The comments made by Andrew Stephenson, the Conservative MP for Pendle, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
Now Boris Johnson has ruled himself out it is essential that all Conservatives unite around a new leader & help them tackle the challenges we face.
It’s clear the best person to unite the Party is Rishi Sunak. He can count on my full support as our Prime Minister and I will be voting for him.
The comments made by Lucy Allan, the Conservative MP for Telford, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
Only Rishi Sunak has the support in #Parliament to give us the stable government the country so badly needs – we must unite and give him our full support to ensure he succeeds.
The comments made by Priti Patel, the Conservative MP for Witham, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
In these difficult times for our country we must unite by putting public service first and work together. We care about our country and with the enormous challenges upon us we must put political differences aside to give Rishi Sunak the best chance of succeeding.
The comments made by Brendan Clarke-Smith, the Conservative MP for Bassetlaw, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
I am disappointed that Boris Johnson has pulled out of the race to lead the Conservatives. Having secured the nominations necessary, he would have no doubt won in a ballot of party members.
However it is also important to command the support of the parliamentary party and he therefore took the dignified decision to put what is best for the country ahead of himself. I would now encourage others to do the same.
The comments made by Alex Chalk, the Conservative MP for Cheltenham, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
I’m proud to be supporting Rishi Sunak today. I came into Parliament with him, and I know he has the brains, integrity, stamina and judgement to be our Prime Minister.
![PRESS RELEASE : Providers committed to making T levels a success, but challenges remain [October 2022]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/education-150x111.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 24 October 2022.
Ofsted has today published an interim report evaluating the quality of the new T-level courses. It finds that providers are working hard to ensure that T-level courses equip learners with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed for future study or employment. However, the first providers to offer these new qualifications have faced some challenges.
The review also finds that the T Level Transition Programme (TLTP) is not always resulting in learners progressing to a T level as intended.
The interim report was commissioned by the Department for Education and is the first stage in a two-year evaluation of T-level courses. It draws on evidence from visits to 24 providers, 10 of which also offered the transition programme, between December 2021 and April 2022.
Overall, Ofsted found that learners were appreciative of the quality of teaching on their T-level course. However, not all learners felt prepared for how much work they had to do. Effective industry placements gave learners broad, high-quality and appropriate experiences that helped them to make informed decisions about their future career path. However, many learners experienced delays in going on placements.
Work experience is a fundamental component of the transition programme that gives learners the opportunity to gain the skills needed to progress to a T-level course.
In some cases, providers failed to help learners secure meaningful work experience relevant to their course, which resulted in learners sourcing their placements independently.
The review also found that many teachers did not receive comprehensive training and some found teaching the new curriculum challenging. Providers did not always have access to the resources they needed from awarding bodies in good time.
The recruitment and retention of staff with sufficient knowledge and experience were also a challenge, due to sector shortages and the effects of the pandemic. The more effective T-level curriculums involved frequent collaboration between education providers and employers.
Inspectors found that, although teaching on the transition programme was generally of a high standard, most learners appeared unlikely to progress on to a T-level course on completion.
Ofsted’s interim report recommends that all T-level and T Level Transition Programme providers:
Ofsted also recommends that employers provide placements that give learners experiences relevant to their T level.
The Department for Education should evaluate the effectiveness of the transition programme in helping learners progress to T-level courses, and work with universities to make sure they accept T levels for entry to relevant courses.
In addition to this, awarding bodies should make sure that teachers and learners have the resources they need, in good time.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, said:
It’s clear that T-level courses are giving learners career-building pathways. The right balance of theory and practical elements helps learners gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to enter the workforce. However, we have also identified a number of concerns that need to be addressed.
I am looking forward to seeing the progress providers have made at our next visits in 2023, and to see the additional courses added into the scheme in the next few years.
A full report will be published in 2023. Providers visited for this interim report will be visited again next year, along with others, to see how T-level courses and the T Level Transition Programme have developed.
![PRESS RELEASE : Russian war in Ukraine – P3 statement [October 2022]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 October 2022.
We, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. We remain committed to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend its territory for as long as it takes.
Earlier today, the defence ministers of each of our countries spoke to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu at his request. Our countries made clear that we all reject Russia’s transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory. The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation. We further reject any pretext for escalation by Russia.
The Foreign Ministers also discussed their shared determination to continue supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance in the face of President Putin’s brutal war of aggression.
![PRESS RELEASE : New report shows scale of UK Government promotion of Scotland abroad [October 2022]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/scottishoffice-150x150.jpg)
The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 24 October 2022.
The scale of the UK Government’s activity is set out in a submission to the Scottish Affairs Committee from Scottish, Foreign and International Trade ministers.
That support includes one of the world’s largest diplomatic networks, committed to promoting Scottish interests across foreign policy, security, defence, international trade, investment, culture, education, and the arts – as well as vital consular assistance.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:
Across our entire network of 282 missions in 180 countries and territories, British diplomats represent the interests of the whole United Kingdom, generating trade and investment and proudly promoting Scotland’s rich culture and heritage.
The UK’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council and our leading position in NATO, the G7, the G20 and other global organisations enable us to drive forward the agenda on vital issues that matter to everyone in the UK, including Ukraine, climate change and human rights.
The FCDO’s joint HQ in East Kilbride has almost 1,000 staff who are at the heart of shaping and delivering UK foreign policy as a force for good in the world.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
The UK Government acts on behalf of the entire country, representing the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom, right around the world. Scotland benefits hugely from the scale of our international engagement.
International relations and development, defence and regulation of international trade, are reserved matters. The UK Government takes seriously its duty and responsibilities in representing Scotland abroad.
The UK Government works around the world to promote and protect the economic interests of Scotland, including securing foreign investment and helping Scottish businesses expand their exports markets.
And of course, people in Scotland benefit from and contribute to the UK’s leading international voice on the world stage – including through membership of international organisations such NATO.
Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said:
The Department for International Trade is working tirelessly to boost Scotland’s economic interests. Our worldwide footprint offers Scottish businesses access to support and opportunities across the globe, and allows us to sell Scotland as a destination for foreign investment.
And through free trade agreements we’re opening up international markets to Scottish good and services.
We’ll continue these efforts and work closely with Scottish Development International and the Scottish Government to promote Scottish interests overseas.
The UK Government submission is in response to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s call for evidence for its inquiry into Promoting Scotland Internationally. The UK Government submission is available here:
The comments made by Shailesh Vara, the Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, on Twitter on 24 October 2022.
With Boris Johnson out of the leadership race I will be supporting Rishi Sunak.
Rishi led us as Chancellor through the pandemic and I believe he is now the right person to lead us in these difficult times.
The comments made by Penny Mordaunt, the Conservative MP for Portsmouth North, on Twitter on 23 October 2022.
I would work with the Chancellor and have sat down and met with him. Jeremy Hunt must stay as Chancellor and deliver his statement on the 31st October for a smooth transition of power.