Blog

PRESS RELEASE : £10 million boost to employment support in Wales to Get Britain Working again [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Work and Pensions on 22 April 2025.

People in Wales are set to benefit from a £10 million investment aimed at improving local work, health, and skills support as part of the UK Government’s initiative to tackle inactivity and Get Britain Working.
- First Wales trailblazer launches to tackle economic inactivity, with new tailored support to be rolled out including one-to-one mentoring, counselling, wellbeing services, and condition management for health issues.
- Comes as part of UK Government’s drive to Get Britain Working again to unlock growth and deliver Plan for Change.
The first trailblazer programme in Wales, launched in Denbighshire by UK Minister for Employment Alison McGovern and Welsh Government Minister Jack Sargeant, will for the first time provide targeted interventions tailored to local needs, rather than the current “one size fits all” approach.

This includes help with CV writing and job searching, one-to-one mentoring, counselling services, wellbeing provision, and access to condition management services for those with health conditions.

Trailblazer areas are specific places selected to trial out new and innovative approaches to employment support – these areas receive targeted funding and resources to roll out new strategies for reducing unemployment, tackling inactivity and improving job opportunities.

During their visit to Working Denbighshire yesterday, both Ministers witnessed the support available, including meeting Work Coaches who offer expert, tailored assistance.

Wales is one of nine places receiving support through the UK Government’s £125 million economic inactivity trailblazer programme, targeting areas with the highest levels of inactivity.

Local leaders in Denbighshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Neath Port Talbot will design employment support schemes tailored to their community’s unique challenges.

This localised, multi-agency approach aims to help people back into work, which is one of the most important ways to put extra money in people’s pockets and unlock growth as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

UK Government Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern said:

Everyone deserves to thrive, including people suffering from long-term health conditions.

No one will be written off and left on the scrapheap. That’s why we’re allocating the Welsh Government a £10 million boost to shake-up and connect health and employment services, delivering on the Plan for Change.

Everyone deserves to benefit from the security and dignity that good work affords, and this trailblazer will help people to access this support.

Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant said:

This £10 million investment is an instrumental step in our collaborative approach to supporting people across our nation back into good employment. By working in partnership with the UK Government, Wales trailblazers will create a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of the three communities it is aiming to help in its first year.

Our focus is on delivering integrated services that truly connect health support with employment opportunities, recognising that good work is fundamental to wellbeing. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring no one is left behind, and this trailblazer programme demonstrates how devolved employment support can be responsive to local needs while contributing to our wider economic ambitions for Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens added:

This £10 million programme to get people into work will deliver tailored support where it is most needed. Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire and Neath Port Talbot have been selected as areas where we can make the most difference.

It’s an approach that we know works and builds on the success of the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee which already provides support for young people to gain skills or get into work.

Work improves physical and mental health and raises people’s standard of living. The trailblazer scheme ensures that anyone who’s able to work is helped into employment.

The trailblazers are the latest milestone in the UK Government’s £240 million Get Britain Working reforms which includes transforming Jobcentres to focus on people’s skills and careers, guaranteeing young people the chance to earn or learn and providing mental health support to help people to start and stay in work.

Yesterday’s launch in Wales follows the launch of the first trailblazer in South Yorkshire earlier in April, which plans to deliver a new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions – with both programmes focused on boosting growth by getting communities back to health and back to work.

In the coming weeks, similar trailblazer schemes will launch in Greater Manchester, the North East, York and North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and three in London.

In addition to inactivity trailblazers, the UK Government has boosted the National Living Wage, increased the National Minimum Wage and is creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill to support people into good work and get Britain growing again.

