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PRESS RELEASE : New national hub for fintech to be launched at Leeds event [February 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 28 February 2023.

A national hub for fintech excellence will formally launch at an event in Leeds today, seeking to boost the sector’s growth and helping it to achieve truly global scale.
- a new government-backed national hub for fintech will formally launch at an event in Leeds on Tuesday (28th), boosting growth and innovation in the UK
- the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) will champion the UK’s world-leading sector, helping firms to achieve truly global scale
- the UK Infrastructure Bank has today (28 February) also announced that it is expanding its presence at its Leeds office – as it gears up to create around 280 job
The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) is the first of its kind in the world and is backed by £5.5 million of Treasury and City of London Corporation funding.

This new body seeks to build on the dominance of the UK’s fintech sector – that supports around 2,500 firms, tens of thousands of jobs in the UK, and is second globally only to the US for fintech investment – powering ahead of economic behemoths such as China and India.

It will provide a much-needed boost to people and businesses up and down the country, enabling them to benefit from new waves of technological change and innovation – widening consumer choice, cutting costs, and increasing efficiency for firms.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said:

The UK is a world-leading location for fintech growth and investment – it’s a real British success story and one that’s spread across the whole UK. Today’s launch of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology doubles down on this, boosting prosperity and investment in exciting cities for growth and innovation such as Leeds.

It’s also great to see the UK Infrastructure Bank delivering on its mission to invest in the clean energy revolution and on much needed infrastructure – using its £22 billion of taxpayers’ money to help communities across the UK.

Charlotte Crosswell OBE, Chair of CFIT, said:

The launch of CFIT today represents a significant moment for the UK’s fintech sector and our economy more widely. This organisation will enable us to come together as a sector to start breaking down barriers that the fintech sector is facing while creating a clear path for our homegrown fintech companies to achieve global scale, impact and success.

Today’s announcement marks an important first step in our work supporting the growth and development of the UK fintech sector by empowering its talented innovators and trailblazers in every corner of the country.

Ron Kalifa, Chairman of Network International and author of the Kalifa Review of UK Fintech, said:

I am thrilled to see the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) – one of the key recommendations of the 2021 Kalifa Review – launch in Leeds today.

The Centre will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between industry, academia and policymakers, promoting innovation, and turbo-charging the adoption of new technologies for businesses and consumers. I have no doubt that it will enable the UK’s fintech sector to become more competitive, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have across the UK in the weeks, months and years to come.

The Centre has been established in response to Ron Kalifa’s Review into UK fintech. Since this report was published in 2021, government has been working across industry and regulators to deliver on the recommendations, including introducing a fast-track visa system for fintech scale ups, implementing an FCA scale box allowing innovators to trial new products, and reforming our listings regime to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s dominant capital markets hotspot.

At launch event CFIT will announce new coalitions of experts from across finance, technology, academia and policy-making. They will focus on helping fintechs achieve truly global scale, building on the UK’s recent success which saw the UK grow from two ‘unicorn’ firms (over $1 billion valuation) in 2020, to today where we have more than 20 – almost half of all the fintech unicorns in Europe.

CFIT will announce the establishment of financial innovation hubs with comprehensive reach across the UK’s nations and regions – including in key growth centres such as Leeds. The city has seen enormous fintech growth since 2020, with its number of fintech firms more than doubling to 107, and valuation of firms doubling to reach £710 million – supporting over 7,500 jobs.

CFIT’s Chair Charlotte Crosswell will also announce a range of new partnerships she and her team have agreed to support CFIT’s growth ambitions. Further details on these new partnerships, and which areas will be established as innovation hubs will be set out at the event.

Ahead of the launch, the Economic Secretary, Andrew Griffith MP, will be visiting the UK Infrastructure Bank’s (UKIB) site in Leeds, where he will officially open expanded office space for UKIB staff, as they gear up to take on around 280 staff. The Bank currently has around 180 staff, with an increasing number of permanent employees.

Since its introduction 20 months ago, the bank has announced ten significant investments in sectors ranging from solar energy to fibre broadband, and has crowded in £4.6 billion of private finance in the process.

