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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : Council on Foreign Relations: Foreign Secretary’s opening remarks [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Council on Foreign Relations: Foreign Secretary’s opening remarks [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 September 2023.

    Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly’s opening remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

    Mike thank you very much and thank you for hosting me today and thank you all for coming.

    I was about to say I’ve done a bit of research but I don’t think it’s good starting a speech with an outright lie, so I’ll be a bit more honest. Members of my team have done a bit of research and I discover, because they’ve written it down here for me that the origins of the council lie in meetings between Brits and Americans in the aftermath of the First World War. And the conversation between our two countries has been a longstanding one and the work of this institution, the thinking about international relations is unsurprisingly as relevant today as it was back then.

    Those meetings occurred in one of those pivot points in history and as someone who I regard not only as an important interlocutor but increasingly someone that I regard as a friend, Tony Blinken reminded us in a speech that he gave last week, we too are living through a pivotal moment because we’re at the nexus of interconnected challenges.

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not necessarily a trial of strength as the work that our two nations did through conflicts in the first and second world war but is absolutely a trial of our resolve – and the point that I have made, and the point that I will make here today and will continue to make is that the world is watching. Our resolve is being tested and we are being observed. You can applaud at any point you fancy.

    Now that is not of course the only area where our resolve is being tested.

    Our willingness to address issues such as climate change, how to deal with new technologies such as AI, all these things are testing our ingenuity and testing our resolve and today at the UN, this week at the UN we are reminded sadly that we are way behind schedule on the delivery against our Sustainable Development Goals.

    And after the economic dislocation of the pandemic and of the war in Ukraine, I think citizens here in the US, certainly in the UK and more widely across the world are asking their governments what are you doing about it, what are you doing to act on our behalf.

    Mike you’re a former US Trade Representative, a voice on the international stage and I suspect that you like me and indeed many of you in the room will understand that there is no real boundary between foreign policy and domestic policy and the idea that there is, is completely artificial but I think that it is now incumbent upon us that we pay more attention to the interrelationship between international policy and domestic policy.

    Last week, Tony Blinken spoke about having a fully integrated domestic and foreign policy.

    And my Prime Minister and the government he leads are also absolutely determined to address the principle concerns of our citizens, which they tell us loud and clear are about addressing illegal migration and economic growth. Those superficially appear to be domestic issues but of course as soon as you look at them in any kind of detail it becomes clear they can only be resolved through international engagement.

    So that is why we are intensifying collaboration with the countries on international illegal transit routes, migrant transit routes, as well as the countries from whom people are fleeing.

    We are working with international partners to break the business model of those evil people smugglers and we are deepening our economic ties with countries around the world to try and dissuade people from moving to try and remove the drivers of that migration. And I know that migration is an increasingly sensitive political issue here in the US and it is also a sensitive political issue in a number of other countries across Europe and beyond.

    What this reminds me of is the need to strengthen our traditional alliances and also to build additional ones. In terms of strengthening our pre-existing alliances I’m very pleased that Prime Minister Sunak and President Biden signed the Atlantic declaration earlier this year, it’s about reinforcing one of our strongest friendships in the world, it forms part of a continuum of close working relationship, it’s the first Atlantic charter signed by Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt, whatever happened to those guys did they make it in the world? I don’t remember, but it is part of a longstanding friendship and it has reminded us once again in a time of conflict in the European continent how important our bilateral relationship is.

    Whilst we look at the horrors that are being perpetrated against the Ukrainian people by the Russian armed forces, we are reminded that once again at a time of need, the United States of America and the United Kingdom and others of course, have really stepped forward and are playing a leading part, once again in defending democracy and freedom.

    The US is the leading supplier of military aid to Ukraine and I pay tribute to your nation’s generosity. And the Ukrainians are making the most of their support. And I know sometimes there’s frustration with the pace of their counter-offensive, I’ve had military briefings, and whilst I don’t want to bore you with the details, the Russian occupying forces have spent a huge amount of time and effort fortifying the whole of that southern part of Ukraine, meaning that any advance would inevitably need to be both slow and methodical. But the support of the US, the support of the UK the support of other nations around the world, both NATO members and further afield has made a difference.

    It gave the Ukrainians a fighting chance at the beginning of this conflict. Those depth strike capabilities, those long range missiles that the UK and others are now providing are enabling the Ukrainians to target logistics hubs, communications hubs, command control hubs giving them the ability to methodically push back against Russia.

    Putin believed that he could outlast Ukraine and outlast Ukraine’s friends around the world. He was wrong. Because time is not on Russia’s side. Some brutal statistics.

    Russia has suffered many times more fatalities in combat in just over eighteen months than the Soviets did during their 10 years in Afghanistan. That level is unsustainable.

    As we saw Prigozhin and the Wagner Group with their attempted mutiny, cracks are appearing, and again I quote Tony Blinken, cracks are appearing in the Russian system and the longer this conflict persists the longer those cracks will work their way through the system. Putin is scared of a mass mobilisation.

    His circle of friends both in Russia and internationally is shrinking.

    Last year, only four countries defended Russia in a UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine.

    And whilst the world’s largest economies met last week in New Delhi, he was finalising his plans in a solitary summit with an impoverished dictator.

    That is the damage that Putin’s poor decision making has done to his own country.