Funding provided to the Welsh Government for this programme also delivers on the Prime Minister’s promise to kickstart a new era of devolution, resetting relationships with devolved Governments so they have the support they need to play their part in delivering economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

Additional Information
- The nine economic inactivity trailblazers, backed by £125 million of UK Government funding, is giving power to the Welsh Government and some Mayoral Authorities to design joined up work, health and skills offers.
- Funding for Scotland and Northern Ireland has been devolved in the usual way.
- Employment support measures are fully transferred to Northern Ireland. Jobcentre Plus services is reserved in both Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also deliver other forms of employment support.
- The UK Government also plans to establish new governance arrangements with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to help frame discussions around the reform of Jobcentres and agree how best to work in partnership on shared employment ambition across devolved and reserved provision.
- In April, UK Government increases to the National Minimum and National Living Wage came into effect, putting more money into people’s pockets. Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will get a £1,400 annual boost, while full-time workers on the Minimum Wage could see a £2,500 annual boost.
- Details of the first inactivity trailblazer, in South Yorkshire, is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/south-yorkshire-kicks-off-125-million-plans-to-get-britain-back-to-health-and-work
April 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand [April 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 April 2025.

The Prime Minister hosted New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Downing Street today.

The two leaders reflected on their visit to Operation Interflex to see Ukrainian troops being trained earlier today, and the importance of supporting Ukraine for the long term.

Discussing the Coalition of the Willing, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s ongoing support, adding that the planning phase was making good progress across all four domains – land, air, regeneration and sea.

The Prime Minister welcomed New Zealand’s recent uplift in defence spending, and both agreed the direct link between defence spending, economic security and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking people.

Turning to the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to support regional stability and counter malign threats.

They also discussed the strong trade links between the UK and New Zealand, and the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

April 23, 2025
John Healey – 2025 Statement to the House of Commons on Ukraine

The statement made by John Healey, the Defence Secretary, in the House of Commons on 22 April 2025.

Thank you Mr Speaker. Today, HMS Prince of Wales set sail from Portsmouth and I trust the whole House will join me in wishing the entire carrier strike group a safe and successful global deployment.

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a statement on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Today, parliament returns from its Easter break.

But during the last two weeks Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has continued. Drones strikes. Missile attacks. Fierce fighting on the frontline.

On Palm Sunday, men, women and children in Sumy, on their way to church were hit by Putin’s deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians so far this year, killing 35 people – including young children – and injuring over 100 more.

We are united in condemnation at this brutal attack and Putin’s illegal actions.

At this critical moment for Ukraine and for European security, we have stepped up the Government’s efforts for Ukraine and we will step up further, both to increase military support for the fight today and to secure peace for tomorrow.

Mr Speaker, we cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war.

So, ten days ago in Brussels, the UK convened and I co-chaired the 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, alongside my good friend, the German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

51 nations and partners – from Europe from the Indo Pacific, from South America – came together at NATO HQ, including Ukrainian President Zelensky, US Defence Secretary Hegseth and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

We came together to step up our support for Ukraine in the fight. Together we pledged a record 21 billion euros of military support to put Ukraine in strongest possible position and to increase pressure on Putin to negotiate.

Mr Speaker this year, the UK is providing £4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine, more than ever before.

And in Brussels, I announced £200 million of support will be surged to the front line, with supplies starting to reach Ukraine’s fighters within the next month including radar systems, anti-tank mines and hundreds of thousands of drones.

I also announced £160 million worth to help the repair and maintenance essential battlefield vehicles and equipment.

This support will strengthen Ukrainian troops in the close fight now and strengthen our industrial links with Ukraine to boost UK businesses.

When President Trump talks about peace through strength, it’s the commitments made through this Contact Group that provide the strength to secure that peace.

Despite President Putin’s promise of a 30-hour pause in fighting, I can confirm that Defence Intelligence have found, and I quote “no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed over the Easter period”.

And 10,000 missiles and drones have been fired into Ukraine during this year alone, including from the Black Sea.

So, while Putin has said he declared an Easter truce – he broke it.

While Putin says he wants peace – he rejected a full ceasefire.

And while Putin says he wants to put an end to the fighting – he continues to play for time in negotiations.

And the military, the Russian military continue to press on a number of fronts.

Mr Speaker, I can confirm Russian military progress is slowing.

Putin gained less territory in March then he did in February and less territory in February than he did in January.

Ukrainian towns which Russia have been targeting since before Christmas have still not been captured.

Ukrainian troops have still not been ejected from Russian territory in Kursk.

