Blog

PRESS RELEASE : Government invests nearly £38 million to bring 319 new green buses to communities across England [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 April 2025.

Funding will make bus travel cleaner and more affordable for passengers, while helping the UK to meet its zero emissions goals.
- funding will create jobs in engineering, construction and green manufacturing, boosting regional economies and delivering the government’s Plan for Change
- nearly £38 million will deliver 319 new zero emission buses by spring 2027, supporting cleaner and greener public transport
- comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, as government continues to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services
Passengers across England will enjoy greener, smoother and quieter bus journeys thanks to a £37.8 million government investment to propel forward green transport, with 319 new zero emission buses.

Every pound of government funding is set to be topped up by at least £3 of private investment.

The funding has been allocated to 12 successful local authorities across England – following bids to expand their zero emission bus fleets – and will see 319 cleaner, more comfortable vehicles serving passengers by spring 2027.

It comes as the government made changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate yesterday, including increasing flexibility of the mandate up to 2030 and allowing hybrid vehicles to be sold until 2035, all with the aim of supporting UK electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

Today (8 April 2025), the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, will visit Hull to see how the funding will bring improved journeys for passengers and discuss how highly skilled engineering and construction jobs will be created locally as electric bus infrastructure is delivered.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

I’m thrilled to announce this £38 million investment, which will deliver 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener and more comfortable, but it will deliver on our Plan for Change, creating jobs, supporting local economies and accelerating our journey towards a zero emission future.

By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network.

From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.

Among the biggest winners are Nottinghamshire County Council, which will benefit from £2.6 million to launch 42 new electric buses, Hull City Council, where £3.9 million has been allocated to provide 42 vehicles and the West of England Combined Authority, which will receive nearly £20 million for 160 buses.

This funding comes on top of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area 2 (ZEBRA 2) programme, which has funded a further 995 zero emission buses.

Funding will see vital bus routes given a new lease of life, for example in Bristol, where funding will be used to expand zero emission bus services across 22 different routes through the city, connecting passengers with vital services including hospitals and universities.

Matt Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said:

Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of our business strategy. We’re delighted to be working with local authorities and the government to invest in a further 78 new electric buses to play our part in improving air quality in those regions where we operate.

This new government funding, supported by significant investment by bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach’s transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally, by 2035.

The government is encouraged that UK-based manufacturers are well placed to benefit from these new bus orders. 60% of buses funded by previous ZEBRA investments are being procured from domestic firms, supporting highly skilled jobs and growing regional economies to improve living standards, as per the government’s Plan for Change.

Regional leaders and leading manufacturers are also being given a voice on zero emission plans – through the UK bus manufacturing expert panel – which seeks to put local people at the heart of bus building.

The first event was hosted by the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, in Sheffield last month and saw experts from Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus speak with Metro Mayors Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire) and Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), about how local transport ambitions could link hand in hand with zero emission ambitions.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, said:

We’re very grateful to the Department of Transport for this continued partnership. Together we’re investing in even more zero-emission buses so that customers across the UK can access cleaner, greener public transport. This funding will support new zero-emissions buses in Hull, Salisbury, Brighton and Hove, Plymouth and Isle of Wight.

The incoming Bus Services Bill will not only hand power back for local authorities to operate their own services, but also include a measure to ultimately end the use of new diesel and petrol buses across England. It is expected to progress into the House of Commons shortly.

The Local Transport Minister also visited Wrightbus’ site in Ballymena last week, to continue engagement around the green future of bus manufacturing and mark the significant milestone of their fleet passing 50 million green miles travelled.
April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Environmental permit reforms to empower regulators to slash business red tape [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 8 April 2025.

UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations, supporting UK Government’s Plan for Change.

Streamlined environmental permitting will drive economic growth and help tackle crime while continuing to safeguard the environment, under reforms unveiled by Environment Minister Emma Hardy today (Tuesday 8 April).

The UK and Welsh Governments have today launched an eight-week consultation on reforming environmental permitting for England and Wales to speed up the work of regulators and the industries they support, demonstrating rapid delivery of a commitment in the UK Government’s Regulatory Action Plan to consult on reforms to permitting legislation before Easter.

