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  • Dan Jarvis – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    Dan Jarvis – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2015-10-29.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of cases of hypothermia diagnosed in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) Yorkshire and Humber and (c) the UK in each year since May 2010.

    Jane Ellison

    The table below sets out the count of finished admission episodes (FAEs)1 with a primary diagnosis2 of hypothermia3 in Barnsley Central constituency4, North Yorkshire and Humber, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Area Teams of residence5 and England for years 2010-11 to 2013-146

    Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector

    2010-11

    2011-12

    2012-13

    2013-14

    Barnsley Central constituency

    *

    *

    *

    *

    North Yorkshire & Humber Area Team of Residence

    53

    60

    61

    73

    South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw Area Team of Residence

    33

    50

    36

    55

    West Yorkshire Area Team of Residence

    73

    78

    76

    78

    England

    3,390

    3,406

    3,942

    3,837

    Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

    Notes:

    1. Finished admission episode

    A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period.

    2. Primary diagnosis

    The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and 7 prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital.

    3. ICD-10 Codes

    The following ICD-10 codes were used to identify hypothermia:

    T68.X Hypothermia

    R68.0 Hypothermia, not associated with low environmental temperature

    P80.- Hypothermia of newborn

    4. Parliamentary constituency of residence

    The parliamentary constituency containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another parliamentary constituency for treatment. This field is only available from 2009-10 onwards.

    5. Area Team of residence

    The area team containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another area for treatment.

    6. Assessing growth through time (Inpatients)

    HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care.

    7. Small numbers

    To protect patient confidentiality, figures between 1 and 5 have been replaced with “*” (an asterisk). Where it was still possible to identify figures from the total, additional figures have been replaced with "*". Where the symbol "-" (dash) appears this represents the absence of data.

    Note that HES disclosure control rules only apply to ‘known’ values, e.g. small numbers where the age is unknown do not need to be replaced with "*".

  • Keir Starmer – New Year Message for 2023

    Keir Starmer – New Year Message for 2023

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 31 December 2022.

    2023 is a new chapter for our country.
    This year, my Labour Party will set out the case for change and the case for a new Britain.
    Today, we look to the future with that hope together.
    Happy New Year to you and your family, from me and mine.
  • King Charles III – 2022 Statement Following the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

    King Charles III – 2022 Statement Following the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

    The statement made by King Charles III on 31 December 2022.

    Your Holiness, I received the news of the death of your predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with deep sadness.
    I remember with fondness my meeting with His Holiness during my visit to the Vatican in 2009.
    His visit to the United Kingdom in 2010 was important in strengthening the relations between the Holy See and the United Kingdom.
    I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.
    My wife and I send you our continued good wishes for your own pontificate.
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  • PRESS RELEASE : Half-masting of flags following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Half-masting of flags following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 31 December 2022.

    It is with great regret that we learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

    Flags will be flown at half mast on UK Government Buildings today until 20.00hrs (Saturday 31 December).

    Other organisations and local authorities may follow suit.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary celebrates 2023 New Year Honours achievements [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary celebrates 2023 New Year Honours achievements [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Office on 31 December 2022.

    Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies has congratulated this year’s recipients from Wales of New Year Honours.

    The New Year Honours list recognises the accomplishments of extraordinary people from all backgrounds across the United Kingdom.

    Recipients from Wales in the 2023 list include Wales captain Sophie Ingle (OBE) for her services to football, founder of retailer Net World Sports Alex Loven (MBE) for services to the economy and to the community in Wrexham and Professor Colin Riordan (CBE), President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University for services to higher education.

    From the world of politics, there are Knighthoods for Rhondda MP Chris Bryant and Swansea-born New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, both for political and public service.

    Numerous other people from across Wales have been honoured including Bill Carne from Haverfordwest (BEM for services to sport and charity in Pembrokeshire), June Lovell from Mold (BEM for services to the NHS), Nancy Thomas from Monmouth (BEM for services to the NHS) and Major Derek Monroe from Brecon who receives an MBE for services to the Army Cadets.

    The Welsh Secretary thanked all those in Wales who have been honoured for their inspirational hard work and achievements.

    Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

    I am inspired by the invaluable work of the many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised on the New Year Honours List.

    It is fantastic to see Welsh recipients from a wide range of backgrounds being recognised. I am thrilled that their commitment to their field – whether it is community work, sport, education or health – has been commended.

