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PRESS RELEASE : New legal restrictions on XL Bully dog now in force [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 December 2023.

It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, and abandon these dogs or let them stray.

New restrictions on the XL Bully dogs are now in force (31 December) making it a legal requirement for all XL Bully dogs to be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. It is also illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray from today.

The decision to ban XL Bully dogs was made following a concerning rise in attacks from these dangerous dogs, with 23 people sadly losing their lives after vicious dog attacks in the last three years. XL Bullies have been involved in many of these tragic deaths.

Owners are also being urged to apply to register their current XL Bully dogs, as the Government takes action to safely manage the existing population of the breed. There is only a month left to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.

Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine.

Owners who do not want to keep their dogs after this date should take them to a vet to have them put down.

If owners are unsure whether their dog could be classed as an XL Bully, they should check their dog carefully against our guidance and photo examples of XL Bully dogs to help them decide.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

The Prime Minister pledged to take quick and decisive action to protect the public from devastating dog attacks with measures in place by the end of 2023. We have met that pledge – it is now a legal requirement for XL Bully dogs to be muzzled and on a lead in public. It is also now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray.

All XL Bully owners are expected to comply with the law and we will continue to work closely with the police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare groups, with further restrictions on XL Bully dogs coming into force on 1 February.

The Government has taken a staggered approach to safely manage the existing population of XL Bully dogs, while ultimately banning the breed.

On the 31 October, XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act, with owners given two months to prepare for the first stage of the ban.

Since the 31 December [today], it is illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon or let XL Bully dogs stray. All XL Bully dogs must also be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public.

From 1st February all XL Bully dogs must be registered.

From 30 June, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December for younger dogs.

Notes to readers:
- Leading animal welfare organisations including Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, PDSA and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have developed a range of helpful resources and free online learning opportunities to support owners to muzzle train their dogs.
- To register an XL Bully, owners must hold active public liability insurance for their dog, have had their dog microchipped, and pay the application fee. Owners will also be required to provide proof that their dog has been neutered. This will be by 30 June 2024 for most dogs, and by the end of 2024 for dogs under one-year-old on 31 January 2024.
- Owners who no longer wish to keep their dogs and who arrange for a vet to put them down may apply for compensation towards this. Owners and their vets will need to complete a form to make a claim.
- Owners can access the most up-to-date information on what action they need to take and when on this dedicated page, Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
If the dog is:
- less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered and evidence received by 31 December 2024
- more than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered and evidence received by 30 June 2024
- If your dog is already neutered, a vet must confirm this by:
  - 31 December 2024 for dogs less than one year old on 31 January 2024
  - 30 June 2024 for dogs more than one year old on 31 January 2024
04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Russia has now turned to indiscriminate attacks on civilians – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 December 2023.

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

President, the United Kingdom deeply regrets any civilian deaths in conflict, wherever they happen and particularly where children are involved. We are committed to upholding international humanitarian law and we remind all parties to conflicts everywhere of their obligations.

We are also committed to upholding the UN Charter, and its principles of respect for sovereignty and the right to self-defence. Yesterday, we discussed Russian airstrikes on civilians in Ukraine. Today, Russia has called this meeting to discuss Ukrainian strikes in Russia.

Russia is attempting to draw equivalence, but let’s be absolutely clear: there are hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers in Ukraine. There is not a single Ukrainian soldier in Russia. The war in Ukraine is an invasion started by Russia – a fact that no amount of disinformation can obscure.

President, first Russia blamed Ukraine for these strikes. Then it tried to demand Czechia appear before the Council. Now the Russian ambassador is blaming the UK, the US and the EU.

If Russia wants someone to blame for the deaths of Russians in this war, it should start with President Putin. President Putin is responsible for sending many thousands of Russian servicemen and women to their needless deaths.

In 2022, President Putin claimed his invasion was to stop a supposed genocide in the Donbas. The International Court of Justice rejected this and ordered Russia immediately to end its invasion.

Russia’s real objectives were revealed when it attempted the illegal annexation of further Ukrainian territory and the UN membership rejected this and repeatedly demanded Russia end its invasion and withdraw.

