Tag: 2023

PRESS RELEASE : UK reaffirms commitment to the stability and security of Iraq – UK statement at the Security Council [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 May 2023.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Iraq.

Thank you, Madam President I’d like to thank the Special Representative for her very clear briefing and Ms Latif for her words about protecting the rights of women and girls. At the outset, Madam President, I would like to commend the continued work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. Over the past twenty years the Mission has played a vital role in supporting Iraq and the Iraqi people. We strongly support the renewal of the mandate of the Mission and welcome the opportunity for an independent strategic review to ensure the Mission is aligned to the current peace and security threats facing Iraq.

The UK remains committed to supporting the Iraqi Government and the implementation of its ambitious reform agenda. In particular, passing a budget will be a crucial step in delivering the Government’s priorities including on economic reform and energy diversification. We welcome the steps already taken to tackle corruption, to strengthen economic infrastructure and to begin the green energy transition.

We also commend the steps taken by the Iraqi Government to find durable solutions to address the displacement crisis in Iraq; to provide essential services and to support survivors of conflict, including those from minority communities. We continue to encourage further implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law including through the timely distribution of reparations to survivors. And the UK will continue to work with the Iraqi Government to support accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) including so that the horrific crimes perpetrated by Da’esh are addressed and prosecuted effectively.

We thank the Special Representative for her update on the Kurdistan region and we urge the Kurdistan Regional Parliament and the Kurdistan Regional Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the planned elections are able to take place in November without further postponement. It is incumbent on all parties to ensure an electoral process which adheres to international standards and upholds the rights of all citizens, including women and minorities, to participate in the democratic process.

We welcome the Special Representative’s update on missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property.

We commend Iraq’s focus on its regional relations and welcome the SRSG’s role in supporting regional dialogue. As we continue to see the adverse impacts of climate change, the Special Representative’s engagement on transboundary environmental issues is particularly valuable.

Once again, I’d like to renew the UK’s commitment to the stability and security of Iraq and to the essential role the Mission plays in support. We look forward to participating in further discussions on the renewal of the mandate in the coming days.

Thank you.

May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Romania pledge to tackle human trafficking [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 May 2023.

Potential victims of exploitation will be better protected under a new UK-Romania joint action plan on human trafficking, the government has announced.
Under the joint action plan, signed today by UK Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines and Romanian Interior Ministry State Secretary for Public Order Bogdan Despescu, both countries will work together to stop traffickers from exploiting vulnerable people and tackle the root causes of human trafficking and exploitation, with a particular focus on social and economic factors.

Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines said:

The UK has a strong track record on tackling human trafficking and modern slavery, and it has been a privilege to meet with my Romanian counterparts to discuss how we can work together to go even further to tackle this appalling crime at the root.

This new joint action plan is evidence of our shared ambition, and I thank the Romanian government for their continued cooperation in this area.

The joint action plan also recognises the links between human trafficking and other types of serious and organised crime and aims for further cooperation between both governments to disrupt and dismantle these criminal gangs.

It takes a 4-pronged approach for tackling human trafficking:

building mutual understanding of the threat

disruption and bringing criminals to justice

preventing exploitation happening in the first place

supporting victim recovery

Under the joint action plan, steps will also be taken to ensure better transitions for victims returning to Romania, to reduce risk of re-trafficking.

The joint action plan is also backed by up to £1.2 million of funding through the Home Office Modern Slavery Fund. This will be delivered up to 2025 and will support delivery of the joint action plan.
May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Norway to increase cooperation on undersea capabilities [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 May 2023.

The UK and Norway agree to develop a strategic partnership to counter shared threats in the undersea domain, including threats to our undersea infrastructure.
- UK Defence Secretary and Norwegian Defence Minister sign security partnership to counter undersea threats
- Statement of Intent (SOI) to collaborate on protecting critical energy infrastructure, anti-submarine warfare and subsea protection
- Partnership to strengthen defence cooperation between Allied nations
The UK and Norway have today agreed to develop a strategic partnership to counter shared threats in the undersea domain, including threats to our undersea infrastructure.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and Norwegian Defence Minister, Bjørn Arild Gram, signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) during a visit to the Maritime Operations Centre in Northwood today, agreeing to collaborate further on undersea capabilities to enhance North Atlantic Security.

