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Tag: 2022

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major broadband rollout for Cumbria begins as part of £100 million plan to connect thousands of rural premises [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major broadband rollout for Cumbria begins as part of £100 million plan to connect thousands of rural premises [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 30 November 2022.

    Work has started to connect tens of thousands of people living and working in rural Cumbria to lightning-fast broadband thanks to more than £100 million of government investment.

    • Around 60,000 rural premises to benefit from lightning-fast broadband following £108 million government contract award, delivered by Fibrus
    • Will benefit hard-to-reach homes and businesses across the county, from Grasmere to Gilsland and Buttermere to Beckermet
    • Satellite broadband trial launched in the Lake District under plans to connect highly remote areas

    Work has started to connect tens of thousands of people living and working in rural Cumbria to lightning-fast broadband thanks to more than £100 million of government investment.

    Around 60,000 premises in the county will be connected to the fastest broadband on the market after Belfast-based supplier Fibrus signed the biggest contract yet under the government’s Project Gigabit programme.

    Project Gigabit is the biggest broadband roll out in British history, backed with £5 billion to deliver faster connections to hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise have missed out.

    Installation work is already underway in the region, with the first gigabit connections expected by the spring.

    Gigabit-capable networks are fast and fit for the future, allowing users to work, stream and scroll online without the battle for bandwidth or disruption often experienced with ageing networks.

    In a huge boost for jobs and skills for Cumbria, Fibrus has committed to creating at least 90 apprenticeships following the government investment. These will cover a range of roles, from underground and overhead cabling to surveying, and Fibrus has also committed to establish an apprentice training academy at Newton Rigg near Penrith.

    It comes as the government brings broadband delivered via satellite for the first time to the Lake District, which will see a mountain rescue base in Wasdale Head connected to faster, more reliable connections than currently available due to its highly remote location. The project is part of a wider trial announced today to test the reliability of satellite technology to bring high-speed connections to the most hard-to-reach parts of the UK.

    Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), said:

    We’re steaming ahead with our plan to level up internet speeds across Cumbria, which will see the biggest investment to date from the government’s Project Gigabit – the biggest broadband roll out in British history.

    Tens of thousands of rural homes and businesses will be able to plug into faster connections in the new network, allowing Cumbrian communities to take full advantage of the endless benefits lightning-fast broadband has to offer.

    Dominic Kearns, CEO of Fibrus, said:

    Fibrus considers it a privilege to deliver a transformative project for Cumbria which will change the lives of people living in rural and regional areas. Fibrus is committed to supporting local communities, ensuring any work undertaken in our name supports apprenticeships and allows more people to reap the benefits of full fibre.

    This win helps us further our mission and commitment to bring fast, reliable and affordable broadband to all.

    In a further broadband boost for rural areas in Cumbria and the rest of the UK, the government will triple the value of vouchers available under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.

    From early next year, eligible homes and businesses will be able to apply for up to £4,500 to cover the costs of a gigabit-capable connection, up from £1,500 for homes and £3,500 for businesses previously, which will enable broadband providers to reach further into rural areas where the build costs are higher.

    While the vast majority of rural premises in Cumbria are now in line for a gigabit broadband upgrade, the boost to vouchers is designed to help suppliers reach more premises outside the scope of the Project Gigabit contract or suppliers’ commercial build plans.

    Today’s announcement follows millions of pounds worth of contracts signed in Northumberland and Teesdale recently, boosting broadband to level up the north of England.

    More than 72% of the UK can access gigabit connections – such as full fibre – thanks to the government’s plan to drive investment in rollout and bust the barriers holding back the industry from doing so at full pace.

    The investment will also directly support small businesses in rural areas across the county, just in time for Small Business Saturday, which shines a light on the 5.5 million small businesses registered in the UK.

    David Southward MBE, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Digital Champion, said:

    Improved digital infrastructure remains a top priority given the significant economic and social benefits for Cumbria and I am delighted that Cumbria will be in the vanguard for investment under Project Gigabit.

    I am especially glad to see the Newton Rigg College site again being used for training professionals who will be part of delivering this investment in our region.

