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Tag: 2023

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is deeply concerned about the ongoing disruption to aid delivery through the Lachin corridor – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is deeply concerned about the ongoing disruption to aid delivery through the Lachin corridor – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 August 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    Thank you, President, and thank you Ms Worsornu for the helpful update. I also welcome the participation by Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan and the representatives of Azerbaijan, Turkey and the European Union at this meeting.

    The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor, which threatens the supply of life-saving medication, health care, and other essential goods and services – resulting in humanitarian consequences for the local population.

    It is therefore crucial that the ICJ order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

    We strongly urge parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes – including via the Lachin corridor – for the organisation to be able to undertake its vital work. All parties must refrain from the politicisation of humanitarian aid in order to meet the needs of the civilian population.

    We warmly welcome the ongoing, internationally-mediated negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan toward a historic peace agreement, hosted most recently by European Council President Michel last month. We also welcome the efforts of the United States in this regard, with high-level engagement from Secretary Blinken.

    We urge all parties to redouble their efforts in these talks towards a lasting settlement. It is only diplomacy, in the spirit of the UN Charter, that will bring both sides closer to peace.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister David Rutley visits Paraguay for the second time [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister David Rutley visits Paraguay for the second time [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 August 2023.

    The British Embassy in Asuncion welcomed David Rutley MP, Minister for Americas and the Caribbean, who attended the Presidential inauguration in Paraguay.

    UK Americas Minister David Rutley returned to Paraguay to attend the ceremony of the presidential inauguration of President Santiago Peña – a significant milestone in the democratic history of Paraguay.

    As a testament to the close and friendly relations between the United Kingdom and Paraguay, the Minister’s presence at the inauguration symbolises the UK government’s continued commitment to strengthening relationships with countries in Latin America.

    Minister Rutley’s attendance at the inauguration not only displays the UK’s support for Paraguay’s democratic process but also signifies the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing global challenges.

    Americas Minister David Rutley said:

    It is an honour and privilege to make my second visit to Paraguay this year and represent the UK on this historic occasion.

    Democracy is the foundation of prosperity and I wish President Peña and the Paraguayan people every success in the years ahead.

    The UK and Paraguay have been friends and allies for the past 170 years and you can count on our support in meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead.

    Minister Rutley also met with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano.

    Paraguay presents immense potential for increased collaboration with the United Kingdom. Minister Rutley’s visit aims to strengthen the existing ties between the two nations and underscores the UK’s commitment to engaging with nations in the region, building bridges, and fostering diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and shared values.

    In March of this year, Minister Rutley visited the country for the first time in the framework of the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and the United Kingdom, where he had the opportunity to meet then candidate for President of Paraguay. Among the priorities of his visit were climate change, business, energy and education. Minister Rutley also participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to increase bilateral exchange.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local communities welcome hundreds of refugee families [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local communities welcome hundreds of refugee families [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 August 2023.

    Over 1,000 vulnerable refugees, fleeing conflict and instability, have so far been supported by local communities through the community sponsorship scheme.

    Over 1,000 vulnerable refugees fleeing regions of conflict and instability, including Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran, Somalia and Afghanistan, have been welcomed under one of the UK’s safe and legal routes by local communities across the UK, so they can start their new lives here.

    The government has some of the most generous safe and legal routes anywhere, and since 2015 the government has offered a range of safe and legal routes to the UK to over half a million men, women and children seeking safety, as well as family members of refugees. This includes the community sponsorship scheme which allows members of the public to support the most vulnerable refugees who have been assessed as in need of resettlement here.

    The UK is 1 of 10 countries operating a community sponsorship scheme through which the UNHCR refers vulnerable refugees. Thanks to the public’s generosity and good will, refugees have so far been supported with housing and integration support by over 200 community groups, including charities, faith groups, sports clubs, schools and universities.

    The UK has a long history of supporting refugees in need of protection and members of the public are upholding this tradition by coming together and partnering with a charity or community interest group to welcome a refugee family to their local area.

    To become sponsors, communities will need to commit to providing integration support to a refugee family for their first year in the UK, including learning English, and accessing education, benefits, healthcare and employment so they can become self-sufficient and contribute to the community. Sponsors will also need to identify and secure suitable accommodation for at least 2 years.