    And so, the lesson I take from that is that we need to maintain our resolve. Putin’s calculation was that he could outlast us. We have to prove him wrong. And we have to prove him wrong not just to ensure that the conflict in Ukraine has a proper and good resolution where the Ukrainians get their country back, but because every current dictator and would be dictator and future potentate will look at how we respond to this challenge and they will factor that into their calculations about future actions.

    So we need to send the message loud and clear that we have the resolve, we have the strategic patience, that we will do the right thing until this is resolved. Because if we do not then we will invite further aggression which we will then inevitably have to deal with at some point in the future.

    Ukraine will not give up. The UK will not abandon them. And we will continue to advocate for the international community to lend them their support.

    Now, obviously Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not the only issue that we have to discuss. There are many, many challenges on the world stage.

    I’ve recently returned from a trip to Beijing, where I spoke with the Chinese government about areas where we have deep, deep disagreements. For example, their treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, their failure to abide by commitments freely entered into over Hong Kong, their aggressive posture across the Taiwan Strait.

    But, of course, I also engage with them on some of the issues that are important to all of us: the economic recovery, post conference, how we make sure that we benefit from AI, and that we address the challenges and potential dangers of that technology. And so we don’t have the luxury of dealing with only one challenge or one situation at a time. We have to look holistically. The United Kingdom has always been a globally focused country. We enjoy good working relationships with the United States, as I’ve already said, and our other friends in the Americas, our European friends and colleagues, but also we have enhanced our focus on the Indo Pacific region, where of course we have long standing friendships and we intend to enhance those.

    So to give myself some time to answer your questions, I will summarize by saying that the challenges the world presents us are legion. But we do have the opportunity to make positive progress. We do have the opportunity to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.

    It is going to mean that we work with our traditional friends and allies, but it also means that we have to give voice to the emerging powers in the world. The UK has encouraged an expansion of the United Nations Security Council for example, we believe that India, Brazil, Germany, Japan should have permanent membership, and Africa really deserves a louder voice on the world stage.

    We think there needs to be change, evolution, and modernization of the international financial system so that we can apply the really big bucks held in the private sector to some of the challenges that we need to address. My Prime Minister has recently announced to the G20 a $2 billion commitment from UK to the Green Climate Fund to reinforce the value that we place on the natural world and the future of our children.

    So there are plenty of things that we can discuss. I throw myself open to questions from the floor. You can ask me anything you like. There are three caveats. There are some things that I don’t know. You probably find that hard to believe, but nevertheless, it’s true. There are some things that I do know that I’m not going to tell you about. And other than that, I am quite willing to answer questions on any subject that either I’ve covered here that are maybe in your heads

  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary pledges tens of thousands of more artillery shells for Ukraine [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary pledges tens of thousands of more artillery shells for Ukraine [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 September 2023.

    The UK has delivered over 300,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and is committed to delivering tens of thousands more artillery shells this year, the Defence Secretary announced today.

    • The UK has delivered its 300,000th artillery shell to Ukraine, and has committed to delivering tens of thousands more this year.
    • Comes as the Defence Secretary and Chief of the Defence Staff joined representatives from 50 nations to urge further support.
    • The Defence Secretary outlined the UK’s priority areas of military support for the coming months, including air defence and long-range strike capabilities.

    The UK has delivered over 300,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and is committed to delivering tens of thousands more artillery shells this year, the Defence Secretary announced today, as he hailed the unity of partners and allies in delivering military support to Ukraine.

    The Defence Secretary attended the 15th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) today at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany, alongside Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin. The UDCG brings together ministers and senior officials from nearly 50 nations to coordinate international support for Ukraine.

    During the meeting, both the Defence Secretary and CDS emphasised the UK’s unwavering commitment to providing vital munitions to help Ukraine defend itself, having recently completed delivery of the 300,000th artillery shell to Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    Today we’ve demonstrated the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and set out more military support, including pledging tens of thousands more artillery shells to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked invasion and to retake illegally occupied territories.

    To ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself as we approach winter, we have also set out how the UK will go further in the coming months in our priority support areas, including air defence and long-range strike capabilities, and training.

    The meeting provided an opportunity for the Defence Secretary to meet the new Defence Minister of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, for the first time.

    He also held a bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, to discuss shared security interests and ongoing work to align international defence industrial output and optimise supply chains to ensure a steady and increased flow of munitions to Ukraine.

    The Defence Secretary outlined priority areas for support in the coming months, including air defence to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure during the winter, further artillery ammunition, and support to help Ukraine sustain the capabilities already provided – including to recover and repair equipment used in its counter-offensive.

    Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:

    With representatives from 50 nations gathered in Ramstein today, President Putin should be worried. This is a tangible demonstration of the international community’s continued resolve to back Ukraine with the military support it requires through the winter and into 2024.

    The United Kingdom will continue to work with our allies and partners to help build Ukraine’s long-term resilience so it can fulfil its potential as a secure and prosperous sovereign nation.

    The UK is committed to standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. The UK is one of the leading providers of military support for Ukraine, having provided £2.3 billion worth in 2022 and having committed to maintain that support in 2023. It was the first country to donate modern main battle tanks as well as training Ukrainian tank crews in the UK and delivering them within 11 weeks of announcement.

    The Royal Air Force will also work as part of a wider international effort to train the next generation of Ukraine’s combat pilots, who will fly the fourth-generation fighter jets being provided by Allies.