Reforming the process for exemptions could empower regulators – the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales – to use the proposed powers in the following ways, among others:
- Taking speedy action: simplifying processes such as for bringing suitable land back into beneficial use for new housing or infrastructure, strongly supporting regional growth.
- New permitting exemptions for certain flood risk activities: which could make it easier to install survey equipment for monitoring river flow and water quality.
- Potential greater flexibility around the use of scaffolding in or alongside rivers: supporting the UK Government’s key mission of growing the economy for communities across the country.
- Changes to exemptions abused by rogue waste operators: the proposals could enable regulators to clamp down on illegal activity that blights communities and causes environmental harm.
- Stringent safeguards: the proposals look to ensure effective controls apply where there is a high risk of environmental harm and to keep the regulatory system open and accountable.
The proposals cover a wide variety of activities undertaken by businesses or individuals operating within guardrails that protect the environment, such as managing flood risk, handling waste, and the discharging of water – ensuring that exempt activities relating to the latter do not pollute inland freshwaters, coastal waters, or relevant territorial waters.

Making environmental permitting more agile and responsive through the UK Government’s Plan for Change will empower regulators to slash red tape for businesses, putting an end to delays that can slow down the decisions needed to get spades in the ground.

The proposed changes would also allow a quicker and more flexible response to new technologies and emerging risks, benefitting businesses while protecting the environment.

The consultation has been recommended by economist and former charity leader Dan Corry in his landmark review into the regulators and regulation at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:

This Government is committed to delivering streamlined, hassle-free regulation that protects the environment while also driving economic growth.

As part of the Plan for Change, we are rewiring Defra and its arms-length bodies to boost economic growth and unleash an era of building, while also supporting stringent environmental safeguards.

I encourage all interested parties to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of the environmental permitting regime.

Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:

The Environment Agency firmly believes protecting the environment and sustainable development go hand-in-hand and we support the Government’s aim to get the economy growing.

We welcome the proposed reforms to environmental permitting, which will empower us to carry out our role as a fair and proportionate regulator for people and the environment while supporting business and sustainable economic growth.

Environmental permitting plays an important role in protecting the environment and human health from a wide range variety of risks, such as from flooding, water and air pollution, and contamination from waste.

While a review of the regulations in 2023 found them to be functioning effectively, it also identified potential improvements, such as making the framework more responsive to changes on the ground and the needs of operators.

Operators of exempt activities are not required to hold a permit, but there are still specified conditions with which operators must comply.

The current process for changing which activities are exempt and the conditions that apply is lengthy and subject to disruption, which has led to delays in bringing forward changes in the past.

The proposed reforms will speed up work to update the regulations, allowing the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to make decisions proportionate to the level of environmental risk on which activities should be exempt from environmental permits.
April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 April 2025.

Industry heavyweights from the energy and technology sectors will descend on Whitehall today (8 April) for the first meeting of the UK’s new AI Energy Council.
- New AI Energy Council holds first round of talks on delivering the power which will drive the UK’s AI ambitions.
- Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first round of talks on driving forward power and AI goals – central to delivering growth, jobs and opportunity through government’s Plan for Change.
- Energy representatives such as NESO, EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and National Grid to join tech heavyweights Microsoft, ARM, Google and Amazon in sharing expert insights.
Co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, today’s inaugural meeting will see members agree the council’s objectives with a key aim focused on how the government’s clean energy superpower mission, and its commitment to advancing AI and compute infrastructure, can work together to deliver economic growth.

It’s expected the Council will also look at clean energy, like renewables and nuclear – advising on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI and data centre infrastructure, such as the use of water. The council will also take steps to ensure the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s energy network itself.

Unveiled in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Council will bring together expert insights on the energy demands of AI, as the UK puts the technology front and centre of its plans to drive economic growth and deliver its Plan for Change.

Concerns over the energy demands needed to power AI data centres is an issue faced by countries the world over. One of the ways the UK is already rising to meet this challenge is by focussing its new AI Growth Zones – dedicated hotbeds of AI development – in areas which can access at least 500MW of power. Representing the equivalent of enough energy to power roughly two million homes, this will help to spark significant private investment from companies looking to set up shop in Britain – creating local jobs which will put more money in people’s pockets.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said:

The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable.