As we discussed yesterday, having failed to defeat Ukraine militarily, Russia has now turned to indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The death toll from this week’s attacks across Ukraine, the largest since the war started, continues to rise. Innocent children were among the casualties here too. In total, over 10,000 civilians, including more than 560 children, have been killed and over 18,500 have been injured in Ukraine since 24 February 2022.

President, Russia chose to start this war, Russia can choose to end this war; Ukraine did not start it and has the right to defend itself. This is why the UK reiterates that we stand resolutely with Ukraine and will continue to do so. So, we call once again on Russia to respect the UN Charter, to end this war and to withdraw its forces from Ukraine.

04/01/2024
Alister Jack – 2024 New Year’s Message

The message issued by Alister Jack, the Secretary of State for Scotland, on 30 December 2023.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack looks back on 2023 and ahead to 2024.

As another New Year dawns, I’d like to pass on my best wishes for 2024 to my fellow Scots at home and abroad.

As we get ready to make our resolutions for the year to come, it is also time to take stock of the departing 12 months.

Looking back, we have worked hard on our mission to level up communities across Scotland.

Creating equality of opportunity for all – regardless of background – has been our ambition. Our levelling up initiatives are doing this by helping people and their neighbourhoods flourish.

Listening to local communities – and working closely with the Scottish Government and councils – is bearing fruit on our investments.

In 2023 we broke through the £2.9 billion barrier when it comes to UK Government levelling-up investment in Scotland.

Among the highlights of the last 12 months have been the creation of two Freeports with a UK Government investment of £26 million each, one on the Firth of Forth and the other on the Cromarty Firth.

These were followed by the establishment of two Investment Zones in Glasgow and the North East, both of which are benefitting from up to £160 million each from the UK Treasury.

Businesses in these areas will get special tax breaks and other support to help them flourish and create jobs.

Seven Scottish towns are receiving £20 million each as part of our Towns Fund. Levelling Up Partnerships have also been set up which will result in Dundee, the Western Isles, Argyll and Bute and Dumfries and Galloway receiving £20 million each. This funding will help transform these communities, boosting investment and jobs.

And 2023 saw the announcement of two further rounds of the Levelling Up Fund, which will pay for multi-million-pound community investment right across Scotland.

Along with my ministerial colleagues in the Scotland Office, Malcolm Offord and John Lamont, it has been great to visit many of these projects and see for ourselves the difference they are making.

Reflecting on 2023, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Scottish Government’s Gender Recognition Reform legislation. The decision to issue a Section 35 Order for the first time in the history of devolution was not one which I took lightly. But when faced with proposals that would have an adverse impact on reserved equalities legislation I felt there was little option other than to act. I strongly believe the comprehensive judgement issued by Lady Haldane in the UK Government’s favour entirely justifies this stance.

Scotland is famous across the world for our culture and sport. We were delighted to contribute to the arts scene by contributing almost £9 million to the world-famous Edinburgh festivals.

I was thrilled that Scotland’s men’s team qualified for next year’s European Championships. It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Clarke to Dover House when we hosted a reception marking the 150th anniversary of the Scottish Football Association. Like all Scotland fans I’m tremendously excited by the thought of our team going to Germany in 2024.

A highlight of 2023 for so many was the Coronation of King Charles III. As Scottish Secretary I was greatly honoured to play a small part in an uplifting and moving ceremony which marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the United Kingdom.

I know that for many people the last few years have been extremely difficult. We are still feeling the impact of the Covid pandemic and Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has put pressure on our economy. Under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the UK Government has made great strides in bringing inflation down. And just as the broad shoulders of the UK Treasury provided unprecedented support during Covid, we have provided unprecedented financial help to tackle the cost of living crisis. Our £105 billion funding package is providing each household with an average of £3,700 in support.

By working together as one United Kingdom we can withstand the challenges the coming months and years throw at us.

And, looking ahead to 2024, my resolution is to keep working to bring more prosperity and jobs to Scotland. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to the opening of the Perth Museum, backed by £10 million from the UK Government and which will be a splendid new home for the Stone of Scone.

We will also see the signing of the full growth deals for Falkirk and Argyll and Bute, partnerships in which we will invest £40 million and £25 million respectively. And yet more money for community projects as we continue our levelling up mission.

Happy New Year.

Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Storm overflows monitoring hits 100% target [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 December 2023.

Every storm overflow across England’s water network is now monitored.

