Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 November 2024.

Domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims and face tougher restrictions with the launch of new protective orders today.
- Stronger protections for victims of all domestic abuse under new orders
- New powers to police and courts to deliver toughest restrictions yet
- Family courts able to impose tagging for the first time
Providing vital protection to victims, for the first time all types of domestic abuse will be covered – including physical, psychological, stalking, and coercive control. The new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders will also be handed out by all courts (family, civil, and criminal), meaning more perpetrators will be forced to live under restrictions.

They will initially launch in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs and with the British Transport Police. They will also be used in Cleveland and North Wales from early 2025 ahead of a national rollout.

The Domestic Abuse Protection Notices can be issued by the police immediately following any incident of abuse, providing protection straight away and giving police time to apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order to secure longer term protection for the victim.

Unlike some existing protections, which can only be enforced for 28 days, the new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will have no time restrictions, meaning victims are protected for as long as needed to stay safe. Breaching the order will be a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison, making sure perpetrators who flout the rules are punished.

Friends and family of victims will also be able to apply for the new orders on behalf of the victim, as well as victims themselves and the police. This will reduce victim engagement with the criminal justice system, if necessary – process which can be daunting for some survivors.

As well as imposing exclusion zones, the orders can mandate positive requirements such as attendance at a behaviour change programme.

For the first time, family courts able to impose tagging in the most serious cases, a power previously reserved for the police and criminal courts only.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

It takes tremendous courage for victims of domestic abuse to seek help. Our role in government is to make this as straightforward as possible. These new orders reduce the pressure on victims by allowing third parties to make an application on their behalf, while ensuring the powers available to the courts are more stringent than ever before. This government will continue to do all it can to end violence against women and girls.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner said:

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders were designed to bring together the most effective features of existing orders to provide flexible and long-term protection to victims of domestic abuse.

The DAPO pilot should evidence what is needed to sufficiently resource participating agencies and sector partners alike, so that it can be fully funded for a national rollout.

I look forward to closely following the pilot’s progress and see how DAPOs can improve the safety of domestic abuse victims and hold perpetrators to account across England and Wales.

Victims and VAWG Minister Alex Davies-Jones will visit Croydon Court and Minister for Victims and Safeguarding Jess Phillips will visit the Metropolitan Police today to mark the launch, as they raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign.

Today’s announcement is the next step in the government’s unpreceded pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

Background information
- The DAPO is a joint policy shared between the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office and was legislated for in Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- Tagging can only be imposed for 12 months at a time.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK/Iraq border security pact to target smuggling gangs [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 November 2024.

Home Secretary signs landmark joint statement with Iraq to tackle people smuggling and organised crime networks operating across the region and in Europe.

A world-first security agreement has been reached between Iraq and the UK government to target people smuggling gangs and strengthen border security co-operation.

The UK will also support Iraq law enforcement to tackle other serious organised crime, including countering narcotics.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) this week to seal a series of co-operation deals, to tackle shared threats and boost the security of its citizens.

The Home Secretary is the first UK government Secretary of State to visit the country since 2021. She was accompanied by the UK government’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt.

During the 3-day official visit, the Home Secretary spoke to ministers from the Federal Government of Iraq and met ministers in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

As part of the programme the Home Secretary:
- signed a joint statement on border security: a first-of-its-kind agreement with Iraq, which sets out the commitments of both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and bolster border security
- committed to providing up to £300,000 for Iraq law enforcement training in border security – the training will focus on organised immigration crime and narcotics, and will increase the capacity and capability of Iraq’s law enforcement at the border
- announced support for further border security projects: the UK government has pledged £200,000 to support projects in the KRI which will enhance capabilities concerning irregular migration and border security, including a new taskforce
- signed a declaration of intent on serious organised crime: pledges from both the UK and Iraq to build on operational and bilateral co-operation on serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime, narcotics, modern slavery and human trafficking, and illicit finance
- support to tackle wider crime: £300,000 will also be allocated to capacity building in Iraq to disrupt serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime and illicit drug flows
- agreed to launch communications campaigns in both Iraq and the KRI to counter the misinformation and myths that people smugglers post online
- signed a joint statement on migration: this includes further work on the returns of people who have no right to be in the UK, where returns are currently very slow, and the continued provision of reintegration programmes to support returnees
Central to the statements agreed today is a commitment from the UK, Iraq and KRI to international and humanitarian law and commitments to international human rights standards.

Today’s announcement represents the biggest operational package to tackle serious organised crime and people smuggling between the 2 countries ever. Smuggling networks operating out of Iraq, including the KRI, and Europe have been responsible for trafficking thousands of people across the globe, including across the Channel to the UK, undermining border security and putting lives at risk.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

These landmark commitments between the UK government and Iraq and the KRI send a clear signal to the criminal smuggling gangs that we are determined to work across the globe to go after them.

There are smuggler gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings whose operations stretch back through northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond. Organised criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too.

The increasingly global nature of organised immigration crime means that even countries that are thousands of miles apart must work more closely together than ever to stop these gangs getting away with it, to strengthen our border security and to stop so many lives being put at risk.

Our new Border Security Command is already building partnerships across the world to tackle this evil trade in human lives.

I want to thank my hosts for their hospitality. This is an important new partnership between the UK government, Iraq and the KRI to build security and keep people safe.

The joint statement on border security, signed with Federal Government of Iraq Interior Minister Abdulameer Al-Shimmeri, will build on operational work already being conducted between UK law enforcement, including the National Crime Agency, and Iraq.

