The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 4 April 2023.
One of the first things I did as Chancellor was hang a picture of Nigel Lawson above my desk.
He was a transformational Chancellor and an inspiration to me and many others.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
The statement made by Sir John Major on 4 April 2023.
Nigel Lawson was a commanding Chancellor and, together with Geoffrey Howe, one of the essential pillars of the 1980s Conservative Government.
His influence was respected well after he left government, and he will be long remembered.
![PRESS RELEASE : HMS Birmingham steel cut milestone supports thousands of UK jobs [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/mod-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 April 2023.
Steel has been cut on the first of the second batch of Type 26 warships, following a £4.2 billion contract awarded to BAE Systems in November 2022.
The Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, marked the occasion at the steel cutting ceremony, with HMS Birmingham becoming the fourth of eight anti-submarine warships being constructed for the Royal Navy at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Govan, Glasgow.
Building on ambitions laid out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, this represents another significant milestone for the Type 26 programme, the Royal Navy and UK Defence, reinforcing Defence’s commitment to shipbuilding in Scotland.
With all eight frigates to be built in Govan, and the work sustaining some 1,700 jobs in Scotland with a further 2,300 jobs across the wider UK supply chain, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the UK.
This is yet another significant milestone for the Type 26 programme, supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the wider UK supply chain.
Working closely with our industry partners, we are bringing in a cutting-edge class of warships for the Royal Navy, bolstering our maritime capabilities into the coming decades.
The frigates will replace the bulk of the retiring Type 23 fleet with its primary role of anti-submarine warfare, protecting the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent and Maritime Strike Group. The first of the second batch of Type 26 ships, HMS Birmingham will be preceded by HMS Glasgow, HMS Cardiff and HMS Belfast.
At just under 150 metres long, almost the length of 3 Olympic swimming pools, and with a top speed of more than 26 knots and a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles, the vessels will also be capable of countering piracy and delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
The Type 26 vessels will be armed with the Sea Ceptor missile defence system, able to destroy airborne and sea surface targets. They will also carry a five-inch medium calibre gun, a helicopter, Artisan 997 radar and sonar for navigation and tracking adversaries.
The steel cut for HMS Birmingham is a significant moment for everyone who has worked, and is working, on the Type 26 programme to deliver the best possible warships to serve the Royal Navy for decades to come. I look forward to seeing the second batch of frigates taking shape.
Celebrating the next HMS Birmingham, with four ships having previously taken the name, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham was also present at the steel-cut.
I am delighted to have attended today’s sheet cutting ceremony, which will see work begin on building a new HMS Birmingham, further strengthening the city’s ties with the Royal Navy.
It will be fantastic to see this new Type 26 anti-submarine frigate serve HMS Birmingham’s current and future crews well as part of the new fleet being built in Govan, Scotland.
BAE Systems continues to invest in the programme and has submitted a planning application for a new 175 metre long, 85 metre wide, shipbuilding hall at Govan, which will allow two frigates to be built simultaneously under cover. This investment will be a major factor in the final five ships costing less and being delivered in quicker time than the first three.
This is another proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who have played a part in the design and construction of these important vessels. HMS Birmingham will benefit from a range of investments that will transform our digital and physical infrastructure and consolidate a centre of excellence for shipbuilding skills here in the UK. Alongside my teams I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their expertise and commitment as we take this programme forward and deliver the next generation City Class frigates for the Royal Navy.
The Type 26 design has also been successfully exported to UK allies, with programmes for nine Australian Hunter Class and 15 Canadian Surface Combatants underway. This will provide a long-term opportunity for all three nations to work together to exploit supply chain efficiencies and interoperability on operations.
Construction of all of the city-class frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028. Designed for a service life of at least 25 years, the Type 26 frigates will serve in the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s.
![PRESS RELEASE : Life chances of vulnerable adults improved as government extends £73 million ‘Changing Futures’ programme [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/levellingup-150x130.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 4 April 2023.
A £73 million scheme to improve peoples’ life chances has been extended as Government increases support for vulnerable people.
A £73 million scheme to improve peoples’ life chances has been extended as Government increases support for vulnerable people.
Local areas participating in the Changing Future programme will now have an extra year to deliver pioneering support services to people facing multiple issues including mental ill health, homelessness, drug and alcohol misuse and domestic abuse.
The extension to the programme, which launched in 2021, is backed by £9.5 million from the government’s Shared Outcomes Fund.