100% of storm overflows across the water network in England have now been fitted with Event Duration Monitors (EDMs), meeting the ambitious target set by the government to do so by the end of 2023.

Event Duration Monitors increase transparency by measuring how, when and for how long a storm overflow is in operation. This shows the public when discharges are happening, and helps the government and regulators to better hold water companies to account for illegal sewage spills and improve knowledge of overflow operation to identify where improvements can be made.

In 2010, just 7% of storm overflows had monitors fitted. Since then, the government has driven an increase in monitoring, with 100% oversight of overflows now achieved. This delivers on commitments in our Plan for Water which sets out our plans for more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement in the water sector.

The installation of monitors rapidly accelerated under this government in 2013 when Lord Benyon instructed water companies to increase their storm overflow monitoring.

Storm overflows are an automatic safety valve that release excess pressure on the network from flooding and heavy rain – preventing sewage backing up into properties and stopping widespread mains pipe bursts across the country. They should, however, only be used under strict permit conditions. Increased monitoring will give government and regulators the information they need to take action when permits are breached.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

The completion of storm overflow monitoring is a major step forward in better protecting our precious waterways, as well as the communities and wildlife that rely on them.

The wealth of data collected from these monitors will ensure that we know the full extent to the problem – increasing transparency, revealing the worst-offending overflows, and enabling regulators to hold polluters to account.

This step is just one of many ambitious actions set out under our Plan for Water, which is delivering more investment, stronger regulation, and tougher enforcement across the water system.

Environment Agency Executive Director John Leyland said:

After eight years of work, every storm overflow is now monitored, giving us much more information about where and when storm overflow discharges are happening.

This increased transparency will allow the Environment Agency to better tackle illegal discharges from storm overflows. We are dedicated to investigating those that breach their strict permitting conditions.

We take our responsibility to protect the environment very seriously. We are also strengthening our regulation by expanding our specialised workforce, increasing compliance checks, and using new data and intelligence tools to inform our work.

Water UK Chief Executive David Henderson said:

With 100% of the near 15,000 storm overflows across England now monitored we have the best, most comprehensive and accessible monitoring system in the world. This data will be invaluable in ensuring investment is targeted at those sites which urgently need improvements.

Storm overflows are a design feature and act as a release valve after heavy storms. Water companies want them to operate as little as possible, which is why we are seeking regulatory approval to invest £11 billion over five years – three times the current rate – to increase the capacity of our sewers and prevent much more storm water entering the system in the first place.

As well as the expansion of EDMs, the Government has taken significant action throughout 2023 to boost water quality and resilience and hold polluters accountable for environmental damage.

As part of our Plan for Water, over £2.2 billion of new, accelerated investment is being directed into vital infrastructure to improve water quality and secure future supplies, with £1.7bn of this being used to tackle storm overflows to cut over 10,000 discharges.

This builds on stringent targets on water companies to reduce storm overflows, outlined in our Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan – driving the largest infrastructure programme in water company history of £60 billion over 25 years. This will result in hundreds of thousands fewer sewage discharges every year by 2050. The Plan frontloads action in particularly important and sensitive areas including designated bathing waters, meaning the overflows causing the most harm will be addressed first to minimise impact.

Polluters now face unlimited financial penalties for breaching permits and polluting the environment thanks to changes to Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs), which are civil sanctions issued by the Environment Agency. The move is designed to offer a more rapid form of punishment compared to criminal prosecution.

Furthermore, government has given Ofwat increased powers to ensure water company dividends are linked to environmental performance while the regulator has also tightened the rules on bonus payments.

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Brand new guide to help public easily access court hearings [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 30 December 2023.

People are being encouraged to see how justice is done in courtrooms with the publication of a new and simple ‘how to’ guide for attending court hearings today.
- First ever easy-to-use guide published to help people access court hearings
- Public encouraged to know their rights to support open justice
- Follows successful Reporters’ Charter to boost transparency in justice system
Around two million court and tribunals hearings take place every year and for the first time ever, this eight-page document sets out in one place how people can access many of them.

From murder trials to employment law cases, it explains the different types of courts and tribunals, how to observe a court hearing, which areas of court are open to the public and what to expect once inside the court.

