Public Health Agencies across the UK and called for resources to be made available if necessary in tackling incidences of Strep A.

He raised the issue in the House of Commons today. Speaking afterwards the DUP MP said,

“The commitment that antibiotics are available is welcome, but we know dangers that Strep A can pose. Tragically it has taken the life of a young girl who was a P2 pupil at Blackmountain Primary School. Everyone’s sympathies will be with the family dealing with this heart-breaking tragedy.

It is important in tackling any incidences of Strep A that resources available where they are needed and for our Public Health Agencies to work together across the UK.”

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Jeffrey Donaldson – Emulate Common Travel Area in seeking Protocol solution [December 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 6 December 2022.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said the centenary of the Common Travel Area should be used as an opportunity to emulate the positive and practical principles of the CTA and emulate them in finding a solution to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Sir Jeffrey said, “On 6th December 1922 the Common Travel Area came into being. It is so ingrained as part of life across these islands that we can sometimes overlook its significance. The House of Commons library estimated that the number of people living in the UK who were born in the Republic of Ireland is equivalent to around 1% of the Republic’s population. There are just over a quarter of a million people born in the UK and resident in the Republic.

The Common Travel Area was a sensible and practical arrangement established between the United Kingdom and the then newly formed Irish Free State. It has worked to the benefit of both countries over the past 100 years and enjoys the support of people in both jurisdictions. This stands in stark contrast to the Northern Ireland Protocol which has not only failed in its objectives but also does not enjoy support across the community in Northern Ireland.

The Common Travel Area long pre-dated the entry of either the UK or Ireland to the European Union. Whilst the Common Travel Area has been based on a concept designed to facilitate everyone, the Protocol has been based on punitive measures imposed against the UK under the cover of rhetoric about the Belfast Agreement. On this centenary we should return to the positive and practical principles demonstrated by the Common Travel Area and seek to emulate them in finding a solution to the Protocol.”

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Online anonymity must be tackled – Carla Lockhart

The press release issued by the DUP on 5 December 2022.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that online anonymity remains the core issue to be tackled at the heart of social media abuse. She was speaking ahead of the Online Safety Bill being debated once again in the House of Commons.

The DUP MP said, “This Bill has been through a huge amount of scrutiny and has undergone significant amendment since it was first brought forward. The core issue of online anonymity however remains outstanding.

The Government’s decision to remove the proposed offence of harmful communications. This is not to say such behaviour doesn’t exist or that we should do nothing about it. However, it is difficult to tackle behaviour and content which is deemed harmful but not criminal. One way this area, and others could be addressed and improved however would be by looking at the issue of online anonymity and identity verification of those opening accounts.

If the identity behind an account was known to the platform then taking action against harmful content obviously becomes easier and more direct. People who have been repeatedly targeted by trolling and other abuse deserve to know that it is being taken seriously. Whilst proposals in the Online Safety Bill make some progress, the core of the problem remains untouched.”

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Strengthening the Union must include dealing with Protocol: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson [December 2022

The press release issued by the DUP on 5 December 2022.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said the Labour Party plans to strengthen the Union must include dealing with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Sir Jeffrey said, “Any serious discussion on the future of the Union, cannot ignore the Northern Ireland Protocol and its impact on both the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the operation of devolution. Whilst a legal requirement for Westminster to work with the devolved administrations is welcome, it is meaningless in Northern Ireland unless the basis for devolution to function at all is restored.

The Labour Party could make a significant and positive contribution to this debate by making clear that the Northern Ireland Protocol must be replaced with arrangements that can secure unionist and nationalist support. Such progress can not only repair the damage inflicted on Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, but restore the devolved institutions.”

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Any gangland influence on NI politics must be investigated [December 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 2 December 2022.

DUP East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has said the Special Criminal Court trial in Dublin raises serious questions about gangs operating across Europe but there are also serious questions about Sinn Fein’s links to these gangs.

Mr Robinson said,

“The outcome of the Special Criminal Court trial will be of interest to many but the evidence presented raises serious questions for Sinn Fein. Setting aside the issues before the Trial judge, we must ask why two gangsters, secretly recorded, were talking about Sinn Fein fundraising, helping Sinn Fein win elections, and setting up “hit squads”. This is incredible and needs properly investigated.

