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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 16 January 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 16 January 1924

    16 JANUARY 1924

    The King’s speech at the opening of Parliament stated that proposals to give effect to the conclusions of the recent Imperial Conference would be submitted. Measures for the relief of unemployment, including extension of the trade facilities and export credit schemes and the building of cruisers in anticipation of the naval programme, are indicated. Pension reforms, housing and agriculture were also discussed.

    In the House of Lords, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs made a statement on foreign policy, and in a reference to the present political situation described Herbert Asquith’s speech at the National Liberal Club as “appallingly unwise”.

    There was no progress made in avoiding the proposed rail strike.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 15 January 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 15 January 1924

    15 JANUARY 1924

    The State Opening of Parliament took place.

    The rail companies and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen failed to reach agreement so it was expected that there would be a national rail strike.

    Sir Thomas Vansittart Bowater, the former Lord Mayor of London, was recommended for adoption as the Unionist candidate in the City of London by-election.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 14 January 1924

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 14 January 1924

    14 JANUARY 1924

    Efforts to avert a railway strike were being made by the General Council of the Trades Union Congress which was meeting today.

    Herbert Asquith, in his reply to a resolution from Paisley businessmen, said that he saw no reason to recede from the opinion expressed at his speech at the National Liberal Club.

    The British Broadcasting Corporation announced that they planned to establish a station in Edinburgh.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Education Secretary gives opening address at Bett show 2024 [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Education Secretary gives opening address at Bett show 2024 [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 January 2024.

    Gillian Keegan sets out importance of evidence and innovation in approach to AI at Bett 2024.

    Speaking at the Bett show in London today (Wednesday 24 January), the Education Secretary encouraged the sector to innovate and explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform teaching and learning.

    The Education Secretary argued that, alongside robust regulation and an evidence-based approach, international collaboration is key if we are to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this emerging technology.

    She told the conference, which was attended by thousands of teachers, tech experts and educators:

    Since I stood on this stage in March last year, we’ve seen generative AI continue to develop at pace and spark conversations all over the globe. Those conversations have highlighted some of the opportunities and the challenges that AI might bring.

    …Today we’re publishing our latest research on AI in education, having brought together views from our world-leading experts and educators… I want to encourage countries to continue sharing evidence as it’s generated, so we can all better harness the opportunities to make a real difference in classrooms across the world.

    She continued:

    This country’s EdTech sector contains a wealth of innovators and leaders who are looking to the future.

    Alongside them are the brilliant educators, hundreds of whom responded to our recent call for evidence which told us how generative AI is saving hours of planning time and helping to reduce workloads.

    Caroline Wright, Director General of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) said:

    It is good to see the Education Secretary supporting the UK’s EdTech sector at Bett. Bett is the world’s largest international EdTech exhibition and underlines the UK’s importance in leading global EdTech innovation and implementation.

    Collaboration is key to successful EdTech adoption, and given the Education Secretary’s commitment to improving access and use of technology in education, it is timely that she will officially open Bett 2024 and welcome the 30,000 educators attending to learn, network and be inspired by ground-breaking technology solutions and services.

    The Prime Minister’s AI summit at Bletchley Park last year positioned the UK as a world leader in this area, and the government is building a strong evidence base to inform its work on AI, including in education.

    The speech coincides with the publication of the Educator and expert views report from the Department for Education, which contains insights from interviews with teachers, educators and academic experts, reaffirming the view that Generative AI could have a transformative impact on education.

    For example, one teacher found that AI tools have helped her to personalise lessons and tailor resources for pupils. She said:

    Embracing AI in teaching not only significantly lightens my workload but also enhances my creative expression, allowing me to design more innovative and engaging learning experiences for my students.

    The report is supportive of the results of the Call for Evidence on Artificial Intelligence in education, published in November, which found that educational professionals are already embracing the opportunities offered by AI. The results of a two-day hackathon, held in October in conjunction with Faculty AI and the National Institute of Teaching, will be published in spring, further strengthening the department’s evidence base.

    Respondents felt that successful use of Generative AI within their education settings relied on having a strong digital infrastructure. To help achieve this, last week, the Department published new digital and technology standards on laptops, desktops and tablets, leadership and governance, and accessibility.  The digital and technology standards support school staff to understand their roles and responsibilities to make sure that technology is accessible for all.

    The report also reveals that academic misconduct is a top concern for educators and experts alike. To tackle this, the department is working closely with its regulators and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), to ensure the responsible use of AI in education, informed by the AI Regulation White Paper, Published last March.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said:

    The transformative benefits of AI are already being felt across society. I know that harnessing its potential to help our young minds learn and our brilliant educators teach is something we can all get behind.

