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  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement two years after Mahsa Zhina Amini’s death [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement two years after Mahsa Zhina Amini’s death [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

    The UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have issued a joint statement to mark the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini.

    The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, on the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini:

    Two years ago today, Mahsa Zhina Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman, was killed while in police custody in Iran. Her death sparked a nationwide protest movement, led by women and girls, which was unwavering in its demand for a better future.

    We stand with women and girls in Iran, and Iranian human rights defenders, across all segments of society in their ongoing daily fight for human rights and fundamental freedoms.  At least 500 persons died and over 20,000 were detained in the Iranian security forces’ brutal crackdown on displays of dissent in 2022 and 2023.  But the global “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement remains united.

    The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Iran, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, has said that many of the human rights violations perpetrated against protesters amount to crimes against humanity.  The Iranian government has yet to address these allegations and has not cooperated with this internationally recognized mandate.

    In daily life, women and girls continue to face severe repression in Iran.  The renewed “Noor” hijab crackdown, which enforces Iran’s law requiring women to wear headscarves, has spurred a fresh round of harassment and violence.  The Iranian government has bolstered its surveillance infrastructure to arrest, detain, and in some cases torture women and girls for their peaceful activism.  According to human rights organisations, Iran is one of the foremost executioners of women globally.

    We call on the new Iranian administration to fulfil its pledge to ease pressure on civil society in Iran and to end the use of force to enforce the hijab requirement.  The recent surge in executions that have largely occurred without fair trials has been shocking, and we urge the Iranian government to cease its human rights violations now.  We, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will continue to act in lockstep to hold the Iranian government accountable and will use all relevant national legal authorities to promote accountability for Iranian human rights violators, including through sanctions and visa restrictions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Africa Lord Collins Reaffirms UK-Ghana Partnership [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister for Africa Lord Collins Reaffirms UK-Ghana Partnership [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

    Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, will visit Ghana on 17th September. This visit, his first to West Africa, will reinforce the enduring partnership between the UK and Ghana.

    During his visit, Lord Collins will meet stakeholders including Government Ministers, leaders in Ghana’s tech and innovation sector and food security agencies.

    The Minister will also meet civil society organisations that work on issues of importance to both the UK and Ghana, including democracy and security.

    Lord Collins will announce funding including:

    • £3.8 million, in partnership with Shell Foundation, to make green energy more accessible to Ghanaians
    • at least £1 million to support Ghana’s drought response
    • £500,000 for a food fortification programme in northern Ghana

    Ahead of his visit, Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, said:

    The UK and Ghana are close friends, and my visit is all about deepening our partnership for closer stronger collaboration across various sectors, from green growth to food security. Working together, we can address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for both our nations.

    British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, added:

    We are thrilled to welcome Lord Collins to Ghana, where he will witness first-hand the breadth and depth of our partnership. The Minister’s choice of Ghana for his first West African visit speaks volumes about the importance of the UK-Ghana relationship to our new Government. The visit will reinforce our shared commitment to a prosperous, sustainable future for both countries.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Anne Lambert CMG appointed as Interim Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Anne Lambert CMG appointed as Interim Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 16 September 2024.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Anne Lambert, CMG, from 16 September 2024 to 15 June 2025, while the process to appoint a substantive Chair to the Horserace Betting Levy Board is run. This appointment follows the sad death of the Chair, Paul Darling, in August 2024.

    Anne Lambert CMG

    Anne Lambert CMG has been an independent member of the Horserace Betting Levy Board since 1 April 2020. She is currently also a Board member of the Civil Aviation Authority. She was previously an Inquiry Chair at the Competition and Markets Authority from 2014-2019 and a Board member from 2016-2018. Previously Anne worked for the UK Government for 30 years, focusing on regulation (insurance, telecommunications, competition and aviation) and EU policy/negotiations. She was the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU from 2003-2008.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board is remunerated £39,600 per annum. The interim appointment of Anne Lambert was made by the Secretary of State as an exceptional appointment without competition, following consultation with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on 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. Anne Lambert has not declared any significant political activity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New flood risk management scheme for Worcester completed [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : New flood risk management scheme for Worcester completed [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 16 September 2024.

    The new scheme for Toronto Close in Worcester has been welcomed by residents who were evacuated from their homes during devastating floods.

    The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council, has completed a £2.5 million flood risk management scheme for Toronto Close in the Lower Wick area of Worcester to reduce the risk of flooding to homes.

    Toronto Close has a history of flooding from the River Severn and River Teme, which impacts the water level of the nearby Laughern Brook during and after heavy rainfall.

    In July 2007 16 properties flooded, with the depth of water reaching up to 800mm.  Further flooding took place in 2020 during Storm Dennis, when many residents had to evacuate their homes.