    Those interested in setting up a community group to support a refugee family can find out more information.

    Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

    The UK is one of the few countries with a community sponsorship scheme that allows communities themselves to help settle individuals and families directly at risk in conflict zones around the world.

    Community sponsorship reduces the burden on the state, offers the best prospect of integration and bypasses the smuggling gangs to focus our finite resources on the most vulnerable.

    Today’s announcement shows the power of society and generosity of communities in the UK to help those in need who come here legally.

    Abdulrahman Zakaria, who was resettled in Warwick with his family last year under the community sponsorship scheme, said:

    This scheme has gifted my family and me the dignified life we’ve dreamt of for so long. Owing to the love and support that they group has given me; I’ve found success in my profession and launched my own business. Today, we genuinely feel an integral part of the community here in Warwickshire. We’ve received the finest care and backing, and mere words of gratitude hardly do justice to how thankful I am.

    Set up in 2016, community sponsorship was the first scheme in the UK to enable the public to come together and support refugees directly, so they feel welcome and can readjust to a new life here.

    Before welcoming a refugee family, community groups will need to apply to the Home Office for approval, demonstrating their ability to support and safeguard vulnerable people. Groups will receive training and support from the government’s partner, Reset, so they have the tools to prepare to welcome refugees and to help them settled and integrate once they have arrived.

    Community groups are asked to raise £9,000 to support families with their resettlement and integration needs, therefore helping to keep costs down for UK taxpayers.

    Eligible refugees are referred by the UNHCR, which assesses their need for resettlement in the UK, through the government’s established resettlement schemes, including the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). Refugees are then matched with a sponsor group based on the support they can provide.

    Julia Fitzsimons from Warwickshire Circle of Friends who have been supporting Abdulrahman and his family, said:

    “We thought this [community sponsorship] would be a great opportunity to help, and welcome a family into our town. When we first started it seemed like a huge challenge but I was amazed by how many really enthusiastic people came forward to help, with different backgrounds and expertise. We did not all know one another to begin with, but as a team we had so much to offer.  Those of us who came together to create the group also found that it strengthened our own communities – building new friendships and networks. We’d all love to see more communities benefit from this amazing scheme.

    “It has been fantastic to be involved with community sponsorship and we have all found it very rewarding. Watching Abdulrahman and his family settle in has been a joy.”

    Emma Harrison, Director of Strategy at Reset, said:

    “Community sponsorship is a transformative scheme which allows communities to welcome refugees – and in doing so develops and strengthens community networks. Reset are proud to have played a key role in building capacity among the groups up and down the country that have welcomed families to their areas. We are looking forward to supporting many more groups, welcoming even more families this way and hitting the next big milestone!”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK urges all parties to build on truce-like conditions in Yemen and pave the way for a UN-led Yemeni-Yemeni peace process – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK urges all parties to build on truce-like conditions in Yemen and pave the way for a UN-led Yemeni-Yemeni peace process – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 August 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

    Thank you, President, and I would like to start by thanking Special Envoy Grundberg, Director Worsornu and Ms Amat Al-Salam for their briefings.

    I would also like to join others in condemning the murder of WFP staff member Moayad Hameidi, and echo briefers’ condolences to his family and his friends.

    I also want to join others in congratulating the United Nations, the Dutch Salvage company, SMIT, and all who were involved in the successful transfer of oil from the SAFER tanker to the Yemen. The successful completion of this operation demonstrates what can be achieved when all actors work together in the interests of Yemen and its people.

    Taking encouragement from the achievement, the UK urges all parties to work together to build on the truce-like conditions in Yemen and pave the way for a UN-led Yemeni-Yemeni peace process. In particular, it is essential that the Presidential Leadership Council remain united towards one common goal: a lasting and inclusive peace for the Yemeni people. An inclusive peace process under UN auspices is the only pathway to end permanently this war.

    Madam President, Houthi attacks and continued threats to prevent oil exports from Government controlled areas are severely impacting Yemen’s economy. These attacks on the economy are attacks on the livelihoods and services for some of the most vulnerable people in Yemen. And we urge the Houthis to stop these attacks.