    To date, the UK has supplied more than 12,000 anti-tank weapons, 300,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, thousands of air defence missiles, self-propelled artillery, and more than 200,000 pieces of non-lethal equipment, including extreme cold weather clothing, mine detection equipment, and industrial strength generators.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Smart tech to be trialled in towns and cities with £4 million funding to boost local connectivity [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Smart tech to be trialled in towns and cities with £4 million funding to boost local connectivity [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 September 2023.

    Towns and cities across the UK will deploy smart street lamps to test next-gen digital tech, offering EV charging and improved wireless connectivity, as part of a £1.3 million government pilot.

    • Six areas across the UK awarded funding to test smart street lamps that can house EV charging hubs and boost wireless coverage including 5G
    • areas to match government funding to trial multi-purpose tech that can help local authorities unlock new economic, environmental and social benefits
    • funding delivered through Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP) to level-up digital connectivity

    Smart street lamps that can charge electric vehicles and boost wireless coverage will be rolled out in towns and cities across the UK, as part of a £1.3 million pilot to test next-generation digital technologies.

    With the rising demand for wireless services, companies are increasingly exploring opportunities to install infrastructure on lamp posts, traffic lights, CCTV columns, benches, bins and bus stops. That is why six areas from across the UK will receive funding to trial new multi-purpose street columns which will house equipment to support the rollout of advanced wireless networks like 5G or free public WiFi, boosting connectivity for people out and about in town and city centres.

    The successful pilots will match government funding for this programme, receiving a total investment of over £4 million to help boost local connectivity. The government will provide £1.3 million, while the local authorities will invest a further £2.7 million – helping to deliver better services in communities.

    These pilots can also be adapted to carry out a range of functions – from charging EVs to monitoring air quality, and displaying public information to saving energy with street lighting – that will enable councils and combined authorities to unlock new opportunities and improve public services.

    The six authorities which will receive government funding through the Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP) are:

    • Cambridgeshire County Council (£220,000)
    • Tees Valley Combined Authority (£202,500)
    • Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (£245,700)
    • Westminster City Council (£165,000)
    • Oxfordshire County Council (£250,000)
    • North Ayrshire Council (£242,765)

    By trialling different uses across these areas, the aim is to show how state-of-the-art wireless technology can become an integral part of UK infrastructure, connecting public services and businesses in new ways to realise the full benefits of 5G and advanced connectivity.

    Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said:

    The way we stay in touch, access information and do business is underpinned by digital connectivity – and a world-class wireless infrastructure will be the foundation for the jobs, skills, and services of the future.

    We want to ensure that towns and cities across the UK are right at the forefront of this connectivity revolution, ready to seize the opportunities it will bring for local communities, which is exactly what these pilots are about.

    They will help demonstrate how advanced wireless technology can enable areas to innovate and deliver better public services, from rolling out electric vehicle chargers to boosting business growth and helping keep our streets safe.

    Julian David, CEO, techUK said:

    Today’s announcement is a welcome step from the UK government in putting wireless connectivity at the heart of local infrastructure deployment. We must empower more local authorities so that they can foster the greater use of advanced connectivity in their areas, helping unlock growth and innovation across the whole of the UK.

    As techUK set out in our recent Tech Plan, we must give consumers the confidence to switch to electric vehicles to help overcome “range anxiety”, one of the major factors preventing greater uptake of EVs.

    We hope these pilots can help other local areas realise the benefits that smart infrastructure promises.

    The SIPP is designed to support the government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out how the UK will put wireless connectivity at the heart of new and existing infrastructure, while driving private investment, boosting innovation, and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.

    The pilot programmes will begin from October 2023 and will run until 31 March 2025.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to package holidays to encourage more choice and cheaper summer breaks [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to package holidays to encourage more choice and cheaper summer breaks [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 September 2023.

    British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.

    • 12-week consultation launched to make UK-based domestic package travel rules clear and effective
    • New rules could cut red tape for businesses and help grow the economy
    • Consultation to ensure the effective protection of consumer rights alongside bespoke package travel protections

    British holidaymakers could benefit from greater choice, and more competitive prices thanks to a review of travel regulations that cut red tape for travel operators.

    The Government has today [Wednesday 20th September] launched a consultation to ensure consumer protection rules for package holidays within the domestic UK market are fit for purpose for both businesses and consumers. This comes as part of a wider set of reforms aimed at bringing in Smarter Regulations for businesses.

    The consultation will seek feedback from the domestic travel and tourism sector on how new rules could best suit British needs to help drive growth, support businesses and offer cost-effective options to consumers. Voices across the industry will be invited to provide insights and feedback, including businesses like tour operators and travel agents, regulators and consumer advocacy groups.

    The consultation will look at areas including whether the same set of regulations for international holidays are needed for UK-based package holidays, as well as making current rules more proportionate to businesses including where current industry groups say they are dissuaded from offering package style arrangements because of disproportionate regulatory burdens.

    They will consider how package travel rules could be simplified and unnecessary burdens could be lifted with the result that businesses offer more choice, at competitive prices, to consumers.

    Improved regulations in this industry will ensure businesses are supported and aren’t held down by unnecessary regulatory burdens, and consumers will better understand what rights they have when booking a package holiday.