    By tapping into AI we can deliver personalised support for learners to help them in their studies, and free teachers from a range of administrative tasks to give them more time in front of the whiteboard. This will ensure we can deliver a world-leading education system in every classroom in the country.

    At Bett, the Education Secretary also highlighted how the government is creating a forward-looking skills sector that is equipped to deal with AI. Last year, over 22,000 people started a digital apprenticeship, while digital Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Skills Bootcamps are helping both young and adult learners to develop their skillset and grasp the opportunities associated with AI.

    Building a future-proofed skills landscape alongside a strong evidence base is helping the sector to take advantage of AI safely, allowing for innovation that could transform education for the better.

  • PRESS RELEASE : More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : More support for service leavers transitioning to civilian life [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 January 2024.

    Personnel leaving the military are to receive more support for finding jobs in civilian life thanks to a new contract between the Ministry of Defence and Reed.

    • Number of professional training courses for soon-to-be veterans more than doubled.
    • New Career Transition Partnership (CTP) with Reed in Partnership will continue the award-winning work supporting service leavers.
    • Training in areas ranging from transport to cyber security will give service leavers the best opportunity of finding employment.

    Under the contract the number of courses for service leavers will be doubled, and they will have the opportunity to learn new skills in areas such as cyber security.

    The Career Transition Partnership has supported those leaving the Armed Forces for over 25 years, as they transition from the military into civilian life.

    With approximately 15,000 service leavers benefitting from these services annually and 87% of those using the system gaining employment, the partnership will improve the advice on offer for service leavers around the country. Services, which will be a combination of face to face, online and instructor led, will also be tailored to those living in devolved nations. Courses will be geared towards future careers in areas like engineering, cyber security, healthcare and renewable energy.

    Minister for Defence People and Families, Rt. Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP said:

    It is vital that service leavers are given the correct tools to have the best possible start in their new lives. From career counselling to vocational training, this new partnership will give individuals the confidence and skills to find employment and increase their opportunities.

    I am thrilled to announce this new partnership, which will continue the award-winning work to support Armed Forces personnel and their families as they transition to civilian life.

    This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for those who have bravely served our country.

    All service leavers will benefit from enhanced transition support from specialist advisors and careers consultants under the new contract, to meet their chosen outcomes which typically range from seeking civilian employment, re-entering Higher/Further Education or retirement.

    The transition from the current contract with Right Management Ltd to Reed in Partnership will be complete in October 2024, starting with a phased approach to ensure that the services offered to current service leavers are not disrupted.

    Over the previous 25 years the award-winning CTP has supported over 310,000 service leavers to transition into civilian life, the new partnership with Reed will build on the excellence of the current contract.

    CEO and Chairman of Reed in Partnership, James Reed CBE said:

    Reed in Partnership has a long history of supporting people to achieve their goals through employability, education, training and career transition services. This includes many veterans and reservists, whose unique skills and experiences can be so greatly utilised in civilian life.

    As an Armed Forces Covenant signee, we are committed to ensuring that people who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly and supported appropriately. Our delivery of the CTP service will be informed by this commitment. Our extensive range of employer relationships and community partnerships means we are well placed to continue the success of this important service.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 500,000 women benefit from cheaper hormone replacement therapy [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 500,000 women benefit from cheaper hormone replacement therapy [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 January 2024.

    Half a million women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – since last April.

    • Since April last year, half a million women in England have benefitted from cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms
    • The HRT prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are part of a wider scheme of government initiatives to bolster support for women experiencing negative menopause symptoms, as part of its world-leading Women’s Health Strategy
    • More than £11 million saved by women using the PPC in last nine months

    Since launching on 1 April last year, more than 500,000 women in England have accessed cheaper HRT – the main treatment for negative menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

    A key pillar of the first year of England’s Women’s Health Strategy, which made menopause a priority area, the HRT PPC reduced prescription costs to just £19.30 per year. It can be used against a list of eligible HRT items that includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as needed throughout the year.

    Making HRT more accessible through reducing its cost is one way the government is making menopause support more readily available to women. This year the government has also successfully tackled supply issues, by working with suppliers to encourage and support them to meet growing demand.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said:

    “I am determined to make access to healthcare faster, simpler, and fairer. Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and gives women the freedom to take control of their symptoms.

    “This is a huge milestone and shows how successful our Women’s Health Strategy is in delivering the outcomes women want and deserve.”

    Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield said:

    “Every woman is different and so it’s essential we make sure all women can access the right medication that works for them.