The growing use of the seabed for energy and communications purposes has resulted in increased opportunities for adversaries to threaten Western subsea critical national infrastructure, as seen through the damaging of the Nordstream pipeline, where the UK and Norway have jointly increased security patrols in the region.

Building on this ongoing collaboration, this partnership will enhance the two nations’ ability to exercise and operate together and develop capabilities that will protect our shared interests in the North Sea, while simplifying the process for Allies and partners to join or complement UK and Norwegian activity.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:

Cooperating through the JEF and the Northern Group with our long-standing defence partner and NATO ally Norway, we are heightening our joint capabilities to protect Western critical national infrastructure on the seabed.

The attack on the Nord Stream pipeline has determined even closer collaboration across our collective assets to detect and defend against subsea threats and ensure continued North Atlantic security.

With shared interests in the North Sea, the North Atlantic and the High North, regional security is central to the national security of both nations. This strategic partnership will continue to deepen defence ties between the two nations as they work together to protect and deter against subsea threats.

This announcement builds on the excellent bilateral defence relationship between Norway and the UK, including by cooperating closely in the JEF and the Northern Group, as well as on key shared capabilities such as P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and F-35s. Training and exercises provide the bedrock to our bilateral defence relationship, and have done for over 50 years.

Defence Minister, Bjørn Arild Gram said:

It is important that democracies like the UK and Norway stand together when the rules based international order is under pressure. The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines last year, is a concrete reminder of what is at stake here. By working together, we can improve our ability to detect submarines, to counter mine threats and to protect critical infrastructure on the seabed.

Earlier this year, the UK also announced the arrival of a new sub-sea protection vessel into Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, where it has been undergoing a period of refit. Last month, that vessel – supporting the UK’s protection of critical national infrastructure – was formally named as RFA Proteus by Baroness Goldie on a visit to Faslane, Scotland.

The 98-metre-long, adaptable offshore patrol vessel – the length of Big Ben – will act as a ‘mother ship’, operating remote and autonomous offboard systems for underwater surveillance and seabed warfare, vital to our national security.

The UK continues to work closely with Norway to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Putin’s illegal invasion, and we welcome Norway’s extensive direct and indirect support for Ukraine.
May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meets with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 May 2023.

The Prime Minister met Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida this evening in Hiroshima, ahead of the G7 Summit.

The leaders welcomed the agreement of The Hiroshima Accord: An Enhanced UK-Japan Global Strategic Partnership as a landmark moment in our thriving diplomatic, defence and economic relationship.

They agreed that the UK and Japan would continue to work together closely to protect a free and open international order, building on the Global Combat Air Programme and recent Reciprocal Access Agreement.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK Carrier Strike Group will deploy to the region again in 2025, working alongside the Japanese Maritime Defence Forces. They also discussed further potential cooperation on training and exercising.

The Prime Minister described the UK and Japan as ‘islands of innovation’, as the leaders discussed the huge opportunities to grow bilateral trade and investment, as well as UK-Japan cooperation on semiconductors and clean energy technology like floating offshore wind.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Kishida agreed on the importance of the G7 having a unified approach on China, recognising the systemic challenge China poses to our collective economic security and regional stability.

They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, including continued military support to counter Russia’s unprovoked invasion and longer-term assistance to help Ukraine recover and defend against future threats.

They agreed that the G7 should continue to lead international work on holding Russia to account for its actions and supporting Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The Prime Minister said he was honoured to be the first British leader to visit Prime Minister Kishida’s hometown of Hiroshima and looked forward to a very successful and historic G7 Summit there.

May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost for night shelters [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 May 2023.

Rough sleepers will be given a safe place to stay and vital support to help turn their lives around, backed by £3.3 million government funding.