It also includes details like what to do before a hearing and how to access Wi-Fi in court buildings, and directs people to further resources for more information.

Justice Minister, Mike Freer, said:

Open and transparent courts are a key principle of our justice system and it is vital people can see for themselves how justice is done.

This guide is another way we are lifting the curtain for the public to help them easily observe trials, tribunals and hearings.

In a further boost to support the principle of open justice, the document will also help HMCTS staff be well prepared to help members of the public access hearings, and to support those attending for the first time.

The guide follows a move last year to allow cameras to film some sentencing remarks by judges in Crown Courts to allow more people to see inside the courts as justice is served.

The Government has previously published the Reporters Charter which outlined the rights and responsibilities of court reporters to boost transparency in the justice system.
04/01/2024
Rishi Sunak – 2024 New Year’s Message

The message issued by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 31 December 2023.

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope you had a great Christmas.

We can look back on a pretty momentous year. We’ve delivered record funding for the NHS and social care. Schools in England are surging up the global league tables.

We’re getting the economy growing. We’ve cut inflation in half. We’ve delivered the biggest business tax cut in modern British history.

And in just the last few weeks, we’ve seen an incredible £60 billion of investment into the UK. So my New Year’s resolution is to keep driving forward. In six days’ time, we’ll deliver a tax cut for 27 million people, worth on average £450.

Inflation is set to fall further, cutting the cost of living for everyone. And we’re not stopping there.

We’re going further to grow our economy by reducing debt, cutting taxes, and rewarding hard work, building secure supplies of energy here at home, backing British business and delivering world class education. And we’re taking decisive action to stop the boats and break the business model of the criminal gangs.

From our incredible armed forces and NHS staff who take care of all of us. To our tech experts, scientists and innovators who are putting our economy at the global cutting edge.

We should look forward full of pride and optimism for what we can do together to build a brighter future for everyone. That’s what I’m determined to do, and I wish you all a very happy 2024.

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : The Military Division of the New Years Honours 2024 [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 29 December 2023.

Armed Forces personnel and Defence Civil Servants have been granted state honours by His Majesty The King in the annual New Year Honours list.

His Majesty The King has recognised over 180 service personnel and civil servants in the 2024 New Year Honours list for their outstanding acts of service to protect national security. From delivering His Majesty’s Coronation, to facilitating some of the most complex equipment programmes, the honours list praises the outstanding achievements of personnel across Defence.

The recognition follows praise from the Prime Minister who has spoken about the valiant work of our Armed Forces, including in the Middle East and in Estonia as part of our unshakeable commitment to NATO.

The full list of Defence personnel named in the 2024 New Years Honours list is available here.

State honours have also been awarded to senior members of the Armed Forces, for their work including force integration, service on operations and driving organisational change to ensure Defence is ready to leverage the most cutting-edge technologies.

Welcoming the New Years Honours, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

I want to congratulate all our Defence personnel who have been named in this year’s New Year Honours.

As the world becomes more dangerous and Defence’s global commitments have increased, you have all risen to the challenge through your selflessness, resilience, and ingenuity.

You showcase the very best our nation has to offer, and it is only right that your exceptional acts of service have been recognised.

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Scots recognised in King’s New Year Honours List [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 29 December 2023.

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

Speaking as King Charles’ New Year Honours were announced, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

My warmest congratulations go to all the Scottish recipients of the King’s New Year Honours. Scots are well represented in His Majesty’s list, which showcases the best of Scottish talent – including sport, the arts, community, education, business, charity, policing and healthcare.

Scottish rugby centurion Stuart Hogg, who announced his retirement earlier this year, is rightly celebrated [MBE] for his services to the game. Former Scotland rugby captain Rob Wainwright is also honoured [OBE] for his extraordinary work raising money for research into motor neurone disease through the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. From the world of football, former player and Scotland, Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell manager Alex McLeish is recognised [OBE] for his services to charity.

I welcome best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith being knighted for services to literature, academia and to charity. And much loved star of BBC comedy Two Doors Down, Arabella Weir, has been rightly recognised [MBE] for her work with the arts and young people, not least through the Kirkcaldy Festival of Ideas.

And it’s poignant that just days after the 35th anniversary of the Lockerbie atrocity a leading police officer in the investigation, Stuart Cossar, is recognised [MBE] for his services to the inquiry and bereaved families.