    The UK welcomes the recent deposit of $250 million from Saudi Arabia, as the first tranche of a generous $1.2 billion pledge of economic support.

    As Director Worsornu said, the Government of Yemen will remain dependent on external financing to provide basic services and pay public salaries until the Houthis stop their economic warfare and the Government can generate its own revenues.

    Colleagues, in spite of the relative peace in Yemen over the last 18 months, the humanitarian situation remains dire. We continue to see impediments to the free movement of female aid workers to deliver assistance to women in need; to independent monitoring and assessment missions; and to the fair selection of humanitarian service providers. The humanitarian response is already severely underfunded. These impediments pose additional, and entirely avoidable, burdens on the humanitarian effort and ultimately on the Yemeni people. We urge the Houthis to lift restrictions and allow unfettered access of humanitarian aid.

    Finally, President, the UK reiterates its call for the unconditional release of all Baha’i’s detained by the Houthis.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Safety of valproate – new study on risks in children of men taking valproate [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Safety of valproate – new study on risks in children of men taking valproate [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 August 2023.

    No action is currently needed from patients. No one should stop taking valproate without advice from their healthcare professional.

    As part of our ongoing monitoring of valproate safety, we continue to rigorously review all emerging data on valproate. This includes a new study on outcomes in children whose fathers took valproate at the time of conception commissioned by the European Medicines Agency.

    Sanofi, the brand leader company, has recently informed us of errors in the study that may impact the results. As a result, the researchers from the original study are conducting a full re-analysis before any final conclusions can be drawn.

    The government’s expert scientific body, the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), has advised that further guidance in respect of risks in children of men taking valproate should be based upon data that are accurate and complete.  As soon as the revised study analysis is available, it will be carefully re-assessed by the MHRA. Any further guidance will be communicated to patients and healthcare professionals as soon as possible.

    In December 2022, in light of data showing ongoing exposure to valproate in pregnancy, as well as growing information about potential risks in male patients from preclinical studies and data on infertility, the CHM recommended strengthened safety measures for valproate. The implementation of these new measures has been carefully considered by the CHM’s Valproate Implementation Group.

    Further communications on the new safety measures will be issued in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Gabon – Jo McPhail [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Gabon – Jo McPhail [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 August 2023.

    Ms Pamela Joanne (Jo) McPhail has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Gabonese Republic in succession to Dr Christian Dennys-McClure. Ms McPhail will take up her appointment in September 2023.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Pamela Joanne McPhail

    Married to: Dr Alastair McPhail CMG OBE

    Children: 2 sons

    Place of Birth: Aldridge, West Midlands, UK

    Date Role
    2021 to 2023 Djibouti, HM Ambassador
    2018 to 2020 FCO, Head of Talent, Performance (Diversity) and Leadership, Human Resources Directorate
    2017 to 2018 Cabinet Office, Head of Business and Performance, Civil Service Group
    2014 to 2017 FCO, Head of Engagement and Learning, Knowledge and Technology Directorate
    2010 to 2014 FCO, Head of Overseas Passport Management Unit, Consular Directorate
    2009 to 2010 The Hague, First Secretary, Head of Political and Communications Teams
    2008 to 2009 FCO, Project Manager, Global Out of Hours Programme, Consular Directorate
    2008 Banjul, Acting British High Commissioner
    2006 to 2007 FCO, Head of Nigeria and Central Africa Team, Africa Directorate
    2004 to 2005 FCO, Change Manager, Organisation Project
    2002 to 2004 FCO, Head of Workforce Planning, Human Resources Directorate
    2000 to 2002 FCO, Deputy Head of Peacekeeping (lead on Africa), UN Department, Global Issues Directorate
    1997 to 1998 Ankara, Community Liaison Officer
    1995 to 1996 FCO, Project Officer – Personnel Policy and Manpower Planning, Personnel Policy Unit
    1992 to 1994 Moscow, Third later First Secretary – Press & Public Affairs
    1990 to 1992 FCO, Desk Officer, Narcotics Control and AIDS Department
  • PRESS RELEASE : £210 million to tackle deadly antimicrobial resistance [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £210 million to tackle deadly antimicrobial resistance [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 16 August 2023.