    Access to fast, reliable internet connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a basic necessity for residents, local businesses and the delivery of public services. The importance of resilient connectivity has been further highlighted by last winter’s storms and the coronavirus pandemic. This £108m investment will help people and businesses access faster internet which will in turn allow them to flourish in a modern, global job market and unlock the economic potential of the region.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Winners unveiled for the 2022 National Apprenticeship Awards [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Winners unveiled for the 2022 National Apprenticeship Awards [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 30 November 2022.

    • Talented apprentices from across the country awarded for championing apprenticeships
    • Employers of all sizes recognised for demonstrating best practise and inspiring other businesses to get involved
    • Apprenticeships are a vital part of the government’s ambitious skills agenda, levelling up opportunities across the country

    The 19th National Apprenticeship Awards were held in London last night (Wednesday 30th November) celebrating the outstanding apprentices and employers who are at the heart of the government’s mission to boost skills and extend the ladder of opportunity to all.

    Exceptional apprentices working in a range of sectors including digital, hospitality, manufacturing and engineering were recognised for their fantastic work helping and inspiring others to embark on their own apprenticeship journey.

    Umayr Tanveer, a Software Engineering Apprentice at BT, was presented with this year’s Special Recognition Award for his work promoting apprenticeships to school leavers from BAME and disadvantaged backgrounds, sending an inspiring message to all young people that they can excel on an apprenticeship whatever their background.

    Other apprentices recognised include Thomas Bartlett from the West Midlands who was awarded the Rising Star Award. Thomas is completing a Senior Leader apprenticeship with an integrated master’s degree through Crosby Management Training and has risen from an HR apprentice to a Chief Operating Officer in just five years and now leads his own team of three apprentices.

    Meanwhile, Kimmy Kimani Hobbs, who completed a Business Administration apprenticeship was awarded the Apprenticeship Champion Award. Kimmy now works at Milton Keynes College where she continues to advocate for apprenticeships among BAME communities.

    Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

    Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists from this year’s National Apprenticeship Awards.  I’m passionate about apprenticeships and the benefits they bring to individuals, businesses and communities up and down the country. These outstanding apprentices and their employers are leading the way, demonstrating just how rewarding apprenticeships can be.

    Apprenticeships are an essential rung on the ladder of opportunity, offering people of all ages and backgrounds, the chance to earn while they learn the skills they need to build successful careers while delivering the workforce employers need to flourish.

    Employers of all sizes were honoured for their commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeships, helping their apprentices reach their potential, and taking full advantage of the wealth of benefits apprentices offer to their business, including boosted productivity and employee retention.

    KMF Group Limited won Large Employer of the Year and the BBC won Macro Employer of the Year for their work delivering high-quality apprenticeships. Ahead of Small Business Saturday on 3rd December, smaller businesses were also celebrated with Troup Bywaters & Anders being awarded Small Employer of the Year.

    The awards ceremony was hosted by journalist and TV presenter, Steph McGovern, who started her own career as an apprentice engineer at Black & Decker in Middlesborough. Steph’s success demonstrates the variety of exciting career paths a technical education can open up and serves as an inspiration for current and future apprentices from all walks of life.

  • Stewart Hosie – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    Stewart Hosie – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    The speech made by Stewart Hosie, the SNP MP for Dundee East, in the House of Commons on 30 November 2022.

    When the Government published their policy paper on revisions to the ministerial code on 27 May, it said that there would be “an enhanced process” for the initiation of investigations under the ministerial code, that the independent adviser could initiate his or her own investigations, that there would be a more specific reference to the adviser in the ministerial code, and that there would be a duty on Ministers to provide all the information necessary to allow the adviser to discharge his or her duties. However, it turns out that the Prime Minister is not offering potential candidates any enhanced powers, meaning that advisers will not be able to launch their own investigations, and that confirms the blocking of the expansion of powers by his predecessor. So it is a simple question: why are the Government reneging on their own policy statement of May this year, making it more difficult to appoint an independent adviser?

    Alex Burghart

    I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave a few moments ago. He seems terribly well informed, but he seems to have stopped short of reading Lord Geidt’s response to the changes in the terms of reference, where he said that

    “this would be a workable scheme”.

  • Alex Burghart – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    Alex Burghart – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    The speech made by Alex Burghart, the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, in the House of Commons on 30 November 2022.

