Tag: 2022

PRESS RELEASE : London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations return to the banks of the Thames [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 14 October 2022.
More than 100,000 ticket-holders will again be able to gather to watch London welcome in the new year

Annual spectacular has only been available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer for the last two years due to COVID restrictions

First tickets go on sale at noon on Friday 21 October

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations will return to the banks of the River Thames for the first time since 2019, with the first tickets on sale next Friday.

The annual fireworks celebration will again take place near the iconic lastminute.com London Eye, allowing more than 100,000 ticket-holders to unite to welcome in the new year.

For the last two years, the capital has welcomed in the new year with a multi-site spectacular show only available to watch on TV due to the impact of COVID restrictions.

This year ticket holders will again be able to able to watch the fireworks in person, while a global television audience tunes in to see the celebrations and hear the traditional sounds of Big Ben’s chimes marking the start of the new year.

Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £15 – with every penny used to pay for the costs associated with the ticketing scheme. There are two ticket releases ahead of the event, but they are likely to sell out very quickly so it is important to book early as visitors from around the world travel to London to watch the fireworks.

Those without a ticket are encouraged to watch the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer alongside millions of viewers or to celebrate the new year at the capital’s fantastic range of bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

City Hall is working with a wide range of partner agencies including the Met Police, TfL, local authorities and the emergency services to safely deliver the event.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our fireworks are back and Londoners and visitors to our capital will again be able to join together on the banks of the Thames to welcome in the new year. The celebrations are one of the biggest nights of the year for our capital’s hospitality industry and an unforgettable moment when the eyes of the world turn to our city. This year will be the best ever! To watch the fireworks in person you have to buy a ticket in advance, so I urge anyone wanting to attend to book their ticket as early as possible.”

Imran Tauqir, General Manager of The lastminute.com London Eye, said: “London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are renowned as the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations and we are delighted to partner with the Mayor of London to bring this incredible show back to The lastminute.com London Eye. As a long established feature of the capital’s famous skyline we’ve been part of these famous celebrations since the Eye’s inception in 1999 so it’s an honour that the fireworks will once again inspire visitors from around the world to visit our great capital. A dazzling display of colour and sound awaits, against the backdrop of our world famous landmark, for both those here in London and for TV audiences across the globe welcoming in 2023 with their families and friends.”
October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : nurtureuk and Tender to deliver new inclusive education programme [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.

nurtureuk and Tender are delighted to announce their roles in a transformational new programme aimed at tackling school exclusions in London.

The charities have been named as joint delivery partners for the London Violence Reduction Unit’s Inclusive and Nurturing Schools Programme, which is being rolled out across 70 schools in seven London Boroughs. It aims to keep children safe, supported, and thriving in school, tackle exclusions, and ensure children and young people have healthy relationship behaviours and attitudes.

nurtureuk, which champions nurture in education, and Tender, a charity specialising in the prevention of gender-based violence and the promotion of healthy relationships between children and young people, will deliver the programme in partnership.

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We firmly believe in the importance of education and the support and guidance that good quality schools, colleges and alternative provision settings can give a young person. What’s also clear is there is a direct correlation between school exclusions and serious violence affecting young people.

“We’re redoubling our focus to minimise exclusions and keeping children and young people safe and engaged in their education. The VRU will be delivering a new, targeted programme – backed up with nearly £2m investment – to tackle school exclusions, sexual harassment and abuse.

“It’s crucial that we support schools – and our fantastic, hardworking teachers – to be safe and nurturing places where pupils’ needs – both educational and personal – can be identified early. We’re looking forward to working with Nurture and Tender in the delivery of our inclusive education programme to tackle school exclusions and help promote the importance of healthy relationships.”

nurtureuk CEO Arti Sharma said: “We’re delighted to help deliver this vital programme. Children are struggling with their social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing like never before. A nurturing approach in schools is now more essential than ever and this programme will ensure children are ready and able to learn. We look forward to working alongside Tender and the London Violence Reduction Unit to help achieve its aims of reducing exclusions and ensuring children can thrive in school.”