    Up to £210 million of funding to partner with countries across Asia and Africa to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce the threat posed to the UK.

    • Largest ever investment in global AMR surveillance by any country and sees the launch of the second phase of the Fleming Fund’s fight against AMR
    • Announcement comes as the Secretary of State travels to India for his first G20 Health Ministers’ meeting

    State of the art laboratories, cutting-edge disease surveillance systems, and a bigger global workforce to tackle deadly antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be backed by up to £210 million of funding, the government has announced today (Wednesday 16 August).

    The funding – from the government’s UK aid budget – will support the Fleming Fund’s activities to tackle AMR in countries across Asia and Africa over the next 3 years, helping to reduce the threat it poses to the UK and globally.

    It will bolster the surveillance capacity in up to 25 countries where the threat and burden of AMR is highest – including Indonesia, Ghana, Kenya and Papua New Guinea – with more than 250 laboratories set to be upgraded and provided with state of the art equipment. This investment includes new genome sequencing technology which will help track bacterial transmission between humans, animals and the environment.

    The investment will also strengthen the international health workforce by supporting 20,000 training sessions for laboratory staff, pharmacists and hospital staff, and over 200 Fleming Fund scholarships to boost expertise in microbiology, AMR policy and One Health – which recognises the connection between humans, animals and the environment.

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

    Antimicrobial resistance is a silent killer which poses a significant threat to people’s health around the world and in the UK, and will be an important topic here at the G20 in India.

    It’s vital it is stopped in its tracks and this record funding will allow countries most at risk to tackle it and prevent it from taking more lives across the world, ultimately making us safer at home.

    It also builds on work the government is doing to incentivise drug companies to develop new antibiotics – a model which some G20 countries are looking to implement.

    Around 1.27 million people around the world die each year due to AMR – where bacteria have evolved so much that antibiotics and other current treatments are no longer effective against infections – with 1 in 5 of those deaths in children under 5. In 2019, AMR was found to have caused between 7,000 and 35,000 deaths in the UK alone.

    UK Special Envoy on AMR Dame Sally Davies said:

    I am proud and delighted that the UK’s Fleming Fund will continue to create real impact to tackle AMR and build pandemic preparedness on the ground across the world, using data to drive action and catalyse investment.

    This world-leading investment in AMR laboratories, workforce and systems is a vital contribution to realise our vision of a world free of drug-resistant infection.

    The investment will deliver the second phase of the UK-India Fleming Fund partnership alongside India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Worth up to £3 million, it will accelerate collaboration on AMR surveillance across One Health sectors and help both countries to deliver on their 2030 roadmap.

    As part of his visit to India, the Secretary of State will go to India’s National Centre for Disease Control, where India’s government and the Fleming Fund are joining forces to combat antimicrobial resistance.

    He will also attend a showcase of innovative health technology with representatives from UK and Indian artificial intelligence and digital health firms in a bid to unleash further the tech partnership which is already transforming healthcare in both countries.

    The G20 Health Ministers’ meeting takes place in Gandhinagar, India from Friday 18 August to Saturday 19 August 2023.

  • PRESS RELEASE : AI to help UK industries cut carbon emissions on path to net zero [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : AI to help UK industries cut carbon emissions on path to net zero [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 15 August 2023.

    New artificial intelligence (AI) solutions will accelerate industrial decarbonisation across the country, with nearly £4 million in government funding for green innovations.

    • New artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to accelerate industrial decarbonisation across the country
    • nearly £4 million in government funding for green AI innovations
    • government-backed research centre to champion UK’s advancement of AI for decarbonisation

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform the way industries cut their carbon emissions thanks to a multi-million-pound government investment announced today (Tuesday 15 August).

    Twelve green AI initiatives will receive a share of £1 million to decarbonise and boost generation of renewable energy, contributing to reaching the country’s ambitious net zero goal by 2050.

    The schemes range from solar energy improvements, that use AI to improve the forecasting of when it will best produce energy for the grid, to the decarbonisation of dairy farming through the use of AI robots monitoring crop and soil health.

    Even AI itself could reduce its carbon footprint, with one project developing hardware that will mimic the human brain so that a computer can reduce power consumption when performing AI tasks.