    The Government welcome the opportunity to stress again the importance of the role of the independent adviser and this Government’s commitment to it. The Prime Minister has been very clear that the appointment of a new independent adviser is a priority and that the appointment process is under way. Hon. Members will understand that an appointment of this nature is significant and has to be done well. Much as hon. Members might wish me to, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on specifics of what is an ongoing appointments process. Let me assure hon. Members: the adjudication of issues of ministerial conduct does not stop because the independent adviser is not yet in post. Conduct matters and conduct issues will be dealt with quickly and appropriately, irrespective of that appointment process.

    That is what hon. Members will have seen with regard to complaints made against the Deputy Prime Minister. On receipt of formal complaints by the Cabinet Office, the Prime Minister requested that an independent investigation be conducted by an individual from outside Government, and Adam Tolley KC has been appointed to conduct the investigation. The terms of reference have now been published. The process is under way, and Mr Tolley will provide his report to the PM in due course. It is right that these matters are investigated fully, but it would not be right to comment further on them when that process is ongoing.

    I would also like to reassure hon. Members that the process of managing the interests of Ministers continues in the absence of an independent adviser. The permanent secretary, as the policy expert on each Department’s remit, leads the process in their Department in the absence of an independent adviser. The Cabinet Office is able to provide advice in line with precedent. All relevant interests are declared by Ministers upon taking office and are kept up to date at all times. The publication of the list of Ministers’ interests is the end point of the ministerial interests process, and it takes place at regular intervals to make the public aware of the relevant interests of Ministers.

    I will end by reiterating that as soon as there is an update on the process to appoint an independent adviser on Ministers’ interests, the Government will update the House.

  • Angela Rayner – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    Angela Rayner – 2022 Speech on Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests

    The speech made by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, in the House of Commons on 30 November 2022.

    Thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this urgent question.

    How many times have I heard, “Soon; jam tomorrow; mañana, mañana”? We need the Prime Minister, who promised to appoint an independent ethics adviser as one of his first acts, to actually deal with this issue. Yet despite Ministers being accused of bullying and intimidation, or being reappointed despite security breaches, there is still no adviser. It is clear that ethics and integrity are not a priority for the Government, despite the Prime Minister’s words.

    We are told that recruitment is under way, but apparently no one will accept this poisoned chalice. So can the Minister tell us how many candidates have been approached and how many have refused the job? Will the Prime Minister follow his disgraced predecessors by denying the so-called independent adviser the power to launch their own investigations? Or does he have no plan to restore standards? Will he just preserve the rotten regime that he inherited?

    What on earth is the system in the meantime? Who will investigate the allegations of Islamophobia made by one serving Minister against another? The Minister mentioned the Deputy Prime Minister, who had to demand an investigation into himself because the Prime Minister was too weak to do so. How many formal complaints have now been made? The Minister mentions Adam Tolley. Why is he not allowed to proactively investigate the so-called informal complaints? Will he investigate allegations made by the former permanent secretary? And who will finally get to the bottom of the dangerous use of private emails by Ministers?

    No. 10 said in reference to the Home Secretary that it could not investigate breaches under previous Administrations. But that is what is happening now with the Deputy Prime Minister, so why not? Why now is there an excuse for refusing to investigate the Home Secretary’s breach? Will the Prime Minister appoint a truly independent watchdog?

    Alex Burghart

    It is wonderful to hear the right hon. Lady’s interest in this matter today. As it happens, we had a debate on this very issue in Westminster Hall yesterday. The House will be shocked to hear—

    Mr Speaker

    Order. I am here, Minister, not over there—and I hate to say it, but there is nobody even standing on that side.

    Alex Burghart

    Thank you for the reminder, Mr Speaker.

    The House will be shocked to hear that the right hon. Lady was not present at that Westminster Hall debate—[Interruption.] Because it was about the ministerial code, which is the subject of the urgent question. The right hon. Lady and her hon. Friends did not bother to show up, and they missed the opportunity to hear the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) speak very pertinently on this subject. Not only was the right hon. Lady not there, but her Front-Bench colleagues did not turn up to ask questions, either.

    The right hon. Lady refers to rumours in the press, but let us look at the facts. The Prime Minister has been in office for 31 days. On his first day, he said he would make an appointment. He has made repeated assurances in this place and other places, as have members of the Cabinet, and that has continued in yesterday’s debate, at Prime Minister’s questions and for this urgent question.