    This consultation comes as the travel industry recovers from the pandemic, offering an opportunity to reflect on where improvements could be made to unlock growth and deliver better outcomes for customers, including in unforeseen circumstances or in the face of significant disruption.

    Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    “Our domestic travel industry is crucial to our economy, but many holiday companies are faced with often over-burdensome regulations that make it difficult for them to grow and thrive.

    “Today’s consultation is a major step to cutting red tape, which could benefit millions of British holidaymakers and give the sector a much-needed boost for the future.”

    The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of consumer protection and we have introduced the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill to Parliament to strengthen these protections in the UK.

    Notes to Editors

    • A 12-week consultation begins today which will conclude in December
    • The consultation looks at whether reforming domestic package holidays would unlock opportunities for the UK tourism sector to offer new and cheaper options to holidaymakers and in recognition of the unique challenges consumers can face when things go wrong overseas.
    • The consultation identifies areas where business could have greater freedom in how they secure consumer protections and where the regime could be simplified so businesses are better able to meet requirements and consumers are clear about their rights. This includes seeking to understand lessons learned from how the regime operated over the pandemic and what would best support business and consumers to deal with significant unforeseeable disruption in the future.
    • Smarter regulation is about improving regulation across the board, ensuring it is as clear as possible and only used where necessary and proportionate.  The Government is committed to taking action to reduce the burdens on business; reduce the cost of living and deliver choice to consumers.
    • Whilst ATOL is not a key announcement today, the consultation document does reference the ongoing work by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to reform the ATOL scheme. It also identifies that DfT is also reviewing the enforcement options available to the CAA to ensure that they have the right tools for the purposes of maintaining compliance with the ATOL scheme.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Landmark agreement with Israel takes UK global science mission to new heights [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Landmark agreement with Israel takes UK global science mission to new heights [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 September 2023.

    UK and Israel agree Memorandum of Understanding for faster and deeper collaboration on science, innovation and technology.

    • UK and Israel agree Memorandum of Understanding for faster and deeper collaboration on science, innovation and technology
    • deal unlocks £1.7 million worth of joint research projects, focusing on critical technologies like quantum
    • agreement shows the recent deal on Horizon is only the start of the UK’s global science ambitions, and the government is determined to unlock sci-tech partnerships right across the world

    Israel will become the latest country to sign a landmark agreement with the UK, to collaborate on science and innovation, when the two countries’ Science Ministers meet in London later today (Wednesday 20 September). As part of the deal, both countries will commit a total of £1.7 million in of support to joint research focused on technologies critical to our future prosperity and quality of life, like quantum.

    Today’s agreement comes just weeks after the new UK-EU agreement the Prime Minister secured earlier this month on the UK’s association to Horizon, the world’s largest programme of research cooperation – which Israel is also an associate member of. The deal will enable quicker, deeper collaboration on areas of science and innovation, like AI, health and the environment, which are critically important to the jobs and economy of the coming decades.

    This agreement is the latest in a series of bilateral international science deals the UK has signed recently, which include partnerships with India, Switzerland and South Africa. The UK is also putting serious financial backing behind international science collaboration with a new global research warchest, the International Science Partnerships Fund, which launched last year with an initial £119 million to deliver world class science and research with partners around the globe.

    These bilateral agreements, alongside Horizon association, demonstrate the UK’s global ambitions to deepen collaboration with leading lights in science right across the globe. The government is determined to open up the broadest range of opportunities, for the brightest British minds to unlock breakthroughs with colleagues, the world over.

    The Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Israel will be signed later today, in the heart of historic Whitehall. Elevating the already-strong bonds between the UK and Israel’s research and technology communities – with some of the £1.7 million announced today also supporting UK researchers to build their links with partners in Israel – will support high-skilled jobs and drive economic growth, one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.

    George Freeman MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:

    Israel is known as the Start-up Nation for good reason: from its world-leading approach to R&D, to its flourishing biotech, cyber, space and agritech sectors, it is truly one of the world’s most innovative economies.

    That’s why I prioritised Israel alongside Japan and Switzerland as one of our first priority R&D collaborations, in our network of global collaborations, to better attract investment and support the global impact of UK innovation as part of our science superpower mission.

    This collaboration is structured in the standard 3 pillars – research, commercialisation and bilateral government priorities – and will take our deep and longstanding science and technology partnership to new heights, to the benefit of scientists, researchers, investors and companies in both nations.

    Minister Ofir Akunis of Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology said:

    I’m delighted and proud to sign today the Bilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MOST) and the UK Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

    I believe this signing will contribute significantly to the scientific and technological cooperation and networking between scientists and entrepreneurs across many sectors in both our countries.

    Over the years, our two countries have developed excellent, cutting-edge technology in many fields. This collaboration will not only benefit our scientific communities but will also benefit the broader economy, and security of our nations.

    By boosting the UK and Israel’s science and research links, the deal builds on the objectives of the UK Science and Technology Framework, which sets out how the government will consistently champion and strengthen the UK’s science and technology sectors overseas through work with international governments, academics, industries and more. The bonds between both countries’ innovators are being further bolstered by the UK’s association to Horizon Europe, of which Israel is also a non-EU associate member.

    The funding being announced today includes £1.1 million which will go towards Universities UK International’s UK-Israel Innovation Mobility Scheme, supporting UK-based researchers to travel to Israel and work jointly with Israeli partners, at top Israeli institutions.

