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PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark [December 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 December 2024.

The Prime Minister met the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, in a trilateral meeting following the Joint Expeditionary Force summit today.

The leaders reflected on a broad range of shared global challenges, including how to shore up European security in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia.

It was vital to consolidate and increase support for Ukraine, as the frontline of European security, the Prime Minister said.

Reflecting on the JEF, the Prime Minister said it was a prime example of greater cooperation and collaboration to meet the threats of the 21st century.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden [December 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 December 2024.

The Prime Minister met Ulf Kristersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden, in Tallinn this afternoon following a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force.

The UK and Sweden were great Allies and strong partners, with a shared approach to global challenges, the leaders agreed.

Turning to Ukraine, the leaders underscored the need to put the country in the strongest possible position, so they could fight through 2025.

The deployment of DPRK soldiers to the frontline in Russia further emphasised the global nature of Putin’s war and the indivisibility of Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security, the leaders noted.

The Prime Minister also updated Prime Minister Kristersson on his EU reset.

Across defence, security, trade and growth, there was an opportunity to be ambitious about a new relationship with the EU that would deliver a better Brexit for the hardworking British people, the Prime Minister said.

The leaders looked forward to seeing each other again soon.

January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Better buses on the way as government introduces new legislation to boost local control of services [December 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 December 2024.

The Bus Services Bill will overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across the country.
- Bus Services Bill introduced today will give local authorities control over routes, timetables, connections and fares
- this government is fast-tracking the journey to better buses after decades of decline
- it builds on government’s £1 billion to help end postcode lottery of buses and improve living standards for everyone by delivering the plan for change
New legislation to improve buses and boost local control of services moved a step closer today (17 December 2024), as the Bus Services Bill was introduced in the House of Lords.

The bill will put buses back at the heart of communities, enhance connections to work and vital appointments to improve living standards and follows the government’s £1 billion investment to increase reliability and cap single bus fares at £3.

The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people. The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose to not pursue full ownership.

It follows the announcement made earlier this week of new powers for local leaders to similarly be able to better shape rail services to better meet the needs of their communities.

Additionally, the bill ensures that lifeline bus services cannot be removed or changed without councils reviewing their ability to serve communities, especially those in rural or deprived areas.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

It is high time we recognise that local leaders need to be able to make decisions about their buses.

The introduction of the Bus Services Bill marks the next step on our journey to overhaul how bus services operate, delivering on our commitment to improve living standards across the country.

This is on top of over £1 billion to help improve bus service reliability and frequency – better connecting communities across the country to job opportunities and public services.

The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that drivers undertake training to identify and respond to threats of violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour on buses and at bus stops.

The new powers will mean local transport authorities will be able to emulate the success of places like Manchester where public control has massively improved reliability and patronage. Manchester’s Bee Network has seen passenger numbers grow by 5% and service reliability improve since public control began a year ago.

To mark the introduction of the bill, the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Reading today to discuss how the new powers will enable local authorities to implement their own improvements.

Today, the government has also responded to its consultation on guidance for local leaders seeking public control of bus services. Following positive feedback, new guidance has been published to support local authorities in streamlining the franchising process.

In an ongoing drive to improve buses, the government allocated £955 million in bus funding last month. This follows an intervention to cap single bus fares at £3, keeping travel affordable, with savings of up to 80% on some routes.

Improving local transport is an essential part of the government’s mission to rebuild Britain and grow our economy and this government is committed to building infrastructure which will drive growth and opportunity and improve living standards.

Regional Mayors, including Andy Burnham and Tracy Brabin, have pledged to use government support to maintain their local fare caps at below £3.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. The introduction of the Bus Services Bill, and its intention to hand more powers to local areas, will herald a smoother ride for the bus.

The bill will help ensure the bus plays an active role in supporting and growing our local economies and connecting our communities.

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive, White Ribbon UK, said:

It’s vital that women and girls’ freedom of movement also equates to being safe while travelling.

The bus network and drivers play an important role in ensuring the safety of women and girls by being allies, which is reflected in the mandatory training that would be introduced in this Bill relating to knowing how to identify and respond to threats of gender-based violence.

This will help to change harmful attitudes and behaviours. We all have a part to play to ensure all women and girls can live free without the fear of violence.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, said:

Local ownership, local management and consistent coordinated thinking has allowed us to focus on planning and delivering the best possible network.

As our owner, the local authority can guarantee the maximum return on any investment in making bus services even more attractive.
January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Net Zero Council [December 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 17 December 2024.

Government relaunches the Net Zero Council, expanding its membership to include civil society and local government.