    The right hon. Lady talks about the powers of the independent adviser, but I remind her that in May this year, Lord Geidt said that we had come up with “a workable scheme”. I have to say that it is starting to sound very much like the Opposition cannot take yes for an answer. We are going to have an independent adviser who will have the powers they need. They are going to be appointed very soon.

  • Marsha De Cordova – 2022 Speech on the National Eye Health Strategy

    Marsha De Cordova – 2022 Speech on the National Eye Health Strategy

    The speech made by Marsha De Cordova, the Labour MP for Battersea, in the House of Commons on 29 November 2022.

    I beg to move,

    That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish a national eye health strategy for England; and to require that strategy to include measures for improving eye health outcomes, for reducing waiting times for eye health care, for improving patient experiences of eye health care, for ensuring that providers of eye health care work together in an efficient way, for increasing the capacity and skills of the eye health care workforce, and for making more effective use of research and innovation in eye health care.

    The Bill would ensure that regardless of where one lives, everyone can access the right care where and when they need it, eliminating the postcode lottery and addressing the inequalities in access to eye care services. An estimated 2 million people are living with sight loss in the UK. We rely on our eyes every day, yet we do not give much thought to our eye health until our vision changes.

    A report earlier this summer showed that 17.5 million adults in the UK had not had an eye test in the past two years, as recommended. Anyone can be impacted by sight loss, and Members from across the House will have hundreds of constituents affected. Fifty per cent. of all sight loss is avoidable and 250 people begin to lose their sight every day, with a shocking 21 people a week losing their sight due to a preventable cause.

    Eye care services in England are under intense pressure due to huge backlogs as a result of the pandemic, demand from an ageing population and low recruitment and retention of all groups of the ophthalmology clinical workforce. More than 650,000 people are on the waiting list in England, of whom 37% have been waiting for over 18 weeks and over 4% have been waiting for more than a year—that is, 26,000 people who have been waiting for more than 12 months to see a specialist.

    Ophthalmology has been the busiest NHS out-patient clinic for the past three years. Delays to diagnosis and treatment can lead to a complete loss of sight. For example, patients with age-related macular degeneration can experience rapid and sometimes complete central vision loss within weeks if not treated. As well as the social and emotional impact of sight loss, there is a huge economic cost to the UK economy, which is estimated to be £36 billion annually.

    To respond to the crisis in eye health, the Government can commit to implementing a national eye health strategy for England that would include measures to improve eye health outcomes, reduce waiting times, improve patient experiences, increase the capacity and skills of the workforce and make more effective use of data, research and innovation.

    In the first instance, the Government could seek to appoint a single Minister with responsibility for eye health rather than having the current situation where multiple Ministers are responsible.

    The strategy should include the following areas. First, there should be an eye health and sight loss pathway to require care and support for those with sight loss, focusing on the provision of non-clinical community support to complement the work of community optometrists, ophthalmologists in hospitals and rehab officers. The pathway must focus on the physical and emotional impacts of being diagnosed with sight loss, as research has shown that people affected are likely to experience poor mental health lifetime outcomes such as depression and anxiety. It should not only address geographical eye health inequalities, but ensure more equity of access to eye care among communities and populations more at risk of being unable to access NHS sight tests, including people who are homeless and people with a learning disability.

    The second area is to improve connections between primary and secondary care, with an emphasis on integrated care systems and on improving the relationships and collaboration across the two services so that they can work more effectively together while ensuring timely and accurate referrals. That would significantly improve patient experiences and health outcomes.

    The third area is workforce expansion. Limited capacity is a particular concern in eye care because there is a significant shortage of eye doctors. Back in 2018, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists revealed that 434 additional specialist posts were required to meet demand, and we know that the situation is now even worse. The World Health Organisation’s Workforce 2030 plan recognises the fundamental role of the workforce in improving health outcomes. A national strategy for eye health must address that issue, placing emphasis on the recruitment, training and upskilling of medical and non-medical eye health professionals.

    The fourth area is health intelligence and data. Meaningful action starts with good-quality data, but for too long population data has not been used effectively to pinpoint the location of need and places where opportunities for change can be found. A strategy should involve focusing on robust data collection to inform decisions and improve the delivery of the service. Advances in research and technology, from how people are diagnosed to how they receive treatment, must be incorporated. Effective and efficient methods are available, but they are not being used. A strategy would change that.