The programme is designed to overcome challenges adults face in receiving support from the NHS and local support services. It focuses on bringing together the work of local councils, charities and support services into easily accessible teams that can better cater for a person’s range of issues, rather than them having to seek separate support for each area of their life.
New research from the government, published today, shows that Changing Futures is reaching those most in need, with nearly 7 in 10 people on the programme having experience of more than one mental or physical health issue.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:
“The Changing Futures programme is making a difference to thousands of lives up and down the country – helping us reach some of the most vulnerable people and giving them the specialist support they need to improve their lives.
“The extension and funding we are announcing today will help support even more people and I look forward to seeing what other long lasting changes local areas can deliver for these individuals.”
Changing Futures is co-funded and run in conjunction with the National Lottery Community Fund.
David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“The Changing Futures programme is showing that – when equipped with the right tools and support – vulnerable people facing multiple disadvantage can make significant changes to improve their lives and have a positive impact on the communities they are part of.
“As joint funder, we have seen first-hand the difference this programme has made since 2021. I welcome the Government’s plans to extend it and am excited to see what comes next.”
Examples of local initiatives funded by the programme include:
Anna Smith – Bristol Changing Futures Programme Director, said:
“I am proud to be leading the Changing Futures programme in Bristol. It is wonderful to see agencies from across the city working in partnership to trial different approaches to working with people facing Multiple Disadvantage.
“By taking a My Team Around Me approach with our clients, we aim to end the revolving door which sees them lose trust in the system and disengage from services and support them to independence.
“We welcome today’s announcement and look forward to hearing more about what it means for Bristol.”
Areas receiving support include Essex, Westminster, Sussex, Surrey, Bristol, Plymouth, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Hull, Sheffield, Leicester, Northumbria (Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland), South Tees (Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland), Lancashire (Blackpool, Lancashire, and Blackburn with Darwen) and Greater Manchester.
![PRESS RELEASE : Findings of independent review of ICSs published [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/healthsocialcare-150x140.png)
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 4 April 2023.
An independent review of integrated care systems (ICSs) has today published its final report.
An independent review into integrated care systems today published its final report.
Integrated Care Systems bring together NHS, local government, social care providers, charities and other partners to deliver on four goals:
ICBs include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts.
The Health and Social Care Secretary commissioned Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt to lead the independent review in November 2022, asking her to consider how the oversight and governance of these systems can best enable them to succeed.
The review covered ICSs in England and the NHS targets and priorities for which ICBs are accountable, including those set out in the government’s mandate to NHS England.
Drawing on the insights of leaders from across the NHS, local government, social care providers, the charitable and the voluntary and social enterprise sector the review looked at how best to empower local leaders to focus on improving outcomes for their populations.
Organisations representing patients as well as experts in academia and think tanks also fed into the call for evidence which received more than 400 responses.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
Integrated care systems are an important part of the government’s plan to deliver more joined up and effective health and care services and to cut waiting times for patients, one of the Prime Minister’s key priorities for 2023.
Ministers will review recommendations of this report in due course.
Chair of the independent review of integrated care systems, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, said:
It was an enormous privilege to undertake this review, published today.
Integrated Care Systems represent the best opportunity in a generation for the urgently needed transformation that we need in our health and care system. Everyone wants them to succeed.
To fulfil their potential, however, we need not only to back our new structures, but also to change our culture. Everyone needs to change, and everyone needs to play their part.
My recommendations are intended to help the health and care system make those changes – and I hope that ministers, NHS England and others will feel able to take them forward.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said:
Integrated care systems have the power to change the way the NHS provides care for people while working alongside local government to ensure people live healthier lives.
We know health systems across the country are already taking significant action to do this and we are grateful to Patricia Hewitt for this important report – we will look in detail at the recommendations as we continue to support local areas to improve outcomes for patients.
![PRESS RELEASE : DVSA sets out vision to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/transport-150x124.png)
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 4 April 2023.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched its vision to 2030, setting out what needs to be done to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably.
By the end of this decade, DVSA will have made progress against 5 important challenges and opportunities. These are to:
DVSA is launching its ambitious vision at a time when the country is on the cusp of a transport revolution.
There will be rapid change between now and the end of the decade. By 2030:
DVSA already plays a leading role in:
Under its new vision, DVSA will significantly increase its work to inform, educate and advise the public and businesses.
Overall, these activities will help to make sure that:
The vision focuses on outcomes that help make a real and lasting difference to everyone living in Great Britain.
It will guide work to:
Read the DVSA vision to 2030.