Thousands of rough sleepers will be able to access a safe place to stay as the Department for Levelling Up announces a funding boost to the Night Shelter Transformation Fund.

More than £3 million will be available to shelters to provide more beds and life-changing support services.

Shelters can use the funding to continue to offer a vital route off the streets – providing specialist staff, drug or alcohol advice and financial assistance.

This builds on the over £9 million delivered in the first-round which funded 80 organisations over three years, targeting areas most in need.

The second-round cash injection will help more rough sleepers turn their lives around.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

Night shelters are often the first step for rough sleepers to get off the streets and turn their lives around, providing a safe place to sleep and access to support. Today, I visited Gravesham Sanctuary to see how our Night Shelter Transformation Fund helps organisations provide these services. I’m delighted to announce this £3 million boost to the fund which will be life-changing for rough sleepers up and down the country.

The Night Shelter Transformation Fund is the next step in the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping for good. In 2022, the Department for Levelling Up announced the 3-year £500 million Rough Sleeping Initiative, in addition to £1 billion given to councils over three years to help them prevent and tackle rough sleeping in the areas its most needed.

Rick Henderson, Chief Executive of Homeless Link said:

The Night Shelter Transformation Fund is an incredibly important project enabling homeless organisations to transform the quality of off-the-street accommodation in their local communities.

Being able to offer dignified accommodation makes a huge difference to our members’ work to end rough sleeping and reduce the need for emergency shelters. We are extremely pleased to hear that the government is making additional funding available, ensuring that even more people will be able to benefit from this essential initiative.

It is a pleasure to visit Gravesham Sanctuary’s newly developed property and meet staff and guests, to find out first-hand the impact that the Fund is having and to learn more about how this particular project is run.

Kathy Mohan OBE, CEO of Housing Justice said:

This is a vital funding stream for the network faith and community groups across England. Projects like Gravesham Sanctuary not only provide material support by way of a place to sleep and casework support, but they also provide a crucial element of a person’s journey out of homelessness: community.

We welcome today’s announcement and look forward to supporting night shelter providers to apply for this funding to transform their services and the lives of the people they work with in the coming months.

Carol Webster from Gravesend Sanctuary said:

Night shelters are an important first step for people experiencing homelessness. Our transformed shelter enables guests to stay a few weeks or months until their move into settled accommodation.

We rely on funding to provide guests with the best possible care and services, breaking the cycle of homelessness with life skills.

As a faith-based charity, our ethos is one of welcome and we build strong, non-judgmental relationships with guests from all walks of life. We are passionate about equipping people for a safer, more stable path.

Organisations can access the prospectus and check their eligibility on the government website. The prospectus will be launched in a few weeks.

May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Report by the Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro – UK response [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 May 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland thanks the OSCE Mission to Montenegro for work supporting Montenegro’s elections, parliament and combatting serious and organised crime.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador Dominique Waag back to the Permanent Council. Thank you, Ambassador, for the work of your team over the last year, and for this comprehensive report on the Mission’s activities and achievements. I know our Ambassador in Podgorica highly values the close relationship with the Mission in country.

The United Kingdom recognises the challenging political context in Montenegro over 2022 and 2023, including two governments losing the confidence of parliament, and institutional stasis caused by lengthy delays in appointments to the Constitutional Court. Recent Presidential elections – and upcoming parliamentary elections on 11 June – provide an opportunity for political stability, and for Montenegro to maintain the necessary focus on reforms and democratic processes.

We positively note the Mission’s continued engagement and support to Montenegro throughout this period, building capacity and sharing expertise across a wide range of areas in support of the government’s national strategic objectives – in line with the Mission’s mandate and OSCE commitments and principles and with many areas of complementarity with the UK’s own work and priorities.

In particular, we welcome your ongoing support to the State Election Commission in administration of elections in line with OSCE principles and international standards – including in improving women’s representation and accessibility for persons with disabilities. We welcome the recent assessment of the ODIHR and European Parliament Joint Observation Mission that the second round of presidential elections on 2 April was competitive, and with fundamental freedoms respected. We encourage the Government of Montenegro to reinvigorate the electoral reform process and address ODIHR recommendations towards greater electoral integrity.