The government has relaunched the Net Zero Council, bringing together a broader range of voices to deepen the partnership between government, the private sector, civil society and local authorities, to support plans to accelerate to net zero across the economy.

The Council will act as the primary stakeholder forum supporting the delivery of the accelerating to net zero pillar of the mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower. Its insights will inform government strategies, help to address cross-economy challenges and maximise the many economic and societal opportunities the transition presents.

For the first time, the Council will have representation from civil society and local government, who both have essential roles to play in accelerating to net zero and can offer more diverse perspectives on challenges, opportunities and solutions.

Objectives

The Net Zero Council will have 3 broad functions, to:
- provide expert insight: advising government in the development of its net zero strategy
- drive action towards decarbonisation across the economy: convening senior leaders across the highest emitting sectors of the economy to tackle cross-cutting barriers to decarbonisation, supporting businesses to take action and enabling them to realise the benefits of the transition
- outreach and communications to the wider business community: members will engage across their networks, advocate for action and promote climate leadership
Members

The Council will be co-chaired by the Right Honourable Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, and Shirine Khoury-Haq, CEO of the Co-operative Group.

Full Council membership will be announced soon.
January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 2,000 extra sitting days to help address courts crisis [December 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 17 December 2024.

The Lord Chancellor has announced that courts can now sit up to 108,500 days this year, helping to tackle the court backlog.
- More trials will go ahead this year to speed up justice and keep streets safe
- Lord Chancellor announces courts can now sit up to 108,500 days this year – the highest figure in nearly 10 years
- Funding helps address immediate crisis ahead of Sir Brian Leveson’s major review
More victims will see justice thanks to an extra 2,000 Crown Court sitting days announced by the Lord Chancellor today (Tuesday 17 December).

This will see courts sit for a total of 108,500 days this year – the highest figure in almost a decade – helping to tackle the court backlog, as the government ploughs ahead with bold and ambitious reforms to tackle the ongoing crisis in the Crown Court.

The backlog in our courts has been growing significantly since the pandemic and currently stands at over 73,000 cases, delaying perpetrators having their day in court and victims getting justice.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said:

It is vital we do everything we can to bring down the backlog of cases and ensure victims see justice sooner, and these extra sitting days are another step towards that.

But we know more must be done, which is why I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to undertake his review and make recommendations for significant reform of our courts system as part of this government’s wider Plan for Change.

This is the latest step in the government’s efforts to cut the backlog, deliver for victims and drive down the record remand population.

As well as adding more sitting days, the government is also planning once-in-a-generation reforms of the courts system. Earlier in the month, it was announced that Sir Brian Leveson will be conducting an independent review into the criminal courts, to identify major reforms.

These reforms could include “intermediate courts”, where cases too serious for magistrates’ courts but not serious enough for the Crown Court could be heard by a judge, flanked by magistrates.

The plans form part of the government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up trials for victims, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Further information
- The Lord Chancellor had already increased the number of sitting days agreed by the previous government, from 106,000 to 106,500 in September 2024.
- The review into criminal courts will be led by Sir Brian Leveson, a former High Court Judge and a previous President of the Queen’s Bench Division.
- In October the government doubled sentencing powers for magistrates’ courts in order to divert 2,000 cases away from the Crown Court and to ease pressure on the remand population in our prisons
- Fees for criminal legal aid work in police stations and youth courts have been increased by £24 million
- The government also announced its intention to consult on an increase to civil legal aid fees for housing and immigration cases
January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary announces new DBT non-executive directors [December 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 December 2024.

New members to provide independent advice and support on Department for Business and Trade’s work.

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has today announced the appointment of eight new non-executive members of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Board.

The board members are:
- Paul Drechsler CBE as Lead Non-Executive Director
- Professor John Latham CBE as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and Non-Executive Director
- Iain Anderson as Non-Executive Director
- Katharine Braddick as Non-Executive Director
- Mike Clancy as Non-Executive Director
- Nita Clarke OBE as Non-Executive Director
- Dr Roni Savage as Non-Executive Director
- David Sayer as Non-Executive Director
Non-Executives have been appointed for 3 years and will provide independent advice, support and scrutiny on the department’s work. The new Non-Executives bring a wide range of senior experience across the public and private sectors, as well as a wealth of knowledge relevant to delivering the Secretary of State’s priorities.