The City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

The UK’s fintech sector is a true British success story. The launch of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) today will help to maintain our dominant position globally. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with CFIT to further unleash the potential of this sector.

UK Infrastructure Bank CEO, John Flint said:

The fact we are anchored in Leeds is a key part of our identity. It aligns with our mission to drive up regional and local economic growth. It also makes us part of a growing movement, with many other significant organisations – for example, Channel 4, the Financial Conduct Authority, and the National Infrastructure Commission – establishing or expanding bases here. I am grateful to the Minister for helping us to mark this milestone, as we expand our presence in the city.

Today’s announcements deliver on the Chancellor’s ambition for the UK to become a technology superpower, as set out recently in his Bloomberg speech. And they deliver on the Prime Minister’s five priorities, helping to grow the economy.
03/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Joint Statement on the death penalty in Iran [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK co-sponsored a Joint Statement relating to the use of the death penalty in Iran. This statement was delivered by H.E. Christian Guillermet, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs to Costa Rica on 28 February 2023.

“Mr. President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of a cross regional group of countries.

In light of today’s discussion related to limiting the death penalty to the most serious crimes – we recall States’ obligations under the ICCPR, under which countries that have not yet abolished the death penalty, can only apply it for offences that amount to ‘the most serious crimes’, and observing the procedural guarantees prescribed in the Covenant. All detainees are entitled to the right to a fair hearing by an independent tribunal, the presumption of innocence, access to a lawyer and other minimum guarantees for the defence, and the right to review by a higher tribunal.

We are deeply concerned by the use of the death penalty in Iran. Several hundred people were reportedly executed in Iran between 2022 and 2023, including juvenile offenders.

In recent months, Iran has handed down or sought to impose death sentences against dozens of individuals arrested in connection with their participation in protests following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini.

We are concerned by the nature of the offences for which the death penalty was applied the speed of the trials, lack of transparency, and credible reports that defendants did not have proper access to lawyers of their choosing and were subject to torture or other inhumane treatment.

The death penalty must not be instrumentalised by any State to punish individuals participating in protests and to strike fear into the population with the aim of chilling dissent.

We note the High Commissioner’s call on Iran ‘to respect the lives and voices of its people, to impose an immediate moratorium on the death penalty and to halt all executions’, and urge Iran to cooperate with all UN human rights mechanisms, including the Council’s Fact-Finding Mission.

Thank you.”

Full list of co-sponsors:

Albania; Andorra; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Bosnia; Bulgaria; Canada; Colombia; Costa Rica; Chile; Croatia; Cyprus; Czechia; Denmark; Ecuador; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Marshall Islands; Moldova; Monaco; Montenegro; Netherlands; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Paraguay; Peru; Poland; Portugal; Romania; San Marino; Spain; Slovenia; Slovakia; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine; UK; Uruguay; USA

03/03/2023

PRESS RELEASE : Institute of British Sign Language surrenders Ofqual recognition [February 2023]

The press release issued by Ofqual on 28 February 2023.

The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) has surrendered its status as an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation.

iBSL informed Ofqual in January 2023 of its intention to surrender recognition in respect of all of its regulated qualifications. This is in view of iBSL’s decision to cease trading. The surrender will take effect from Friday 3 March 2023.

Ofqual has been working closely with iBSL to protect the interests of students (learners). Ofqual has put in place arrangements (called saving and transitional provisions) that allow iBSL to continue to issue results and certificates to students after 3 March 2023, if they have a valid entitlement, while it continues to trade. Qualifications awarded under these arrangements will remain Ofqual-regulated qualifications.

Ofqual has also imposed Special Conditions on iBSL in order to protect the interests of its existing and potential students. iBSL is not permitted to register any new students to take its qualifications. Training providers (centres) should not enrol any new students on courses for iBSL qualifications.