    The scheme consists of an embankment across open land and through residential gardens along Laughern Brook as well as the strengthening and rebuilding of the existing historic wall along Old Road.

    Two flood gates have been installed in front of existing accesses from Toronto Close onto Old Road. These gates will normally be open, and only closed in the event of a flood.

    Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency Charlie Chander said:

    “We know how devastating flooding can be and the terrible disruption flooding has caused to residents in Toronto Close in the past. We are delighted to have been able to deliver this flood risk management scheme that will help to reduce the risk of flooding to Toronto Close and hopefully help to give residents more peace of mind.”

    The new scheme has been welcomed by Toronto Close residents who have experienced the devastation of flooding in the past.

    Ray Grundy has lived in the street with his wife since 1980 and for the first 27 years they didn’t experience flooding. It was in July 2007 when flooding hit, following a wet summer and saturated ground led to flood water rising from the Laughern Brook and River Teme and some residents needing to be evacuated.

    Ray Grundy said:

    “It had been very wet all through June and then we had more than 24 hours of solid rain and the water kept rising.  Our house is slightly higher than some others in the street so fortunately we didn’t flood inside but we’ve had water coming up to the house. It was much worse for neighbours who had catastrophic floods inside and had the devastation of having to move out and stay in temporary accommodation away from the close while their homes were refurbished.”

    Another flood hit the road in 2020 leading to further evacuations and more disruption for residents. Ray said the completed scheme has given the residents of Toronto Close peace of mind.

    He said: “It means for the first time we can now go away on holiday during the winter and not have to worry if we are going to flood. Everyone is feeling more relaxed.”

    Councillor Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment said:

    “This area has seen some devastating floods in recent years and I’m very pleased that this flood management scheme is now in place. Flooding has had a huge impact on people living in the area and this scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in the future. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this a reality, in particular Councillor Alan Amos, who has strongly supported the scheme from day one.”

    The crest height of the embankments and walls is based on historic flood level and the structures will, at their highest, be around 1.5m above existing ground level, reducing the risk of flooding to properties within Toronto Close from flooding like that experienced in 2007 and 2020.

    Make sure you know your flood risk by going the GOV.UK website or search ‘know my flood risk’ to sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings, receive information on the risk in your area and what to do in a flood: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister confirms nearly half a billion pounds of Italian investment into the UK to support jobs and drive growth [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister confirms nearly half a billion pounds of Italian investment into the UK to support jobs and drive growth [September 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 September 2024.

    More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the PM has announced today.

    • Prime Minister announces £485 million of Italian investment into the UK following a meeting in Rome with Italian CEOs this morning
    • He also met his Italian counterpart, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to strengthen the UK-Italy partnership across migration, trade and defence
    • Part of Prime Minister’s drive to deliver results for hardworking British people by resetting the UK’s relationship with key international partners

    More jobs for British people will be created thanks to nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment by Italian businesses into the UK, the Prime Minister has announced today.

    In a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this afternoon, he confirmed £485 million of investment into UK defence, clean growth and innovation by two major Italian companies – Leonardo and Marcegaglia.

    This follows a business roundtable with leading Italian CEOs in Rome this morning, who collectively support over 20,000 jobs in every part of the UK.

    The Prime Minister has been continuing his drive to reset the UK’s relationship with its closest European partners to deepen co-operation on shared challenges, boost bilateral trade and investment and drive economic growth at home.

    Italy is one of the UK’s top ten trading partners, with annual bilateral trade between us worth £50 billion. It is also a pivotal NATO, G7 and EU player, and a key aim of the Prime Minister’s visit today was to unlock deeper co-operation across security, defence and migration.

    Today’s visit follows trips to Berlin, Paris and Dublin in the last month as the Prime Minister strives to move beyond Brexit, improve our international partnerships and unlock tangible results for British people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    I am in Italy with a clear message for one of our closest international friends and partners: Britain is a place to do business.

    It is only by resetting our relationships around the world that we can break down the barriers that have been holding the UK back for so long.

    It means we can attract investment such as the significant sum I’m announcing today, create jobs for hardworking British people and deliver on my ultimate mission for the UK – economic growth.

    Today’s confirmed investments include:

    • Leonardo, one of the world’s leading defence, aerospace and security companies, will invest £435 million in 2024, to be spent at their Yeovil site, and in technology development and research programmes across the UK. It operates 8 major sites in the UK, supporting 8,000 employees.
    • Marcegaglia, a steel manufacturer, will invest £50 million in Sheffield to build a new clean steel electric arc furnace, 50 new jobs directly and indirectly.

    Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo said:

    It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Starmer and discuss our new £435 million investment in the growth of Leonardo in the UK. This investment will support advanced research, thousands of highly skilled jobs and outstanding early careers opportunities at our eight UK sites as well as the resilience of our nationwide supply chain.

    It is clear that the Prime Minister represents a pronounced change in approach for the UK and its relationship with the European Union. Leonardo’s presence in the UK is underpinned by transnational collaboration at a governmental level, which also supports cooperation at an industrial level. I look forward to working closely with the Prime Minister as we continue to invest in the UK and support the defence of Europe.

    The Prime Minister also visited Italy’s National Coordination Centre earlier today with the newly appointed Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt CBE QPM. While there, they heard how Italy has successfully reduced irregular migration by 60% compared to last year, thanks to its innovative upstream work.

    In a joint statement issued after his meeting with Prime Minister Meloni, he has also confirmed that the UK will contribute £4 million to the Rome Process, the Italian government’s project to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.

    The UK and Italy have also agreed to work more closely to tackle illicit financial flows linked to organised immigration crime and share intelligence to disrupt the maritime equipment supply chains used by vile people smuggling gangs.

    The two leaders also agreed to deepen their defence co-operation by confirming that Italian Army and Navy will participate in UK Carrier Strike Group Operations in the Indo-Pacific next year.

    Notes to Editors:

    Attendees of the roundtable, hosted at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Rome, were as follows:

    • Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni
    • Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman, Leonardo
    • Lady Suzanne Heywood, COO, Exor and Chair, CNH Industrial N.V. and Iveco Group
    • Stefano Venier, CEO, Snam
    • Emma Marcegaglia, Chairman and CEO, Marcegaglia
    • Filippo Modulo, Partner, Chiomenti
    • Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman, Pirelli
    • Andrea Bonomi, Founder and Chairman, Investindustrial

    Further business quotes:

    Emma Marcegaglia, Chair and CEO of Marcegaglia Holding, said:

    The announced investments are evidence of Marcegaglia’s willingness and ability to invest to grow the UK business, which is beneficial also to Marcegaglia Italy to reduce the carbon footprint of the whole group by insourcing primary steelmaking for stainless steel.”

    Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said:

    Eni sees the UK as a primary destination for its investments. The Government is establishing a favourable regulatory environment and promoting a clear strategy towards an orderly and fast energy transition. Eni believes a close cooperation with the public sector will be critical to develop the kind of groundbreaking projects we need to address the climate challenge. The recent award Green Volt, participated by Plenitude through the JV Vårgrønn – and set to become the biggest floating offshore wind project in the world with up to 560 MW capacity – in the Government’s annual green energy auction this month, is a clear testament of how Government and industry can work together to develop one of the most promising technologies of the future.

    Marco Trochetti Provera, Executive Vice-Chairman of Pirelli, said:

    We are honoured to be here today to welcome Prime Minister Starmer on a visit that strengthens the ties between Italy and the UK. Pirelli has been present in the UK for almost a century and it is a Country which represents a strategic market for us in terms of presiding over high-end car manufacturers.

    The collaboration between the public and private sectors, together with the professionalism and passion of the people who work there, has allowed us to gradually consolidate our presence in the British market, where today we are the sole tyre producer and which includes our factories in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent where our headquarters are also located.

    Lady Suzanne Heywood, Chair of CNH, said:

    CNH announces its intention to further develop its leading role of capturing fugitive methane from farm operations as alternative fuel with its investment in Bennamann in UK.

  • Keir Starmer – 2024 Speech at the Holocaust Educational Trust

    Keir Starmer – 2024 Speech at the Holocaust Educational Trust

    The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 September 2024.

    Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, Chief Rabbi…

    It’s an honour to be here with you this evening.

    It is important to be with you this evening.

    Thank you, Craig for that kind introduction.

    And of course a huge thank you…

    On behalf of everyone here tonight…

    To Karen Pollock…

    And all the team at the Holocaust Educational Trust.

    For over 35 years,

    This world-leading charity…

    Has been supporting hundreds of survivors…

    Training thousands of teachers…

    And educating tens of thousands of our young people.

    And you do it with an energy and an urgency…

    That is both inspiring…

    And sadly, needed now more than ever.

    And I have met some of the ambassadors you have seen yourselves, so many inspiring people in the room with us this evening. Brimming with a determination to ensure the stories are told again and again, taking on the mantle themselves.

    And earlier this year at one of your events…

    I met Manfred Goldberg…

    Reliving the sheer horror of his experience…

    …including losing his brother Herman.

    I can barely imagine the courage it takes. To tell that story not once, but over and over again because it is necessary because it is hard, so so hard, and so important…

    But like so many survivors…

    He does it for one reason: So we might learn and never forget.