Background

Non-Executives are experts from outside government who provide advice, support and challenge to the department in the delivery and performance of key policy areas and against priority outcomes.
- The Secretary of State has appointed Nita Clarke without competition in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments and following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Nita’s appointment will bring additional skills and experience in employee engagement, partnership, and employee voices in the workplace.
- Karina McTeague will continue in her role as ARAC Chair until the 2023-24 Annual Report and Accounts are laid, after which John Latham will take up this role and Karina will step down.
- These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. Under this Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as having been employed by a political party; held significant office in a political party; stood as a candidate for a political party; publicly spoken on behalf of a political party; or made significant donations or loans to a political party. Iain Anderson has declared political activity and speaking publicly for both for the Conservative Party and for the Labour Party. Nita Clarke has declared political activity for the Labour Party.
January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Billion pound funding boost for police to keep streets safe [December 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 December 2024.

The vital funding boost includes a significant increase to the police core grant from last year, a key part of our Plan for Change.

Police across England and Wales will be given a £1 billion boost as the government takes action to restore neighbourhood policing and make our streets safer, the Home Secretary has announced.

Part of the government’s Plan for Change, this will take total funding up to £19.5 billion for next year.

The majority of this funding – up to £17.4 billion and an increase of up to £987 million compared to last year – will be given to Police and Crime Commissioners, allowing them to tackle crime in their communities, rid town centres of antisocial behaviour and apprehend persistent offenders. This equates to a cash increase of up to 6.0% and a real terms increase of 3.5%.

This money will include:
- £339 million more for the police core grant to help forces with general running costs and to be allocated by forces to tackle local priorities. This is significantly more than the £184 million rise announced last year
- all costs arising from changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), helping police to balance their budgets
- new funding of £100 million to kickstart the recruitment of 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers, community support officers and special constables, as announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month.
- £65 million more for the National and International Capital City (NICC) grant for the London forces, to recognise this has not kept pace with inflation and rising demands of policing the capital
In addition to the money being given to Police and Crime Commissioners, the Home Office is also investing an extra £140 million for Counter Terrorism Policing, ensuring that they have the resources they need to deal with the threats we face and protect the public from serious harm.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Today’s settlement provides a substantial increase in funding for policing to help deliver on this government’s Safer Streets mission. This vital funding boost will enable forces to kickstart the recruitment of neighbourhood police officers and crack down on the crimes blighting our high streets and town centres.

We recognise the financial and operational challenges that police forces across the country have faced in recent years, and that is why we are providing a significant and much-needed increase in funding to help forces protect the public and keep our streets safe.

We will also work closely with forces at a national and regional level to maximise efficiency and innovation, so that every penny they receive goes as far as possible and provides real value for the public.

The provisional funding settlement will be central to the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change and will help to deliver the manifesto pledge that policing will be reformed to deliver for communities.

The government will put an extra 13,000 police into our neighbourhoods. Dedicated police officers who are visible, named and contactable will support communities and work closely with residents and businesses.

The settlement also comes after the Home Secretary also announced a major package of police reform, including a new Police Performance Unit to track local performance and drive up standards, and a new National Centre of Policing to harness new technology and forensics.

Projects that sit within other national priorities are also being protected, including:
- £612 million to help modernise police forces, enhancing their ability to share data, intelligence and evidence with each other and law enforcement partners. This funding will be essential in tackling the increasingly tech-savvy criminals who wreak havoc on people and businesses
- £50 million for Violence Reduction Units, delivering on the government’s pledge to halve knife crime
- £30 million to tackle the ongoing battle against serious organised crime through county lines routes
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said:

We are determined to deliver for the people up and down this country and make good on our promise to reform policing, halve knife crime and tackle anti-social behaviour head on.

This settlement aims to do just that, providing a significant and substantial increase in funding that will allow polices forces to get a grip on criminality, to make our streets and communities safer.
January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Update about New Towns Taskforce membership [December 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 December 2024.

Lyn Garner has today (17 December 2024) been appointed to the New Towns Taskforce. She will replace Eamonn Boylan who will stand down from the Taskforce ahead of starting his new role as interim Chief Executive of Homes England in January 2025.

As previously announced, Eamonn Boylan will start in his new role as interim Chief Executive of Homes England from 15 January 2025. Eamonn will therefore stand down as a member of the New Towns Taskforce ahead of this date.

The New Towns Taskforce is an independent advisory panel which has been established to support the government to deliver the next generation of new towns. To ensure that the Taskforce maintains its independence, Eamonn has decided to stand down as a member in early January 2025.

Eamonn has brought vital experience about large-scale regeneration projects to the Taskforce and has shaped early thinking on the delivery mechanisms required to ensure new towns are successful communities. He will continue to support the Taskforce’s work in his new role, ensuring that Homes England’s delivery expertise continues to be drawn upon in the coming months.

Today, the government has appointed Lyn Garner to the Taskforce. Lyn is a Director and Chair of Future of London, the outgoing Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, and has been the Senior Professional Lead for Greater London Authority (GLA) Group Housing Delivery since 2022. Lyn has over 25 years of experience working in leadership positions across housing, regeneration and finance.