This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband said:

We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to protect consumers and businesses, and drive economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country and as we unlock AI’s potential, this Council will help secure a sustainable scale up to benefit businesses and communities across the UK.

The UK government has also been working closely with both Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to deliver fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process. Subject to final signoffs from Ofgem, this could release more than 400GW of capacity from the connection queue – accelerating projects vital to economic growth such as the delivery of new large scale AI data centres.

Joining the council are 14 organisations – including regulators and companies drawn from the energy and tech sectors – who will support its work by sharing expert insights.

Among these organisations are: EDF, Ofgem, National Energy System Operator (NESO), Scottish Power, National Grid, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and chip designer ARM, and infrastructure investment firm Brookfield.

This collaborative approach which brings together the energy and technology sectors will make sure there is join up across the board to speed up energy projects getting connected to the grid – especially with a growing pipeline of tech companies announcing plans to build datacentres across the UK.

Alison Kay, Vice President, UK and Ireland, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said:

At Amazon, we’re working to meet the future energy needs of our customers, while remaining committed to powering our operations in a more sustainable way, and progressing toward our Climate Pledge commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, we share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and to help drive economic growth.

Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, said:

AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective for consumers, but only if used in a fair, secure, sustainable and safe way.

Working alongside other members of this Council, Ofgem will ensure AI implementation puts consumer interests first – from customer service to infrastructure planning and operation – so that everyone feels the benefits of this technological innovation in energy.

As part of our Clean Power Action Plan, the government is getting more homegrown clean power connected to the grid by building the necessary infrastructure, prioritising the projects needed for 2030 to connect as much clean power as possible. We will clean up the grid connection queue, meaning crucial infrastructure from housing to gigafactories and data centres can get a connection to the grid, helping to unlock billions of investment and grow the economy.

Bolstered by accelerated planning approvals which will mean spades in the ground at a fraction of the time it currently takes, AI innovators will be able to call on cutting-edge infrastructure and ready access to power to drive forward the next wave of AI opportunity.

Further information

Attendees to the first meeting of the AI Energy Council will include representatives of:
- Ofgem
- NESO
- Energy Networks Association
- Nuclear Industry Association
- ScottishPower
- National Grid
- EDF
- Google
- Microsoft
- Amazon Web Services
- Equinix
- Brookfield
- ARM
- ARIA
The council will meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for this summer.
April 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : Government Recruits Over 1,500 Additional GPs to Enhance NHS Frontline Services
STORY

In a significant move to address longstanding challenges in primary healthcare, the UK government has successfully recruited an additional 1,503 General Practitioners (GPs) since October 1, 2024. This initiative aims to alleviate patient difficulties in securing timely appointments and to reduce the burden on existing medical staff.

Addressing Historical Challenges in GP Recruitment

Prior to this recruitment drive, the NHS faced a decline of 1,399 fully qualified GPs over the past decade, leading to increased patient loads and extended waiting times. Compounding the issue, bureaucratic barriers had previously hindered newly qualified GPs from securing positions, resulting in over 1,000 graduates facing potential unemployment despite patient demand.

Government Measures to Boost GP Numbers

To counteract these challenges, the government implemented several key measures:
- Streamlining Hiring Processes: By removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, practices can now more readily employ newly qualified GPs.
- Financial Investment: An additional £82 million was allocated to support the hiring of GPs, with continued funding secured through the latest Budget.
These efforts are part of the broader “Plan for Change,” which has already facilitated over two million additional appointments seven months ahead of schedule and reduced waiting lists by 193,000.

Statements from Health Officials

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of these developments, stating:

“Rebuilding our broken NHS starts with fixing the front door. We inherited a ludicrous situation where patients couldn’t get a GP appointment, while GPs couldn’t get a job. By cutting red tape and investing more in our NHS, we have put an extra 1,503 GPs into general practice to deliver more appointments.”

Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, also acknowledged the efforts of general practice teams in achieving this milestone.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite this progress, the NHS continues to face challenges in GP recruitment and retention. The British Medical Association has highlighted ongoing issues, including insufficient funding and the need for further support to sustain the GP workforce.