    I would like to congratulate all recipients being honoured and thank them for their contribution.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British exporters, innovators and business leaders recognised in 2023 New Year Honours [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : British exporters, innovators and business leaders recognised in 2023 New Year Honours [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 31 December 2022.

    Trade Secretary congratulates British exporters, innovators and business leaders from across the UK who have been recognised with Honours in 2023 New Year list.

    Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is today congratulating British business leaders, exporters and Department for International Trade staff who have been recognised with Honours for their exceptional service to international trade, investment and exporting.

    Those honoured represent a diverse range of businesses, from companies exporting technology that supports people with special educational needs and disabilities around the world to business leaders who have championed an array of sectors – from fintech to construction and maritime.

    Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    Trade drives economic growth, creates jobs and supports businesses and communities up and down the country. Our fantastic exporters and dedicated trade officials are the ones who make that a reality and it’s brilliant to see them get the recognition they deserve.

    2023 is full of opportunities as we continue to take advantage of our newfound freedoms, unlock new markets and help businesses to sell their products all around the world.

    Exporters and business leaders recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours list include:

    CMG

    • Richard Graham MP, Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia, ASEAN economic community, Malaysia and Philippines, for services to trade and investment in South East Asia.

    OBE

    • John (‘Jack’) Gerard Averell Spencer Churchill, Co-founder and Executive Officer of Scanning Pens Ltd, for services to international trade and to the Dyslexia and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities community.
    • Toby Jonathan Sutton, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Scanning Pens Limited, for services to international trade and to the Dyslexia and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities community.
    • Sharon Kaur Jandu, Founder and Director of Yorkshire Asian Business Association, for services to international trade.
    • Alison Lyons, for services to the Department for International Trade and people with disabilities.
    • Stephen Leonard Ingledew, Executive Chair at Fintech Scotland, for services to establishing Financial Technology sector in Scotland.

    MBE

    • Julianne Ponan, Owner of Creative Nature, an allergen free food brand, for services to business, exports and people with allergies.
    • Iain Mackinnon, former Secretary of the Maritime Skills Alliance, for services to education and skills in the maritime sector.
    • Thomas Richard Chant, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Maritime Industries, for services to the maritime industry.
    • Robert Geoffrey Oliver, lately Chief Executive Officer for Construction Equipment Association, for services to UK manufacturing sector, construction and UK exports.
    • Paula Boast, Vice Chair of Bahrain British Business Forum, for services to UK-Bahrain business relations.

    Staff from the Department for International Trade (DIT) recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours list include:

    OBE

    • Neil Feinson, Deputy Director for Trade in Goods, DIT, for services to international trade and diversity and inclusion in the Civil Service
    • Ilaria Regondi, Country Director, France and Deputy Trade Commissioner Europe, DIT, for being strategic in several billion pounds worth of exports and investment projects and securing vital healthcare supplies from France during the pandemic.

    MBE

    • Dr Joanne Lawson, Deputy Head in Procurement and Intellectual Property, DIT, for services to trade, by leading the UK’s accession to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.
    • Dr Sian Thomas, Chief Data Officer, DIT, for services to international trade, investment and cross-government data standards

    In addition to recipients nominated by DIT, the following trade professionals have received honours:

    • Dr Linda Yi-Chuang Yueh, Fellow in Economics, St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford and Adjunct Professor of Economics, London Business School, and member of the Board of Trade, for services to economics
    • Lesley Batchelor OBE, Export Champion and Entrepreneur, for services to international trade
    • William Alan Beckett, Chairman, International Trade Forum. For services to Manufacturing and to exports
    • Helen Grant MP, Member of Parliament for Maidstone and the Weald and Trade Envoy to Nigeria, for political and public service
    • Dr Graham Harold Gudgin, for services to economic development in Northern Ireland

    Recognised Recipients

    Exporters and business leaders recognised in this list include co-founders John (‘Jack’) Churchill and Toby Sutton, both awarded an OBE for services to international trade and to people with special educational needs and disabilities.

    Over the last 20 years, Jack Churchill – who himself is dyslexic – and Toby Sutton, have built an assistive technology powerhouse at the heart of the dyslexia and special needs communities. Scanning Pens is an organisation that provides portable text-to-speech pen scanners which empower young and adult readers by giving them the tool to instantly access printed text anywhere. This assistive technology is now used daily by thousands of schools, workplaces and in prisons. The organisation has for many years been active both in the UK and in more than 100 countries. More than 50% of the company’s business is attributed to international trade, and it now has offices in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and India.