Whatever ground Putin is taking comes at enormous human cost. Over 940,00 Russians have likely been killed or injured in the war so far – including over 150,000 killed and injured this year alone.

Last month, the average daily casualty rate on the Russian side was 1,300 – almost double the rate of this time last year.

While at home, Putin faces crippling interest rates at 21 per cent, inflation running at over 10 per cent and the Russian government is spending nearly 40 per cent of its total budget on this military campaign.

I have to say Mr Speaker, in the days ahead, it is likely that Russia will keep up attacks on the Sumy oblast to help it fully reclaim nearby contested areas of Kursk.

In central Donetsk oblast, Russia is targeting urban strongholds such as Toretsk, Povrosk and Chasiv Yar.

And in Kharkiv, Russia is continuing to make assaults towards the rail and logistics hub of Kupiansk.

We do expect more ground to be taken, and more Russian missiles fired into Ukraine.

And that is why we must remain united for Ukraine across this House, across this country, and across those nations standing alongside Ukraine.

And we will step up support for Ukraine and pressure on Putin to force him to recognise that now is the time for peace, and continuing the war will prove much worse in the long run for Russia.

April 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential for lasting peace in Colombia – UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

The UK is clear that full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is essential for lasting peace in Colombia. Last year, following President Petro’s intervention in the Council in July, we welcomed the government’s announcement of a Rapid Response Plan, which committed to accelerate implementation and deliver real change in the territories most affected by the conflict.

Communities in these areas expect the government to deliver on their urgent needs. We welcome Foreign Minister Sarabia’s commitment to accelerate the delivery of the agreement. This will require a whole of government effort with close coordination with regional and local authorities and of course, Colombia’s security forces, so that the impact is felt by those communities.

We remain concerned by the security situation in those territories, particularly for women, children and indigenous groups. The violence in Catatumbo is a clear example. We call on the government to strengthen protection measures and safeguard communities. We welcome the launch of the Pact for Catatumbo, and we urge the government to prioritise the security of all vulnerable Colombians through mechanisms already established.

This includes convening the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement (CSIVI) and delivery of the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan published last year. With 23 peace signatories killed this year alone, and hundreds displaced, the safety, security and reintegration of all signatories to the agreement remains paramount.

President, justice for victims remains at the heart of the 2016 Agreement, with its carefully designed system of complementary institutions focused on truth, justice and reconciliation. We call on the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) to accelerate its work to ensure the confidence of victims and signatories.

To assuage growing doubts about the SJP and its efficacy, now is the time to move forward to the issuing of sanctions and to hold to account those responsible for the most serious human rights violations. The government has an essential role to play in coordinating with the SJP on the implementation of reparative measures.

Beyond the 2016 Agreement, we recognise the Colombian Government’s efforts to extend the dialogue to other armed groups. Unfortunately, as the Secretary-General’s report notes, these dialogues have not delivered the desired results.

The UK, and this Council, have consistently called upon those groups to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, above all by respecting the rights of the communities whose interests they claim to pursue.

Those communities continue, however, to be affected by serious violence, gross human rights abuses, and coercive and predatory behaviour at the hands of armed groups. If there is to be any hope of sustainable progress through dialogue, the groups involved need to show that they are serious about a political process.

President, to conclude, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in our support for sustainable peace in Colombia.

April 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Farewell to British High Commissioner Charles Moore – Tour of duty in Namibia ends [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2025.

The British High Commissioner, Mr Charles Moore, bid a final farewell to Namibia in April after four years and three months in the country.

On 9 April 2025, outgoing British High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr. Charles Moore, paid a farewell courtesy call on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek.

His diplomatic term has ended after an eventful four years and three months. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed appreciation for Mr. Moore’s service, acknowledging that the recorded increase in trade between the two countries will go a long way in reducing the unemployment rate in Namibia.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted that she is looking forward to welcoming Mr. Moore’s successor, Mr. Neil Bradley, when his tenure begins. She remains hopeful for a continued positive trajectory in the bilateral relationship between Namibia and the United Kingdom.

On his end, H.E. Charles Moore stated that working in Namibia has been a privilege and a career highlight. He affirmed that even though his tour of duty has come to an end, he will continue to take a close interest in Namibia’s development and is excitedly looking forward to returning as a tourist in the future.