The UK also commends the OSCE Mission to Montenegro’s continued close cooperation with Montenegro’s parliament, in particular through provision of training on democratic legislation and parliamentary oversight, transparency, digitalisation, environmental protection and sustainable development. We similarly welcome your ongoing engagement with Montenegro in combatting serious and organised crime and countering trafficking in human beings, including through the provision of geospatial software, and delivering training courses on supply chains and interview guidance to strengthen law enforcement capabilities. We encourage the Government of Montenegro to support the important independent work of rule of law institutions, including the office of the Chief Special Prosecutor, particularly in investigations suggesting state-crime links.

Ambassador Waag, we particularly welcome the Mission’s continued focus on gender, and commend your progress in mainstreaming a gender perspective into programmatic work. Your report highlights some important initiatives, including your engagement with the Government of Montenegro to ensure all strategic and policy documents address the needs of women and men equally, your support to the second ‘Action Plan for a more Gender Sensitive Parliament’, and your collaboration on introducing a gender-responsive approach to budgeting in six ministries. We would support a sustained focus on gender in the Mission’s activities over the coming year.

Mr Chair, the OSCE’s field operations undertake excellent work to support the implementation of our collective OSCE principles and commitments. They need to be adequately financed in order to fulfil this role. The continued non-agreement of the 2023 Unified Budget is an enormous hindrance to the effective running of the OSCE, its institutions and field missions. We urge again those participating States who continue to obstruct agreement to look beyond a narrow national focus, and ensure all OSCE institutions have the funding they need to be able to effectively fulfil their mandate.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Ambassador Waag, for your leadership of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro during this reporting period, and wish you and your team success in your work over the coming year.

Thank you, Ambassador Waag. Thank you, Mr Chair.

May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Funding boost to improve outside learning facilities [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 May 2023.

Government announces £15 million to help young people in disadvantaged areas to learn outside and experience nature.
- £15 million to help young people in deprived and nature-depleted areas learn outside
- Funding will also allow schools, colleges and nurseries to improve biodiversity on their sites
- New virtual ‘National Education Nature Park’ will help children and young people connect to nature and develop green skills
Nurseries, schools and colleges with the least access to nature are set to receive a funding boost that will help them develop the biodiversity of their site and improve their outside learning facilities.

To mark outdoor classroom day (18 May), the Department for Education has announced £15 million to support young people to get outdoors and learn about the natural world.

Schools, colleges and nurseries that are ranked the lowest in Natural England’s measure of local access to natural space and are in areas with high levels of deprivation will be eligible for a grant.

The funding could be used to buy equipment that might be preventing children in deprived areas from taking part in outdoor learning or providing accessible routes to nature in SEND schools. It could also help with the purchase of outdoor equipment and clothing, the creation of outdoor teaching areas and the purchase of teaching tools such as acoustic listening devices.

Alongside this funding, a new online ‘National Education Nature Park’ will be launched to allow young people to learn from other schools, colleges and nurseries who are taking steps to improve their biodiversity. The initiative – being delivered in partnership with the Natural History Museum and Royal Horticultural Society – will allow pupils to document and upload the steps they have taken to improve the natural environment around their site – such a creating a pond or rewilding a piece of land. Collecting and sharing biodiversity data in this way will enhance their skills in mapping, numeracy and spatial awareness.

Schools, colleges, and nurseries can, from today, register their interest in the National Education Nature Park ahead of a full launch in autumn 2023.

Minister for the School System, Baroness Barran said:

It’s so important that we give young people the opportunity to get outside to learn about the natural world and the importance protecting our precious biodiversity.

This funding will give schools, colleges and nurseries the resources they need to create thriving green spaces, halt the decline of nature and improve access to outside learning.

“Through the innovative new National Education Nature Park, students will also be able to enhance their skills and knowledge of mapping and numeracy, helping to equip them for the jobs of the future

Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said:

We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the Department for Education and our partners to make the National Education Nature Park and Climate Action Awards start to become a reality.