    Jack Churchill and Toby Sutton, co-founders of Scanning Pens Ltd, said:

    To say we are honoured by this announcement is an understatement. When we first started this venture over 20 years ago, we saw the opportunity to establish a business that could help millions of individuals with their literacy needs. Looking back, it is fantastic to know that through our technology we have supported so many to succeed.

    The success of Scanning Pens has allowed us to establish a goodwill organisation, Succeed With Dyslexia, which has made a reality of our wish to spread awareness around dyslexia through positive stories within this often-forgotten community.

    Without the support of our families and the whole team, neither of us would be receiving an OBE today. We look forward to many years ahead as we drive our business forward, whilst at the same time helping even more individuals in their daily lives.

    Julianne Ponan – awarded an MBE for services to business, exports and people with allergies.

    Allergy campaigner and award-winning business woman Julianne Ponan received the honour for the work she has done to educate others about the risks, dangers and realities of living with allergies and anaphylaxis. This recognition is part of her ambition to run Creative Nature, a successful top 14 allergen free snack business in the competitive food and drink sector. Now in its 11th year, Creative Nature sells products online, through major retailers across the UK and exports to over 16 countries around the world. As an Export Champion for the Department for International Trade, Julianne helps other SMEs to explore exporting by sharing her skills and experience. Julianne is also an ambassador for the Anaphylaxis Campaign and MedicAlert where she raises awareness of medical jewellery to provide life-saving information to health professionals in an emergency.

    Julianne Ponan, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Nature, said:

    I am honoured and humbled to be recognised with the award of an MBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list. I’m so thrilled to be counted among so many who have been honoured for their positive work to make our lives and our society better.

    Living with allergies in our society is not easy. People like me can feel isolated, excluded and humiliated when we need to ensure that what we eat or drink is safe for us – and that can include what others eat or drink around us.

    My team and I create products that can be eaten safely, and I’m very passionate about that.

    Stephen Ingledew – awarded an OBE for services to establishing the Financial Technology Sector in Scotland.

    Spanning over four decades, Stephen’s career has enabled him to become an influential advocate to make the financial world more open, creative and inclusive through innovative initiatives and progressive ways of working. In 2018, he formed and led FinTech Scotland, which is recognised today as one of the top fintech cluster management organisations in the UK and Europe. FinTech Scotland published the ground breaking Research and Innovation Roadmap, and Stephen is one of the founders of the FinTech National Network which facilitates collaboration across all UK regional fintech clusters. He also sits on the UK Government’s Business Innovation Forum and Scottish Government’s Innovation Steering Group and is both Deputy Convenor of the University of Strathclyde Court and non-executive director of Smart Data Foundry.

    Stephen Ingledew, Chairman of FinTech Scotland, said:

    I am honoured to receive an OBE for services to financial technology. To be recognised for doing something I am passionate about is incredible and I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many people who have provided valuable support to me.

    It is a huge privilege to be at the heart of financial innovation leveraging expertise across all UK regions to grow the economy, attract inward investment and develop export opportunities, all of which further reinforces the UK’s role as global fintech leader.

    Sharon Jandu – awarded an OBE for services to international trade.

    Sharon is an advocate for both her community and international trade. She has put Asian owned Yorkshire businesses on the global map by creating the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) in 2017, with the aim of educating and promoting Yorkshire based, Asian owned businesses at home and overseas. Due to her enthusiasm and experience, YABA has amassed over 3,500 corporate members which continues to grow. Sharon has driven joint trade opportunities between her membership and primarily the Indian Sub-continent, where she embraces the opportunity emerging from the UK’s free trade agreement with India. She continuously promotes Department for International Trade’s assistance, alongside collaborating on events to bring DIT to her membership’s attention.   She founded the charity Global Diversity Positive Action in 2015, after witnessing failures first hand as a Justice of the Peace.

    Sharon Jandu, Founder and Director of Yorkshire Asian Business Association, said:

    It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to receive such a prestigious award for my work educating and promoting Northern based and Asian owned businesses at home and overseas.

    I am grateful to the Department for International Trade for the recognition, and I am also really fortunate to be supported by an incredible team.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces personnel awarded state honours for outstanding service in the New Year Honours List [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Armed Forces personnel awarded state honours for outstanding service in the New Year Honours List [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 31 December 2022.