The government remains committed to addressing these challenges through continued investment and reforms aimed at enhancing patient access to primary care services. The success of these initiatives will be critical in ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the NHS.
April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Over 1,500 extra GPs recruited to fix front door of the NHS [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 8 April 2025.
- New figures show over 1,503 extra GPs have been hired through new scheme since 1 October
- Major recruitment boost comes after government removed red tape which made it difficult for surgeries to hire doctors
- Increased GP capacity will help fix the front door of the NHS and increase appointments to bring back the family doctor
- Milestone builds on Plan for Change’s progress, which has delivered two million appointments seven months early, and cut waiting lists by 193,000
New figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since 1 October – thanks to government action.

The recruitment boost, part of the government’s Plan for Change will help to end the scandal of patients struggling to see a doctor – easing pressure on GPs and cutting waiting lists. Alongside changes to the GP contract for 2025-26, these additional GPs will help end the 8am scramble for appointments which so many patients currently endure every day.

When the government came into office, unnecessary red tape was preventing practices from hiring newly qualified GPs, meaning more than 1,000 were due to graduate into unemployment. At the same time, there were also 1,399 fewer fully qualified GPs than a decade prior, showing how years of underfunding and neglect had eroded GP services.

The government cut the red tape and invested an extra £82 million to allow networks of practices to hire the GPs, with the funding continuing past this year thanks to the extra funding announced at the Budget.

People in communities across England will be more readily able to receive the timely care they deserve, helping to shift healthcare from hospitals to the community.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

Rebuilding our broken NHS starts with fixing the front door. We inherited a ludicrous situation where patients couldn’t get a GP appointment, while GPs couldn’t get a job. By cutting red tape and investing more in our NHS, we have put an extra 1,503 GPs into general practice to deliver more appointments.

The extra investment and reforms we have made will allow patients to book appointments more easily, to help bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble.

It is only because of the necessary decisions we took to increase employer National Insurance that we are able to recruit more GPs and deliver better services for patients. The extra investment and reform this government is making, as part of its Plan for Change, will get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said:

I would like to thank the general practice teams that have employed significantly more than the 1,000 extra GPs promised to provide care for patients.

Improving access to general practice is an NHS priority and GP teams are delivering 29 million appointments every month – up a fifth since before the pandemic.

But we have more to do to make it easier for patients to see their local GP, so practice teams should continue to use this funding to best effect by recruiting more GPs, so more patients can be seen more quickly.

The recruitment of an additional 1,503 GPs was made possible by the tough but fair decisions the Chancellor took at the Budget to fix the foundations of the NHS, enabling the government to provide almost £26 billion to get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

Thanks to these decisions, the government has already delivered over two million extra appointments since July, meeting its target seven months early, and brought the waiting list down by 193,000.

Last year, the department added GPs to the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) and provided extra funding, meaning that GPs could be recruited more quickly by primary care networks (PCNs).

The government has since provided the biggest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget for general practice in 2025-26.

The investment comes alongside new reforms to modernise general practice. GP surgeries must now allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who want to book over the phone, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. More patients will also be able to book appointments with their regular doctor if they choose to, to bring back the family doctor.

Cutting waiting times and improving access to health care for patients is one of the government’s top priorities in its Plan for Change which is driving forward reform of the health service to rebuild our NHS and improve living standards, which are growing at their fastest rate in two years.
April 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK and Singapore Prime Ministers Discuss US Tariffs and Strengthen Bilateral Ties
STORY

On 7 April 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong engaged in a discussion addressing recent US-imposed tariffs and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Addressing US Tariffs

The leaders expressed mutual concern over the US’s recent tariff announcements, emphasising that “there can be no winners in a trade war.” They underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among like-minded nations to uphold global economic stability.

Commitment to Free and Open Trade

Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their dedication to free and open trade, agreeing to bolster collaboration through:
- The UK-Singapore Strategic Partnership
- Engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Participation in trading blocs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
These initiatives aim to strengthen economic ties and promote regional stability.

Enhancing Bilateral Relations

Marking the 60th year of UK-Singapore diplomatic relations, the leaders committed to deepening cooperation in areas including technology, security, and defence. They discussed the forthcoming deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to Singapore, highlighting a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This dialogue reflects the ongoing efforts of both nations to navigate current global economic challenges and to reinforce their longstanding partnership.
April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Wong of Singapore [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 7 April 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong today.