    “Many women often need to try a few different types of HRT to get the right medication that works for them. By reducing the price of HRT to under £20 for a year’s supply, we’ve made it more equitable for women to go on living their normal lives.

    “Our Women’s Health Strategy continues to deliver on what women want.”

    Women experiencing the menopause will also benefit from the establishment of women’s health hubs in local health areas across the country.

    As a result of the government investment of £25 million, women’s health hubs will improve women’s access to care, improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. The government aims to establish at least one women’s health hub in every local area this year, enabling better access and quality of care in services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care and more.

    Professor Dame Lesley Regan, the Women’s Health Ambassador for England said:

    “When we created this Strategy, we made it clear it would improve women’s health outcomes. 500,000 women accessing affordable HRT is a clear, tangible result of just that.

    “Menopause is an inevitable stage of every woman’s life, so receiving second rate care for a predictable problem is not acceptable.

    “The HRT PPC is a fantastic way of giving more women access to treatment and our women’s health hubs will provide women experiencing severe menopause symptoms advice from a healthcare professional.”

    NHS England will continue its work to improve menopause care by piloting new guidance for nurses, GPs, and other staff to better recognise and treat menopause symptoms, with integrated care systems (or primary care teams) in the Midlands region.

    Michael Brodie, Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which is responsible for delivering this service, said:

    “This significant milestone highlights the crucial role this service provides for patients who rely on HRT, allowing them access to their medication at a reduced cost.”

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

    How to use the PPC

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

    • online on the NHSBSA website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
    • in person at some pharmacies
    • if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHSBSA using the text relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May 2023
    • the NHSBSA also offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille on request
  • PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Mauritius [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Mauritius [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

    The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, delivered a statement during Mauritius’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and welcome Minister.

    Regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago, and noting our previous exchanges on this subject at this Council and elsewhere, we do ask that the Working Group report reflect that the UK and Mauritius are in negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over BIOT/Chagos Archipelago.

    Let me welcome the broad progress Mauritius has made on human rights since its last review and recommend that it:

    1. Amend the Criminal Code to reflect the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex sexual relations;
    2. Fully implement and report regularly on progress of the National Gender Policy and the National Strategy & Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence;
    3. Monitor and report on how climate change in Mauritius impacts on its human rights situation, including as a Small Island Developing State.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Announces Funding to UNSOS in Support of a Safer Somalia [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Announces Funding to UNSOS in Support of a Safer Somalia [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

    The United Kingdom announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces.

    • UK announces a further £5 million of support for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
    • The funding will be used to provide non-lethal support to Somali Security Forces in their fight against al-Shabaab, including communications equipment, shelter and medevac assistance.

    The United Kingdom (UK) Government has allocated a further £5 million in funding for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia through the UNSOS Trust Fund. The UNSOS Trust Fund provides non-lethal support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in their fight against al-Shabaab. This reinforces the UK’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the SSF to ensure the safety and security of Somalia and the wider region.

    The Trust Fund, administered by UNSOS, plays a crucial role in providing non-lethal logistical support to the SSF, including vital resources such as rations, tents and lifesaving medevac assistance. The Trust Fund currently supports 14,900 Somali National Army and 1,000 Somali National Police forces and with the support of contributing countries like the UK is aiming to boost support to 18,900 SSF.

    Continued support to troops will not only contribute to the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabaab but also facilitate the further development of the SSF’s capability through provision of logistical support such as fuel and rations but also the materials to set up forward operating bases (‘field defence stores’). Communications equipment will also be provided to increase the operational readiness and effectiveness of the SSF.

    Increasing the capability of the SSF is an essential component of the ongoing security transition process in Somalia, which has seen the SSF take on greater responsibility for ensuring national security and stability. The UK remains a steadfast supporter of the transition process and a committed partner in Somalia’s fight against terror.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

    This latest round of support from the UK will make a vital difference to Somali Security Forces who are working tirelessly to defeat violent extremists like al-Shabaab and restore stability in Somalia and the region.

    The UK will continue working side by side with the Federal Government of Somalia and other partners to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis. We go far when we go together.

    The Commander of the Somalia National Army, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhuddin, welcomed the announcement of this additional contribution from the UK.

    He outlined the importance of consistent support in this transition period as SSF take over forward operating bases from ATMIS whilst also being on the offensive against al-Shabaab:

    We welcome the trust placed in the Somali Security Forces, including the Somalia National Army, and the practical support to peace and security in Somalia.

    Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, emphasising its significant impact on bolstering the capabilities of the Somali Security Forces. Kacyira highlighted the UK as a central and dedicated donor to the Trust Fund enabling UNSOS to support the logistical priorities of Somalia Security Forces.