This year, more than 100 Scots have been awarded honours. The achievements of such a diverse number of our fellow Scots is truly inspiring.

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary congratulates 2024 New Year’s Honours recipients [December 2023]

The press release issued by the Office for the Secretary of State for Wales on 29 December 2023.

Dozens of people from across Wales have been recognised by His Majesty The King.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies has congratulated the recipients from Wales on the King’s New Year Honours List.

Among dozens of recipients from Wales were singer Dame Shirley Bassey, businesswomen Amanda Blanc and Joanna Swash and many more recipients of honours for services in the community including Pembrokeshire guide leader Wendy Barnett (BEM), water safety campaigner Debbie Turnbull (MBE) and founder member of Monmouth Male Voice Choir Huw Edwards (MBE).

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said:

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

It is fantastic to see people from such a wide range of backgrounds being recognised, including for services to business, community work, culture, charity or health.

Hearing about the extraordinary and invaluable work of so many people from across Wales is inspiring – I congratulate all the recipients being honoured and thank each and every one for their contribution.

04/01/2024
PRESS RELEASE : British business leaders, innovators and international trade champions recognised in the King’s 2024 New Year Honours List [December 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 29 December 2023.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade congratulates those honoured.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch is congratulating entrepreneurs, innovators and Department for Business and Trade staff who have been awarded for their extraordinary service to businesses, investment, exporting and UK economic growth.

Those honoured represent a diverse range of exceptional individuals who have championed a wide range of sectors across the UK economy at home and overseas.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

In 2023 we’ve signed ambitious trade deals, removed market access barriers, and supported British businesses to start up, scale up and grow.

These outstanding individuals embody the enterprising spirit found across the UK, from exporting original produce, to helping others grow their businesses. I congratulate them on their honours and look forward to seeing their leadership continue to deliver for the British people.

Business leaders and entrepreneurs recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours List:

Knights of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)

John Griffin, Founder, Addison Lee. For services to Business and to Charity.

Tim Martin, Founder and Chair, Wetherspoons. For services to Hospitality and to Culture.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Kevin Ellis, Alliance Senior Partner, PwC UK and Middle East. For services to Economic Growth and Expanding Social Mobility.

Paul Golding, Chair, Pinewood Group. For services to Business and to the UK Film Industry.

Dr Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems. For services to International Trade and Skills Development.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Rachel Gaisburgh-Watkyn, Managing Director, Tiny Box Company. For services to Sustainability, to Ethical Business Growth and to Exports.

Catherine McBride, Member, Trade and Agriculture Commission. For services to Economic Commentary and Trade Policy.

Martin McTague, Low Pay Commissioner and National Chair, UK Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses.

Brian Palmer, Founder and Chief Executive, Tharsus Group Ltd. For services to Manufacturing and Skills.

Munir Patel, Chief Executive Officer, XRAIL Group. For services to Rail Exports.

Ashley Pigott, Chairman and Managing Director, AJ Power, Northern Ireland. For services to UK Exports and Manufacturing.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Simon Ayers, Chief Executive Officer, TrustMark. For services to Consumer Protection.

Kathy Caton, Founder and Managing Director, Brighton Gin. For services to Trade and to the community in Brighton.

Rowan Crozier, Chief Executive Officer, C Brandauer & Co. For services to Manufacturing and Enterprise.

Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd, Director, Naturally Tiwa Skincare. For services to International Trade and to Women in Business.

John Norris, Chair, B&M Longworth (Edgworth) Ltd. For services to Innovation, to Sustainability and to International Trade.

Staff from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours List:

Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)

Crawford Falconer, Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and Second Permanent Secretary, Department for Business and Trade.

Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

Simon Penney, lately HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan and HM Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Bidesh Sarkar, Chief Financial Officer, Department for Business and Trade.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Lukas May, lately Deputy Director, CPTPP, Department for Business and Trade.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Sophie Dyer, lately Counsellor, British Embassy Tokyo, Japan.

Elizabeth McCrory, Regional Lead, UK Export Finance.

Phillip Potter, Regional Lead, UK Export Finance.

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Barbara Williams, Diary Manager, Department for Business and Trade.