    The military division of His Majesty The King’s first New Year Honours List has been published, granting state honours to personnel serving across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

    Recipients have been recognised for extraordinary contributions to their service and country, from leading mine hunting operations in the Gulf to developing a village in Tanzania.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    These brilliant service men and women have gone above and beyond in fulfilling their duties and are an inspiration to those who might be looking to join the UK Armed Forces.

    Congratulations to all those who have received an award and thank you for your exemplary service.

    From the Royal Air Force, Flight Sergeant Fiona Phillips has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for being an exceptional ambassador for the service and demonstrating selfless commitment to voluntary work and community development through helping to develop a Tanzanian village, alleviating poverty through health and education. Flight Sergeant Phillips has also cared for and taught English to over 70 children in a Cambodian orphanage, volunteered at an adults’ residential centre and supported staff at a school for those with disabilities. Outside of her work with the RAF, she co-ordinates children’s triathlons, coaches athletics and is the welfare and safeguarding lead for British Triathlon.

    Flight Sergeant Phillips said:

    I am extremely humbled to receive this award for the small contribution I have made towards raising funds and volunteering for many charities and community projects that are close to my heart.

    None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, friends and colleagues. Regular contact with many families from my charity work is very rewarding to me.

    Wing Commander Graham Percival has been awarded the Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class for his life’s work innovating critical care in the aeromedical environment as part of the Critical Care Air Support Team. During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Wing Commander Percival led and supported the team through the busiest period in its history, and later played a leading role in the retrieval of the initial cruise ship patients in the Far East during the COVID-19 pandemic. His contribution to nursing in defence and the many patients under his care has been outstanding.

    From the Royal Navy, Commodore Donald Crosbie has been appointed as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his work pushing the boundaries of Anglo-American mine hunting operations in the Gulf. As Deputy Commander of Task Force 52 – the US Navy’s permanent mine warfare force deployed in Bahrain – Commodore Crosbie’s inspirational leadership, dedication and energy has driven ever closer relations between British and US minehunters, as both navies look to make use of autonomous systems, drones and crewless craft to hunt down and neutralise underwater devices.

    Chief Petty Officer Janine Potts has been appointed an MBE for her work as a champion of Commonwealth personnel, and determination to make the service a more inclusive place for all. Chief Petty Officer Potts has been at the forefront of driving policy to improve the experience of personnel from Commonwealth nations to address the unique challenges they face, establish the Royal Navy Commonwealth Network and support the service’s newly formed Race and Diversity Network.

    Corporal Hollie Davis of the Royal Army Medical Corps has been appointed an MBE for her determination to support and counsel soldiers going through difficult personal circumstances, as well as performing to the highest standards as a combat medical technician and making a huge contribution to the Royal Tank Regiment’s preparation for Operation Cabrit; the UK’s operational deployment to Estonia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence to improve Euro-Atlantic security. Corporal Davis has raised over £20,000 for the Lullaby Trust; a charity which aims to support those who have lost a child to sudden infant death syndrome, and created the Army Child Bereavement Network to support soldiers who have suffered the loss of a child.

    Corporal Davis said:

    I’m so shocked I don’t have words. I’ve had lots of tears, but no words. It still hasn’t really sunk in.

    I’m proud to run the network. It’s a nice, safe space for people to be able to talk about the worst thing that could ever happen to you.

    Lieutenant Colonel Jeyasangar Jeyanathan of the British Army has been appointed as an OBE for his relentless work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care at a hospital, he has cared for critically unwell patients, while also working as a doctor for Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex. Lieutenant Colonel Jeyanathan has helped to maintain and innovate essential emergency services for communities across south-east England, at a time when the National Health Service was severely stretched. He notably developed transfer services for critically ill patients to manage bed shortages, which ensured availability for patients in the region who required the highest level of care.

  • PRESS RELEASE : NHS App hits over 30 million sign-ups [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : NHS App hits over 30 million sign-ups [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 31 December 2022.

    • New features added this year will enable users to receive notifications from their GPs and view and manage their hospital appointments, with healthcare information now at their fingertips
    • Use of the NHS App is freeing up valuable clinician time with 1.7 million GP appointments booked and over 22 million repeat prescriptions ordered through the NHS App in the last 12 months

    Millions more patients across England are benefitting from easier access to their health records and medical services through the NHS App, as sign ups top 30 million – including seven million new sign ups in 2022.