Tender CEO Susie McDonald said: “As one of Tender’s Youth Board members noted recently, preventing abuse and harassment is a form of care. We are therefore thrilled to be working with nurtureuk and the London Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that children receive the care and protection they need to enjoy and excel in their education. Positive social connections are foundational to children’s wellbeing, and we are excited to support schools to embed and embody healthy relationships education through this dynamic new programme.”

The initiative is being delivered in Barking and Dagenham, Enfield, Croydon, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham and Islington. The boroughs have been selected based on rates of suspension, absence, persistent absenteeism and pupils with special educational needs (SEN) support, as well as wider measures such as rates of Children in Need and domestic abuse incidents.

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor partners with Black Cultural Archives to inspire future leaders [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 13 October 2022.
Around 100 young Londoners from all backgrounds will be invited to attend masterclasses to help develop their futures

Black Leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ will share their experiences to inspire others to pursue their dreams

Partnership is announced as part of the Mayor’s celebration of Black History Month and the Black Cultural Archives’ Black Futures Season

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that around 100 young Londoners are to benefit from masterclasses to help develop their futures, thanks to a new partnership with the Black Cultural Archives.

City Hall and the Black Cultural Archives are working together to inspire young Londoners from all backgrounds with classes designed to develop their skills and resilience and help them to map out a plan to achieve their dreams

The classes will be led by young Black leaders from the ‘40 X 40: Black Cultural Archives Chair’s Awards’ – a national initiative developed by the Black Cultural Archives, University College London and Black Britain and Beyond, to award 40 rising leaders from across the country.

The leaders will share their knowledge and experience across a range of industries with local young people, aged between 16-24, who will be invited by charitable and voluntary sector organisations and Mayoral programmes that support them.

The classes are designed to encourage and inspire the young people to pursue their ambition and realise their potential, and form part of the Mayor’s work to provide positive opportunities for young people, particularly those who face inequality and the biggest challenges.

To mark Black History Month, the Mayor has exhibited a photographic portrait exhibition of the London winners of the 40 X 40 awards winners in City Hall. Last week, Sadiq held a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of Black History Month and emphasise the theme ‘Time for change: Action not words’. His Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm has also funded a number of Black history walks and talks across the capital to help Londoners learn more about our history.

The classes form part of the Black Cultural Archives ‘Black Futures: Our Time is Now’ season which is designed to recognise the importance of understanding Black history in order to ensure continued momentum towards racial justice and a better future for all.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that these inspiring young Black leaders will be working with young people from across the capital to build their skills and confidence, and set them on a path for success. We need to celebrate the achievements of Black Londoners throughout the year not just in Black History Month, and with these masterclasses we will not only recognise these talented leaders but encourage young people to follow in their footsteps. It’s another example of how we’re working to build a fairer, better and more equal London for everyone.”

Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, BCA Chair, said: “At Black Cultural Archives we constantly strive towards achieving and sharing excellence throughout our communities as we have done for the past 40 years, and look forward to doing so for the next 40 and beyond. BCA Chair’s 40×40 Future Leaders Campaign does just that by recognising our past, and how to make our future better for it. It’s my belief that we all need to learn more, be more and do more to cultivate a culture of tolerance for all across London, and that is what the BCA Future Leaders Masterclasses are all about. We are honoured to have the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ongoing support to ensure that happens not just for Black History Month but on an ongoing basis.”
October 14, 2022
Mims Davies – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Mims Davies, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

Today was a hard day-absolutely no easy ones in todays frontline politics where its more frenetic than ever. Its right PM Liz Truss acted to move for calm and I support her in this. We Conservatives must push on to deliver for our communities & grow the economy in such tough times

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : DUP Leader congratulates Peter Weir & Arlene Foster on Life Peerage [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 14 October 2022.

The Democratic Unionist Party welcomes the news that Peter Weir is to become a Life Peer sitting in the House of Lords. The conferment of this peerage is rightful recognition of the significant contribution and public service given by Peter over a twenty-four year period as an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

DUP Leader Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said,

“On behalf of our party and indeed many throughout Northern Ireland I welcome this recognition for Peter. Peter Weir has given a lifetime of service to his constituents and to the Pro-Union cause in Northern Ireland. He will be a very welcome addition to our Parliamentary team in the House of Lords as well as a strong advocate for Northern Ireland and the Pro-Union cause throughout the United Kingdom.