    Finally, the fifth area is raising awareness of eye health by creating better public health messaging. Nearly 2 million people each year turn up at an accident and emergency department or try to get a GP appointment for a problem that could be dealt with by visiting a community optometrist. We need campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining good eye health and to educate the public on the differences between eye screening and eye tests, along with improved signposting on where to go for help, should one need it.

    Health strategies have delivered positive outcomes in Scotland, as they have in England for other diseases, but at present England is the only country in the UK without an eye health strategy. It is important to note that for such a strategy to be successful and of value, it must be designed in collaboration with stakeholders, including blind and partially sighted people, civil society groups, care providers and the industry. It must also have sufficient resource and investment.

    Given the scale of the problems, it is in the Government’s interest to commit to a strategy. The benefits would transform lives, alleviate pressures on the health service and reduce economic costs. We should make it our goal to ensure that no one loses their sight unnecessarily. I thank everyone who has contributed to the Bill, including the partnership The Eyes Have It, the Thomas Pocklington Trust, industry leaders such as Specsavers and Roche and, most importantly, people living with sight loss. The sector has been united in the call for a national eye health strategy. It is time for the Government to act.

    Question put and agreed to.

    Ordered,

    That Marsha De Cordova, Kate Osamor, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Sir Stephen Timms, Rosie Duffield, Janet Daby, Kim Johnson, Ian Byrne, John McDonnell, Clive Lewis, Dr Rupa Huq and Jim Shannon present the Bill.

    Marsha De Cordova accordingly presented the Bill.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hosts festive street market to showcase British Businesses [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister hosts festive street market to showcase British Businesses [November 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 30 November 2022.

    • Downing Street transformed into a festive street market to showcase the best of British businesses from across the UK
    • Prime Minister joined by the Chancellor to show their support for small businesses
    • Comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday

    Downing Street was transformed into a festive street market to showcase businesses from all four corners of the UK.

    The Prime Minister was joined by the Chancellor as well as business and industry leaders and trade envoys to show their support for up-and-coming British businesses.

    Twelve companies from across the UK held stalls to promote their products and demonstrate how they have benefited from our independent trade policy by putting their products on the global market. For example, one of the stallholders – Wensleydale creamery based in the Prime Minister’s constituency in Yorkshire – has grown to employ over 200 people and exports their cheese to 16 countries including the US and Australia.

    Another stallholder, SamosaCo, which is based in Cardiff, sells across the UK and exports to markets in the Netherlands, Spain and Singapore. Birchall Tea, who also showcased their products today, are one of the largest exporters of East African tea in the world, buying and shipping millions of kilos of black tea every year.

    It comes as the Small Business Saturday campaign marks its 10th anniversary. Small Business Saturday is an annual grassroots campaign which encourages people to support small businesses in their communities.

    In the last decade, the Government has given free, impartial support via Growth Hubs to over 287,000 businesses, provided £12.2 billion worth of finance to high potential small businesses to stay ahead in the market, and provided almost 99,000 Start Up Loans via the British Business Bank to new entrepreneurs. Thousands of UK businesses have also signed up to the Export Academy and built their knowledge of selling their products internationally.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    I’m delighted to welcome these fantastic businesses to Downing Street, many of whom have inspiring and remarkable stories about how they grew their businesses in the UK.

    Businesses across the UK can be reassured that this government will always support them, especially during these challenging economic times. We are backing businesses with £13.6bn worth of support over the next 5 years, with further support for businesses with their energy bills through the Energy Bill Relief scheme.

    Growing up in a family business, I know the transformative impact a small business can have on the local economy and community. So this Saturday, I encourage everyone to get behind their local businesses and invest in Britain.

    A record 5.5 million small businesses registered in the UK at the start of 2022, providing jobs for 16.4 million people in the UK. But the government recognises that businesses are facing significant pressures.

    We are providing additional support provided for small businesses through the Supporting Small Business Scheme. 99% of UK businesses can also use the Annual Investment Allowance to write off the full cost of any qualifying plant, machinery or equipment they purchase up to a now permanent level of £1 million.