    The app, which launched four years ago, was one of the most popular free health apps of 2022 – with more people accessing its range of features, including over 65 million GP record views. The government has already met its target to have 68% of people in England registered with the NHS App by March 2023 and is firmly on track to meet its second target to have 75% of people registered by 2024.

    The app offers a digital front door for interacting with the NHS and has seen a host of new features launched in the last 12 months – empowering patients to access services from the comfort of their homes.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Technology is transforming the way we use the NHS and with over 30 million sign ups to the NHS App across the country, including seven million this year alone, there is huge potential to modernise services for patients and staff.

    In the last year alone 21 million repeat prescriptions have been ordered through the app, saving valuable time for clinicians and helping people access their treatment as easily as possible.

    On top of this we have added innovative new features – from accessing GP records to booking Covid jabs – which will help us ease pressures on GPs and other primary care services and provide more effective, personalised care. If you haven’t already I’d encourage you to download the app and see how it can help you access the services you need.

    The NHS App is supporting hardworking NHS staff as they work tirelessly to clear the Covid backlogs, freeing up valuable clinician time as well as empowering patients to have greater control over their health and care records.

    A total of 1.7 million GP appointments were booked through the NHS App this year and a record breaking 22 million repeat prescriptions ordered, up from 9 million over the same period last year. 128,000 people also registered their organ donation decision through the NHS App.

    Patients in many parts of the country are also able to view and manage their hospital appointments on the app – helping to build a modern, digital NHS. The new features include viewing all referrals and future hospital appointments in one place, accessing supporting information for appointments –such as hospital maps – along with booking, changing and cancelling appointments.

    The new features are available to patients at 20 NHS Trusts across the country from York and Scarborough to Royal Cornwall – with another 24 trusts expected to be available by March 2023 – and has been used over 800,000 times.

    Lords Minister For Technology Nick Markham said:

    Millions of patients have continued to sign up to the NHS App, helping to generate a record number of views and modernise how our health service works.

    We will continue to innovate and incorporate new features to ensure that patients can access convenient, high quality care when and where they need it.

    Simon Bolton, Interim Chief Executive at NHS Digital, said:

    The NHS App continues to change the way people in England access healthcare services. Since it was launched four years ago, millions of people have used it to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view GP records.

    We’ve also added new features to the app to help people manage hospital appointments, book Covid vaccinations and receive messages from GPs. The NHS App is a great example of how technology can be used to help people take control of their healthcare and access NHS services quickly and easily.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, medical director for transformation at NHS England, said:

    It’s fantastic that the NHS App is already in the pockets of millions of people, providing easy access to crucial everyday NHS services like repeat prescriptions and GP appointment bookings.

    Our vision is to transform the NHS App into a front door for the NHS, with many exciting new features and changes planned – delivering on the NHS’ Long Term Plan commitment to continue to harness the power of technology for patients and staff – which remains at the heart of our plans to innovate patient care for the 21st century.

    People can also receive notifications from their GPs, a feature which has been rolled out across nearly 2,000 practices. Thanks to this effort over 700,000 messages to update patients including appointment reminders and test results have been successfully processed.

    People are also benefitting from the ability to book a Covid vaccine appointment through the NHS App. More than 28,000 bookings have been made via this route in just four weeks since the feature was added in November, accounting for 9% of all bookings since this feature was enabled.

    Thanks to these kind of features, millions of people are benefitting from easier and quicker access to NHS services – and the government will continue to build on the progress which has already been made.

    New features in the app available next year will ensure patients can access more NHS services at their fingertips – including booking their flu vaccination and accessing hospital correspondence, such as pre-consultation questionnaires.

  • Alister Jack – 2022 New Year Message

    Alister Jack – 2022 New Year Message

    The new year message from Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, issued on 30 December 2022.

    This past year is one we will never forget – the year the UK came together to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    For those special, almost unreal days in September, the UK paused to remember her long reign and her remarkable life – a life devoted to service to her country.

    I was honoured to play a small part in the ceremonies to mark her passing in both Edinburgh and London. And I was so proud to see the scenes that unfolded during the official period of mourning.

    People from all walks of life, from all corners of the land, were united – in sadness, of course, but also in admiration, respect and gratitude for The Queen’s life.

    We witnessed history and we saw the United Kingdom at its very best.

    The Queen’s death followed an uplifting Platinum Jubilee programme of events celebrating her 70 years on the throne.