Loveday Ryder, DVSA Chief Executive, said:
Whatever your stake in DVSA, we want to set out what the DVSA plans to achieve of behalf our customers and stakeholders. That’s whether you work for us or in partnership with us, or you are responsible for holding us to account.
Our strategic plan to 2025 and vision to 2030 set out our ambitions and the challenges we set ourselves to achieve our vision to 2030 of keeping Britain moving, safely and sustainably.
The transformative plans in these documents demonstrate our drive for more efficient services. We will always keep looking for ways to build on this to support the government’s ambitions.
DVSA’s vision to 2030 is supported by a strategic plan to 2025. This sets out the most immediate priorities to:
Read the DVSA strategic plan to 2025.
DVSA’s business plan for 2023 to 2024 will be published later in spring. It will set out the priorities and targets for the coming year.
![PRESS RELEASE : One million families claiming tax credits to receive Cost of Living Payment from 2 May [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hmtreasury-150x150.png)
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 April 2023.
HMRC announces date for the first Cost of Living payment during the 2023 to 2024 tax year, for tax-credits only customers.
One million eligible claimant families receiving tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will get the first Cost of Living Payment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year from Tuesday 2 May 2023, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.
The £301 government payment will be paid automatically into most customers’ bank accounts between Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 May 2023 across the United Kingdom. Only eligible families who receive tax credits and no other means-tested benefits will receive the payment from HMRC.
This is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible in the 2023 to 2024 tax year.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said:
Higher prices make life difficult for everyone, which is why our priority is to halve inflation this year.
But we are also going further to support those struggling most, with a total package of support worth an average of £3,300 per household this year and next – including up to £900 in direct cash payments starting next month for families receiving tax credits.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:
The £301 Cost of Living Payment will deliver vital financial help to eligible tax credit customers across the UK. Further support will be paid in autumn 2023 and spring 2024 to those entitled to payment.
HMRC will pay eligible tax credit customers automatically and with no action required from the customer, to make this as simple and helpful as it can possibly be.
The payment will show as ‘HMRC COLS’ in customers’ bank and building society accounts, so that they know the money is cost of living support.
For tax credit-only customers to be eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment, they must have received a payment of tax credits in respect of any day in the period 26 January to 25 February 2023, or later be found to have been entitled to a payment for this period.
Eligible customers do not need to apply or contact HMRC to receive the payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced that eligible households receiving DWP means-tested benefits will receive their first payment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May. This includes tax credit claimants who also receive other income-related benefits from DWP.
The payments are part of a package of wider government support announced to tackle the cost of living in the 2023 to 2024 tax year, including:
This means that the most vulnerable can receive up to £1,350 in direct payments over the coming financial year if eligible.
Including both DWP and HMRC payments, the latest Cost of Living Payment will see more than 8 million households across the UK receive their £301 cash boost by mid-May 2023.
The government is offering help for households. Customers should check GOV.UK to find out what support they could be eligible for.
To receive the £301 payment someone must (subject to a very limited exception) have been entitled to a payment of a qualifying benefit as follows:
Universal Credit – payment for an assessment period ending between 26 January 2023 and 25 February 2023.
For all other DWP means-tested benefits, payment in respect of any day between 26 January and 25 February 2023.
Customers do not need to apply for this payment. If customers are eligible through receiving tax credits only, HMRC will make the Cost of Living Payment automatically into the bank account where claimants already receive their tax credits. Customers might find that their payment is delayed if they have recently closed the bank account their tax credits are usually paid into.
If customers have not let HMRC know that their bank account has changed, HMRC will pay the money into their old bank account, meaning the payment will be rejected. If this happens, HMRC will follow this up by letter to the customer, letting them know that we need updated bank details.
If tax credit customers believe they are eligible but have not received a payment between the published payment dates, they should wait until 16 May 2023 at the earliest to contact HMRC. This is to allow time for their bank, building society or credit union to process the payment. We will not be able to provide customers with any further information before this date.
More than 8 million families on means-tested benefits will receive up to £900 during the 2023 to 2024 tax year, in up to 3 payments. This includes all eligible families entitled to a payment of the following benefits: Universal Credit; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; and Pension Credit.
This payment is tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.
The 3 means-tested cost of living payments are being delivered in 3 slightly different amounts of £301, £300, and £299. The distinct value relates to a specific qualifying period before the payment is made. This allows HMRC and DWP to ensure support is targeted at those who need it and are eligible; to determine if a payee received the correct payment and identify the payment value; and to reduce the risk of fraud as HMRC and DWP will be able to clearly track those who have received payment.