I am also delighted that our friend and former First Minister Rt Hon Dame Arlene Foster has been conferred a peerage and will sit in the Lords. Arlene will be a strong voice for Northern Ireland and this is rightful and worthy recognition for her contribution and service to Northern Ireland. We look forward to working closely with her in the time ahead.”

Mr Peter Weir said,

“I am very honoured and humbled to be appointed to the House of Lords as a nominee of the DUP. At Westminster, I will be operating as a full time working Peer, advocating on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, and promoting the great cause of the Union.

Northern Ireland needs stability and prosperity, and alongside my colleagues at Westminster, the Assembly and local Councils, I will focus on delivering those twin objectives, particularly through the necessary removal of the Protocol, which acts as a barrier to good governance and the economic well-being of our people.”

I am very grateful to my many friends and colleagues who have supported and worked with me over many years and with the opening of this new chapter I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the people of Northern Ireland in Parliament.”

October 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Council of Europe warned that hostility to unionist concerns must end [October 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 13 October 2022.

DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has warned the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg that question marks over the future of devolution in Northern Ireland will continue to exist for as long as Brussels ignores the concerns of Unionists in relation to the Protocol.

Commenting after Thursday’s sitting, in which he responded to a report claiming Brexit has led to a ‘backsliding’ on human rights protections in Northern Ireland, Mr Paisley said:

‘‘There has been no reversal of human rights in Northern Ireland.

The European Convention was enshrined in Northern Ireland law by Sections 6 and 24 of the 1998 Act. This does not depend on the Human Rights Act or being a member of the European Union. There is also no absolute commitment to a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights in either the Belfast Agreement or New Decade New Approach and it is clear that any agreement at all is to be reached through consensus. In addition, the Government’s legislation on the Protocol would not alter any of its current obligations in this area.

The authors of this report should accept these facts but instead they are more interested in listening to the Sinn Fein spin and playing on the fears of people across Northern Ireland.

It is striking that there is not a single reference in this report to the immense damage caused by the Protocol to the cross-community consent principle that is foundational to power-sharing. It is as if the concerns of Unionism don’t exist. The report even has the audacity to suggest that in Northern Ireland ‘‘the general population is not really worried about the Protocol.’’

If there is to be a basis for stable government in Northern Ireland in the future, this sort of hostility to the legitimate concerns of Unionism must end. In fact we would be keen to know which Unionists, if any, the rapporteur of this report met during his fact-finding visit to Northern Ireland.

The Protocol does not ‘‘respect the constitutional order of the United Kingdom.’’ In truth, it alters and attacks Northern Ireland’s constitution position in the United Kingdom. This Party has a mandate to seek the restoration of our place in the UK internal market, and if necessary, we will go to the electorate and ensure that mandate is renewed.

The DUP is committed to ensuring these concerns can no longer be viewed as expendable. Unless legitimate concern about the Protocol is placed front and centre of the latest round of talks, that process will simply default to an echo chamber, casting the future of the devolved institutions further into jeopardy.’’

October 14, 2022
James Heappey – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by James Heappey, the Minister for the Armed Forces, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

Great to be in Somerset today where lots of constituents have wanted PM to take decisive action to reassure markets. No point pretending this was all as it should’ve been but PM has done right thing. Now we must focus on driving growth at home and standing squarely behind Ukraine.

October 14, 2022
Kemi Badenoch – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the Secretary of State for International Trade, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

To say it’s been a difficult day would be an understatement. We knew the scale of the challenge this autumn given multiple global headwinds would be unprecedented. Our Prime Minister is working flat out to get the country through these turbulent times. She has my full support.

October 14, 2022
Robert Buckland – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Robert Buckland, the Secretary of State for Wales, on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

Our priorities are to do the right thing by acting in our national interest to tackle the energy crisis, to grow our economy and to continue to rise to the challenge of Putin’s war in Ukraine.

October 14, 2022
Michelle Donelan – 2022 Comments on the Dismissal of Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Twitter on 14 October 2022.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has listened and acted decisively today to ensure that our vitally important plan to protect jobs and grow the economy goes ahead. We must come together and focus on delivering.

October 14, 2022