    She reaffirmed UNSOS’s commitment to providing essential logistical support to the Somali Government, supporting its endeavours to establish a stable and secure Somalia.

    This new UK funding follows a substantial contribution of £5 million in December 2023. Since 2022 the UK has given over £20m of voluntary contributions in support of UNSOS, supporting a safer Somalia and going far, together.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges £500,000 to boost British services exports [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges £500,000 to boost British services exports [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 January 2024.

    The government is committing £500,000 to help UK professionals such as architects, auditors and accountants export their services around the world.

    • Grants of up to £75,000 on offer for UK regulators to strike deals to get UK qualifications recognised overseas, which could help firms win international contracts
    • Previous rounds helped secure recognition arrangements with Switzerland and New Zealand

    More UK professionals will be able to provide their services around the world thanks to new government funding to help get UK qualifications recognised overseas.

    Grants of up to £75,000 will be awarded to UK regulators and professional bodies as part of the Recognition Arrangements Grant programme. The fund can help them strike deals with counterparts around the world to help make it easier, quicker and cheaper for UK professionals to have their qualifications recognised overseas.

    From engineers and architects to accountants and lawyers, the UK is world-renowned for its high-quality services companies. We are second biggest exporter of services in the world – behind only the US – and the UK’s services exports are currently at a record high.

    However, qualifying as an architect, accountant or lawyer in the UK doesn’t generally qualify you to practise abroad which means UK companies miss out on opportunities internationally. The Government is therefore pledging £500,000 to help facilitate agreements which can reduce the need for professionals to gain additional qualifications in foreign countries or go through potentially costly and burdensome bureaucracy.

    Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said:

    Obtaining professional qualifications in foreign countries can be expensive and slow for professionals like lawyers and accountants who want to export their world-class services overseas.

    Part of the answer is to secure mutual recognition agreements between the UK and other countries, to acknowledge each other’s professional qualifications.

    This new round of funding will help open new doors for UK-qualified professionals, allowing them and their firms to focus on winning contracts, exporting their expertise abroad and growing their businesses.

    This third round of funding follows previous successful rounds which led to:

    • Agreements between the UK’s Financial Reporting Council and their New Zealand and Swiss counterparts for auditors, allowing UK audit firms to sell their services more easily in those countries.
    • Work towards arrangements in sectors like legal services, accountancy and architecture with a range of jurisdictions such as Morocco, Hong Kong, and India.

    The new funding has been welcomed by UK regulators and professional bodies.

    Executive Director of Supervision at the Financial Reporting Council Sarah Rapson said:

    The Recognition Arrangements Grant Programme has been invaluable in supporting the FRC to successfully secure mutual recognition of audit qualifications with New Zealand and Switzerland with more agreements likely in 2024. This will boost the UK’s audit market and further strengthen the UK’s close financial ties with key overseas markets. The funding has specifically enabled the FRC to utilise independent technical expertise to provide confidence in our assessment process and ensure UK audit quality is robustly upheld.

    Chair of the Architects Registration Board Alan Kershaw said:

    The Architects Registration Board has recently entered into mutual recognition agreements with counterpart organisations in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and we are currently exploring options for further agreements with other countries.

    The Recognition Arrangements Grant Programme has helped us expand the speed and scale at which we can pursue new agreements with other countries, which will open up international opportunities while maintaining the high standards and safety that the public expect from architects here in the UK.

    More global recognition agreements can help businesses and professionals access new markets, reduce barriers to trade, and make it easier for UK businesses to export their services worldwide.

    UK services exports were £472 billion in the year ending November 2023, up £65 billion (16%) in current prices from the previous year.

    The Recognition Arrangements Grant programme will run until 31 March 2025, with grants of up to £75,000 per financial year awarded to UK regulators and professional bodies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Nigeria [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 45th Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Nigeria [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 January 2024.

    The UK delivered a statement during Nigeria’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President, and we warmly welcome His Excellency the Minister of Justice of Nigeria to today’s Review.

    The UK acknowledges Nigeria’s progress on human rights since its last Review, and welcomes Nigeria’s commitment to investigating allegations of human rights violations by security forces, which should be conducted robustly and transparently and ensure perpetrators are held to account.

    We recommend that Nigeria:

    1. Protect civilians and ensure all violations of International Humanitarian Law and all human rights violations or abuses are fully investigated, ensuring accountability when civilians are unlawfully killed.
    2. Ensure that the human rights of those accused of blasphemy are protected and ensure accountability for related mob killings.
    3. Enact further legislation to strengthen the rights of women, including the five bills it has committed to re-introducing, and increase women’s political participation and promote gender equality.

    Thank you.