Beware of scams targeting cost of living payments. If someone contacts you about this payment saying they are from HMRC, it might be a scam.
You do not need to apply for this payment. HMRC will never ask for your bank details by SMS or email. Do not let yourself be rushed. Check advice on spotting scams by visiting GOV.UK and searching ‘phishing and scams’. You can also find ways to contact us on GOV.UK – search ‘Contact HMRC’ and choose ‘tax credits’.
![PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – UK Core Group statement on Item 2 Resolution: South Sudan [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fco-150x150.png)
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.
UN HRC52: UK Core Group statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.
Thank you Mr President.
I am honoured to present on behalf of the core group of Albania, Norway, the United States and the UK, draft resolution L.27 on South Sudan, which, if passed, would extend in full the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year.
Mr President,
The human rights situation in South remains dire and should be of paramount concern to this Council. All major UN actors working on human rights in South Sudan have continued to report that human rights violations and abuses continue to be committed frequently across South Sudan, with impunity, by all actors, across the country. In addition, the transitional justice institutions supposed to guarantee accountability for past violations and abuses have still not been established.
In light of this, our Core Group is clear that the Commission’s mandate to monitor, report, investigate and gather evidence of human rights violations and abuses remains as necessary today as when it was established. This work directly supports efforts to make progress toward lasting peace in South Sudan, based on respect for the rule of law, accountability for past atrocities, and the full enjoyment by all South Sudanese of their human rights going forward.
Mr President,
We regret that, once again, we have been unable to reach consensus on full mandate extension with South Sudan. We note their position here in Geneva, while also deeply appreciating their continued and full cooperation with the Commission in Juba.
We also note the African Group has, as before, tabled draft resolution L.36, focusing on technical assistance and capacity building in South Sudan. We will of course support this text – technical assistance and capacity building, alongside continued and strong human rights scrutiny are key, mutually reinforcing pillars of the overall, comprehensive human rights response we believe South Sudan needs.
We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution extending the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour if necessary. If the resolution is adopted, we hope to continue discussions with South Sudan on whether and how we can find a way back to consensus next year.
Thank you.
![PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/downingstreet-150x122.png)
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 April 2023.
The King has been pleased to appoint Mrs Amanda Parker, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Lancashire on the retirement of The Lord Shuttleworth, KG, KCVO, on 2nd August 2023.
Amanda Parker has devoted much of her life to voluntary service while also helping to run the commercial aspects of her family estate and founding two IT and AV businesses. She has served as a magistrate for almost two decades; supported young people through sport, especially hockey; and is Chair of National Crimebeat, a youth crime prevention charity. She is also a patron or trustee of Whalley Educational Foundation, which provides community space for education; Nightsafe, a charity for young homeless people in Blackburn; Saheliyaan, an organisation supporting female abuse victims from (mostly) South Asia in Chorley; and Active Lancashire, which seeks to improve lifestyles and health outcomes. She was High Sheriff in 2015-16.
Mrs Parker lives near Clitheroe with her husband, Robert. They have two adult children.
![PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of Chair to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales [April 2023]](https://www.ukpol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/justice-150x120.png)
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 4 April 2023.
The Secretary of State for Justice has announced the reappointment of Keith Fraser as Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State has announced the reappointment of Keith Fraser as Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB). Keith’s term of office will commence on 14 April 2023 for a period of 2 years.
Appointments and reappointments of YJB Board members (including the Chair) are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and are made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
The YJB is a non-departmental public body, responsible for overseeing the youth justice system in England and Wales. As a non-departmental public body, it has a core responsibility for close monitoring of the operational performance of statutory partnerships, local authorities and Youth Offending Teams in preventing offending.
Keith was first appointed to the YJB as a member in January 2018 and was appointed as Chair in April 2020 for 3 years. He is also the Chair of Local Partnerships and of 999 Cenotaph. In March 2023 he became a member of the Governing Committee for the Youth Endowment Fund and was a Commissioner for the UK Race and Ethnic Disparities Commission. Keith is the Non-Executive Director at The WorkForce Development Trust Limited, Sport Birmingham and a Patron for Employability UK.
Prior to this, Keith was a Superintendent and Chief Inspector in the West Midlands Police. During this time, he produced the 2016-19 Preventing Gang Involvement and Youth Violence strategy, and was the Strategic Police Lead for the Princes Trust across the West Midlands. He also served in the Metropolitan Police Service for 20 Years. Keith was also the Chair of Wolverhampton City Council’s statutory Youth Justice Management Board where he led an innovative preventative project which worked with Sport England to support over 7,000 children.