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  • PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 April 2025.

    New entitlement will give thousands of eligible new parents each year with children in neonatal care a right to additional leave and pay.

    • New right to neonatal care leave and pay enters into force this weekend.
    • Parents of babies in neonatal care are entitled to an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay if eligible, on top of parental leave, as of tomorrow (6 April)
    • The Government is supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].

    Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we’re putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy.

    These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care.

    They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

    In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.

    We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we’re creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby.

    Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron said:

    No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.

    We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve.

    The new Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.

    These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

    The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

    Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

    Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things said:

    The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April).

    This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand – neonatal parents themselves.

    They know the journey doesn’t end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover – both physically and mentally.

    Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they’ll get it.

    Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said:

    At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.

    That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

    We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

    Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said:

    We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development.

    Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby’s side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under.

    We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families.

    Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said:

    Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth.

    At Virgin Media O2, we’re proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support.

    That’s why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.

    Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said:

    When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.

    Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.

    This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.”

    Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:

    Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.

    That’s why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks’ paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months’ paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.

    Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 April 2025.

    England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

    • Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
    • Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting

    England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.

    Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England.

    The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April).

    By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%.

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

    “This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change”

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said:

    “This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover.

    “The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.”

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    “This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.

    “We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

    Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks.  These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution.

    The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change.  This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and  sustainable housebuilding, and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund.

    The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

    Additional Information:

    • Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
    • The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
    • The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
    • The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
    • The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    • The UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response
    • This brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    The increase is the result of an additional £10million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5million.

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits. The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Notes to editors

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • An initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response;
    • £5m to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April;
    • A further £10m funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today.

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, gave these welcome remarks by video to the second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris.

    Good afternoon everyone, I’m sorry I can’t join you in person, but I am delighted to join my good friend, Minister Delegate Haddad, in participating virtually.

    And I’m hugely grateful to France for hosting this conference – testament to our strong friendship and commitment to global security, which we are demonstrating in so many ways at the present time.

    And I am glad that this is bringing together so many experts from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

    Your diverse perspectives are crucial in tackling a major challenge of our time – the proliferation and irresponsible use of cyber intrusion capabilities.

    In this dangerous era of contest and competition, cyber threats are testing our security and resolve on a daily basis.

    Of course, new technologies bring vast opportunities for security, prosperity, and democracy.

    Yet, they also make us more vulnerable to criminals, hackers, and reckless hostile states. And intrusive tools are becoming cheaper and more accessible.

    While these tools play a vital role in protecting our national and cyber security, they also bring significant challenges, as you all know.

    It is easier than ever for those who do not share our values to target human rights defenders, politicians, and journalists, among many others.

    We have also seen reckless attacks on our governments, our parliaments and critical infrastructure – from banks and power grids to hospitals and defence systems.

    And that’s why I’m so pleased you will be working together to address these threats and get the balance right.

    Since the first Pall Mall Process meeting last year, we’ve made real progress.

    So today, I’m proud to announce a major step forward – the formal launch of our new Code of Practice for governments.

    This bold package of commitments will help us to regulate the market, mitigating against harms that hacking tools can cause.

    And this will be good for us as States – making it easier to protect national security while ensuring a stable cyberspace.

    And it will be good for the industry too. By providing a clear view of what responsible activity looks like, we can make it easier for legitimate companies to operate in the right way.

    But this commitment must translate into action.

    Over the coming days, we must focus on how to put these measures into practice, track progress, and hold ourselves accountable.

    This is how we can protect our citizens and ensure that cyberspace remains free, open, peaceful, and secure.

    I wish you all the best for your discussions and I very much look forward to hearing the outcomes.

    Merci beaucoup, thank you very much.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2025 Speech at the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

    Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2025 Speech at the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

    The speech made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office Minister, on 17 March 2025.

    It really is a pleasure to be here with you all today.

    But I do want to just begin, by joining Maros in wishing all our Irish friends a very happy St Patricks Day.

    I’d also like to thank the Assembly…

    …especially the Chairs, Sandro and Marsha…

    …for giving Maros and I this opportunity to speak to you all today.

    And it is that idea of opportunity that I want to talk about…

    …because we have a chance to strengthen the strategic alliance between the UK and the EU…

    …and I want to talk about how – by being ruthlessly pragmatic – we can harness this opportunity, for the benefit of the people that we are all elected to serve.