The secret police recordings played to the Court included allegations that Sinn Fein used the Hutch criminal gang for money and votes. Sinn Fein is not a normal political party. They don’t believe they are bound by the same rules and standards that they demand of everyone else. We will not be letting this issue be swept under the carpet. These allegations need a proper investigation and to that end our Party Leader has requested a meeting with the Chief Constable.

We all have a right to know whether gangland money is being used to influence politics in these islands and there must be full transparency.”

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New funding for agriculture and horticulture automation and robotics [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 13 December 2022.

Further £12.5 million for projects focused on cutting-edge agriculture and horticulture innovation to boost productivity, reduce labour demands, and create more sustainable farming practices.

Ahead of its launch in January, Defra has today published guidance for the third round of the Farming Futures Research and Development Fund competition focusing on agriculture and robotics.

In partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Defra will match-fund projects which will boost productivity and sustainable farming practices through the development of automation and robotic technologies on farm.

The fund aims to bring together agri-food businesses and researchers to address strategic and sector-wide challenges through transformative solutions. Previously funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.

Farmers, growers, businesses and researchers are being invited to apply for a share of £12.5 million, with grants for projects worth between £500,000 and £1.5 million available.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

This is an exciting opportunity for farmers and growers to come together with businesses and researchers to invent ingenious solutions to the problems our agriculture and horticulture sectors face.

Automation and robotics has huge potential to improve productivity and sustainability and by supporting some of the most promising ideas to get off the ground we are investing in a successful agriculture and horticulture industry for generations to come.

Katrina Hayter, Industrial Strategy Challenge Director – Transforming Food Production at UKRI, said:

Innovation through automation and the use of game-changing technology is one of the central pillars of a future food system in the UK. The ability to plan, monitor, alert and review through digital systems brings substantial benefits to farmers and growers – from animal and crop health through to optimising harvest, waste reduction and environmental impact.

The competition will consider ideas for bringing forward this technology, and also look at how automation can support necessary farm labour, making roles more effective and productive for all involved. With such opportunity, we look forward to studying the new concepts within the applications, and to supporting some of the best and brightest ideas in bringing their projects to the next stage.

This investment forms part of our £270m Farming Innovation Programme, which was launched in October 2021. More than £70 million has been spent so far on industry-led research and development in agriculture and horticulture.

Applications can be submitted from 9 January 2023, and project leads should be UK-registered businesses of any size while farmers can participate as part of a wider consortium.

December 13, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Compulsory body-worn cameras for bailiffs to protect vulnerable [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 13 December 2022.

Vulnerable people struggling with debt will be better protected from rogue bailiffs under government plans to make body-worn cameras compulsory.
- new rules to curb aggressive tactics from private bailiffs to protect those struggling with debt
- new independent oversight body launched
- body-worn cameras will improve behaviour and support complaint investigations
The move seeks to crackdown on the intimidating and aggressive behaviour of some private enforcement agents, commonly known as bailiffs, who prey on the most-at-risk.

While the majority act professionally and already voluntarily wear body-worn cameras, the government will make this a legal requirement to ensure all bailiffs are held accountable for their behaviour and make it easier for complaints to be investigated.

The courts will also be given a broader range of sanctioning powers, such as fines and training requirements, to punish high court enforcement agents who act inappropriately.

It comes as the government has also provided its backing to the Enforcement Conduct Board – a new independent oversight body that aims to hold the debt enforcement sector to account, drive up standards, and establish a clear set of guidelines for best practice.

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

We’re determined to protect vulnerable households which includes ensuring they’re not harassed by rogue bailiffs.

While the majority of bailiffs act above board, body-worn cameras will make sure those who abuse their powers can be held to account.

A review of the fees bailiffs can recover will also be launched in due course. It will ensure these are set at an appropriate level and consider whether more can be done to encourage debts to be settled without the upset and alarm that can be caused by a visit to a person’s home.
December 13, 2022