We understand that this may cause disruption and uncertainty for students. Ofqual has contacted iBSL’s training providers to provide details of alternative regulated qualifications that students can transfer to. A full list of currently recognised awarding organisations and regulated qualifications can be found on the Register of Regulated Qualifications. iBSL is required to provide assistance for any students who wish to transfer to another regulated qualification. Students should contact their training provider for further information.

iBSL currently has the following qualifications on Ofqual’s Register:

Qualification Number	Title	Level
501/1418/9	Award in DeafBlind Awareness	Level 1
501/1493/1	Award in Deaf Awareness	Level 1
501/1279/X	Award in British Sign Language Studies	Level 1
501/0707/0	Certificate in British Sign Language Studies	Level 2
501/1347/1	Certificate in British Sign Language Studies	Level 3
610/1216/6	Education and Training for Sign Language Teachers	Level 3
601/6580/7	Certificate in Education & Training for Sign Language teachers	Level 4
601/7795/0	Diploma in British Sign Language Interpreting Studies	Level 6
603/3923/8	Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting Studies Level 6	Level 6

iBSL also offers qualifications in Wales and Northern Ireland. Ofqual has been working alongside the regulators in Wales (Qualifications Wales ‘QW’) and Northern Ireland (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment Regulation ‘CCEA’) to ensure a consistent approach for students across the three countries. Further information about how this affects qualifications in Wales and Northern Ireland is available on their websites.

03/03/2023

PRESS RELEASE : 42nd Universal Periodic Review of human rights – UK statement on Sri Lanka [February 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 February 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva gave a statement during Sri Lanka’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council.

Thank you, Mr President,

We welcome Sri Lanka’s commitments on respect for the rights of those from all religious and ethnic groups. Its recent efforts to foster political inclusion and constitutional reform are particularly welcome. We emphasise the importance of reconciliation, justice and accountability for all communities, independent domestic institutions, the preservation of civil society space and the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

We recommend that Sri Lanka:
1. Allow all its communities freely to commemorate and memorialize victims of the civil war.
2. Repeal sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, end criminalization of same-sex conduct and ensure equality and non-discrimination in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity.
3. Address concerns around land expropriation in the North and East by government departments, including the Archaeological department, and related restrictions on access to land.
Thank you, Mr President.
03/03/2023
NEWS STORY : Neil Coyle Faces Five Day Suspension from Commons

STORY

Neil Coyle, the Labour MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, faces a five-day suspension from the House of Commons following an investigation into his alleged abusive behaviour towards a journalist during two drunken confrontations in a Commons bar. The Independent Expert Panel (IEP), which investigates matters such as harassment complaints against MPs, concluded that Coyle engaged in foul-mouthed and drunken abuse, breaching Parliament’s harassment and conduct rules.

Coyle has apologised for his behaviour, stating that he was “ashamed” and that the complaints against him “possibly saved my life” by compelling him to stop drinking alcohol. This is not the first time Coyle has faced a complaint regarding his behaviour as in 2019 he was accused of propositioning a woman more than a decade his junior at a Labour party conference.

The IEP stated that the suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding high standards of conduct in public office. It is crucial that MPs, as representatives of their constituents, behave in a manner that befits their position and serves as an example to others. The IEP’s recommendation for Coyle’s suspension demonstrates the seriousness with which Parliament takes issues of harassment and abusive behaviour and it concluded:

“We also determine that the respondent should make a full and unreserved apology on the floor of the House by means of a personal statement. With the leave of the Speaker, the text of that apology should be agreed by the Chair of the Panel”.

RESOURCES

IEP Report into Neil Coyle’s Behaviour

Press Release from IEP

Contact Neil Coyle

Speeches by Neil Coyle

03/03/2023
Independent Expert Panel – 2023 Report into the Behaviour of Neil Coyle

The report published by the Independent Expert Panel on 3 March 2023.

Text of report (in .pdf format)

03/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Independent Expert Panel recommends suspending Neil Coyle MP for five days for breaching Parliament’s Bullying and Harassment Policy [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Independent Expert Panel on 3 March 2023.

The Independent Expert Panel (IEP) has today [3^rd March] published a report recommending that Neil Coyle MP is suspended from the House of Commons for a total of five days for breaching Parliament’s Bullying and Harassment Policy.