Lyn brings her extensive real-world large-scale delivery experience to the Taskforce. Her valuable expertise will inform the Taskforce’s recommendations on the mechanisms and reforms required to ensure the delivery of the next generation of New Towns.

The New Towns Taskforce continues to make rapid progress to present their recommendations to ministers by summer 2025. Since September 2024, the Taskforce have met regularly to discuss the role that our next generation of new towns can play in kickstarting national economic growth. The Taskforce also launched a call for evidence in November which invited local areas to submit opportunities for large developments.

January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian cherub to be official Scotland Office card [December 2024]

The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 17 October 2024.

Scottish Secretary chooses Ukrainian schoolgirl’s artwork for Christmas card.

A picture of a blonde cherub painted by a 12-year-old Ukrainian girl living in Edinburgh is to be Scottish Secretary Ian Murray’s official Christmas card.

Amelia Marchenko, who is originally from Ukraine’s Donetsk region, now lives in Edinburgh with her parents, two sisters and one brother. The family had to flee conflict in Ukraine in 2014 and again in August 2022.

Amelia also painted an image of a Santa hat and sleigh, which will also be used for Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill’s official Christmas card.

The Edinburgh branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) ran a competition amongst the children and young people who attend activities in the Ukrainian Community Centre. Mr Murray met many of the young people who use the centre when he visited earlier this year.

Amelia was among dozens of young Ukrainian artists who submitted entries to the competition. Her winning design features a cherub with golden hair set against a backdrop of traditional Ukrainian and Scottish symbols, bringing together both cultures in a festive celebration.

Mr Murray said:

As we gather to celebrate this festive season, I am absolutely delighted that we are sharing this special Christmas card featuring artwork by the very talented Amelia Marchenko. All the designs submitted by the Ukrainian children were fantastic, but hers definitely edged it.

Having visited Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Community Centre’s teens club in August, I was inspired by their creativity, resilience and spirit. Amelia’s beautiful design represents not only the joy of the season, but also the warmth of Scotland’s welcome to those Ukrainians who have made our country their home.

I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a bright New Year.

This is the first time the Scotland Office has run a competition for its Christmas card design. The children were invited to submit artwork, in any medium, that captured the essence of Christmas and the spirit of peace and goodwill.

The competition was open to children aged 5-16 who attend the Ukrainian Community Centre. Participants were encouraged to incorporate elements of both their Ukrainian heritage and their new Scottish home in their festive designs. The judging panel, which included Mr Murray and representatives from AUGB Edinburgh, were particularly impressed by the creative ways the young artists blended both cultures in their artwork.

Electronic versions of the card with the winning design will be sent by Mr Murray to organisations and stakeholders across Scotland. Amelia received a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Secretary of State, and her original artwork will be framed and displayed in the Scotland Office.

The Edinburgh branch of AUGB was founded in 1947 and has provided a social and cultural place to meet for the Ukrainian diaspora. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, AUGB has worked closely in partnership with community and voluntary sector partners which have welcomed and supported displaced people from Ukraine that have called Scotland their home since the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian community centre in Edinburgh provides a vital community hub, offering everything from language classes to cultural activities and support services.

The Ukraine Club in Edinburgh supports more than 500 people each week. The Ukrainian youth work partnership and the cultural programme at the Ukrainian community centre is funded by the UK Government and the National Lottery Community Fund. The National Lottery Community Fund is supporting the project with a £116,930 Improving Lives grant.

January 3, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Michal of Estonia [December 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 December 2024.

The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Kristen Michal ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Tallin this morning.

The Prime Minister began by thanking Prime Minister Michal for hosting such a successful and important summit at a crucial time for European security.

The leaders reflected on the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) dinner last night and the group’s strong support for Ukraine, which was underscored by action, rather than warm words. They discussed the importance of increasing pressure on Putin through further military and economic support for Ukraine, and the strategic use of sanctions.

Estonia and the UK were vital defence and security partners, and that cooperation continued to go from strength-to-strength, the leaders agreed.

It was further exemplified by the opening of a new London headquarters for Estonian defence firm Frankenburg Technologies today, the Prime Ministers noted.

Updating on his EU reset, the Prime Minister said that he believed a closer relationship between the UK and EU countries would bring benefits for both British and EU citizens across a wide range of areas, including in growth and security.

Turning to the clean energy agenda, the Prime Minister updated on his successful visit to Norway yesterday, and his mission to deliver clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero. The leaders agreed on the need to go further and faster to support energy security and lower costs for bill payers.

They looked forward to speaking again at the JEF summit.

January 3, 2025