    And when I was speaking to Janine earlier this evening. It reminded me – of listening to a survivor in Camden, when I was in secondary school – where I live – a school we know very well – a boys secondary school and a survivors was speaking an at assembly – boys came in 11-18  noisy boisterous , hard to calm down, sitting down they didn’t know what they were about to hear.

    And they started speaking.

    Nobody said to the boys shh.

    They just fell silent, totally silent and still and I witnessed it myself – this whole group of boys who had been rowdy minutes before totally silent. Totally absorbed completely listening to what they were being told.

    Manfred that is the power of what you are doing, that is why it is so important. Every boy I sat with at that school took it in and what was being said and I will never ever forget it.

    And before I go on…I know Manfred and Janine are here.

    In fact, all survivors that are with us tonight…

    As Prime Minister, speaking for the whole country, I just want to say an enormous and heartfelt thank you for what you do.

    I am really proud there are so many of my cabinet here with me this evening. That is really important, I am even prouder that so many of my political rivals are here with us this evening, standing together, cross party, standing united on this important work. Thank you to all of those politicians that have come this evening.

    I want you to know…

    We have heard you.

    We feel very deeply…

    …the responsibility of defending the truth of history.

    And we hear your message about the present and the future too.

    Because as Manfred has said so powerfully –

    He never thought he’d see this antisemitism again.

    Just last week…

    …I sat with Ayelet Svatitzky…

    One of her brothers was murdered on October 7th.

    Her mother who is 79 and another brother, Nadav, were taken captive.

    Her mother was eventually released…

    But Nadav died in captivity.

    She described in heartbreaking detail…

    The utter devastation she felt.

    Her whole life stopped. Her family shattered. Talking, sometimes not talking, because I was hard for each of us to know what to say.

    I want you to know as Prime Minister, I will do everything possible…

    To help bring those remaining hostages home.

    But we’ve also got to fight this underlying hate…

    This resurgence of antisemitism.

    You know, every year we say never again.

    Yet on October 7th…

    Over a thousand people were massacred by Hamas…

    For the very same reason: because they were Jewish.

    We say never again…

    And yet in the last year…

    We’ve seen record levels of antisemitism…

    Right here in Britain…

    Hatred marching on our streets.

    The pulse of fear beating in this community.

    Children afraid to wear their school uniforms…

    Students targeted on university campuses…

    All again, because they are Jewish.

    We say never again…

    And yet right now online

    Our children are swamped with misinformation…

    Disinformation…

    As Karen touched on…

    Holocaust denial…

    Conspiracy theories…

    Contorted versions of history.

    Pure hatred and prejudice.

    So I say tonight: we will not shy away from this.

    We will not be silent…

    We will not look the other way…

    We will call out Antisemitism for what it is:

    …Hatred pure and simple.

    And we will fight this with everything that we have got.

    Just as I fought to bring my party back from the abyss of antisemitism, I promise you I will do the same in leading the country.

    .So yes, we will build that national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre

    And build it next to Parliament.

    Boldly, Proudly, Unapologetically.

    Not as a Jewish community initiative….

    But as a national initiative.

    A national statement of the truth of the Holocaust…

    And its place in our national consciousness.

    And a permanent reminder of where hatred and prejudice can lead.

    And yes, we will proudly support this remarkable charity…

    The Holocaust Educational Trust.

    You know, it was Gordon Brown…

    Who pioneered government funding of your world-leading programme…

    Lessons from Auschwitz.

    And over the last twenty years…

    Tens of thousands of students have had that life-changing opportunity…

    To visit Auschwitz in person – and to share their experience with their peers.

    The shoes, The hair, the suitcases, the train tracks, the gas chamber…

    … utterly, utterly horrific.

    But it’s a truth we have remember.

    I know there is there is nothing quite as powerful as seeing it for yourself.

    My wife Vic has been, I must go.

    So I will join the Holocaust Educational Trust…

    …for one of these visits.

    This government will continue funding Lessons from Auschwitz…

    And I can confirm that tonight we are providing at least

    £2.2 million next year to do that.

    But look, we cannot stop there.

    It’s too important.

    This was the first year that participation in Holocaust memorial day fell.

    We can’t sit back and accept that.

    We’ve got to be bolder and more defiant…

    …about the national importance of Holocaust education.

    As you will all know, the Holocaust is on the curriculum at Key Stage 3.

    And there is currently a review of our national curriculum.

    But tonight I am making two decisions in advance of that review.

    First, the Holocaust will remain on the curriculum come what may.

    And second, even schools who do not currently have to follow the national curriculum…

    Will have to teach the Holocaust when the new curriculum comes in.

    For the first time, studying the Holocaust….

    …will become a critical, vital part of every single student’s identity.