In the face of the planetary emergency and Museum research showing that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, having our scientists sharing their world-leading biodiversity expertise with the scientists of tomorrow gives me so much hope, both for the future of biodiversity in this country and for the futures of the young people taking part”.

Clare Matterson CBE, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, said:

From creating pollinator-friendly habitats, digging ponds, identifying wildlife or planning planting schemes, nurseries, schools and colleges will be able to play a driving role in mapping, monitoring and enhancing biodiversity on their doorstep.

Children and young people will have a chance to create and grow a garden that works for wildlife, to learn new skills and understand impacts of climate change – all of which offers a gateway to a lifelong interest in nature, biodiversity and sustainability”.

As part of the programme, the Natural History Museum will create curriculum resources and lessons plans for each key stage to support education about climate change and biodiversity.

Schools, colleges and nurseries could also be recognised with a new Climate Action Award, designed to celebrate success in supporting children and young people to have a positive impact on their environment whilst developing new skills essential for a sustainable future in bioscience, data science, numeracy and horticulture.

Additional information
- The National Education Nature Park is a partnership, led by Esri UK and the Natural History Museum, working with the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Society, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)), Learning through Landscapes, Manchester Metropolitan University and additional supporting partners, will work with the education sector to help them to map, manage and enhance all the land across the education estate, creating one, vast, virtual, nature park.
- This could play an important part in increasing biodiversity across the education estate and have a real impact on halting the decline of nature in England.
- Within the park’s online hub there will be a wealth of information and teaching resources to help education settings in delivering climate education, developing climate resilience, and driving decarbonisation.
- It is estimated that there will be over 400,000 new jobs in low carbon industries in the future. Equipping our young people with the skills to take advantage of those opportunities is a priority. Through this project children and young people will develop valuable skills in bioscience, natural history, data analytics and digital skills.
All education settings would be eligible if they fit the following criteria:
- They had submitted a school level census return in term 1 of 2021-22
- The education setting was in an Lower Tier Local Authority deemed to be in a category 1 “Levelling up area” by DLUHC in its 2nd round of Levelling Up Fund
- The education setting was in an LSOA described by Natural England as an L1 area (less than 5% of the LSOA was covered by or within 300m of accessible natural green space)
- The education sector in the UK will play a critical role in positively responding to climate change and inspiring action on an international stage. DfE’s vision is for the ‘UK education sector to be a world leader in sustainability and climate change by 2030’.
- The Department is helping to create a sustainable future through education, developing the skills needed for a green economy, and supporting our sectors to reach net zero targets.
- The Department’s strategy for Sustainability and Climate Change has been informed by stakeholders and young people and sets out action to 2030 on: 1) climate education; 2) green skills and careers; 3) the education estate and digital infrastructure; 4) operations and supply chains, and; 5) international. This action will be evaluated and built on as new opportunities and evidence arise. The Strategy is available via this link: Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (Gov uk)
- The Strategy sets out new initiatives including extra support for teaching about nature and climate change, the introduction of a Natural History GCSE, a National Education Nature Park, Climate Action Award and support for education leaders to take a whole-setting approach to climate change.
- From the late Autumn, nurseries, schools, colleges and universities will be able to access more support to help lead, develop and implement a climate action plan to take a holistic approach to sustainability – from participating in the Park and Award, teaching about climate change and taking practical steps to adapt and decarbonise buildings for the future.
- The Department for Education and Times Higher Education are delighted to announce the International Green Skills Conference: Skills for a Changing World, taking place on Thursday 28th September at Imperial College London. The conference will shine a light on the breadth of, and appetite for green skills learning and training opportunities and career pathways within a global context and explore how skills can support the transition to net zero. We hope you can join us! https://www.timeshighered-events.com/green-skills-conference-2023/home
May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia – Joint Statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 May 2023.

At the OSCE Permanent Council, UK and others reaffirm our commitment to the rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI+ persons everywhere.

Mr. Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States and my own country, Iceland.