The leaders began by discussing the tariffs announced by the US last week and the impact on the global economy. They both agreed that there can be no winners in a trade war.

The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Wong on his calls with other international leaders over the weekend, and they both agreed that it is vital likeminded partners work together to maintain global economic stability.

Free and open trade is fundamental, and the leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration between the UK and Singapore through bilateral agreements including the UK-Singapore Strategic Partnership, with ASEAN and through trading blocs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.

On the wider bilateral relationship, the leaders committed to further collaboration on areas including technology, security and defence in the 60th year of bilateral relations.

They discussed the upcoming deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to Singapore, and the Prime Minister underlined his commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK-Kenya defence partnership deepened during Defence Secretary visit to Nairobi [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 7 April 2025.

Defence Secretary met with Agnes Wanjiru’s family to offer condolences, fulfilling his commitment and making him the first UK Minister to meet with them.
- Focus of the visit was meeting Agnes Wanjiru’s family to offer condolences, fulfilling his commitment from July 2024, making him the first UK Minister to meet them, 13 years since her murder.
- Defence Secretary becomes first UK Cabinet Minister under the new Government to visit Kenya, reaffirming critical role of defence partnership in maintaining regional peace and security.
- Defence Secretary also met the Cabinet Secretary for Defence and British troops, reaffirming the bilateral defence relationship.
Defence Secretary John Healey has met the family of Agnes Wanjiru on a visit to Kenya, who was killed in 2012, becoming the first UK Government Minister to do so.

During the meeting, the Defence Secretary heard the concerns of the family in their pursuit of justice. He expressed his condolences and his determination that the UK support the Kenyan investigation into the case. The meeting, which took place at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Nairobi, marked the first time a UK Government Minister has met Ms Wanjiru’s family, and comes shortly after the 13th anniversary of her death.

The Defence Secretary’s visit underlines the UK Government’s commitment to transparency in the case of Agnes Wanjiru.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

The purpose of my visit to Kenya was to meet Agnes Wanjiru’s family, who have shown unimaginable strength since losing her in the most horrendous circumstances 13 years ago. I reiterated that the UK Government stands with them in their fight for justice.

I welcome the confirmation this afternoon that the case file has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a charging decision. This is a really significant step in resolving this case; we will continue to work closely with the Kenyan authorities to push for progress and secure the justice the family deserve.

His visit to Kenya also reaffirmed the vital importance of the UK-Kenya defence partnership, which delivers a broad programme of cooperation in training, education and capability development to counter shared security threats together. The Defence Secretary was also able to see first-hand the UK’s contribution to regional peace and security in East Africa. He met the Nairobi-based British Peace Support Team (Africa) who train Kenyan and regional troops preparing to deploy on peace support operations in Africa.

During the visit, the Defence Secretary also met Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya to discuss their shared ambitions for the future of the UK-Kenya defence partnership. The discussions focused on mutual security interests, the role of British forces training in Kenya, and collaborative efforts to address regional security challenges. As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government.

On the relationship with Kenya the Defence Secretary said:

Kenya is an anchor state in an unstable region, and the UK relies and looks to Kenya for regional security. We share the same concerns over growing threats in the region. UK forces already train over 1,100 Kenya Defence Forces personnel and reinforce Kenya’s regional role in supporting peace and countering insurgency. I look forward to developing this work in the future.
April 8, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement at the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

Joint statement on the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development delivered by Sierra Leone on Monday 7 April 2025, on behalf of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zambia and the United Kingdom.

We are making this collective statement to emphasise the urgent need for action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Health is a human right and a foundation of sustainable development, driving economic growth, social cohesion, and individual dignity.

Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in many areas of health. We have seen a reduction in maternal and child mortality, expanded access to modern contraceptive methods as well as maternal and newborn medicines and commodities, improvements in adolescent health and education, addressing sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, and a decline in child and early forced marriages. These achievements give us hope for a healthier future.

However, significant challenges persist, and the urgent need for equal access to health services and opportunities for healthy lives remains out of reach for many.