    And not just studying it…learning from it too.

    And above all, acting on its lessons.

    Because this is not just about rules and requirements.

    It’s also about the quality of that teaching.

    The support that schools and teachers have.

    And that’s where charities like this Trust come in.

    Tonight, you’re showcasing Testimony 360…we saw a glimpse a moment ago.

    It’s an incredible programme.

    If you’ve not done so, I urge you to see it.

    It uses advanced technologies to allow students…

    Not just to hear Manfred’s testimony…

    But to ask him questions.

    To interact with him.

    Now of course, it will never quite be the same…

    …as meeting a survivor in person.

    But what a way to preserve survivor testimony.

    And what a way to engage young people at such a critical moment.

    And I think this captures the essence…

    …of what we need to do right now.

    To extend the reach of Holocaust education…

    And to share the message of survivors like Manfred across the generations.

    So tonight, I want to set up a new national ambition…

    That as part of their education,

    Every student in the country should have the opportunity…

    To hear a recorded survivor testimony.

    And I want us to fulfil this ambition, in this precious period…

    While we have survivors and still able to help us get this right.

    As you all know, in the coming months…

    We’ll mark the 80th anniversaries…

    Of the liberation of Auschwitz in January…

    …and the British liberation of Bergen Belsen in April.

    And in August, the 80th anniversary of the arrival of 300 orphan survivors…

    Who were rehabilitated in Windermere…

    And went on to make extraordinary contributions to our country.

    As we mark each one….

    Let’s be even bolder and more ambitious than ever before…

    In sharing their message….

    And fighting this antisemitism, and all forms of hatred in our society.

    So together we can ensure that the message of Britain’s Holocaust survivors…

    Will echo eternally across the generations…

    And that the Holocaust is never forgotten, and never again repeated.

    And finally, one more thing…

    I know that we’re now approaching the Jewish New Year…

    So to each and every one of you…

    May I say…

    Shana Tova.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Junior doctors accept government pay deal [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Junior doctors accept government pay deal [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 September 2024.

    Devastating strikes come to an end as junior doctors accept pay offer by 66%.

    Junior doctors have accepted the government’s pay offer by 66%, after the most prolonged industrial dispute in the NHS’s history.

    Under the deal – which the Health Secretary agreed with BMA leadership within 3 weeks of coming into office – the government and junior doctors will work together to turn the health service around and resolve wider issues affecting the workforce, including training and rotational placements.

    As Lord Ara Darzi set out in his probe into the NHS, this government inherited a broken NHS which is in a critical condition. This is a sentiment shared by doctors, and has been seriously compounded by the impact of strikes.

    The deal comes days after the Prime Minister delivered a major speech on NHS reform, saying the government has a profound responsibility to do the hard work required to fix the NHS with long-term reform, and the NHS workforce will play an integral part in both designing and delivering the government’s 10-year health plan to deliver the necessary reform.

    The price of not settling the pay dispute has seen catastrophic impacts not just on the country’s economy – with NHS strikes costing the taxpayer almost £1.7 billion since April last year – but to patients and the nation’s health, with over 1.5 million appointments cancelled. Ending this chaos is a necessary first step in turning around the NHS.

    Doctors can now focus on treating their patients, and work with the government to recover and reform the NHS. The government has already taken action to remove red tape preventing general practices from hiring doctors – ensuring more than 1,000 newly qualified GPs can be recruited by the end of the year.

    NHS patients will have earlier access to new treatments and the UK will become the home of cutting-edge health research after the launch of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicine Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme last month – a joint public-private investment programme worth up to £400 million.

    The Darzi report has also been welcomed by NHS England and health organisations who have pledged to work closely with the government on its mission to rebuild the NHS.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary made reaching a deal his top priority on coming into office, and first spoke with the BMA’s junior doctors committee on his first day, ahead of the offer being agreed within weeks.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    We inherited a broken NHS, the most devastating dispute in the health service’s history, and negotiations hadn’t taken place with the previous ministers since March.

    Things should never have been allowed to get this bad. That’s why I made ending the strikes a priority, and we negotiated an end to them in just three weeks.

    I am pleased that our offer has been accepted, ending the strikes ahead of looming winter pressures on the NHS.

    This marks the necessary first step in our mission to cut waiting lists, reform the broken health service, and make it fit for the future.

    The cumulative impact of the uplifts mean a doctor starting foundation training in the NHS will see their basic pay increase to £36,600, compared to around £32,400 before the deal.

    Recognising how disruptive the system of rotations can be for junior doctors, their partners and families, the department will lead a review of the current system, with the intention of reforming the number and frequency of rotations.