    I know, as the year ends, people across Scotland will join me in reflecting on her life, in once again saying thank you and in wishing our new King, Charles III, a long, happy and successful reign.

    I was delighted when His Majesty and The Queen Consort, in what was their first official duty, travelled to Fife to confer city status upon our ancient capital of Dunfermline.

    Accompanying them that day, I could see how much it meant to the people of Dunfermline, and caught a glimpse too of a new style of monarchy, fashioned very much in their own image.

    King Charles III and The Queen Consort will be crowned next May. We can look forward to a very special day that I am sure will again bring the whole country together.

    Another thing which brought people together this year was fantastic sport.

    Who can forget Perthshire’s Eve Muirhead leading her curling team to Olympic gold in February in Beijing? And Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew topping the Paralympics podium in Alpine skiing?

    Later in the year the Birmingham Commonwealth Games kept us thrilled and inspired in equal measure, and I was lucky enough to be able to cheer on Team Scotland – who came away with a grand total of 51 medals.

    These shared moments feel especially important during difficult times.

    Like the rest of the world, the UK continues to face real challenges.

    The UK Government’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic saved lives and livelihoods, with a rapid vaccination roll-out and support for employees and businesses that helped keep hundreds of thousands of Scots in a job.

    But the costs continue to be felt. Essential public services still need our support.

    Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine also continues to take its terrible toll.

    We should be immensely proud of the humanitarian and military support we have provided to Ukraine as that country stands up to Putin’s Russia.

    That support will not cease. But we must recognise Putin’s aggression has sparked an energy crisis which has sent prices spiralling, compounding other cost-of-living pressures.

    Even with the UK Government’s multi-billion pound package of help for families and businesses with energy bills, we know times are hard.

    As we move into a new year, we must follow the course we set ourselves some time ago.

    We must continue to invest, here in Scotland and across the whole UK, in initiatives that will make a difference to communities and help grow our economy.

    With a new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and a new Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, at the helm, we will achieve the sustainable economic growth we need.

    Here that means rolling out our £1.5 billion city and growth deals programme across the whole of the country. In the coming weeks and months we will announce two Freeports in Scotland, in an exciting joint initiative with the Scottish Government. The second round of the Levelling Up Fund will support more projects in Scotland and we will work directly with local councils to provide cash from the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    That’s in addition to the work we are doing to support our energy sector – making us less reliant on imports – and to help Scottish firms break into new export markets.

    We will also continue to build warships on the Clyde and at Rosyth, equipping our Navy, keeping us safe, filling Scottish yards’ order books, and securing thousands of high quality jobs in Scotland.

    Serious times demand serious plans.

    The need for Scotland’s two governments to work together on shared challenges and real priorities has never been more pressing.

    There is much to be done, but by working together we can ensure that Scotland, as part of a strong United Kingdom, has a bright future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scots recognised in New Year Honours List [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scots recognised in New Year Honours List [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 30 December 2022.

    The Scottish Secretary has congratulated the many people from across Scottish society who have been recognised in the New Year Honours List published today.

    Alister Jack said:

    This year’s New Year Honours List underlines the outstanding contributions made by Scots to the life of the nation, from public service, through entertaining us and contributing to our cultural heritage, to assisting in Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting business growth.

    It’s great to see recognition of our men’s football captain Andy Robertson [MBE], not just for his efforts on the pitch but for his work with young people. The UK’s Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss [CB] has been deservedly honoured for her work on behalf of the veterinary and farming industries, as has Dr Julie Maxton [DBE], the first female executive director of the Royal Society in its history of over 350 years.

    Many Scots have been recognised for their contributions to our cultural landscape. These include Sinclair Barbour from Dumfriesshire [BEM], who for more than four decades has inspired people to participate in and learn the skills of Scottish country dancing; James McEwan from Islay [MBE], four times Master Distiller of the Year and inductee to the Whisky Hall of Fame; and David Sutherland from Dundee [OBE], for services to illustrating the Beano.

    This is also, however, an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who selflessly serve the needs of others in our communities. Among those to have been honoured today are 28-year-old Lucy Lintott from Moray [BEM], for her tireless campaigning and fundraising in aid of tackling Motor Neurone Disease; and 79-year-old Joyce Murray from East Dunbartonshire [BEM] who has served her community for more than five decades – 50 years as a Boys’ Brigade officer and the last twenty years as a trusted school crossing patrol attendant.

    My sincerest congratulations go to all who have been recognised today.