April 23, 2025
NEWS STORY : Samantha Jones Appointed Permanent Secretary at Department of Health and Social Care

STORY

The UK Government has announced the appointment of Samantha Jones as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Jones, who began her career as a nurse in the NHS, brings extensive experience from both frontline healthcare and senior management roles.

Her career includes serving as a hospital Chief Executive, leading the New Models of Care programme at NHS England, and heading one of England’s largest primary care providers. In 2021, she was an expert advisor to the Prime Minister on NHS Transformation and Social Care, and later served as interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for 10 Downing Street. Jones will succeed Sir Chris Wormald, who left DHSC in December 2024 to become Cabinet Secretary. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as the government implements its “Plan for Change” which includes reintegrating NHS England into the department to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Samantha brings a wealth of experience from the frontline of healthcare as a general and paediatric nurse—she knows what it is like to be working on wards and will translate that expertise to her work across the department.”

Jones expressed her commitment to the role, saying:

“It is an absolute privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary at DHSC, working with colleagues across health and social care to support the Government’s Plan for Change and deliver a rebuilt NHS, fit for the future.”

April 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New DHSC Permanent Secretary Appointed [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 April 2025.

The Cabinet Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has announced the appointment of Samantha Jones as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Samantha is currently a non-executive director at DHSC, and the Chief Operating Officer for Xlinks, a renewable energy company.

Samantha began her career as a nurse in the NHS, and was a hospital Chief Executive before moving to NHS England to lead the New Models of Care programme. She has also led one of the largest primary care providers in England. Since her time in the NHS, Samantha served as an expert advisor to the PM on NHS Transformation and Social Care in 2021, before taking up post as the interim Permanent Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for 10 Downing Street.

Samantha will join DHSC at a critical time, as the government rebuilds the NHS as part of the Plan for Change. Samantha will be building a team to deliver this vital transformation which will include appointing a Chief Operating Officer.

Samantha will replace Chris Wormald, who left DHSC in December last year, to take up the role of Cabinet Secretary.

The Health and Social Care Secretary, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, said:

I am delighted to welcome Samantha in her new role as Permanent Secretary.

Samantha brings a wealth of experience from the frontline of healthcare as a general and paediatric nurse – she knows what it is like to be working on wards and will translate that expertise to her work across the department.

Equally, her work in senior management roles across both Whitehall and the health and social care sector will prove invaluable as we reintegrate NHS England back into the department to cut red tape, reduce duplication and make it fit for the future as part of our Plan for Change.

Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, said:

I am delighted to see Sam take up the role of Permanent Secretary at DHSC, having worked with her closely during my time there. Samantha is an outstanding public servant, who has spent much of her career working to improve and enrich the lives of people across the country.

This is a critical time for DHSC, as they look to welcome their NHS England colleagues back into the department, and work to deliver the government missions and Plan for Change. Samantha is uniquely positioned to drive forward this work, and I look forward to working with her.

I also want to put on record my thanks to Professor Chris Whitty for his leadership of the Department since my departure.

Samantha Jones said:

It is an absolute privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary at DHSC, working with colleagues across health and social care to support the government’s Plan for Change and deliver a rebuilt NHS, fit for the future.

Having worked alongside the brilliant team at DHSC over the past few years, serving on their board, I look forward to leading a department of committed public servants to improve the health of our nation.

April 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointments made to the Forestry Commission Board [April 2025]
The press release issued by the Forestry Commission on 22 April 2025.

A series of appointments and reappointments have been made to the Forestry Commission Board.

By Royal Warrant, His Majesty King Charles III has appointed Kate Cheetham as a Non-Executive Commissioner. Her appointment began on 1 April 2025 and will run for three years until 31 March 2028.

Jennie Price has been reappointed for a third term of two years as Non-Executive Commissioner. This will run from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2027.

Peter Latham will continue as a Non-Executive Commissioner for an additional six months from 1 April 2025 until 30 September 2025.

All appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Biographies

Kate Cheetham

Kate is the Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary of Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), where she advises the Board and executive team on legal and governance matters and leads the Group’s Legal and Secretariat function. She joined LBG in 2005, having previously worked as a corporate lawyer at Linklaters and run a commercial art gallery in London. Kate is passionate about inclusion and diversity, and has been a champion for social mobility and women’s leadership within the Group. She also served as a trustee of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for seven years, supporting grassroots charities across the UK.

Jennie Price

Jennie Price was the CEO of Sport England. Jennie is a qualified lawyer and has previously been the CEO of WRAP, a Defra-supported environmental organisation specialising in recycling and resources management. She retains an active interest in sport and is Chair of the international supervisory board on integrity in tennis. She is also a trustee of the Canal and River Trust and until very recently was Chair of Trustees of the Scouts in the UK. Jennie brings considerable expertise in engaging wide sectors of the community in outdoor activities and has an excellent understanding of the links to health and wellbeing.

Peter Latham

Peter Latham is a director of Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT or the International Tropical Timber Technical Association) and a trustee of the Commonwealth Forestry Association. He was previously CEO and chair of the timber distributor James Latham Plc., and chair of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification International. Peter brings extensive knowledge of the timber industry and experience of successful stakeholder engagement on an international level.

Notes for Editors
- The Forestry Commission increases the value of woodlands to society and the environment.
- It is a non-ministerial department, supported by Forest Research and Forestry England.
- Non-Executive Commissioners play a pivotal role in establishing a strong, sustainable future for the organisation.
April 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Two new Board Members appointed to the Charity Commission for England and Wales [April 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 22 April 2025.

The Secretary of State has appointed Tasnim Khalid and Alan Mather as Board Members to the Charity Commission for England and Wales for a 3 year term commencing 23 April 2025 to 22 April 2028.

Tasnim Khalid

Tasnim Khalid, Solicitor, is the founder and Managing Partner of “Private Client Solicitors” which is a boutique law firm that specialises in private wealth planning, charity law and practice. Tasnim is ranked in leading legal directories such as “Chambers HNW Guide” and “Legal 500”. Tasnim was listed in the “100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch” in the Telegraph list and won the Northern Power Woman Award 2024 and the Legal 500 “Private Client Partner of the Year” for the Northern Powerhouse award 2025.

Alan Mather

Alan Mather is an experienced digital transformation leader with a strong track record in leading complicated technology programmes across the public and private sectors. He is a recognised pioneer of UK digital government launching the first transactional services such as Self Assessment, UK online, the Government Gateway and Direct.gov.uk; more recently he has delivered and/or designed digital services for organisations including Defra, Livestock Information Ltd, National Physical Laboratory and the Home Office. He has held CEO, CIO and COO positions in large organisations and led the turnaround of major programmes. He has previously been a Non-Executive Director in the hospitality and energy sector.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees of the Charity Commission are remunerated £350 a day. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Tasnim Khalid and Alan Mather have not declared any significant political activity.

April 22, 2025
NEWS STORY : Countdown Begins – One Year Until Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Launches

STORY

With less than a year remaining, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging eligible taxpayers to prepare for the upcoming changes. Starting 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords in the UK with annual income exceeding £50,000 will be required to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using Making Tax Digital (MTD)-compatible software. This initiative is a significant component of the government’s “Plan for Change,” aiming to modernise the tax system, enhance efficiency, and support economic growth. By adopting digital record-keeping, taxpayers can streamline their financial management, reduce errors, and save time previously spent on manual processes.

James Murray MP (in photo), Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, emphasised the importance of this transition:

“MTD for Income Tax is an essential part of our plan to transform the UK’s tax system into one that supports economic growth. By modernising how people manage their tax, we’re helping businesses work more efficiently and productively while ensuring everyone pays their fair share.”

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, highlighted the significance of this change:

“MTD for Income Tax is the most significant change to the Self Assessment regime since its introduction in 1997. It will make it easier for self-employed people and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure they pay the right amount of tax.”

HMRC encourages eligible individuals to participate in the current testing programme to familiarise themselves with the new system and access dedicated support. This proactive approach is intended to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the mandatory implementation next year.

April 22, 2025