    Later this week, the Business Secretary will set out more details on how we’re protecting small businesses from late payments from larger clients, which can damage their cash flow and expansion prospects.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:

    Heading to the Christmas markets is one of the highlights of the year for many families. As well as a festive treat, this event celebrates the millions of small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.

    Whether you’re a butcher, café owner or hairdresser, this government has set aside significant support on business rates and energy bills to help local firms through today’s challenges and onwards to growth.

    Since leaving the EU, we now sell our beef, lamb and poultry in Japan, beef in the Philippines, beef and lamb in the USA, and pork in Mexico, Chile and Taiwan. This provides new opportunities for UK producers and businesses to expand into the global market.

    We have trade and investment teams in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the North East, with dedicated teams to ensure every business, everywhere in the UK, gets our full support. Exports will support highly paid jobs and by sending our products abroad we will secure growth and jobs at home across the UK.

    Last year we published our Export Strategy which will help businesses across the UK double exports and sell their world-class products around the globe. The 12-point strategy gives businesses the tools they need to become a nation of exporters and reap the benefits of our free trade deals.

    Unlocking the UK’s exporting potential will help level up the country and boost the UK’s economy, with estimates that UK exports are bringing in £748 billion to our economy in the twelve months to September 2022.

    More detail on businesses who held stalls on the street are below:

    • British Craft House (Hampshire): The British Craft House is a platform where manufactures can sell their products. They sell gifts and handcrafted jewellery made by small independent businesses in the UK.
    • SamosaCo (Wales): SamosaCo was started forty years ago by the Sandhu family in Canada, where they began selling samosas to their customers from their grocery store in Toronto. Now based in Cardiff, the business sells across Wales and the UK and exports to markets in the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore and soon to the UAE and Belgium. Some of their UK customers include Cotsco, Ocado, Morrisons and Tesco.
    • Sandwick Bay Candles (Scotland): Sandwick Bay Candles create handmade soy wax candle in Scotland. Mother of three Megan MacDonald started making candles at her kitchen table in 2015 as gifts for her daughters’ teachers. Megan decided to try a proper production run in February 2016 and ended up selling 250 in her first month alone. Megan has moved her business into a small workshop on Stornoway where she is supported by 12 employees.
    • Corgi Socks (Wales): Based in Ammanford, Corgi was founded in 1892. They have been making socks for the royal family for more than three decades. Last Summer, Corgi also designed the socks for the Wales Football team.
    • Tiny Box (East Sussex): Tiny Box Company is the UK’s largest online gift packaging e-commerce company with over 1000 products and over 120,000 customers. Rachel Watkyn started her company in 2007 and has grown Tiny Box to a company of 90 employees and turnover of around £10 million.
    • Plum & Ashby (South East): Plum & Ashby was founded by two friends, Vicky White and Freya Nicholson, in 2014. Their products are made in the UK, predominantly from glass with recyclable packaging. Their team is headquartered in Fareham, Hampshire, and their range is available in over 400 stockists worldwide, as well as online. They also have distributors in Norway, Taiwan and UAE.
    • Salt Glass Studios (Norfolk): Founded by Max Lamb and Dr Fiona Wilkers in 2011, Salt Glass is a glass studio based in Norwich run by artists from the Royal College of Art & Slade School, UCL. They use traditional processes from fusing, casting, glass blowing to create design ware and bespoke commissions and also run courses for the public year-round.
    • Birchall Tea (Wiltshire): Birchall Tea is one of the largest exporters of East African tea in the world, buying and shipping millions of kilos of black tea from this continent every year. It has trading offices in East Africa and a tea factory in Wiltshire.
    • Nearynogs (Northern Ireland): NearyNógs is Northern Ireland’s first bean to bar craft chocolate makers and the oldest in Ireland. The chocolate factory has switched to Solar energy and all the packaging is either made from recyclable materials, can be recycled or is biodegradable.
    • Finnebrogue Artisan (Northern Ireland): Finnebrogue is one of the UK’s leading artisan food producers. It is a family-owned business based in County Down, Northern Ireland. The company produces premium meat and plant-based products. It is a major supplier to some of the UK and Ireland’s top supermarkets and has more than 1200 staff.
    • Wensleydale Creamery (Yorkshire): The Wensleydale Creamery produces over 20 varieties of cheese and employs over 200 staff at its creamery in Hawes, North Yorkshire. Wensleydale Creamery exports to 16 countries, including the USA and Australia.
    • Fearless Academy (Manchester): The Fearless Academy provides coaching in digital skills with the aim of supporting businesses in upskilling their workforce as well as those interested in digital marketing. It has a target of retraining and upskilling 1000 individuals by the end of 2025. Currently there are courses funded in Greater Manchester and Liverpool and ambitions to launch throughout the UK in 2023. They have been supported by Greater Manchester and Liverpool Combined Authorities with in delivering Skills Bootcamps, part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the UK-U.S. SME Dialogues – Edinburgh [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the UK-U.S. SME Dialogues – Edinburgh [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 30 November 2022.