    More than £600,000 will support the UK-Israel quantum collaboration being led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, to develop disruptive new quantum technologies that could eventually be rolled out commercially, to underpin the workings of quantum computers.

    All of this forms part of the £20 million commitment for science, research and innovation collaboration in the UK-Israel Bilateral Roadmap, which was signed by both countries’ Foreign Ministers in March.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes soon after quitting [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes soon after quitting [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 20 September 2023.

    Stoptober is back and calling on smokers to join the thousands of others committing to quit from 1 October.

    • New research reveals smokers can expect positive changes as soon as 2 weeks after quitting, including having more energy (45%), feeling healthier (42%) and improved breathing (42%)
    • Data announced as the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ (OHID) national quit smoking campaign, Stoptober, returns to encourage smokers to quit this October and highlights both the immediate benefits and longer-terms gains ex-smokers can expect
    • Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England with over 5 million people in the country still smoking
    • Campaign is supported by TV stars and ex-smokers Bobby Norris and Malin Andersson

    A new nationwide survey released today ahead of Stoptober shows nearly all (95%) ex-smokers see positive changes in their life as early as 2 weeks after quitting.

    Stoptober’s mass quit attempt will launch on 1 October, calling on smokers in England to join the thousands of others committing to quit. While smoking rates are declining, over 5 million adults in England still smoke and smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the country – linked to 64,000 deaths a year. The total cost from smoking to society in England is approximately £17 billion a year – this includes the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking at approximately £1.9 billion a year.

    This supports the government’s bold new measures – such as financial incentives for all pregnant women who smoke to quit – to help us achieve our bold ambition to be Smokefree by 2030.

    New data from more than 3,000 ex-smokers, found some of the top benefits they saw within 2 weeks of quitting included having more energy (45%), feeling healthier (42%) and breathing better (42%). In addition to key improvements in health measures, many survey respondents also noted improvement in their ability to exercise (22%), healthier looking skin (24%), their sense of taste returning (25%), and saving money (34%). On average, a smoker could save £38 a week by quitting smoking, which is around £2,000 a year.

    These findings reinforce the near-immediate improvements smokers can expect when they quit – including improvements to senses of taste and smell within as little as 48 hours.

    NHS doctor, Dr Dawn Harper, said:

    As a GP, I am always trying to encourage my patients to quit smoking as I know the detrimental impact it has on so many of our body’s systems. Quitting is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health, and kick starts a range of benefits from easier breathing to reduced coughing to better tasting food. It will also put you on the road to long-term health benefits including reduced risk of heart attack and lung cancer. So why not give it a shot this Stoptober?

    Stopping smoking also brings multiple long-term health benefits, including a reduced risk of several cancers and lung diseases. Just one year after quitting, the risk of a heart attack is halved and after 10 years, the risk of death from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

    Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, said:

    Over the past 12 years Stoptober has helped over 2 and a half million people quit. However, while smoking rates are in decline, there are over 5 million adults in England who still smoke, so it’s vital we support everyone to go smoke free. Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked. It’s never too late to stop. I encourage you to give it a go.

    Health Minister, Neil O’Brien, said:

    Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death. When people quit smoking, the benefits are huge – they are healthier, wealthier and pressure on the NHS eases.

    Stoptober will motivate thousands to quit smoking this October by providing people with the support and confidence to go smoke free.

    We remain committed to our bold ambition to be smoke free by 2030, bolstered by a package of new measures giving vapes to a million smokers, new financial incentives for pregnant women to quit and new pack inserts to provide support to people to quit.

    Stoptober is based on evidence showing that if you can make it to 28 days smoke free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. This year’s new campaign – ‘When you stop smoking, good things start to happen’ – is designed to highlight the immediate benefits smokers can expect when they stop smoking.

    While stopping smoking can be challenging, the survey also revealed interesting findings in terms of where people find support to quit, with family and friends (29%) and talking to others who have quit smoking (21%) rated as key motivators. Other top tips included finding a distraction from smoking such as keeping hands busy (37%), changing routine (37%) and going for walks (37%).

    Ex-smokers The Only Way Is Essex star Bobby Norris and Love Island’s Malin Andersson are joining the campaign this year to tell their stories of how they quit successfully and encourage others to also give quitting a go.

    The Only Way is Essex star, Bobby Norris, said:

    Three years ago, I finally made the decision to give up smoking after almost 20 years. I was surprised by how quickly I felt the benefits – I’ve instantly had more energy to do the things I love like improving my fitness, I feel so much healthier, I never want to go back. With the great support on offer via Stoptober I couldn’t recommend a better time to get involved and give it a go from this year.

    Campaigner, broadcaster and former Love Islander, Malin Andersson, said:

    I quit 2 years ago because I was pregnant but was amazed to discover there are so many other benefits to stopping smoking, such as being able to breathe easier, I had more energy and just felt so much healthier. I used to smoke 8 to 10 cigarettes a day for 8 years – so I know how hard it can be to quit, but after seeing these improvements, I had to stick with it. This could be you too!

    Stoptober offers a range of free quitting support, including the NHS Quit Smoking App, Facebook support group, an online Personal Quit Plan and local stop-smoking service look-up tool, as well as advice on stop smoking aids including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking.

    For free support to quit this October, search ‘Stoptober’.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Second 2023 to 2024 Cost of Living Payment dates announced [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Second 2023 to 2024 Cost of Living Payment dates announced [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 20 September 2023.

    Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.

    • Millions of households to receive £300 from DWP between 31 October and 19 November 2023
    • This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 supporting eligible people on means-tested benefits with the cost of living
    • Payments make up part of government’s record financial support for the most vulnerable worth an average of £3,300 per household
    • Tax credits-only customers who do not qualify for a payment from DWP will receive £300 from HMRC between 10 and 19 November 2023

    Millions of households across the UK will receive £300 directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 31 October and 19 November.

    This is the second of 3 payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, in 2023 to 2024, and eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

    The £300 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to recipients, meaning those eligible do not need to apply, contact the Government, or take any action to receive it. This includes tax credits-only customers who will receive the payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between 10 and 19 November 2023.

    The payment reference for bank accounts will be the recipient’s National Insurance Number followed by DWP COL or HMRC COLS.

    Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:

    The best way we can boost bank balances is by bearing down on inflation, but as we get there, we are ensuring the most vulnerable households are cushioned from high prices with a further Cost of Living payment.

    Alongside this, thousands of Work Coaches across the country are helping find work, increase their hours and boost their skills. I encourage anyone who wants to progress their career and strengthen their finances to visit their local Jobcentre to find out what help is available.

    Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added:

    Halving inflation and getting price rises under control is the best way to support households struggling with their bills. But it is also right that we are helping the most vulnerable in our society, and this latest Cost of Living payment is part of a package of support worth £3,300 per household on average over this year and last to help those struggling the most.

    The full list of benefit recipients that qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment are those who are eligible and receive at least one of the following:

    • Universal Credit
    • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Income Support
    • Working Tax Credit
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Pension Credit

    To be eligible for the Cost of Living Payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023, or payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates. From HMRC, you need to have received a payment of tax credits for any day in the period between 18 August 2023 and 17 September 2023.

    The DWP continues to encourage low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility, as – thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules – they could still qualify for both the second Cost of Living Payment as well as the third payment due in Spring 2024. Over eight million pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment.

    Additional information

    • These payments are tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
    • The 3 means-tested Cost of Living Payments for 2023 to 2024, worth up to £900 in total, are being delivered in three slightly different amounts, each relating to a specific qualifying period before the payment is made. This allows DWP and HMRC to ensure support is targeted at those who need it and are eligible; to determine if a payee received the correct payments and identify the payment value; and to reduce the risk of fraud.
    • To get the £300 payment someone must (subject to a very limited exception) have been entitled to a payment of a qualifying benefit as follows:
      • for Universal Credit, payment for an assessment period ending between 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023
      • for all other DWP means-tested benefits, payment in respect of any day between 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023
      • for tax credits-only customers, a payment of tax credits in respect of any day in the period 18 August 2023 to 17 September 2023, or later be paid in respect of any day in this period
      • those on DWP benefits other than Universal Credit who are entitled to less than 10 pence and meet all other qualifying criteria but who do not receive a benefit payment, will still receive a Cost of Living Payment
    • For joint tax credits claimants, where one claimant receives Working Tax Credit and the other claimant receives Child Tax Credit, payments will be made into the same bank account as the Child Tax Credit.
    • Payment windows and eligibility criteria for the third Cost of Living Payment will be announced in due course.
    • For more information on these payments, please visit Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024
    • For those requiring an extra layer of cost of living support, people are encouraged to visit their council website to find out what extra help is available at a local level. Councils in England are continuing to offer various forms of support to cover the cost of essentials thanks to DWP’s £842 million extension to the Household Support Fund this year
    • DWP will pay over seven million households and HMRC will follow with around 830,000 more, bringing the total number of households eligible for the Cost of Living Payment to around eight million
    • Receiving a previous Cost of Living Payment does not mean you will be entitled to a future one. Customers will need to meet the separate eligibility criteria for each payment
    • The number of payments made by HMRC has reduced over time, when compared with the 2022 to 2023 HMRC payments, as people move from tax credits to Universal Credit and may therefore receive their latest payment from DWP if they are eligible
    • Beware of scams targeting Cost of Living Payments. If someone contacts you about this payment saying they are from DWP or HMRC, it might be a scam. Check advice on spotting scams by visiting GOV.UK and searching ‘phishing and scams’
  • PRESS RELEASE : New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New government research shows ‘lonely’ seems to be the hardest word for students [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 19 September 2023.

    As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research has found that nearly half of students worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.

    • Nearly all students say they felt lonely at least once during the last academic year, yet almost half have hidden feelings of loneliness because they fear no one will understand
    • 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely
    • Government partners with Wingstop, Sporting Wellness and Student Radio to boost campaign to tackle stigma around loneliness
    • Small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee help to combat loneliness

    As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research commissioned by the Government has found that while loneliness is experienced by almost all students (92%), nearly half (43%) worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.

    The research, collected by YouGov, has indicated that over half (53%) feel more uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness; a higher proportion than any other concern listed.

    The sample of more than 1,000 students highlighted that concerns about loneliness (52%) came ahead of other major concerns including managing money (49%), course difficulty (49%), finding suitable housing (26%) or even ‘fitting in’ (48%).

    However, the research found there was little judgement from others towards those that admitted to feeling lonely. Almost nine in ten (87%) students disagreed they would judge someone who said they felt this way, while 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely.

    This new research comes as the Government partners with international restaurant chain Wingstop.  A free campaign on the chain’s in-store digital screens and social media channels will encourage students to get together at meal times and direct them to the Better Health – Every Mind Matters website which has resources and support for loneliness and mental health issues.

    The Government is also partnering with charity Sporting Wellness, as well as the Student Radio Association, Student Roost and Student Minds, to raise awareness of the campaign and its resources through their channels and university focused activities. This aims to make young people feel more comfortable talking about loneliness, addressing the stigma as well as pointing them to support.

    The latest phase of the Government’s Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign targeted young people. It encouraged those aged 16 to 34 to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’ by carrying out small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee.

    Minister for Loneliness, Stuart Andrew said:

    As these findings make clear, loneliness can affect anyone at any time. While freshers’ week is an exciting time for many, it can often be a daunting prospect for students. Moving away from home and away from friends and family can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially while trying to manage coursework, make new friends and often navigate a new city.

    There are small things everyone can do to help alleviate loneliness and open up the conversation. This includes reaching out to those that might be struggling and spending time volunteering, such as by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated.

    We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about loneliness and to help them find the right advice and support whenever they need it.

    The findings revealed that eight in ten (82%) said they had supported or would support a friend feeling lonely, most often by just starting a conversation and offering reassurance, showing that the issue is far more normal than many perceive.

    When it comes to tackling the issue, research also found that joining a society or club was the most helpful intervention, with nearly half (42%) of those who did this as a result of feeling lonely saying it was the most helpful action they took.

    Research also found that the experience of loneliness at university differs for female students and disabled students, with more than half (58%) of female students saying they don’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness compared to nearly half (48%) of male students. Similarly, 61% of disabled students say they wouldn’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness, compared to 51% non-disabled students.

    Findings differ for those who identify as LGB+, with almost half (47%) saying they felt isolated from their peers compared to a third (34%) of heterosexual students. While nearly half (48%) of heterosexual students were concerned about feeling lonely before starting their course, the figure jumps to 62% for LGB+ students.

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

    Starting university is an exciting time for many young people but the new environment and expectations can be challenging.

    As this research shows, meeting new people and making friends is a top concern for students starting university, but I hope that they can see that they are not alone in this. Not only is this a common feeling for people at any age, but their fellow students are supportive and understanding.

    We have asked the Office for Students to allocate £15 million on a range of mental health support, including for students’ transition to university. If students are struggling, I would encourage them to visit Student Space, which has already supported over 450,000 students with free resources and support on mental health and issues like loneliness.

    Lauryn Davey, Medical Student, Youth Ambassador at Sporting Wellness said:

    Starting university can be such a big step, as many of us are surrounded by new people in new environments. It’s so important to talk about loneliness with those around you and to recognise those feelings as completely normal. For me, joining a sports club was so helpful for my mental wellbeing, physical health and it helped me meet some of my closest friends.

    Jenny Smith, Policy Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, said:

    This evidence shows that while loneliness is a common concern in our university communities, there’s a lot of sympathy and understanding among students.

    Anybody struggling can look at these figures and know what they’re going through isn’t unusual or uncommon. Of course, this doesn’t mean that any student should have to suffer in silence.

    Loneliness can be detrimental to mental wellbeing and university experience, so it’s crucial that students are empowered to address loneliness and form connections.

    We’re pleased to see the government is raising this issue, and want people to know that help is available. Student Space is here to help you with the uncertainties of student life with a range of resources available to support students dealing with loneliness and worries about making friends.

    Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at Mental Health Foundation, said:

    We know that some groups of people, including young people aged 16-24, are more at risk of loneliness so it’s important that we do more to understand their experiences and provide the right support.

    An important step is to address stigma about who experiences loneliness so that young people don’t feel ashamed about how they feel. Being able to have open conversations is vital but the stigma of loneliness can make it hard to talk about, as we worry about being judged or feeling like a burden.

    Starting college or university is an exciting but nerve-wracking time so we encourage new students to access our Behind the Books resources for expert tips and advice. We welcome any government support for student wellbeing that helps prevent poor mental health.

    Since launching the world’s first government strategy on loneliness, the Government and its partners have invested over £80 million in tackling loneliness. This includes up to £30 million allocated via the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’ creating volunteering opportunities and helping reduce loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas.

    Practical tips for students dealing with feelings of loneliness include:

    1. Spend time helping other people, such as volunteering with student groups or by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated
    2. Keep in touch with friends and family over the phone
    3. Join a club or society at university to connect with others who have similar interests
    4. Be open to everyone, as university is a great place to meet people from all different backgrounds
    5. Get in touch with the university’s student services about the welfare and support it can provide

    More information and support can be found on the Better Health website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : E3 representatives meet with Iranian counterpart [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : E3 representatives meet with Iranian counterpart [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 September 2023.

    The UK, France and Germany (E3) issued a statement during a meeting between senior E3 officials and their Iranian counterpart in New York.

    An E3 spokesperson said:

    UK, French and German Political Directors met their Iranian counterpart in New York on 19 September to discuss the nuclear issue and other areas of mutual interest.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Britain makes internet safer, as Online Safety Bill finished and ready to become law [September 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Britain makes internet safer, as Online Safety Bill finished and ready to become law [September 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 September 2023.

    Online Safety Bill passes its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law.

    • The Online Safety Bill has been signed off by the Houses of Parliament and will become law soon
    • the bill will make the UK the safest place in the world to be online by placing new duties on social media companies – honouring our manifesto commitment
    • the bolstered bill has been strengthened through debate, with firmer protections for children, more control for adults and clarity for social platforms

    The Online Safety Bill has today (Tuesday 19 September) passed its final Parliamentary debate and is now ready to become law.

    This major milestone means the government is within touching distance of delivering the most powerful child protection laws in a generation, while ensuring adults are better empowered to take control of their online lives, while protecting our mental health.

    The bill takes a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children and makes sure social media platforms are held responsible for the content they host. If they do not act rapidly to prevent and remove illegal content and stop children seeing material that is harmful to them, such as bullying, they will face significant fines that could reach billions of pounds. In some cases, their bosses may even face prison.

    The bill has undergone considerable parliamentary scrutiny in both the Houses and has come out with stronger protections for all.

    Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    The Online Safety Bill is a game-changing piece of legislation. Today, this government is taking an enormous step forward in our mission to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online.

    I am immensely proud of what we have achieved with this bill. Our common-sense approach will deliver a better future for British people, by making sure that what is illegal offline is illegal online. It puts protecting children first, enabling us to catch keyboard criminals and crack down on the heinous crimes they seek to commit.

    I am deeply thankful to the tireless campaigning and efforts of parliamentarians, survivors of abuse and charities who have all worked relentlessly to get this bill to the finish line.

    Without this groundbreaking legislation, the safety of children across the country would be at stake and the internet would remain a wild west of content, putting children’s lives and mental health at risk. The bill has a zero-tolerance approach to protecting children, meaning social media platforms will be legally responsible for the content they host and keeping children and young people safe online.

    Social media platforms will be expected to:

    • remove illegal content quickly or prevent it from appearing in the first place, including content promoting self-harm
    • prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content
    • enforce age limits and age-checking measures
    • ensure the risks and dangers posed to children on the largest social media platforms are more transparent, including by publishing risk assessments
    • provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise

    NSPCC Chief Executive, Sir Peter Wanless said:

    We are absolutely delighted to see the Online Safety Bill being passed through Parliament. It is a momentous day for children and will finally result in the ground-breaking protections they should expect online.

    At the NSPCC, we hear from children about the completely unacceptable levels of abuse and harm they face online every day. That’s why we have campaigned strongly for change alongside brave survivors, families, young people and parliamentarians to ensure the legislation results in a much safer online world for children.

    Children can benefit greatly from life online. Tech companies can now seize the opportunity to embrace safety by design. The NSPCC is ready to help them listen to and understand the online experiences of their young users to help ensure every child feels safe and empowered online.

    In addition to its firm protections for children, the bill empowers adults to take control of what they see online. It provides three layers of protection for internet users which will:

    1. Make sure illegal content will have to be removed
    2. Place a legal responsibility on social media platforms to enforce the promises they make to users when they sign up, through terms and conditions
    3. Offer users the option to filter out harmful content, such as bullying, that they do not want to see online

    If social media platforms do not comply with these rules, Ofcom could fine them up to £18 million or 10% of their global annual revenue, whichever is biggest – meaning fines handed down to the biggest platforms could reach billions of pounds.

    Also added to the bill are new laws to decisively tackle online fraud and violence against women and girls. Through this legislation, it will be easier to convict someone who shares intimate images without consent and new laws will further criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate deepfakes.

    The change in laws will make it easier to charge abusers who share intimate images and put more offenders behind bars and better protect the public. Those found guilty of this base offence have a maximum penalty of 6 months in custody.

    Former Love Island star and campaigner Georgia Harrison said:

    Violence against women and girls is so common, with one in three women in the UK having experienced online abuse or harassment.

    The Online Safety bill is going to help bring this to an end, by holding social media companies accountable to protect women and girls from online abuse.

    Under the bill, the biggest social media platforms will have to stop users being exposed to dangerous fraudulent adverts by blocking and removing scams, or face Ofcom’s huge new fines.

    The government has recently strengthened the bill even further, by amending the law to force social media firms to prevent activity that facilitates animal cruelty and torture (such as paying or instructing torture). Even if this activity takes place outside the UK but is seen by users here, companies will be forced to take it down.

    Anticipating the bill coming into force, the biggest social media companies have already started to take action. Snapchat has started removing the accounts of underage users and TikTok has implemented stronger age verification.

    Ofcom Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes said:

    Today is a major milestone in the mission to create a safer life online for children and adults in the UK. Everyone at Ofcom feels privileged to be entrusted with this important role, and we’re ready to start implementing these new laws.

    Very soon after the bill receives Royal Assent, we’ll consult on the first set of standards that we’ll expect tech firms to meet in tackling illegal online harms, including child sexual exploitation, fraud and terrorism.

    While the bill has been in progress, the government has been working closely with Ofcom to ensure changes will be implemented as quickly as possible when it becomes law.

    The regulator will immediately begin work on tackling illegal content and protecting children’s safety, with its consultation process launching in the weeks after Royal Assent. It will then take a phased approach to bringing the Online Safety Bill’s into force.