    On top of this, government will provide a further £2.25 million to support further AI innovations, with the aim of cutting emissions specifically in energy sectors.

    This forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio and cements the UK’s position firmly at the forefront of AI and decarbonisation.

    Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

    We are unquestionably world-leading when it comes to advanced AI and our track record for decarbonisation.

    This unique position means we must now push the boundaries in how this technology can enhance our rapidly-growing clean energy sector.

    It’s projects like those announced today that will take us to the next step on our ambitious journey to becoming net zero, while boosting our energy security and creating a new wave of skilled jobs for the future.

    Minister for AI and Intellectual Property, Viscount Camrose, said:

    AI is delivering transformative change in the UK. These winning projects are yet another example of how we are tapping into our world-class research base and home-grown expertise to tackle one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

    Whether backing projects to help us slash emissions or supporting research to revolutionise healthcare for patients, we’re harnessing the enormous potential of AI technologies to improve people’s lives.

    The government’s Digital Catapult agency, which is part of Innovate UK and supports businesses in progressing their ideas, has also today received up to £500,000 to launch the UK’s first Centre for Excellence on AI innovation for decarbonisation (ADViCE).

    This will provide a virtual hub that will bring together businesses, academics and experts to advance research into AI solutions that will help industries cut emissions.

    CEO of Digital Catapult, Dr Jeremy Silver, said:

    The ADViCE programme will drive forward AI’s integral role in solving critical decarbonisation challenges. The programme partners sit at the heart of the UK’s dynamic AI ecosystem and are perfectly placed to forge collaborations between the technology community and some of our most carbon intensive sectors.

    Smart use of AI and data will be fundamental to meeting the UK’s net zero commitment. ADViCE will support those building the algorithms and those investing in AI solutions in the most impactful way possible.

    The AI projects to receive a total of £1 million to develop new decarbonisation solutions include:

    • Secqai Ltd. in London will receive £100,000 to support the development of new ultra-low-power AI technology, which mirrors the neural structure of the human brain. This new system will consume a fraction of the power of traditional AI hardware, helping to cut its carbon footprint
    • £121,500 for London-based Open Climate Fix Ltd. to develop AI that will support the connection of solar electricity to the energy grid. The technology will use satellite and weather data to forecast the amount to solar energy being transferred to the grid, to reduce network congestion and maximise the amount of renewable energy transmitted
    • £133,932 will also support a solar energy project run by the University of Nottingham. In this project, AI will improve the forecasting of solar energy production, using sky images and weather data
    • £132,147 will help list.io Ltd. to create a new agriculture robotics that will provide an automated soil and crop health monitoring system, to support decarbonisation in crop management and dairy farms

    The government has today announced a further £2.25 million under its AI for Decarbonisation Programme, taking the total funding provided to £3.75 million. Energy firms, software developers and innovators have until 10 October 2023 to apply.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched on unlimited fines for the worst polluters [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consultation launched on unlimited fines for the worst polluters [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 August 2023.

    The Environment Agency launches eight-week consultation on changes to variable monetary penalties.

    • The Environment Agency launches eight-week consultation on changes to variable monetary penalties.
    • Changes will scrap the £250,000 cap on civil penalties and significantly broaden their scope to target a wider range of environmental offences.
    • New enforcement powers will allow the Environment Agency to apply penalties that are quicker and easier to enforce.

    The Environment Agency has today (15 August) launched a consultation on changes to variable monetary penalties – financial penalties that can be imposed for certain environmental offences.

    The consultation will run for eight weeks and will close on 8 October. The consultation seeks views on when penalties are used, how they are calculated and the appeals process.

    This follows the government announcing that it will lift the current limit of £250,000 that the Environment Agency can impose directly on operators, as well as expanding variable monetary penalties to cover more offences under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    This offers regulators a quicker method of enforcement than lengthy and costly criminal prosecutions – although the most serious cases will continue to be taken through criminal proceedings.

    The changes will ensure regulators have the right tools to drive compliance across a range of sectors, strengthening enforcement and holding all who hold environmental permits to greater account – from energy and water companies to waste operators and incinerators.