    On 29 November, 50 UK and U.S. small and medium sized businesses and business organisations attended the 6th UK-U.S. SME Dialogue in Edinburgh.

    The UK-U.S. SME Dialogue brings together small and medium businesses on both sides of the Atlantic with UK and U.S. government officials to identify ways to strengthen cooperation and support companies from both countries to find new export opportunities in each other’s markets. It reflects the ongoing commitment from both countries to supporting and enhancing UK-U.S. SME trade.

    During the Dialogue, a series of panel discussions covered opportunities for SMEs looking to grow through UK-U.S. trade and explored the particular challenges faced by SMEs exporting to either country. Attendees discussed the importance of using digital tools to reduce paperwork and streamline trading practices for SMEs, reducing costs and complexities for smaller firms expanding into new markets. Participants also discussed information and support available online for firms exporting for the first time – to make the trading journey simpler – as well as the specific challenges faced by women-owned SMEs.

    Drawing on these stakeholder discussions, UK and U.S. officials held bilateral government discussions after the SME dialogue on 30 November. They agreed to a series of actions over the coming months to ensure that feedback from stakeholders translates into practical outcomes for SMEs. Over the next six months, the two governments agreed to:

    • improve information and support for SMEs looking to trade in the UK and U.S, including by updating and enhancing toolkits for SME exporters,
    • convene UK and U.S. government officials for expert-level discussions on digital trade and customs and trade facilitation to consider inputs from SMEs and identify opportunities for deeper cooperation on digital issues and paperless trading.

    The next SME Dialogue is planned to take place in the U.S. in 2023, as an opportunity to take stock of progress on the above actions and further build on these discussions.

    The UK also announced a North America Roadshow which will take place between 27 February – 10 March 2023 in over ten cities across the UK. The Roadshow will offer insights into the export opportunities that the U.S. and Canada offer and inspiration to UK SMEs considering how to grow and strengthen their companies through international trade.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK government diplomats celebrating 150th anniversary of Scotland v England football fixture across the world [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK government diplomats celebrating 150th anniversary of Scotland v England football fixture across the world [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 November 2022.

    • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office staff marking 150th anniversary of famous fixture by playing Scotland v England games around the world
    • granddaughter of football legend Jack Charlton amongst those pulling on their boots to celebrate the world’s first international football match
    • diplomats working overseas in countries including Bahrain, British Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Mozambique, Poland and Serbia celebrate with St Andrew’s Day kickabouts 150 years on from first ever Scotland v England friendly

    Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office staff around the world have been marking the 150th anniversary of the first ever football international on St Andrew’s Day by holding their own Scotland v England matches.

    The granddaughter of football legend Jack Charlton will line-up for England in a charity match organised by staff at the FCDO’s joint HQ, Abercrombie House, in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire this Sunday (4 December).

    Kate Wilkinson moved to Scotland 6 years ago to work as a Syria programme manager for FCDO and is looking forward starring in the staff Scotland v England clash, which is raising funds jointly for the East Kilbride Community Trust and Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire.

    Diplomats working overseas in countries including Bahrain, the British Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Mozambique, Poland and Serbia are also celebrating the historic fixture’s 150th birthday.

    The fixture is celebrated as the world’s first international football match after Scotland and England drew 0-0 in front of 4,000 spectators at the West of Scotland Cricket Ground, in Glasgow, on 30 November 1872.

    World Cup winning defender Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020 after a battle with lymphoma, made his mark on the famous fixture.