    We will also be working with NHS England on a review of training numbers, both to address the training bottlenecks which already exist and the planned expansion of medical school places, to ensure patients have access to the junior doctors they need today, and the consultants and GPs they will need in the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK ministers visit Gulf to boost trade and investment [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK ministers visit Gulf to boost trade and investment [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 September 2024.

    • Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander choose the Gulf for first joint international visit since election
    • Trade deal with the Gulf part of Government drive to deliver economic growth
    • Ministers to showcase UK as exciting and innovative investment destination ahead of International Investment Summit next month

    UK Ministers are in the Gulf this week on a joint visit to boost trade and investment, one month out from the International Investment Summit.

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander will meet counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) today [Mon 16 September] in Riyadh to discuss how to grow the UK economy by boosting trade with the region.

    The GCC is made up of six countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UK’s trade relationship with the group is already worth £57 billion.

    Government announced in July it plans to deliver a high-quality trade deal with the bloc, along with other countries including India, Switzerland and South Korea.

    A GCC trade deal could boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion in the long run, while allowing UK companies to take advantage of this booming market and giving British consumers access to more high-quality goods and services. Ministers will emphasise to GCC leaders that securing the deal is a top priority for the UK.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “Economic growth is this government’s driving mission and boosting trade and investment with some of the world’s biggest economies is crucial to that.

    “I want to see a high-quality trade deal that supports jobs, helps UK companies sell their products to the region and increases choice for consumers – so it’s great to be here to discuss exactly that.”

    Ahead of the International Investment Summit on 14 October, the Trade Secretary and Minister will make clear that Britain is back as a prime investment destination. They will highlight the UK’s expertise as a world leader across a wide variety of industries including technology, life sciences, creative industries, financial services and renewable energy.

    The GCC has long been a valued investment partner for the UK, with a £19 billion strong investment relationship as of 2021. A new trade deal will boost that even further.

    Following his visit to Riyadh, Minister Alexander will travel onto Oman to meet counterparts, including the Minister of Commerce, and some of the UK businesses who are already enjoying great success in the country.

    Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander said:

    “We are excited about the opportunities this vibrant region has to offer UK business and consumers.

    “We want our trading partners in the Gulf and around the world to know that the UK is open for business and keen to negotiate trade deals that help businesses across sectors and all parts of the UK to prosper.”

    According to Oman’s official data, the UK accounts for more than half of the entire foreign direct investment in Oman creating jobs and opportunities on both sides.

    Oman is a valued investor in the UK in turn, signing major deals in areas like green energy with UK companies.

    British investment in the Gulf also supports thousands of jobs back in the UK. Across the Middle East and particularly in Saudi Arabia, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing British businesses with the resources they need to win contracts abroad.

    One example is Kiverco, a Northern Ireland-based family business which designs, manufactures and installs recycling plants globally. Through a £350,000 export insurance package from UKEF, they recently announced taking on multimillion pound contracts to export recycling machinery to Saudi Arabia, supporting over 100 UK jobs and the Saudi Vision 2040 goal of diverting 90% of waste away from landfills.

    Adam Gagen, Global Head of Government Affairs at Revolut, said:

    “We see the UK GCC FTA as a potential game changer for fintechs, enabling UK companies to expand into the fast-growing region whilst also making the UK the natural place for the innovative companies emerging across the Gulf to begin to go global.

    “The GCC and the UK are leading the way in a number of key areas – notably open banking, AI and blockchain – and an FTA can only serve to reinforce cooperation and supercharge growth.”

    Adam Sopher, Co-Founder & CEO for Joe & Seph’s said:

    “We see our recent £1m annual contract in the region as a game changer for Joe & Seph’s, a fast growing, family business which manufactures gourmet popcorn in a range of over 70 flavours.

    “This contract will enable us to expand into this fast-growing region while supporting over 70 UK-based jobs. Our collaboration with our International Trade Advisor and DBT support at GulFoods has been instrumental in this success.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK convenes global coalition to boost cyber skills and tackle growing threats [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK convenes global coalition to boost cyber skills and tackle growing threats [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 September 2024.

    Three days of talks begin with like-minded nations as the UK calls for a renewed focus on tackling global cyber threats and boosting cyber skills.

    • Three days of talks begin with like-minded nations as the UK calls for a renewed focus on tackling global cyber threats and boosting cyber skills
    • To plug skills gap, a new scheme will be launched to fund cyber training in England and Northern Ireland
    • Comes ahead of new laws to better protect the UK from cyber-attacks and follows decision to classify data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)

    The UK will convene leading nations including the US and EU for talks on how to tackle the growing threat of cyber-attacks, as new figures show nearly half of British businesses do not have the skills needed to protect against cyber-crime.