    All future environmental fines and penalties from water companies will be put into a new Water Restoration Fund, which will be re-invested back into the environment by supporting local groups and community-led schemes.

    Environment Agency Executive Director John Leyland said:

    These new enforcement powers will be an extra tool in our armoury to hold polluters to account.

    They will act as a further deterrent – boosting compliance across a range of sectors and helping us provide stronger protection to the environment, communities and nature.

    Minister for Environmental Quality and Resilience Rebecca Pow said:

    Polluters must always pay – by lifting the cap on these sanctions, we are simultaneously toughening our enforcement tools and expanding where regulators can use them.

    This consultation builds on government action to increase investment, toughen enforcement and tighten regulation and will make sure there is a proportionate punishment for operators that breach their permits and harm our rivers, seas and precious habitats.

    There are clear provisions in the Sentencing Council guidelines that will ensure the level of penalties levied are proportionate to the degree of environmental harm and culpability. These include safeguards to ensure the operator’s ability to pay, the size of the operators, and the degree of responsibility and harm, amongst others – all of which are taken into account when imposing a penalty. The penalties will only be applied where it is shown beyond reasonable doubt that an offence has occurred.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Environment Agency has launched this consultation because, following the government confirming the changes, the Environment Agency will amend its Enforcement and Sanctions Policy to provide detail on how the new powers will be used and how the penalties will be calculated. The Environment Agency is legally required to consult on proposed changes to their policy and give greater clarity to those who may be affected by them.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Small businesses benefitting more than ever from government business, new figures reveal [August 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Small businesses benefitting more than ever from government business, new figures reveal [August 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 15 August 2023.

    New data released today reveals small businesses (SMEs) won a record-breaking amount of government work in 2021/22.

    Small businesses won a record-breaking amount of government work, new figures released by the Cabinet Office reveal today (Tuesday 15 August).

    The new figures, which underline the government’s commitment to helping SMEs benefit from government contracts show that UK small businesses received £21 billion worth of work in 2021/22. This equates to around £3.8k per British small business.

    Government work won by small businesses range across all sectors, including public infrastructure – supporting building schools and hospitals, defence – developing high end technology to keep the country safe and healthcare – helping keep the country healthy through clinical, medical and digital health services, as well as many more.

    The figure is an increase of £1.7bn on the previous year, and the highest since records began, representing the fifth consecutive year that government work won by small businesses has increased.

    Minister for the Cabinet Office Jeremy Quin said:

    Today’s record-breaking figures demonstrate our commitment to ensure more small businesses benefit from public sector spending, by reducing barriers to entry and encouraging a more diverse market.

    One in three pounds of public money is spent on public procurement, which is why through the Procurement Bill we are improving the way it is regulated to save the taxpayer money and drive benefits across every region of the country.

    The news comes as the Minister of the Cabinet Office meets with SME supplier Wagtail in Flintshire, Wales later today. The company provides detection dogs and related services for government departments and agencies including the UK Border Force, HM Revenue & Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces.

    As well as seeing the benefits of innovative procurement practices in action, the Minister will see how the Procurement Bill will make it easier for small businesses, such as Wagtail, to win government contracts.

    Under new rules all departments and public bodies will be required to consider SMEs when designing their procurements, meaning that more SMEs will get to compete for and win government contracts through simpler and more flexible regulations.

    The new rules also include:

    • Greater visibility of upcoming work, giving SMEs more time to gear up for bidding
    • A new central platform showing future work in each area. This means for example a new SME tech firm in Lancashire will be able to search for tech opportunities upcoming in their region
    • Creating one single website to register on, rather than the multiple and time consuming systems SMEs currently have to register on before bidding for work
    • Reducing unnecessary insurance costs before a supplier has even bid for a contract
    • A new Competitive Flexible procedure, which will allow contracting authorities to design more innovation into the process.
    • Strengthening prompt payment, so that businesses throughout the public sector supply chain receive payment within 30 days

    At the visit, the Minister will meet with Adam Vizard from Wagtail’s senior leadership team to learn about the business and its experience tendering for public contracts. He will also meet with the company’s professional dog trainers and operational handlers, observing demonstrations with a fully trained detection dog.