    Leeds-born Kate, 28, said:

    My grandad loved England v Scotland games and used to joke to fans that if he had not got injured in the famous 1967 match, Scotland would never have won 3-2.

    There were no substitutes allowed back then so my grandad was forced to hobble around as a striker for most of the match after breaking his toe early on. He still managed to score a goal.

    I’m very much looking forward to helping celebrate the 150th anniversary of the fixture, although I’ve told my team not to expect much from me- I’ve got 2 left feet!

    Funnily enough, the Charlton soccer skills did not pass down from either Jack or Bobby to the rest of the family. There was no danger of me being part of the England Lioness’ Euro winning side this summer.

    I think my grandad must have taken one look at me and my siblings playing when we were younger and thought ‘Gosh, what on earth has happened here?’.

    I’m sure once my team have seen me play, they will decide I’d be better cheering them on to victory from the touchline. It’s a great chance for us to raise money for good causes.

    Almost 1,000 staff are at the heart of delivering UK foreign policy from the FCDO’s joint HQ in Scotland – with plans to redeploy a further 500 jobs to the East Kilbride site as part of the UK government’s levelling-up agenda.

    Sunday’s fundraiser is taking place at the K-Training Academy in East Kilbride at 4pm.

    East Kilbride Community Trust Facilities Manager Ian Aitchison said:

    It is fantastic that the FCDO is marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of international football by holding Scotland v England games around the world.

    Ideally, Scotland would have been facing England this week at the World Cup, but we are proud to be part of this event in East Kilbride.

    Scots diplomat Euan Davidson and English colleague Freddie Brunt skippered the sides for a Scotland v England 6-a-side match in Maputo, Mozambique on Sunday. The Dark Blues triumphed 9-5.

    Euan beamed:

    It was a great game for the neutral, with England regaining the lead in the last 10 minutes before Scotland came back to secure a historic win.

    What the Scottish players lacked in fitness, skills and ability, we made up for with some creative signings, drawing on Mozambicans, Brazilians and Dutch players to score all our goals!

    Freddie said:

    It was a topsy-turvy game played in true British conditions – windy and wet. Scotland were leading, England came back, but then we tired and Scotland ran away with it.

    I suppose the Scotland win will soften the blow of them not having a team to cheer on at the World Cup… unlike England and Wales.

    Staff in Warsaw, Poland braved snow and sub-zero temperatures to play their game, while in Belgrade, Serbia diplomats Lara Bryden and Thomas Wright had fun contesting a Scotland v England Subbuteo game during a St Andrew’s Day event held at the British Embassy. Their match finished 1-1.

    The FCDO is also celebrating St Andrew’s Day around the world – with Scottish Secretary Alister Jack travelling to Paris on a 2-day trip to promote Scottish trade with France.

    The Secretary of State will meet UK and French businesses, as well as government ministers, diplomatic staff, parliamentarians, senators and British community leaders. He will visit Chanel, to see how they are using Harris Tweed and other Scottish materials in their latest range, and will also jointly host a St Andrew’s night dinner with the British Ambassador to France, Dame Menna Rawlings.

    To make a charity match donation, visit www.collectionpot.com/pot/ahfootballfundraiser/.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Preventing the proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Preventing the proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 November 2022.

    UK explanation of vote at the Security Council adoption on the mandate of the 1540 Committee.

    Thank you Mr President.

    We voted in favour of this resolution, as the United Kingdom is steadfast in its commitment to preventing the proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. Resolution 1540 remains a key pillar of the non-proliferation framework. We call on all states to implement their obligations under Resolution 1540 in full.

    We pay tribute to the Chair of the 1540 Committee and his team in guiding us through the review process and to a new ten-year mandate for the Committee. We thank the Group of Experts and its coordinator for their support to the Committee in its work.

    The obligations set out in Resolution 1540 remain as relevant as ever, but the context in which states are implementing them has changed since 2004. We are disappointed that due to the resistance of one Council Member, this resolution did not go further in strengthening the 1540 Committee’s support to Member States as they implement the resolution, including on the important issue of proliferation finance.

    We look forward to continued cooperation with all Council Members through the 1540 Committee. The risks of WMD proliferation to non-state actors are grave. Collectively, we must redouble our efforts to address them.

    Thank you.