Selected quotes from recipients:

1. Kevin Ellis – awarded a CBE for services to Economic Growth and Expanding Social Mobility

As Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC since 2016, Kevin has grown the company by more than a third to 30,211 people. Kevin has made a significant contribution to the growth of PwC and has driven PwC to become a leader on social mobility and inclusion. Believing that business has a vital role in solving society’s biggest issues, Kevin has invested in areas that matter most such as an Advanced Research Engineering Centre in Belfast, investing over £40m to support jobs and skills; and a Technology Hub in Manchester on track to create 1000 new jobs.

Kevin, Alliance Senior Partner at PwC UK and Middle East said:

I’m grateful to be recognised in this way. Throughout my almost four decades in the professional services sector, I’ve had the privilege to work with a vast range of businesses as well as the government, education and third sectors on initiatives that champion UK prosperity, social mobility, skills, and regional impact. This recognition inspires me further.

2. Munir Patel – awarded an OBE for services to Rail Exports

Munir has transformed XRAIL into a globally focused business, generating 80% of its turnover from exports. With Munir, XRAIL achieved a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2022 for outstanding achievement in international trade. He is credited with single handedly developing an export business in XRAIL and his determination to succeed resulted in the award of contracts against intense global competition. Munir is a shining example to rail businesses of what can be achieved taking a long term perspective, and proactively encouraging and supporting others to develop export capability.

Munir, Chief Executive Officer at XRAIL Group:

I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this OBE for international export. Our journey in global trade has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a shared vision for creating positive impact. Together, we’ve transcended borders, turning challenges into opportunities. This honour is not just an accolade for me but a celebration of collaboration, determination, and the power of fostering international relationships. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have been part of this remarkable journey. Thank you for this profound honour.

3. Catherine McBride – awarded an OBE for services to Economic Commentary and Trade Policy

As a member of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, Catherine is recognised as an expert in her field, specialising in economic and regulatory topics, global trade, farming standards, the environment, banking and macroeconomics. Catherine has provided world class advice to the Government in her role as TAC member and made a significant national impact through her commentary on UK trade policy post Brexit.

Catherine, Member of the Trade and Agriculture Commission said:

I am delighted to be included in His Majesty The King’s New Year’s honours List for my work promoting the UK’s potential to thrive as an independent trading nation and the benefits of trade for UK citizens and UK exporters. I am very pleased that my efforts have been recognised by the Department for Business and Trade and rewarded in this way.

4. Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd – awarded an MBE for services to International Trade and Women in Business

As a qualified pharmacist, Shalom founded Naturally Tiwa Skincare in 2014 after creating a formulation using Shea butter to ease her son’s eczema. Her company creates vegan and cruelty free skincare products with natural ingredients from Africa. Shalom has made a real difference to the lives of women in Essan, employing up to 70 women in the area and establishing three cooperatives. Based in Milton Keynes, NTS has a turnover of £80,000 of which 10% is exports.

Shalom, Founder and Managing Director of Naturally Tiwa Skincare said:

It is a humbling feeling to be recognised in The King’s New Year Honours List 2024 and awarded an MBE for services to International Trade and Women in Business. I am proud to be a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Export Champion, hence being nominated for this honour by DBT makes it even more special. It is a tremendous privilege, and I am immensely proud to lead organisations that play positive roles in the lives of people globally. This honour is a reflection of the fantastic work of all my colleagues at Naturally Tiwa Skincare, Naturally Tribal Nigeria, eMQT and the JE Family.

5. Kathy Caton – awarded an MBE for services to Trade and the community in Brighton

Kathy is the founder and Managing Director of Brighton Gin. From humble beginnings back in 2012, her company has made huge strides and now employs seven full time staff as well as supporting an increasing supply chain. The business exports successfully to 7 markets, including Australia and North America with more in the pipeline. As a vocal supporter of the benefits of exporting, she is proactive and always passes on her knowledge and experience. Kathy is an important player in the development, innovation and growth of the gin sector which is now the UK’s 5th largest food and drink export.

Kathy, Founder and Managing Director of Brighton Gin said:

I am so incredibly surprised – and humbled – to have been nominated for the honour, particularly regarding the kind things that people have had to say about the role of Brighton Gin in the local community and about supporting and encouraging diversity in the workplace and all the amazing things that that can bring.
04/01/2024