    Taking place at Wilton Park in West Sussex, the discussions come at a critical time following recent high-profile incidents – including the global IT outage, an attack impacting NHS service providers, and attempts to disrupt London’s transport network.

    Over the next three days countries including the EU member states, Canada, Japan and international organisations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will discuss how global cyber security workforces can be strengthened, from agreeing ways to boost cyber skills to developing new professional standards.

    To help this effort, the UK will commission a new report, with attendees set to agree key areas it should focus on. The recommendations are expected to be published by the end of the year and will advance international collaboration to improve cyber skills and face down cyber-crime.

    Taking more immediate action, the UK government is also launching a new scheme to deliver tailored support across regions of England and Northern Ireland. By tapping into local know how, the move will fund initiatives which will directly address the cyber skills needs of individual areas – whether it’s through apprenticeships or companies developing new forms of cyber security.

    It follows the government’s decision to designate data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) alongside energy and water systems, which will bolster the UK’s security and allow the government to support the sector in the event of critical incidents. Supporting UK cyber skills will also boost the £11.9 billion cyber security industry and help protect growth in the UK economy.

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:

    The UK needs a significant improvement in its cyber defences after the previous government failed to strengthen our cyber laws – we’re fixing that.

    Later this year, we’ll bring forward new measures to better protect the nation from cyber-crime and our new regional skills programme will support the next generation of cyber talent and innovators.

    But this is a shared challenge, which is why we’re bringing together global allies to discuss and agree steps to keep us safe online, improve cyber skills and protect our economy and public services.

    A total of £1.3 million is being made available for organisations such as universities, local councils and businesses to provide cyber skills training, and fund organisations developing new innovations in cyber defence across Northern Ireland and England. Delivered by Innovate UK, applications for the scheme open today and will see grants of up to £150,000 awarded to winning applicants by March 2025.

    Alongside this, the UK government has also launched a competition to find the best young cyber talent to represent the UK on the international stage.

    The event demonstrates the UK’s leadership in bringing likeminded countries together to discuss one of the biggest threats facing nations around the world today. It’s hoped it will firmly place cyber on the global agenda and become a regular fixture – with other nations expected to host going forward.

    To mark the opening, the UK has published the latest figures from its Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market Survey. The findings show that while the estimated annual shortfall for jobs in the UK’s cyber workforce has reduced – down from 11,200 last year to just 3,500 this year – 44% of UK businesses do not have the fundamental skills to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

    The figures highlight the need for further targeted action to ensure the UK’s cyber security workforce can continue to develop a rich pipeline of diverse talent to help keep the nation safe online in the years to come – which the new regional skills programme will help to address.

    To further bridge the global cyber skills gap, the UK is also teaming up with CREST International – a non-profit organisation representing standards in the global cyber security community – to launch the CREST Cyber Accelerated Maturity Programme (CAMP).

    This Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) sponsored scheme will provide mentoring to cyber service providers to develop their capabilities, experience and skills in line with CREST’s standards, and bolster training. Countries in Europe, Africa, South-East Asia, and the Middle East have been invited to join as founding partners.

    The UK government is taking swift action to address vulnerabilities and protect the nation’s digital economy to deliver growth, by bringing forward the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, ensure that critical infrastructure and the digital services that companies rely on are secure.

    Wilton Park CEO Tom Cargill said:

    Cyber security is becoming harder, but also ever more essential. That’s why it’s vital that we have a strong international framework of standards for cyber professionals.

    Wilton Park plays a discreet but critical role in supporting the skills & knowledge required to protect and advance global freedoms, both on & offline, so we’re delighted to be hosting this dialogue aimed at building an effective and internationalised cyber security profession.

    Notes to editors

    Countries and organisations in attendance

    • Australia (Australian Public Service Commission)
    • Canada (Canadian Centre for Cyber Security)
    • Government of Dubai (Dubai Electronic Security Center)
    • European Union (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity)
    • Ghana (Cyber Security Authority)
    • India (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology)
    • Italy (National Cybersecurity Agency)
    • Ireland (National Cyber Security Centre is a government computer security organisation in Ireland)
    • Japan (Embassy)
    • Oman (Advanced Cybersecurity Academy, Cyber Defense Centre)
    • Singapore (Cyber Security Agency of Singapore)
    • United States (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
    • Republic of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT)
    • African Union
    • United Kingdom (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Cyber Security Centre)

    Other organisations involved

    • BAE Systems
    • BT Security
    • CyberSafe Foundation
    • World Economic Forum (WEF)
    • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
    • Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE)
    • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
    • Protection Group International (PGI)
    • TechUK
    • UK Cyber Security Council

    Certification bodies

    • International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
    • Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
    • CREST
    • SANS
    • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
    • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

    Representatives from the academic community such as University of Manchester, Southampton and Oxford.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister visits West Africa to bolster partnerships for growth [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister visits West Africa to bolster partnerships for growth [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 September 2024.

    Minister for Africa Lord Collins of Highbury embarks on a week-long visit to Ghana and Senegal to bolster partnerships for growth.

    • UK support to boost growth, clean energy, food security and women’s empowerment announced as Minister for Africa Lord Collins begins week-long visit to West African regional powers, Ghana and Senegal
    • in Ghana, UK funds will help small businesses to access clean energy sources and in Senegal, the minister will lead a delegation of 40 companies to explore opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties
    • new funding will also improve access to reproductive health services for women and girls in Senegal

    Modern economic partnerships are high on the agenda as UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins for Highbury, embarks on a week-long visit to Ghana and Senegal to drive mutual growth and prosperity.

    In Senegal, Lord Collins will meet Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Leading a delegation of 40 companies, he will explore opportunities for increasing trade and investment between the UK and Senegal with a focus on partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial, sustainable growth.

    He will also highlight new UK Export Finance-backed investment in infrastructure worth hundreds of millions of pounds, and commit UK support for Senegal’s new industrial strategy.

    Visiting the Port of Dakar, Lord Collins will see first-hand how UK investment will support Senegalese and intra-African growth and trade and create jobs; and ride the UK-funded Dakar Bus Rapid Transit System, the first electric bus network in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Approximately £7.24 million of UK funding has also been announced to empower women and girls to have greater voice, choice and control over their reproductive health and rights in Senegal, through the new Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Dividend programme.

    Subject to contract, the programme will be delivered by MSI Senegal, alongside Senegalese and international partners, the programme is expected to prevent almost 400,000 unintended pregnancies, 92,000 unsafe abortions, and over 550 maternal deaths. It is also estimated to save approximately £24.3 million in direct healthcare costs that would otherwise be paid for by families or the healthcare system.

    Ahead of his visit, Lord Collins of Highbury said:

    The UK is reconnecting with the world. We are deepening our relationships with our African counterparts based on genuine respect, focusing on partnerships that deliver mutually beneficial and sustainable investment and growth.

    In Senegal, I’m leading a UK trade mission of 40 companies and announcing support to their flagship connectivity programme and their new industrial strategy. In Ghana, we’re unlocking access to a network of clean, green energy for small businesses through an innovative partnership with the private sector. These are the growth initiatives of the future.

    But a country cannot grow sustainably without empowering its women. That’s why I’m also announcing new funding to empower women and adolescents to have more freedom to control their bodies and their future and to contribute economically.

    Alain Christian Mbengue, MSI Senegal’s Country Director, said:

    I want to thank the UK government, not only for this important investment, but for their longstanding partnership and support.

    Through this funding we and our partners will be able to expand access to lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services that will support the Ministry of Health and Social Action to reach its ambitious targets and give women and girls from the poorest and most vulnerable communities the opportunity to follow their dreams and become our next generation of leaders.

    During his time in Ghana, Lord Collins will meet with the President Nana Akufo-Addo and political leaders ahead of the country’s election in December 2024. The minister will also meet with the World Food Programme (WFP) to understand more about how climate change is contributing to food insecurity, launching a £500,000 food fortification programme, alongside new funding of at least £1 million to support Ghanaian communities suffering from drought and crop deprivation.

    The UK, together with Shell Foundation, will also announce support for innovative energy firms Kofa and PASH Global to accelerate the green energy transition in Ghana. Backed by a commitment of £3.8 million, Kofa and PASH will help small businesses switch from petrol generators to sustainable batteries for powering appliances like refrigerators. The initiative also promotes the use of electric motorbikes, providing green energy solutions for everyday mobility.

    The project is part of the UK’s Transforming Energy Access programme which works with countries to provide sustainable energy for millions of people, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods.

    Background

    • during his visit to Senegal, Lord Collins will also launch the British Council’s English Connects programme for 2024 to 2025 to increase access to learning English in Senegalese secondary schools
    • subject to contract, MSI Senegal will lead a consortium, building on longstanding collaboration with international partners like IPAS, Options and Sightsavers. They will also bring in vital local knowledge and expertise from African organisations including RAES, Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) to improve women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services in Senegal, with a focus on reaching the poor, vulnerable and hard-to-reach, such as women living with disabilities
    • during his visit to Ghana, Lord Collins will launch a food fortification programme alongside new funding of at least £1 million to support Ghanaian communities suffering from drought and crop deprivation
    • he will also launch a new £1.9 million Sankore call for proposals to support research and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria. Sankore is part of the UK’s Africa Technology and Innovation Partnership (ATIP) Programme