Following two separate complaints and investigations by independent investigators, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards upheld two allegations of harassment against Mr Coyle. The first complaint was from a parliamentary assistant working for another MP, and the second from a parliamentary journalist and member of the Parliamentary press gallery.

Both complaints were made under Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

In the first case (BH22/1004) it was established that Mr Coyle had engaged in foul-mouthed and drunken abuse of the parliamentary assistant. The episode took place in Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons. Mr Coyle did not appeal that decision so the IEP were left to consider sanction. The IEP sub-panel considering sanction found that Mr Coyle’s behaviour would have been:

[…] shocking and intimidating for any complainant, particularly a junior member of staff.

It recommended that Mr Coyle should be suspended from the House for two sitting days (and not on a Friday) and that he should make an apology on the floor of the House by way of a personal statement.

In the second case (BH22/1005) Mr Coyle was accused of bullying and harassment of a parliamentary journalist. On one of aspects of this episode, the respondent was found to have used abusive language with racial overtones. Mr Coyle appealed the Commissioner’s decision on several grounds. The sub-panel considered them carefully and gave detailed reasons for their rejection of all the grounds. It then went on to consider sanction for that case.

The Chair of the IEP, Sir Stephen Irwin states, “the most striking aggravating factor in [this case] was the racial overtone in the verbal abuse.” He added that “in relation to both episodes, it was clear that very marked abuse of alcohol was at the root of events”. The IEP sub-panel when considering sanction noted the abuse of alcohol in these incidents and concluded that Mr Coyle:

[…] made such comments while under the influence of excessive amounts of alcohol which, while undoubtedly contributing to his behaviour, in no way excuse it, as the respondent rightly accepts. Nonetheless, since the incident, the respondent has taken considerable steps to ensure no repetition of the behaviour, including informing us that he has stopped drinking alcohol.

It recommended that Mr Coyle should be suspended from the House for a further three sitting days (again, not on a Friday) and that he should make an apology on the floor of the House by way of a personal statement.

Mr Coyle has accepted the sub-panel’s decisions. The IEP’s report into the case sets out the sub-panel’s full decision and reasoning.

The Chair of the IEP regretted the fact that there had been breaches of confidentiality. He wrote that, on the day following making the complaint, in the second case “in full knowledge of his obligation to maintain confidentiality, this complainant made public all the details of his complaint, leading to wide publicity and to reputational damage to the respondent, before there had been any investigation or findings as to what had happened”.

The sub-panel considered such a breach, and commented that:

Breaches of confidentiality risk undermining this foundational ICGS principle by encouraging or implicitly condoning breaches in subsequent cases. The complainant’s breach of confidentiality also puts at risk the integrity of investigations and the effectiveness of the ICGS as a whole. Witnesses may not be willing to come forward and give evidence if confidentiality is not protected; or they may not feel able to give a full account; or their evidence may be tainted by the media coverage. This may result in valid claims not being brought, investigated, or sanctioned.

03/03/2023
NEWS STORY : Privileges Committee Suggests Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson May Have Lied to Parliament

STORY

The Privileges Committee, a cross-party group of MPs investigating whether the former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson misled Parliament over lockdown gatherings, has announced that evidence strongly suggests that Johnson breached the pandemic rules and potentially misled Parliament. The committee also confirmed that Johnson will give evidence to them later on this month. The report into lockdown-flouting parties at 10 Downing Street is being treated as crucial evidence by the committee.

This investigation stems from allegations that Johnson attended gatherings at Downing Street during lockdowns that were not in compliance with pandemic restrictions which his Government had introduced. The committee is investigating whether Johnson misled Parliament in his responses to questions about these gatherings. The investigation into Johnson’s actions has been ongoing for several months and this report is likely to further fuel criticism of Johnson and calls for him to be held accountable for his actions. As a former Prime Minister, his actions and the integrity of his statements to Parliament are of significant public interest.

Overall, the findings of the Privileges Committee report into Boris Johnson’s alleged breaches of pandemic rules and potential misleading of Parliament are eagerly anticipated and may have significant and serious implications for the former Prime Minister and his reputation.