May 17th marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia.

The theme for this year’s international day is “Together Always: United in Diversity.” It is a day to affirm our commitment to the human rights and dignity of all people and a recognition that diversity in our societies should be recognized as a strength and not a weakness.

While we have made progress in securing legal rights and advancing social acceptance and protection against discrimination for LGBTI+ persons, the fight for equality, inclusivity and safety is far from over. Still today, individuals are criminalized, tortured, and even killed, with impunity, for who they are and who they love.

There are, moreover, several actors, including states, that are mobilising narratives which appeal to “traditional values” to justify new anti-LGBTI+ legislation.

One of the most egregious examples in the OSCE region is the situation in Russia, where LGBTI+ persons live in fear of harassment, arrest, and violence.

The Moscow Mechanism of September 2022 affirmed that Russia’s legislative restrictions “on the promotion of . . . non̻ traditional sexual relationships” impairs the realisation of human rights of LGBTI+ individuals and contributes to intolerance and discrimination in the society.

Since December 2022, new restrictions have effectively outlawed any public expression of LGBTI+ behaviour in Russia in a further attempt by the authorities to create a climate of fear and intimidation and restrict the freedom of expression of all people in Russia. This is appalling and contrary to the universal values of equality, dignity, and respect that we share as human beings.

It is all the more abhorrent because President Putin has also sought to use this discrimination in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and his assault on democracy and human rights, seeking to justify the unjustifiable by painting himself as the global defender of so-called “traditional values”.

Regrettably in some parts of the OSCE region, we are witnessing a backlash against both gender equality and the rights of LGBTI+ persons, and a frightening wave of violence against LGBTI+ persons.

In many of our societies, transgender, non-binary and intersex persons still face significant challenges. Not everyone accepts these persons’ gender identity, and they face discrimination, harassment, and violence as a result.

Governments, decision-makers, and the general public must do all they can to build more inclusive and just societies.

We urge all OSCE participating States to uphold their OSCE commitments and international obligations and protect and respect the human rights, and address the needs, of all, including LGBTI+ individuals.

This means actively ensuring non-discrimination and equal access to education, employment, and health services.

This means ensuring that civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and community leaders are able to work and advocate on LGBTI+ issues without undue restrictions or fear of reprisals.

This means taking into account intersecting forms of discrimination based on ethnic origin, gender, disability, and other factors.

Within this organization, this means supporting the efforts of ODIHR to assist in combatting discrimination and hate crimes against all people, including LGBTI+ persons.

On this IDAHOBIT, we stand in solidarity with LGBTI+ persons everywhere who are fighting for recognition of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We also celebrate the diversity and resilience of LGBTI+ communities around the world.

Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics should never be bases for discrimination or abuse.

We must work together to create a world where everyone can live freely, without fear or discrimination. Because how can a society be considered to be free if people do not have the freedom to love who they want to or be who they are?

I thank you.

May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government meets target one year early to recruit primary care staff [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 18 May 2023.

The government has delivered on its commitment of recruiting 26,000 more primary care professionals – such as dieticians and paramedics – in GP practices.
- Over 26,000 more primary care professionals now working in GP practices since March 2019
- Government delivers key manifesto commitment to expand GP teams
- Wide range of healthcare professionals working alongside doctors and nurses delivering direct patient care as quickly as possible.
The government has delivered on its manifesto commitment of recruiting 26,000 additional primary care professionals – such as dieticians, paramedics and physiotherapists – who provide care directly to patients, or support doctors and nurses to do so.

A year ahead of the March 2024 pledge, data published today by NHS England shows there are 29,103 additional primary care staff helping to deliver on one of the government’s key priorities to cut waiting lists.

This means that since March 2019, there are 3 and a half times more people working in these roles – from 11,500 in 2019 to over 40,600 as of March – in GP practices working with doctors and nurses to deliver care to patients.