    Now this is the very first meeting of the reconstituted Assembly…

    … and I know that you are welcoming members, both new and old.

    Since this Government came into power, we have worked tirelessly to change the UK’s approach.

    In the recent past, we have been too focused on what divides us…

    …and it’s those differences that have too often defined the agenda.

    But I believe these groups and these meetings must be used for our collective good.

    This Assembly was set up under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement…

    …to ensure the voices of parliamentarians – and, in turn, our citizens – can be heard.

    You’re all serving the interests of the people who voted for you…

    …and we must use every opportunity available to us to build trust…

    …and improve cooperation.

    And all of you here today – through your membership in the Assembly – are essential to that work.

    Now, I have already met members of both delegations – and I am committed to maintaining that engagement.

    The UK and EU’s future will be defined by how we both tackle our shared challenges together.

    We are living through a period of generational challenge…

    …and I know as political leaders – we all feel the scale of this moment.

    War in Ukraine…

    …people smuggled in treacherous conditions by treacherous criminals…

    …the price of energy and the cost of inflation…

    …achieving growth and prosperity to boost living standards for our citizens…

    …all of these challenges are exacerbated by a mindset of division.

    They are problems across our continent…

    …and they require a coordinated response.

    Just look at the actions of our Prime Minister this year.

    He was delighted to be a part of the European Leaders retreat last month…

    …where he made the case for greater cooperation between the EU and the UK.

    On 2 March, he hosted European leaders, as well as the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the EU Commission, EU Council and indeed welcomed Canada…

    …for a summit focused on Ukraine.

    The importance of these meetings cannot be overstated.

    They are emblematic of how seriously this Government takes European security.

    And there is no greater imperative to this than supporting Ukraine.

    In the face of Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion, we must be resilient.

    It is why we recently announced an increase in UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.

    We are stepping up, and we know that the EU is stepping up, too.

    It was heartening to see – on the anniversary of the invasion – that the EU reaffirmed its unwavering support.

    And at the European Council meeting earlier this month, where EU leaders agreed a significant increase in defence spending.

    I know that, together, we are determined to help Ukraine prevail…

    …and rebuild.

    We must keep pushing – together – to find new ways to achieve this.

    At a time of such intense global change, I believe it is vital to recognise what unites the UK and the EU…

    …and understand how our mutual priorities can be realised through teamwork.

    We saw that in action this January…

    …where, on the same day, the UK Chancellor and the President of the European Commission gave speeches about the challenges facing them.

    Both spoke about their desire for growth…

    …both spoke about how their potential had been held back…

    …and both spoke too about the importance of trade openness.

    In fact, both our Prime Minister’s ‘Plan for Change’ and the President’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’ focused on the same priorities…

    …like reducing red tape, improving skills and a more resilient economy.

    The UK government was elected on a mandate to increase our security, keep our citizens safe and to encourage growth.

    Europe is a crucial partner in these priorities…

    …and, indeed, Europe shares those concerns.

    That is why we are living up to the obligations we have in existing Agreements and Frameworks…

    …that is how trust is earned.

    No more threats to break international law in ‘limited and specific ways’…

    …and no more undermining of the ECHR.

    So we are respectful of the TCA and the Windsor Framework…

    …and we want to build on that structure to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

    The Prime Minister has tasked me with leading these discussions with Maros…

    …supported by our new EU Sherpa Micheal Ellam.

    And I want to thank Maros – not only for the way he has been so constructive in his relationship with me…

    …but for the many years – and no doubt late nights – that he has dedicated to the EU – UK relationship…

    …but also the pragmatism he is known and respected for.

    And in our discussions I have always been clear about our desire to strengthen our alliance – and I focus on the three priorities I mentioned…

    …on security, safety and prosperity…

    …where I believe there is much benefit to be gained.

    And it’s these priorities I would like to focus on.

    First, security.

    Now, I’ve already spoken about how seriously we’re taking this…

    …and I know that it is a topic you will be discussing later today.

    But it bears repeating: to keep Europe secure, we need to support allies like Ukraine…

    …and work with NATO on security and defence.

    As the Prime Minister said in the UK Parliament recently, we have:

    “A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.”

    So, we are seeking a broad UK-EU cooperation on security and defence matters…

    …and we’re ready to negotiate a Security and Defence Partnership.

    This has been central to the Prime Minister’s approach with European leaders.

    When he visited the informal European Leaders’ Summit, he discussed what this partnership could include…

    …and what it could address.

    He suggested a focus on R&D…

    …improved military mobility across Europe …

    …greater co-operation on missions and operations…

    …and building on our industrial collaboration.

    Building on that commitment, let me turn to the next pillar: safety.

    I am clear that if we want to protect our respective borders…

    …and keep our citizens safe…

    …then we need to work together.

    The criminals that we all try and combat pay no respect to our borders…

    …whether they’re taking part in the vile global trade in human trafficking…

    …or planning a terrorist attack to push their agenda and terrify our citizens.

    These challenges plague us all…

    …and I believe that it is only through greater cooperation that we can remain safe.

    It’s why we have already increased the UK’s presence at Europol…

    …but I believe we should be going further.

    We need to think of new ways to coordinate our security…

    …and ensure we have the intelligence and skills to combat cross-Europe criminal enterprises.

    And finally, prosperity.

    The European Union is the UK’s biggest trading partner…

    …with trade totalling over £800bn in 2023.

    And while that figure is still impressive, we know it is not as good as it could be.

    A study published last year by Aston University Business School showed that, compared to a counterfactual scenario without Brexit, between 2021 and 2023, the goods EU businesses export to the UK were down by 32%…

    …while UK goods exports to the EU were down by 27%.

    What I’m hearing from businesses that I speak to is that this drop is down to them facing more barriers and more costs.

    They’re frustrated, and I can understand why.

    As ‘Businesseurope’ set out in a report this Autumn, and I quote: “There remain many unnecessary barriers to trade and investment. Following the elections of new governments in the EU and UK, there is a clear opportunity to upgrade the relationship to deliver for businesses and citizens.”

    And that is why we want to build on the structures we have – the TCA and the Windsor Framework…

    …to tear down trade barriers and make Brexit work better for the British and European people.

    We have already said that we will seek to negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement…

    …to help boost trade…

    and deliver benefits to businesses and consumers in both the UK and the EU.

    Now, all these issues have been at the forefront of our Government’s discussions with the EU.

    In fact, since the UK election, there have been over 70 direct engagements between UK ministers and their EU Counterparts.

    We have agreed to hold regular UK-EU Summits…

    …with the very first one, as Maros has said, being hosted in London on 19th May…

    …which will be a great opportunity to strengthen this work further.

    But ultimately, this is all about building trust…

    …and this Government wants to keep its word…

    …and become a trusted and stable partner.

    Our discussions continue on the full implementation of the TCA and the Withdrawal Agreement …

    …with almost all of our Specialised Committees meeting last year…

    …and there are plans in place to meet again in the coming months.

    The co-chairs continually update each other on their progress…

    …whilst monitoring and reporting on their passage to full and faithful implementation.

    We fully believe in these structures…

    …but we also fully believe in the opportunities to improve the status quo.

    So, ladies and gentlemen, the time for ideologies is over.

    The time for ruthless pragmatism is now.

    And it is the only way we can seek a closer, more cooperative relationship.

    After all, a stronger UK-EU relationship means a stronger Europe.

    This Assembly will be a vital part of that journey…

    …where that mutual interest will be demonstrated and discussed.

    I also know that many of you have deep expertise, insights and passion for this agenda…

    … and I am sure that this forum will be a fantastic way to bring these to bear.

    I want to thank you for the time you have given me to discuss my work. To say how much that I am looking forward together.

    This forum, this Assembly is such an important part of hat shared future and what a pleasure it is to discuss this with you today.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados to Downing Street this morning.

    The leaders reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Barbados, and the shared challenges faced by the two countries, including growth, climate change and global instability.

    The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Mottley for the action taken by Barbados against the Russian shadow fleet.

  • NEWS STORY : John Marshall Appointed UK Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and Togo

    NEWS STORY : John Marshall Appointed UK Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire and Togo

    STORY

    ​The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of Mr. John Marshall as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo. He will succeed Ms. Catherine Brooker, who is transitioning to another Diplomatic Service role. Mr. Marshall is set to assume his new position in June 2025.

    Mr. Marshall brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role. Since 2023, he has served as the UK’s Ambassador to Guinea. Prior to that, he held ambassadorial positions in Luxembourg from 2016 to 2021 and in Senegal from 2011 to 2015, where he was also the non-resident Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde. His earlier career includes assignments in Brussels, Addis Ababa, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo, focusing on political, economic and public diplomacy. In his upcoming role, Mr. Marshall will be responsible for representing the UK in Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, aiming to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster collaboration on mutual interests.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Mr John Marshall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo in succession to Ms Catherine Brooker who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Marshall will take up his appointment during June 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: John Marshall

    Year Role
    2023 to present Guinea, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2021 to 2022 Brussels, Temporary Assignment
    2016 to 2021 Luxembourg, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2011 to 2015 Dakar, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Senegal and Her Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde
    2007 to 2011 Addis Ababa, Deputy Head of Mission
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Deputy Head, Sustainable Development and Commonwealth Group
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Head, Caribbean Team
    2000 to 2003 Kuala Lumpur, Head of Political, Economic and Public Diplomacy
    1997 to 1999 FCO, Head of Political Section, United Nations Department
    1995 to 1997 FCO, Head of India, Nepal and Bhutan Section, South Asian Department
    1992 to 1995 Tokyo, 2nd Secretary Economic/Political
    1988 Joined Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Ambassador Holland says the UK is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  We are closely monitoring the situation in Türkiye. This is an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process, and the UK expects Türkiye to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including swift and transparent judicial processes.

    We have raised recent events with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan to raise the UK’s concern.

    The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world and will always support the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom.

  • PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 4 April 2025.

    Liz Kendall visits Barnsley to unveil first of nine ‘trailblazers’ which will get people back to health and back to work, supported by £18m of £125m investment.

    • First trailblazer programme to tackle inactivity and boost employment launches in South Yorkshire.
    • In the first year, South Yorkshire will work with over 7,800 people and aim to help up to 3,000 people into jobs or to stay in jobs.
    • Trailblazers at heart of wider efforts to Get Britain Working and boost economic growth under the Plan for Change.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled the first of nine trailblazer programmes in Barnsley to get Britain back to health and back to work, nine months on from her landmark speech on employment reforms in the same town.

    South Yorkshire is one of nine £125 million backed ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch, with the aim of helping areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity as part of the wider Plan for Change.

    Backed by £18 million, South Yorkshire plans a dedicated new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions, and a new “triage” system to make it quicker and easier to connect people to employment, health, and skills support.

    This work will include preventing people falling out of work completely due to ill health through an NHS programme, working with people with conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. This could include arranging voluntary work as a stepping stone to paid employment or helping people receive the right treatment early so they can remain in a job. Similar NHS programmes have also kicked off this week in the North East and West Yorkshire.

    South Yorkshire has already had success in tailoring support to meet the needs of local people, including:

    • Gerald who spent years working in the coal mining industry. With the help of South Yorkshire, he’s developing his digital skills and first aid abilities so he can continue to share his knowledge with others through volunteering.
    • Ruby who has a learning and physical disability. She was told she would never walk or work, but South Yorkshire worked with local employer Barnsley Norse, who provide cleaning and caretaking services, to create a bespoke role with amended duties, including shorter shifts so she could build stamina and confidence.
    • John, who has improved his prospects through engagement with South Yorkshire, working towards a qualification in English and Maths. He is volunteering with Barnsley Museums and now has paid employment with Age UK, and two relief positions with the Museums service.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said:

    For too long, whole areas of the UK have been written off and deprived of investment. We are turning the tide on this – as we believe in the potential of every single person across our country and that they deserve to benefit from the security and dignity that good work affords.

    This is why we’re investing £125 million into nine local areas to get Britain back to health and back to work – with our new approach making it quicker and easier for people to access the support they need to stay in work if they have a health condition or return to work.

    South Yorkshire is the first to kick off their innovative plans – backed by £18 million – and we will be launching more areas in the coming weeks as we put more money in people’s pockets, boost living standards and Get Britain Working under our Plan for Change.

    South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:

    We know that South Yorkshire’s industrial past has left a legacy of poor health and low skills that holds people back right across our communities; holding people back from accessing good work, making the most of their potential or living their fullest lives.

    That’s why we developed the pioneering Pathways to Work approach here in Barnsley, and why we’re now working with the Government to roll that programme out across the whole of South Yorkshire. From today people will receive tailored support, bringing together the health system, the skills and employment system, to truly help people back into decent work.

    I’m really pleased that South Yorkshire is now leading with the first inactivity trailblazer and NHS growth accelerator to launch in the UK, because it means we can help people more quickly and more effectively, and in a more tailored way. That’s not just the right thing to do for those people locked out of finding good work, it’s the right thing for our economy too, helping us to create the bigger and better economy we need and deserve here in our region.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP added:

    Poor health is holding back too many people across the country, keeping them languishing on waiting lists when they could be getting back to their jobs and lives. Innovative services like these are critical to tackling economic inactivity.

    This support will get people working again, which is vital because we know being in work leads to better overall heath and helps grow the economy.

    Though the Plan for Change we will make people healthier, reduce pressure on the NHS, all while helping them into fulfilling and rewarding careers.

    The trailblazer programmes, which have been designed largely by civil servants based in Sheffield working with Mayoral Combined Authorities, are part of the Government’s wider efforts to reach an 80 per cent employment rate, which includes a record £1 billion investment in helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who can work into work and an overhaul of Jobcentres to make sure they meet the needs of employers.

    Through their new initiatives, South Yorkshire aims to reduce inactivity from 25.5% in 2023 to under 20% by the end of 2029 – equivalent to helping 40,000 people across the area. Their trailblazer has been shaped by Barnsley’s Pathways to Work Commission – a landmark report that heard directly from local residents who have experienced barriers to accessing work.

    Once a crucible of the industrial revolution from steelmaking to coal mining, South Yorkshire has felt the full brunt of the industrial slump – and denied the investment and opportunity to thrive, with many people suffering from long-term health conditions.

    This new funding will help unlock the potential of the hardworking people across the region and help them get back to health and back to work. This is central to the government’s drive to deliver growth across the region – and will work alongside the 10-year Sheffield Growth Plan.

    South Yorkshire marks one of nine inactivity trailblazers going live across England and Wales. In the coming weeks, similar schemes will launch in: Greater Manchester, North East, York and North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Wales; and three in London (West London, South London and Local London).

    In addition, eight youth trailblazer areas will also be set up across mayoral authorities in England with £45 million funding in the coming weeks, to ensure all 18–21-year-olds have access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

    The government has published local Get Britain Working Plan guidance for Local Government and stakeholders across England to develop a coordinated approach to supporting people into and remaining in good work.

    As part of a drive to show transparency and track delivery, the Government is also publishing Get Britain Working outcome metrics, based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data.

    Further Information

    • With 230,000 economically inactive people in South Yorkshire, £10 million of the investment will go towards helping people who have been inactive for less than two years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, in Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham.
    • The remaining £8 million will fund the NHS Accelerator programme. This is the first time that the NHS in England will have responsibility for work as well as health outcomes, with similar schemes rolling out in West Yorkshire and the North East. They will also improve access to Talking Therapies, which provides treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy to adults.
    • Both programmes aim to work with a total of 7,800 people and help up to 3,000 of those into jobs or to stay in work in the first year.
    • Sheffield’s Growth Plan is a 10-year plan to grow the economy, giving local people higher living standards and more opportunities. The South Yorkshire inactivity trailblazer represents that this government is focusing investment on places still experiencing the consequences of the past.
    • The nine 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.
    • The Get Britain Working metrics have been published: Get Britain Working outcomes – GOV.UK
    • The measures have been built based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data and segment out health related inactivity, regional variations in employment rates and the disability employment rate gap.
    • The local Get Britain Working Plan guidance has been published: Guidance for Developing local Get Britain Working plans (England) – GOV.UK
    • The guidance will ensure all areas are working towards the government’s 80% employment ambition.
    • The eight youth trailblazers will be in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London
    • 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 funding announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper is UK wide, the share of funding for devolved Governments will be calculated in the usual way.
    • 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.
    • The announcement of the first inactivity trailblazer comes as the Government and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) invests £7.4 million in four research projects across the UK to help reduce health-related economic inactivity.