RESOURCES

Text of Privileges Committee Report

03/03/2023
Committee of Privileges – 2023 Report into the Conduct of Boris Johnson

The text of the report issued by the Committee of Privileges on 3 March 2023.

Text of Report (in .pdf format)

03/03/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Campaign to help parents with introducing babies to solid food [February 2023]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 February 2023.

Government campaign promotes NHS advice on weaning as survey finds half of parents in England are confused about how much to feed their baby in the process.

Parents are being supported to safely introduce their babies to solid food through a government campaign that promotes NHS advice on weaning.

Weaning is a key milestone within the first 1,001 critical days. It teaches babies to move food around their mouth, chew and swallow, and influences children’s eating habits and their health later in life.

The campaign highlights there are 3 clear signs that mean your baby is ready for solid food, such as if they can stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady. It also includes information on when to begin introducing solid foods alongside breastmilk or first infant formula, why it’s important to wait until your baby is around 6 months old and what to feed babies at each stage.

The campaign comes as a new survey conducted by Censuswide has found that half of parents in England (50%) were confused about how much to feed their baby and what age to start weaning (47%), with many saying they had received conflicting advice on both points. It also found that nearly half of parents were influenced by behaviours that can be mistaken by parents as signs that their baby is ready for solid foods, such as seeing their baby grabbing food (47%) or looking at food (43%).

Minister for Primary Care and Public Health Neil O’Brien said:

The first 1,001 days are crucial for a child’s development and weaning can influence a baby’s eating habits and their health later in life.

This campaign will ensure parents have the confidence to introduce their babies to solid food at the appropriate time and provide practical advice and a support hub to ensure their diets include a wide variety of foods.

We’re committed to supporting the early years, including by providing over £300 million to create family hubs in 75 local authorities to join up and enhance services, ensuring all parents and carers can access the support they need at the time that they need it.

The survey also found that nearly half (46%) of parents believed that solid foods should be introduced at around 5 months or earlier. But, according to NHS guidance, it is recommended to gradually introduce solid foods from around 6 months – alongside breast milk or infant formula. This is because it gives babies time to develop properly so they can cope with solid foods.

Breast milk or first infant formula provides everything that babies need for healthy development for the first 6 months. When babies are around 6 months old, they start to need solid foods as well as breast milk or first infant formula to meet their nutritional needs.

With more than 1 in 4 (27.7%) children being overweight when they reach school age, according to the latest National Child Measurement Programme data, the Better Health Start for Life ‘introducing solid foods’ campaign supports parents to develop their children’s healthy eating habits at the earliest stage.

In addition to the campaign, an online weaning hub is available to support parents on their weaning journey. Packed with NHS-endorsed advice, videos and tips, plus simple healthy recipes, it puts everything parents need to know in one place.

Child nutritionist, Charlotte Stirling Reed, said:

As a mum and a nutritionist, I’m in agreement with today’s survey findings – weaning can be a very confusing and overwhelming time for parents.

You can start with single vegetables and fruits that are mashed or blended. I’ve always found preparing food from scratch is the easiest and cheapest way to create healthier meals for my children, and have used the Start for Life weaning hub for great recipes which are really easy to make and nutritious.

GP Dr Helen Lawal said:

Weaning is a crucial milestone in the first 1,001 critical days of a baby’s life; however, today’s research results are showing that almost half of parents are introducing solid foods to their babies too early.

The Start of Life weaning hub will help you to spot the right signs which show your baby is ready for solid foods, alongside lots of tips on essential topics like allergies, food hygiene and avoiding choking, to help you wean your baby safely.

Courtnay, mum of Oshun, 8 month old, said:

As a mum I’m in agreement with today’s survey findings – weaning can be a very confusing and overwhelming time for parents.

However, it can be simple too – you can start your weaning journey with single vegetables that are mashed, blended or offered as soft finger foods. The Start for Life Weaning Hub has plenty of recipes to help you easily prep meals for your baby, which are easy to make and nutritious.

03/03/2023

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Full list of co-sponsors: