Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Ministers join forces to encourage veterans to self declare to GPs [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 29 August 2023.

Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer and Health Secretary Steve Barclay are urging veterans and service leavers to access specialist healthcare pathways run by NHS England and service charities.
Ex-forces personnel in England are being urged to identify themselves as veterans with their GPs

NHS England offers dedicated mental and physical health care pathways for veterans: Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE

740 referrals have been made to Op RESTORE so far, but many more could benefit from the multi-disciplinary service

Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer and Health Secretary Steve Barclay are urging veterans and service leavers to access specialist healthcare pathways run by NHS England and service charities.

The ministers met with the Op RESTORE team at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, North London. The service supports veterans in England who have served in, or are leaving, the UK Armed Forces and have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the armed forces.

The ministers met with a number of veteran patients, who spoke of how multi-disciplinary teams who understand their military backgrounds have helped to restore their physical health and wellbeing.

Formerly known as the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN), the service has been renamed to help improve awareness of it amongst veterans and to sit as part of a suite of dedicated healthcare pathways run by NHS England, including Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. The new name is intended to support improved access to Op RESTORE and make it more identifiable to both veterans and clinicians to boost referrals and service uptake.

From the autumn, Op RESTORE will be able to support veterans to access the Veteran Mobility Fund, which will deliver high quality support to veterans with physical disabilities through grants to enable them to access mobility equipment that meets their needs and improves their quality of life.

By declaring themselves to their local GP, ex-forces personnel will be able to access more specialised physical and mental health care support. NHS England launched the VTN in 2016, with 740 referrals so far – but many more ex-service personnel could also benefit.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay said:

Veterans have given so much to this country and when they need support as a result of their dedicated service, it’s only right that the NHS is there for them.

Op Restore is a brilliant programme that helps with veterans’ physical health and wellbeing. Their joint approach includes military clinicians, meaning they receive help from medical professionals with a deeper understanding of their individual needs.

For most veterans, serving the nation is a hugely positive and beneficial experience. But for the minority who find their health impacted by their time in the armed forces, I want them to be able to come forward to receive both short and longer-term care tailored specifically to them, and I want them to know that services such as Op Restore are there to support them.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer said:

The reason I joined this government was to improve access to veterans’ care, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made over the last few years.

We now have clear and dedicated pathways for mental and physical health, and are looking at how we can extend this support further to provide wraparound, community support.

If you have been injured, mentally or physically, by your time in service, please contact your GP and identify yourself as a veteran so you can access the specialist treatment that’s right for you.

The holistic support is provided to veterans through working together with military and civilian medical professionals along with armed forces charities and NHS teams. Together, the network understands military life and the longer-term care and support that may be required for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers. Available across England, and informed by veterans, the service is hosted by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Since its inception in 2016, there have been more than 740 referrals to the Op RESTORE. In 2022-23, 97% of referrals were reviewed at multi-disciplinary teams within 8 weeks. Many more ex-forces personnel are also eligible for specialist support.

National Clinical Director of Op RESTORE, Shehan Hettiaratchy, has been a reservist for more than 20 years and has an extensive understanding of military trauma injuries following a deployment as a military plastic surgeon to Birmingham and on Operation Herrick. Shehan assumed the role of Chair of NHS England’s Clinical Reference Group for the Armed Forces in May 2020 and National Specialty Adviser, Armed Forces Health in 2022.

Shehan Hettiaratchy, National Clinical Director of Op RESTORE and Chair of the NHS England Armed Forces Healthcare Clinical Reference Group, said:

We work with military charities and closely link with Op COURAGE so every element of the veterans’ health needs are met. Veterans will be seen by clinicians within the NHS who have an understanding of the challenges of military life – many having served themselves.

If you have continuing physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to you time in the Armed Forces and think you need the help that Op RESTORE can give you, ask your GP to refer you and we’ll do the rest.

Maurillia, Op RESTORE patient said:

The service has made me aware that I matter, that I have a voice – no matter how small or how soft. To speak to a consultant who understands my injuries and hear someone else rather than myself say the same things in a different way, no matter how long it has taken. The support to me along this journey from Op RESTORE has been brilliant.

Op RESTORE veteran support workers are linked with local and national charities and organisations so can support access to housing, employment, benefits, for example, as well as local veterans breakfast clubs and volunteering opportunities which support the veteran’s wellbeing.

Further armed forces healthcare services provided by the NHS in England include Op NOVA: Supporting Veterans in the Justice System and, most recently Op COMMUNITY: Armed Forces Community Support.
August 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Air Traffic Control system update [August 2023]

The press release issued by NATS, the body responsible for air traffic control in the UK, on 29 August 2023.

“I would like to apologise again for our technical failure yesterday. While we resolved the problem quickly, I am very conscious that the knock-on effects at such a busy time of year are still being felt by many people travelling in and out of the UK.

“I would like to reassure everyone that since yesterday afternoon all of our systems have been running normally to support airline and airport operations as they recover from this incident.

“NATS exists to allow everyone flying in UK airspace to do so safely. Our systems enable our air traffic controllers to deliver this service all year round. These have several levels of backup and allow us to manage around 2 million flights per year in some of the busiest and most complex airspace in the world safely and efficiently.

“Very occasionally technical issues occur that are complex and take longer to resolve. In the event of such an issue our systems are designed to isolate the problem and prioritise continued safe air traffic control.

“This is what happened yesterday. At no point was UK airspace closed but the number of flights was significantly reduced.

“Initial investigations into the problem show it relates to some of the flight data we received. Our systems, both primary and the back-ups, responded by suspending automatic processing to ensure that no incorrect safety-related information could be presented to an air traffic controller or impact the rest of the air traffic system. There are no indications that this was a cyber-attack.

“We have well established procedures, overseen by the CAA, to investigate incidents. We are already working closely with them to provide a preliminary report to the Secretary of State for Transport on Monday. The conclusions of this report will be made public.

“I would like again to apologise to everyone who has been affected.”

August 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Statement following Transport Secretary’s meeting with aviation industry on air traffic control disruption [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 29 August 2023.

Airlines urged to support passengers while their flights are rearranged. Government to review the NATS report in the coming days.

This afternoon (29 August 2023), the Transport Secretary Mark Harper chaired a meeting on yesterday’s air traffic control disruption with NATS, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines, airports, trade bodies and Border Force.

While the technical failure was resolved quickly yesterday afternoon, the meeting was an opportunity for NATS to brief the industry on what went wrong and for airlines to provide the latest updates on their operations and the support they’re offering to passengers impacted by the disruption.

The Transport Secretary urged airlines to continue doing all they can to support passengers, increasing capacity by whatever means possible and ensuring customers have adequate welfare and accommodation while waiting for their rearranged flights.

Speaking after the meeting, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I echo the apology offered by NATS to everyone caught up in the disruption following yesterday’s technical issue with air traffic control. My priority continues to be making sure passengers get where they need to be as quickly as possible.

I am grateful to airlines, airports and Border Force for the work being done to get passengers to their destinations and to provide support while they wait.

Airlines are clear about their responsibilities to their customers and I stand ready to provide further appropriate support from the government should the industry request it.

Although the air traffic control system is back up and running, the knock-on effects of yesterday’s disruption are likely to continue over the coming days. Passengers due to travel should check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

The Department for Transport has put in place temporary alleviations to allow night flights at those airports it regulates. Airline and airport chief executives outlined that we are likely to see a continuation of some disruption in the coming days as they get affected passengers to their destinations, and crew and aircraft to the right locations.

The Transport Secretary and Aviation Minister are being kept up to date with airlines and airports’ operations, and will be reviewing the report from NATS once it is delivered to the CAA in the coming days. The Transport Secretary offered the industry any other appropriate support needed from the government to help passengers and alleviate the ongoing disruption.

August 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government and Post Offices team up so people can access public services in-person [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 29 August 2023.

A new partnership with the Post Office will make online government services easier to access. An in-person service for the One Login programme will support people with lower digital skills to verify their identity.
- A new partnership with the Post Office will make online government services easier to access.
- An in-person service will support people with lower digital skills to verify their identity, as the One Login programme continues to roll out.
- Most people will be within 10 miles of a Post Office branch that is offering the service.
The Cabinet Office and the Post Office have teamed up to provide an in-person service for those who may struggle to access government support online.

The face-to-face service, which will be available soon for public use, will ensure that people can verify their identity when accessing public services.

The government is currently rolling out GOV.UK One Login, which allows users to have just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use many different Government services online.

These services will include accessing self-assessment tax returns, conducting a DBS check or applying for pension credit.

The free in-person system will enable those who find using a digital platform more challenging to visit a local Post Office branch, where they can verify their identity in person.

Alex Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said:

While it is essential that government systems keep pace with technological change, we must ensure everyone can access them.

Figuring out a new online system, and completing identity verification checks, can be daunting.

That is why we are launching a new partnership with the Post Office to give more people the confidence to use GOV.UK One Login and access the vital services they need.

Most people will be within 10 miles of a UK Post Office branch that is offering this new in-person identity check for GOV.UK One Login.

GOV.UK One Login users undertake some basic steps online to set up an account, for which they need an email address and a mobile phone number.

Smartphone users with photo ID can use the GOV.UK One Login identity checking app, which has already been downloaded over 3 million times, or browser journey to prove their identity, for services that require verification, in around 10 minutes.

This partnership is set to make online government services easier to access for those with lower digital skills.

Natalie Jones, Director of Digital Identity from Government Digital Service said:

People across the UK already visit their local Post Office branch regularly, making them a trusted place to seek advice and support.

This in-person support will make the process of moving to GOV.UK One Login easier and quicker for many people, simultaneously increasing uptake.

This partnership is just one of a number of innovations One Login will be rolling out over the next 12 months to increase ease of access to digital services.

Government Digital Service are also launching a service to provide user support through phone and email. This will help those experiencing difficulties in proving their identity or using GOV.UK One Login.

GOV.UK One Login is simple and safe to use, and has ease of access at its core. 100 services will be using One Login by 2025.

Over 2.2 million users have already successfully proved who they are through GOV.UK One Login to access services. The programme will help save over £700 million over the next three years.

Nick Read, Post Office Chief Executive, said:

We are delighted to be extending our successful relationship with government in the identity services field.

Post Office is the place for face-to-face identity verification in the UK. We will always remain committed to the principle that no one should be left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Ensuring we support people and businesses with their identity requirements, whether via our EasyID app, online or in-branch means we are the one stop shop for identity services.
August 30, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2023.

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, met Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo during a visit to Philippines on 29 August.

The Foreign Secretary met Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila today (29 August) to sign a Statement of Intent on the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership. The Enhanced Partnership will drive co-operation on maritime security, renewable energy and trade.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s commitment to ASEAN stability and prosperity, and thanked Foreign Minister Manalo for the Philippines’s support for the UK’s Dialogue Partnership. The Foreign Secretary expressed the UK’s strong support for ASEAN’s effort on Myanmar.

The foreign ministers also discussed key regional issues of mutual concern, including regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. On maritime security, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary agreed with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo that any negotiated settlement should deliver a just and sustainable peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter.

August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New steps will speed up Sizewell C preparations [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 29 August 2023.

£341 million investment builds on the government’s existing £870 million stake and its plans to rapidly expand nuclear energy in the UK.
- Government announces measures to speed up preparations for Sizewell C construction
- Sizewell C would boost the UK’s energy security and help drive Putin further out of global energy markets
- extra investment part of plans for rapid expansion of nuclear energy in the UK, powering up to a quarter of UK electricity demands by 2050
Steps to further speed up preparations to make the site at Sizewell C in Suffolk shovel-ready have been announced today (Tuesday 29 August), as part of a major drive to create a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK.

Ministers today made available a further £341 million of previously allocated funding for development work on the project. The extra money will help prepare the site for construction, procuring key components from the project’s supply chain, and expanding its workforce.

It would see activity ramp up at the Suffolk site, supporting continued preparation works, such as constructing onsite training facilities for 1500 apprenticeships, further development of the plant’s engineering design, and direct investments in the local community ahead of work starting. The funding would build on the government’s existing £870 million stake and help drive progress towards the long-standing objective of reaching a Final Investment Decision on a new large-scale nuclear project this Parliament.

Sizewell C would provide reliable, low-carbon power to the equivalent of 6 million homes over 60 years – saving the UK as many as 9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. At the peak of construction work, it would support 10,000 jobs nationwide, with 70% of the value of construction contracts in the supply chain going to UK businesses.

Making this funding available is the latest measure to support the government’s plans to rapidly expand nuclear energy in the UK, powering up to a quarter of UK electricity demands by 2050, key to reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels from overseas, providing energy independence and security of supply in Britain.

Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said:

Sizewell C will be a significant part of the revival of nuclear energy in this country – providing clean, home-grown power to millions of homes, providing thousands of jobs and ending reliance on foreign electricity to bolster our energy security.

Today’s funding announcement is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to this vital project, and will mean the site will be shovel-ready, and work able to start, much more quickly.

This is the second tranche of planned government investment this summer, further supporting plans to secure private investment using the newly established Regulated Asset Base (RAB) finance model and bolstering the pledge of taking a final investment decision on Sizewell C this Parliament.

Like Hinkley Point C in Somerset, Sizewell C would comprise 2 reactors, generating a total of 3.2GW of electricity, equivalent to 7% of the UK’s electricity needs. It would help deliver the government’s ambition for up to 24GW of the UK’s power to come from nuclear sources by 2050 – 4 times the current level.

Sizewell C Company Joint Managing Director, Julia Pyke, said:

This is great news and puts us in an even stronger position to start full construction. It will also allow us to implement several community schemes over the next few months. We want people living near Sizewell C to see the benefits of the project as soon as possible and we’re looking forward to getting started on a range of proposals which will bring real improvements to the area well before the main construction gets underway.

The news follows the launch of a new arms-length body Great British Nuclear (GBN), responsible for helping to deliver new nuclear, grow the economy, drive down bills and boost the country’s energy security. The initial focus of GBN will be on Small Modular Reactors, but further large gigawatt-scale projects will also be considered to help deliver on our net zero ambitions.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : ‘Audacious Run’ from Rugby School to Paris launches major UK Government campaign [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 29 August 2023.

To mark 200 years since a UK schoolboy broke convention and invented the game of rugby, the UK’s enduring legacy of audacious creativity and innovation will be celebrated in the build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a run from Rugby School to Paris.
281 mile solo run from Rugby to Paris marks 200th year since William Webb Ellis broke the rules of football and ‘created’ the game of rugby

Delivered by the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, the run launches a major UK government event ahead of the Rugby World Cup which aims to showcase the UK as a nation of audacious creators, trend-setters and innovators

The event will kick-off a 12 month programme of activity to promote the best of the UK and encourage the French to visit, study and do business with the UK

To mark 200 years since a UK schoolboy broke convention and invented the game of rugby, the UK’s enduring legacy of audacious creativity and innovation will be celebrated in the build-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a run from Rugby School to Paris.

The legend of William Webb Ellis catching a football and running with it dates back to a game at Rugby School in 1823 and is credited with creating the game of rugby.

To mark the anniversary, ultramarathon runner Jake Barraclough, 26, will evoke the spirit of Webb Ellis and undertake the gruelling 281 mile run from Rugby School to Paris in time for the opening of the Rugby World Cup.

Jake said:

I’m thrilled to be taking on such an epic challenge while at the same time having this unique opportunity to promote the UK. I know I will have to channel Webb Ellis’s audacious spirit when the going gets tough on the route, and I’ll be looking forward to a glass of English sparkling wine when I finally arrive in Paris.

The series of ultramarathons will mark the launch of a major new campaign in France from the UK government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland programme, showcasing the UK’s audacious spirit and promoting the best of the UK to prospective tourists, students and business investors over the next twelve months.

The campaign will demonstrate the UK has always been the home of creators, trend-setters and innovators. From fashion icon Vivienne Westwood and music legend David Bowie, to modern day superstar Harry Styles, the UK continues to offer a fresh perspective.

Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said:

Webb Ellis’s story is one of breaking convention, there are few tales so brilliant and so uniquely British.

And 200 years on, seeing Jake run with a ball for 281 miles will bring the spirit of the UK to life in a very real way. It’s the perfect showcase of Britain’s audacious spirit

The ‘Audacious Run’ started at Rugby School on Saturday 26 August and is due to finish in Paris on Tuesday 5 September, just ahead of the start of the Rugby World Cup.

During the run, Jake will pass through towns and cities, meeting audacious individuals and organisations along the way, before taking the ferry from Newhaven to France.

On his approach to Paris, he will be joined by a number of stars of the game to run the final mile together.

Following The Audacious Run, the GREAT campaign will create a series of ‘pop-up’ experiences in Marseilles, Bordeaux and Lille, which are designed to drive economic growth across the UK by encouraging the French to visit, study and do business with the UK.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New border controls to protect the UK against security and biosecurity threats and ensure smooth flow of goods [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 29 August 2023.

The Border Target Operating Model sets out new controls to better protect the UK against security and biosecurity threats and create a world-class border system for trade in goods.

The Border Target Operating Model for trade in goods, published today, 29th August 2023, sets out when new controls will be introduced to better protect the UK against biosecurity threats and create a world-class border system.

Delivering on the 2025 Border Strategy to create the most effective border in the world, the model introduces a new global regime for security and biosecurity controls, including bringing in controls on imports from the EU for the first time and using Brexit freedoms to simplify import controls on goods from across the globe. Many businesses will already be familiar with similar requirements already in place for exporting to the EU.

These controls will keep the UK safe by defending against plant and animal diseases from abroad, protecting our vital agricultural industry and food supply chains, and assuring our trade partners of the quality of our exports. It will also protect against illegal imports, including firearms and drugs.

The Border Target Operating Model makes smarter use of data and technology to ensure a more efficient trading experience for businesses. By taking an intelligent, risk-based approach, it removes duplication and reduces the volume of data and paperwork required from businesses when importing goods. This will save businesses around £520m per year compared to the original import model that would have been introduced in 2022.

The model has been developed following extensive engagement with the border industry and businesses across the UK, and in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Administrations. Having listened to the views of industry, the Government has agreed to a delay of three months for the introduction of remaining sanitary and phytosanitary controls, as well as full customs controls for non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods, which will now be introduced from January 2024. To give stakeholders additional time to prepare for the new checks, further controls have a revised timetable. These include checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU, implemented in April 2024, and safety and Security declarations for EU imports, implemented in October 2024.

The Government has also worked with industry to test new technologies in a border setting, including distributed ledgers for sharing data, smart seals and GPS trackers. Pilot testing found these technologies could simplify processes across the supply chain, transforming the UK border through reduced costs and administrative burdens, making importing and exporting easier and cheaper for businesses.

In addition to the Border Target Operating Model, the Single Trade Window is another flagship border development which makes smarter use of data and technology. It will simplify and streamline import and export trade processes and provide a single gateway through which businesses can supply trade data to the government. Under this system, information will only need to be submitted by traders once and in one place, removing complexity and duplication from the system.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said:

“Our Border Target Operating Model will ensure more efficient trading for businesses, protect against biosecurity threats and further crack down on illegal imports such as firearms and drugs.

“By making maximum use of data and new technologies, our innovative yet risk-based approach is key to delivering a world-class border system. Once fully implemented, these important post-Brexit measures will, I believe, bring considerable benefits to the UK economy and to UK trade, and the Government stands ready to support businesses through this transition.”

Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:

“Protecting UK biosecurity through effective border controls on the goods that we import is so important. These border controls safeguard the food that we eat and protect animal and plant health across the UK.

“The Border Target Operating Model sets out our innovative system of border controls, which will continue to uphold UK biosecurity and support trade with other countries.”

Christine Middlemiss, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

“The Border Target Operating Model will deliver a new trade regime that provides a risk-based, proportionate and technologically advanced approach to border controls, built upon the foundations of safeguarding UK biosecurity. The threat from imported animal and plant diseases, such as African Swine Fever & Xylella fastidiosa, continues to grow. Our new regime of border controls will protect the UK and our trading partners from the economic, health and environmental harms caused by the outbreak of these diseases, whilst balancing the needs of vitally important trade.”

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Businesses will be pleased with this clarity as they prepare for the challenging shift to a digital trade system. The focus must now be on delivering the Single Trade Window to the timescales set out. The new approach to digitalising borders for goods movements could bring real benefits to the SMEs we represent, to trade, and to the economy.

“The critical thing is preparedness. Businesses are making investment and supply chain decisions for the long term and need to be confident that the physical and digital infrastructure around the GB border is going to be in place on time.”

Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said:

“FPC welcomes the publication of the final Border Target Operating Model. It’s clear, Government has acted upon our concerns and will now implement a unique border approach for the benefit of consumers and industry. This focussed risk-based approach will reinforce UK biosecurity and promote self-regulation to minimise supply chain disruption.

“Let’s be clear, challenges remain. However, this is a bold step forward to achieve our ambition to become a world-leading destination of choice promoting imports and exports of fantastic fresh produce, and flowers and plants.”

Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade said:

“The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) welcomes the innovative approach set out in the Border Target Operating Model. The shift to risk based, digital insights and targeting will ensure the smooth flow of goods and maintain strong security and biosecurity controls.

“The Border Target Operating Model should not be looked at in isolation. There are several other key initiatives taking place as part of the Border 2025 strategy aimed at making the UK border one of the most effective and efficient. This approach has the potential to convert our borders into engines which support economic growth. In addition we encourage Government to move as fast as possible to implement the findings of the customs initiatives announced at the Spring Budget.

“What’s really important is that UK businesses and those trading into UK markets prepare for these changes. The Border Target Operating Model helps to redress some of the commercial disadvantages that UK businesses have been facing.

“The Institute’s focus is on supporting businesses trading with the UK from the EU and the Rest of the World to understand the requirements of Border Target Operating Model and provide practical assistance in complying with the new system. The UK can reap the benefits of this world-class new digital border if businesses of all sizes are equipped and armed with the right knowledge. Now is the time to prioritise educating businesses on trading sustainably, safely and securely.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
- The Border Target Operating Model incorporates feedback from the Draft Border Target Operating Model which was published in April 2023
- The Border Target Operating Model confirms implementation of controls through three major milestones:
  - 31 January 2024 – The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU
  - 30 April 2024 – The introduction of documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food (and feed) of non-animal origin from the EU. At this point Imports of Sanitary and Phytosanitary goods from the rest of the world will begin to benefit from the new risk based model
  - 31 October 2024 – Safety and Security declarations for EU imports will come into force from 31 October 2024. Alongside this, we will introduce a reduced dataset for imports
- Importers and their supply should already be preparing for the first milestone which we confirmed would go ahead in April. They should now begin to prepare for the following milestones. HMG will continue to work with them, ports, and the wider border industry to prepare for these
- The final Border Target Operating Model also confirms that new checks and controls will be introduced for Irish goods moving from Ireland directly to Great Britain. In accordance with the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland businesses will retain unfettered access to their most important market in Great Britain, whether moving qualifying NI goods directly from Northern Ireland or indirectly through Irish ports. A full timeline for introduction of these controls is set out within the Border Target Operating Model.
- In developing the Border Target Operating Model the Government has been mindful of the small potential impact on inflation and has taken into account its firm commitment to bring the rate down. The estimated impact of the Border Target Operating Model on headline inflation is expected to be minor, standing at less than 0.2% across three years.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £5 million fund to tackle fatal drug deaths across the UK [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 29 August 2023.

12 projects awarded a share of £5 million to reduce rates of fatal drug overdoses, as part of Vaccine Taskforce style approach to tackle health challenges.
- Projects will look at how AI and other innovative technologies can detect overdoses to alert healthcare professionals, family and local communities to provide emergency lifesaving support to people who use drugs
- Technology to support those in need and contribute towards Prime Minister’s priority to cut waiting lists
People at risk of drug deaths could be saved by overdose detecting artificial intelligence or antidote dispensing drones after the government awarded a share of £5 million to projects aimed at tackling fatal overdoses.

As part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge which aims to reduce drug related deaths across the UK, Office for Life Sciences is investing in 12 promising projects to develop technologies aimed at improving detection, response, or intervention in potential drug related deaths.

It supports the Addiction Mission, one of the government’s healthcare missions targeting the biggest healthcare challenges, including through funding innovative research into improved treatments and life-saving technologies to accelerate their development and rollout.

Building on the Vaccine Taskforce model which led to one of the most successful vaccine roll outs in the world and ensured millions got a COVID-19 jab, the government will continue to harness world-leading research expertise, remove unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthen partnerships and support the new healthcare challenges.

More widely, funding will help the Prime Minister’s objective to improve urgent and emergency care and increase the resources available to healthcare professionals to treat drug overdoses.

Minister of State for Health Will Quince said:

Drug use has a devastating impact on people’s health, their families and their livelihoods and every year over 4000 people in the UK die from an avoidable drug overdose.

We want to stop people taking these substances and support them to recover from their addictions, while preventing those most at risk from dying from overdoses.

This fund forms part of our healthcare mission programme as we take a Vaccine Taskforce style approach to some of the biggest challenges facing our society today, backed by over £200 million.

This challenge is also being delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government as part of their National Mission on Drugs.

The winning projects will operate across all four nations of the UK and range from AI technologies to detect overdoses, to emergency systems using drone technology to deliver antidotes, and wearable technologies such as smart watches or breathing monitors to detect overdoses and alert healthcare professionals, family, or members of the community to the need to intervene.

Eleven projects have been awarded up to £100,000 each to launch four-month feasibility studies to develop prototypes, with one additional project securing up to £500,000 for a year-long demonstration study to collect real world evidence with residents of homeless accommodation. The studies will begin in September. Any of the feasibility studies that show promising results will be able to apply for up to £500,000 grants to carry out follow on 12-month demonstration projects starting in May 2024 to evaluate and collate real world evidence of their technology with people from population groups most at risk of overdose.

This funding supports wider government initiatives to tackle drug misuse in society. The UK’s Drugs Strategy, published in December 2021, has a key objective to prevent 1000 drug deaths in England by 2025. This aligns with work within and across the 4 nations of the UK, to improve systems of support and reduce drug related deaths. The Addiction Mission, as part of this strategy, is aiming to enhance the UK-wide research environment and incentivise the development of innovative and effective new treatments, technologies, and approaches to support recovery, and reduce the harm and deaths addiction can cause.

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientific Advisor for Health, Scottish Government said:

It is truly inspiring to see some of the innovative solutions that are being supported through the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Competition and the partnership between the Chief Scientist’s Office in Scottish Government and the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences.

Tackling drug related deaths is a huge priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland, and our commitment to tackling these issues through targeted research, innovation and support can be seen in recent figures, showing a reduction in drug-related deaths in Scotland, the lowest annual total since 2017.

Utilising the expertise in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, we can continue to deliver results in harm reduction, developing truly impactful innovations and driving prevention initiatives, having a hugely positive impact both across the UK and globally.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, George Freeman, said:

Every single death from drug misuse is a tragedy, which has an awful impact on that person’s loved ones and community – and thousands every year are avoidable with better detection and faster intervention.

The UK is already a world leader in much of the work this £5 million Challenge will support – from our £94 billion life science sector through to our AI industry which supports 50,000 jobs, backed by our record £20 billion for R&D.

Now it is vital we use our world leading position to prevent overdoses and save lives. This runs to the core of what our Science Superpower ambition is all about: tackling some of the biggest problems facing society so we can all live healthier, happier, safer lives.

Background

This challenge is being run by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office, who have invested £500,000 of the funding, in partnership with the Office for Life Sciences who have invested the remaining £4.5 million of the funding. NHS Fife will be leading on the programme management for this innovation challenge.

The competition has been designed in close consultation with the Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to increase the potential for uptake and use of these life-saving innovations in all parts of the UK. All UK nations are represented as either applicants or collaborators who are leading the successfully funded projects.

The central objective of this competition is to develop innovative technologies that help to reduce drug related deaths and harm across the whole of the UK and help people who use drugs and their support networks to work together to save lives. This will support in delivering on the UK’s Drug Strategy, From Harm to Hope, and the Scottish Government’s National Mission on Drugs. In January 2021, the Scottish Government announced a National Mission on Drugs. The aim of the National Mission is to reduce drug deaths and improve the lives of those impacted by drugs in a programme of work supported by the Drug Deaths Taskforce and National Mission on Drugs plan. The demand signalling work of the CSO Innovation Team based upon the Care and Wellbeing Programme, identified tackling drugs related deaths as a key priority area for innovation in NHS Scotland.

More detail on the winning projects and selection process:
- Saving SAM: System for Alert and Monitoring of Potential Overdoses – eMoodie in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and NHS Scotland Health Innovation South East Scotland (HISES). This project will design and develop “Saving SAM”: an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drug overdose monitoring system to enable both self and responder digital alerts.
- ‘DoseCare: Development and Evaluation of a Wearable-Integrated, AI-Powered Overdose Detection and Response System’ – Manchester Metropolitan University in partnership with Queen’s University of Belfast, Drug and Alcohol Research Network (Northern Ireland) and the Salvation Army. This project aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise overdose detection and prevention mechanisms in healthcare. By focusing on two distinct user groups with varying levels of risk awareness, they intend to develop tailored solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance overall care delivery utilising wearable technologies and smart phone applications.
- Ultra-portable fast-dispersal buccal naloxone for constant carriage: testing feasibility and acceptability – King’s College London in partnership with Catalent, Accord Health, Scottish Drug Forum, Scottish Families affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD), DrugFAM and South London Academic Health Science Network (AHSN). Naloxone is an opioid overdose antidote however existing naloxone products are bulky and have very low carriage rates. This feasibility project will examine a proposed ultra-portable fast-dispersal naloxone tablet suitable for constant carriage, so that it is always present with an individual who is present at an overdose emergency.
- LifeSavr: Unobtrusive Wearable Device to Detect Overdose – NOMW Health Limited in partnership with the University of Southampton and NHS Scotland West of Scotland Innovation Hub. The study will focus on assessing the technical, economic, and operational aspects of the ‘LifeSavr’ device, which uses advanced sensor technology to provide real-time detection of opioid overdoses.
- Drug Overdose Detection and Response using Care & Respond with CHAI999 – led by Science & Engineering Applications Ltd in partnership with Welsh and Scottish Ambulance Services. This project aims to explore the functionality of digital tools that can empower friends and family to support drug users and respond in the event of an overdose and link with emergency services to facilitate a coordinated response.
- Vivisco Smart Revive Beacon for Opiate Overdose – Vivisco in partnership with the Kent Surrey Sussex AHSN, Forward Trust, Kent County Council and the Southeast Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Vivisco will work with organisations in Kent to co-design and prototype an automatic alert system to contact emergency services with GPS location and type of antidote used that is triggered when a naloxone package is opened.
- Improving Harm Reduction Strategies for Illicit Drug Use: A Handheld Device for self-monitoring Benzodiazepine use – ZiO Health Ltd working with Health Innovation South East Scotland (HISES). ZiO-Health’s feasibility project is focused on improving harm reduction strategies for illicit drug use by developing a handheld therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) device to notify users and responders of potential overdose.
- In Time Naloxone – DroneMatLab Limited (King’s College London spinout) in partnership with the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, HeroTech8, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, University of Southampton and Wessex Academic Health Science Network. The project aims to develop an effective emergency response for the distribution of naloxone (an opioid overdose antidote), by drone to prevent opioid overdoses becoming fatal.
- RescuePatch: A controlled-release combination patch for naloxone and flumazenil delivery – MESOX LTD in partnership with Health Innovation Southeast Scotland (HISES), Aston University, the National Physical Laboratory and On Target Pharma. This project will investigate a novel transdermal patch combination therapy called RescuePatch. The patch will contain a reservoir of antidotes to both opioid and benzodiazepine overdoses ad is designed to be applied by a non-professional, which is expected to improve responder pathways and increase the chance of patient survival.
- Co-Evaluation Study of Overdose Detection and Response Wristband Technology – Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Brave, Keele University, Two Saints Housing Association and the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network. To combat the growing problem of self-administrating drug users from overdosing, a multi-organisation collaborative led by MPFT propose to develop a wearable piece of technology that detects absence in user movements and alerts the individual or surrounding people to need for intervention.
- A soft skin-interfacing strain sensor for overdose detection and prevention (ASSESSOR) – University of Glasgow in partnership with NHS Scotland West of Scotland Innovation Hub. The aim of this project is to develop a low-cost skin-interfacing sensor that can be seamlessly attached to the human body for long-term and remote monitoring of mechanical and physiological signs of overdose without affecting the routine daily activities of the user.
- RESCU2 – Clinical Validation of Virtual Safe Drug Consumption Technology – PneumoWave (formerly Altair Medical Ltd) in partnership with the University of Dundee and King’s College London, alongside Third Sector partners including Humankind, Thames Reach, and Hillcrest Futures. PneumoWave ALERT is a remote monitoring platform designed to make opioid usage safer. A discrete, chest-worn biosensor paired to a mobile device allows detection of the onset of life-threatening respiratory depression during an overdose event which then alerts nearby carriers of naloxone, and emergency medical services. This project will recruit 200 residents of homeless accommodation to participate in a study with aims of reducing drug deaths and gaining usability feedback from patients and care teams.
August 29, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces plan that will unblock housebuilding to deliver homes [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 29 August 2023.

Currently, legacy EU laws on nutrient neutrality are blocking the delivery of new homes, including cases where planning permission has already been granted. Nutrients entering our rivers are a real problem, but the contribution made by new homes is very small. These laws which originate from Brussels put a block on new homes in certain areas – taking away control over what is built, and when, from local people.

Through an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, the Government will do away with this red tape and allow for the delivery of more than 100,000 new homes desperately needed by local communities. Thanks to the government’s action, it is expected that developers could begin construction on these homes in a matter of months.

The move comes alongside new environmental measures that will tackle pollution at source and restore habitats. This includes significantly expanding investment in and evolving the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme run by Natural England, doubling investment to £280m to ensure it is sufficient to offset the very small amount of additional nutrient discharge attributable to up to 100,000 homes between now and 2030. Natural England will work with local authorities, the private sector and others to tackle nutrient pollution and work towards the long term health and resilience of the river systems. The Government intends to work with the house building industry to ensure that larger developers make an appropriate and fair contribution to this scheme over the coming years, and is discussing the right structure and approach with the Home Builders Federation.

The Government will then accelerate work on full site restoration through further work on new Protected Site Strategies, which Natural England will draw up in partnership with local communities to set protected sites on the path to recovery in the most affected catchments with the highest housing demand.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP said:

“We are committed to building the homes this country needs and to enhancing our environment. The way EU rules have been applied has held us back. These changes will provide a multi-billion pound boost for the UK economy and see us build more than 100,000 new homes.

“Protecting the environment is paramount which is why the measures we’re announcing today will allow us to go further to protect and restore our precious waterways whilst still building the much-needed homes this country needs.

“We will work closely with environmental agencies and councils as we deliver these changes.”

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey said:

“These new plans will cut nutrients and help support England’s precious habitats whilst unlocking the new homes that local communities need.

“We are going to tackle the key causes of nutrients at source with over £200 million of funding to reduce run off from agriculture and plans to upgrade waste water treatment works through conventional upgrades, catchment approaches and nature-based solutions. This builds on the key commitments made in our five-year strategy – our Environmental Improvement Plan – as well as our Plan for Water which brings forward more investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement to protect our rivers.”

Alongside the amendments tabled to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, the Government has announced a series of new environmental measures to restore our protected sites, including a commitment to offset the very small amount of additional nutrients attributable to up to 100,000 new homes. Beyond the immediate action that will be driven by Natural England’s Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, this package includes:
- Committing to further work on developing Protected Sites Strategies in the catchments most impacted by nutrient neutrality and with the most acute housing pressures. These bespoke plans will help identify specific action needed to restore habitats and species in specific areas. The aim is to agree and implement tangible actions to reduce pollution at source, through nature-based solutions such as wetlands and new innovations.
- Reducing nutrients entering the water from new development with new laws expected to drive significant investment from water companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works to the highest technical standards by 2030. The next water company investment cycle will be among the biggest and most ambitious ever.
- Conducting at least 4,000, inspections on farms each year – making sure that slurry and other sources of nutrients are being handled in a way that minimises pollution of the water environment.
- Reducing nutrient run off into our rivers from farms – supporting our farmers by investing £200m in grants for improved slurry storage infrastructure and precision spreading equipment. This makes a further £166m available for new investment into slurry infrastructure.
- Investing £25m to drive innovation to help farmers manage plant and soil nutrients. This will increase resilience, reduce input costs and improve productivity as part of a more circular economy for nutrients. The effective use of waste has the potential to create new revenue streams. We will also consult this year on modernising our fertiliser product standards to drive increased use of organic and recycled nutrients.
- Introducing from 2024 payment premiums into our environmental land management schemes. This will accelerate take up of certain high priority options, including those that provide benefits for water quality.
- Publishing a River Wye action plan this Autumn to tackle the unique issues in Herefordshire.
- Ensuring new homes built do not place undue stress on already stressed local water networks by consulting this year on new requirements where needed for Sustainable Drainage Solutions to reduce pressure on storm overflows from new homes and flood risk.
All of this builds on our Plan for Water, which sets out measures to transform and integrate our water system, address sources of pollution and boost our water supplies through more investment, stronger regulation, and tougher enforcement.

Our nutrient reduction plan will also help deliver on our legal target to reduce nutrient runoff from agriculture by at least 40% by 2038, and by 15% in nutrient neutrality catchments by 2028, and to reduce phosphorus loadings from wastewater by 80% by 2038, and by 50% by 2028.

The Government has a strong record on housebuilding, with more than 2.2 million homes delivered since 2010. The Secretary of State for Housing recently set out his long-term plan to go even further and unlock more development across the country.

Changes to nutrient neutrality rules and wider planning reforms will allow the Government to go even further towards its target of delivering one million homes this Parliament.

The environmental measures announced today lead on from the Government’s Plan for Water published in April which set out actions to address all sources of water pollution, including through accelerating £2.2bn of water company infrastructure investment to prevent storm overflow discharges and improve drought resilience, and unlimited fines for environmental polluters.

The current EU-derived regulations have required Natural England to issue guidance to 62 local authority areas that new development must be ‘nutrient neutral’ in their area, including Somerset, Norfolk, Teesside, Kent, Wiltshire and the Solent. This has blocked or delayed new development – including around a large number of homes that already have planning permission and local communities have already said they want.

The amendment today will remove this requirement, allowing Natural England greater freedom to develop catchment-specific solutions to the causes of nutrient pollution in partnership with each community, supported by government and private investment.
August 29, 2023