We are working to create many more appointments, with recent data showing there were almost 2 million more GP appointments delivered in March when compared to a year ago – that is 83,500 more appointments each working day.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Expanding our brilliant primary care teams was a key promise of this government, and we have delivered. It is fantastic news we have achieved our target to recruit an extra 26,000 primary care professionals almost one year earlier than planned.

These dedicated professionals play a vital role at the front door of our NHS – supporting patients, delivering excellent care and helping to cut waiting lists.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

This government is focused on cutting waiting lists – which is one of our 5 priorities – and getting patients the care they need, when they need it.

We have delivered on our promise a year early to recruit 26,000 extra primary care professionals which means more clinicians delivering better, more specialised and accessible care to patients.

Building on the primary care recovery plan, we are determined to end the 8am scramble, improve technology and reduce bureaucracy.

Today’s milestone builds on the recently published primary care recovery plan which set out action to make it easier for patients to contact their GP and end the 8am rush. It included £240 million funding given to practices across the UK this year to embrace latest technology.

More broadly, there are record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS helping to deliver extra appointments, speed up diagnoses and tackle the COVID-19 backlog. Data also shows 440 more doctors working in general practice and face-to-face appointments on the rise.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS England Chief Executive, said:

It is fantastic to see more than 29,000 staff join our general practice workforce since 2019, a year ahead of the government target, following NHS recruitment campaigns with these new staff including mental health practitioners, social prescribers and pharmacists offering people expert care and advice at their local practice.

Thanks to these new GP teams record numbers of appointments are being delivered, with the latest figures showing that more than 31 million appointments took place in March 2023 – up almost a third compared to pre-pandemic.

The increase in primary care staff has enabled Mitesh – a pharmacist working in GP surgeries – to deliver approximately 100 appointments a week, helping assist GP staff with medication queries and carrying out reviews of patients with long-term health conditions and structured medicine reviews, which help maximise the benefit of medication.

Some GP teams have expanded to include dedicated care coordinators like Gill, who works with voluntary and care home services to provide support to patients with life-limiting conditions and release valuable time for GPs.

There are now thousands more care coordinators, working in general practices, ensuring all services are talking to each other about local, often frail and older patients and making sure there are no gaps in the support and care provided.

Care coordinators also offer patients more time so that GPs can see patients who are clinically unwell. With care coordinators, patients have the opportunity to go into more detail about their concerns, knowing that they will be raised with a GP if necessary.

Other examples of how better care has been provided include the recruitment of mental health practitioners in the North East and Yorkshire region which has meant increased access to mental health services closer to home for patients and a shorter waiting period. GP appointments are now freed up as patients do not have to repeatedly see a GP and patients are seen and treated by clinicians sooner.
May 28, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Expert appointed to support review of pro-innovation regulation of the creative industries [May 2023]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 May 2023.

Sir Peter Bazalgette has been appointed to support work investigating the pro-innovation regulation of the creative industries, one of the Chancellor’s five key growth areas.

As initiated at the Autumn Statement, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser is reviewing existing rules and helping develop a pro-innovation regulatory approach that allows the UK to fulfil its ambition to become a science superpower and world leader in key growth sectors.

The aim of the review is to establish the UK as the best regulated economy in the world in key growth sectors, ensuring that industry and investors have the certainty then need to drive innovation, investment and growth through anticipating new developments in emerging technologies.

In March, Sir Patrick Vallance published reviews on digital technologies and green industries and the government accepted both reports’ recommendations. Having taken up the role of Government Chief Scientific Adviser in April 2023, Professor Dame Angela McLean is continuing this work and will soon publish reports on the Chancellor’s remaining three key growth sectors: life sciences, creative industries and advanced manufacturing.

Sir Peter Bazalgette has been appointed to support Professor Dame Angela McLean on the creative industries report, working directly with industry to identify barriers to innovation and regulatory reforms that can help make the UK’s creative industries the most exciting and enterprising in the world.

Sir Peter Bazalgette is a television executive and producer. He is co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, a non-executive board member of the Department for Education, pro-chancellor of the Royal College of Art, and chair of the Business Advisory Council for the Care Leavers’ Covenant.

May 28, 2023