Health inequalities stemming from complex, interrelated factors such as economic disparities, social exclusion, significant financial hardship, discrimination, and unequal access to resources, has a profound impact on individuals and communities. These inequalities manifest in poor health outcomes, lower life expectancy, reduced household income, and weaker national economic growth potential. Income inequality exacerbates vulnerabilities, limiting access to health services in low-income countries and disadvantaged communities. Social disparities rooted in gender, race, age, class, religion, and ethnicity perpetuate stigma, violence, and adverse health determinants.

Economic disparities within and among countries remain significant, impacting the lives of many individuals. Far too many people are unable to access essential health services or are forced to forgo care due to unaffordability. Rising out-of-pocket health costs are pushing millions into poverty, hindering the realisation of Universal Health Coverage. Conflicts and climate change are straining health systems and the health workforce, contributing to stagnating maternal mortality rates, growing mental health challenges, and the inability of health systems to cope with the rise of non-communicable diseases.

Equitable, inclusive, and resilient health systems are essential to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being. It is imperative to prioritize universally accessible, quality, and comprehensive primary healthcare services. Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights must enable individuals to make free and informed decisions about their health and their lives. Addressing the social determinants of health – such as poverty, malnutrition, education, water and sanitation, and gender inequality – is critical for achieving inclusive economic growth that strengthens and benefits all of society.

The health and well-being of adolescents and youth also demands greater attention – they require better access to health services, education, and information that enable them to make informed decisions about their lives.

Investing in health, particularly sexual and reproductive health, is not just a matter of well-being, but also a powerful driver of economic growth. UNFPA estimates that allocating an additional $79 billion by 2030 to expand maternal health and family planning services could yield $660 billion in economic benefits by 2050—preventing 400 million unplanned pregnancies, 1 million maternal deaths, 6 million stillbirths, and 4 million newborn deaths, while also enhancing workforce participation and economic productivity (UNFPA, 2022). Similarly, closing the women’s health gap more broadly could further accelerate economic progress, with the World Economic Forum projecting a potential boost of at least $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040.

Greater investments in health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and innovative solutions like digital health can improve service delivery and expand access to services. Strengthening and expanding the global health workforce is at the heart of this. We must address health workforce shortages, ensure equitable distribution, enhance training and pay attention to sustainable retention strategies.

It is vital that we, as policymakers, health organizations, and civil society, address disparities within and among countries, ensuring that people in vulnerable situations, including women, children, older persons, migrants, people with disabilities, and those in extreme poverty, have access to quality, comprehensive health services without financial hardship and discrimination. Our role in promoting responsive health systems that cater to the unique needs of at-risk individuals are key to sustainable and inclusive progress.

A healthier population is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ICPD’s Programme of Action has guided countries toward inclusive, equitable policies advancing health and gender equality. By strengthening health systems and addressing inequalities, we can work toward a world where all people can live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.

April 8, 2025
NEWS STORY : Prime Minister Starmer Pledges Support for UK Automotive Industry Amid US Tariffs

STORY

In a recent visit to Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing site in the West Midlands, Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs on British car exports and outlined the government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector.

Acknowledgment of Workforce Excellence

Prime Minister Starmer began by commending the Jaguar Land Rover workforce for their dedication and craftsmanship, emphasising the company’s role as a leading exporter and a symbol of British engineering excellence. He stated, “Thank you also for making us proud to be British, because as each car rolls off here… that is your commitment, your toil, your work, your professionalism.”

Addressing the Impact of U.S. Tariffs

The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the recent imposition of 25% tariffs on automotive exports and 10% on other goods by the United States. He emphasised the need for a measured response, stating, “no one wins from a trade war.”

Government’s Commitment to the Automotive Sector

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Starmer assured the workforce of the government’s unwavering support. He noted the prompt engagement with Jaguar Land Rover’s leadership following the tariff announcement as a “statement of intent” regarding the importance of the automotive industry to the UK economy.

Navigating a New Global Era

The Prime Minister contextualised the current challenges within a broader shift towards an “age of insecurity” where longstanding global assumptions are being reevaluated. He underscored the necessity for the UK to adapt and renew its strategies to ensure national security and economic stability in this evolving landscape.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Industry leaders have expressed appreciation for the government’s recognition of the challenges but have called for more comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted the need for policies that enhance the competitiveness of UK automotive exports.

April 8, 2025