It sets out a blueprint for both countries to tackle of people smuggling and wider border security issues and pave the way for deeper collaboration in the future. It will include new formal processes for regular engagement.

The statement is backed up by a wider declaration of intent to tackle serious organised crime, which incorporates organised immigration crime, as well as other high harm crimes including drug smuggling, modern slavery and illicit finance. The Home Secretary and representatives in the country also reiterated their drive to continue to work together to counter terrorism.

Some £300,000 from the UK Integrated Security Fund will be spent on training at the border to counter organised immigration crime and narcotics.

On returns, the UK and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance co-operation to ensure those who have no right to be in the UK can be returned swiftly, while the UK government will continue to respect international law and protect human rights.

On deterrence communications, the planned campaign will seek to counter disinformation spread by criminal gangs and stop people making the dangerous journey, including telling the real stories of people who have fallen victim to people smuggling gangs.

During the visit, the Home Secretary met with the Federal Government of Iraq Minister of Interior Abdulameer Al-Shimmeri, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudanl, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Chief Justice Faik Zidan.

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Home Secretary met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and the Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed.

Mr Hewitt met with KRG Director General of the Diwan at the Ministry of Interior, Dr Hemin Mirany.

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

Enhancing our border security requires international efforts, which is why collaboration with Iraq and the KRI is so important. This work is only going to improve, which means smuggling networks should be on notice that we are coming after you.

As Border Security Commander I will work with law enforcement around the world to break the business model of people smugglers and help save lives.

This international collaboration marks a shift in the UK government’s approach to tackling irregular migration. Through the Border Security Command, the UK are working on a whole system approach to tackling irregular migration, including arming UK law enforcement with the powers it needs, working bilaterally on cross border co-operation and ensuring law enforcement across borders are joined up.

Next month, the UK government will co-host the Calais Group with Germany, in London. The interior ministers of the hosts will be joined by their counterparts from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as law enforcement, including NCA, Europol and Frontex.

Since July, the new government has:
- started recruitment of 100 more specialist intelligence officers to work across Europe and delivered a 50% uplift in UK officers at Europol
- announced an anti-smuggling action plan signed with other G7 nations
- hosted the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace
- announced new agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo to tackle people smuggling through the Balkan states
- pushed forward a suite of measures to tackle organised immigration crime as part of the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow
- returned 9,400 people since 5 July who have no right to be in the UK, including the 3 biggest returns flights in the UK’s history
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Warship production milestone supports thousands of British jobs [November 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 November 2024.

The construction of HMS Sheffield, an advanced anti-submarine warfare ship for the Royal Navy, officially began today with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow.

Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland. Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply chain, in a boost to the economy.

HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s.

Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS Sheffield.

Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.

HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.

This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.

The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and will be among the world’s most advanced warships, supporting our national security. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.

These versatile ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work. This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the threats of the future.

Sir Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said:

This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.

HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.

I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.

HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.

Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028.

December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Russia has intensified its deliberate targeting of civilian energy infrastructure – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.

Last week, we marked 1000 days since Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We recalled the devastating impact the war has had upon the Ukrainian people and the world, and reiterated our steadfast commitment to ensuring Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself and to achieve a just and lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter.

President Putin has demonstrated, time and again, that he has no interest in such a peace. In recent weeks and months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine.

First, it has stepped up the use of indiscriminate glide bombs against Ukrainian cities. Last week, the UN announced that the number of civilians killed since February 2022 had reached over 10,000, with over 18,500 injured.

Second, Russia has intensified its deliberate targeting of civilian energy infrastructure. This is a war crime and puts the lives of millions of Ukrainians at serious risk during the cold winter months.

Third, Russia is using experimental weapons. Last week, it fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Dnipro. Ukraine is not a testing ground for new weapons.

I could go on. But this pattern of reckless activity by Russia serves only to prolong the war and the suffering of the Ukrainian people, whilst posing serious risks to international peace and security.

There is only one aggressor here and only one country in breach of the Charter. To seek de-escalation, we must focus on deterring Russia from that aggression.

No one wants peace more than Ukraine, but Ukraine needs to be able to defend its civilians from these brutal attacks.

Ukraine has a right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and we will support them in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace.

December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New ambition for 50 million annual visits to UK announced by Tourism Minister [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 November 2024.

A new ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030 has been announced by the government, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide, driving economic growth.
- In a major speech, the Tourism Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, commits to increasing visitor numbers and improving overall visitor experience
- A new Visitor Economy Advisory Council to boost collaboration between government and industry
- Tourism industry worth £74 billion to the economy and 4% of GVA with a huge potential for further growth to support government’s central mission
A new ambition for the United Kingdom to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030 has been announced by the government, as part of its plans for the country to remain one of the most visited worldwide, driving economic growth.

In a keynote speech at the Tourism Alliance conference in London today (26 November), Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant set out the government’s plans for the tourism sector to be an integral part of its growth mission.

A new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, co-chaired by the Minister, will be established that will see industry and government work together to kickstart this next stage of growth for the sector. The council will work towards the creation of a National Visitor Economy Strategy, which will be launched next autumn and map out plans to support the growth of the tourism industry.

Growth in the tourism industry beyond London will be at the heart of this strategy. While the capital is a huge draw that brings in tens of millions of visitors each year, there is vast potential for increasing visits to other cities and regions, which can be achieved through improved marketing, reforming tourist boards, filling skills gaps in the visitor economy and better celebrating our culture.

The UK attracted 38 million visitors last year. Before the pandemic in 2019 that figure was 41 million.

Speaking at the Tourism Alliance Conference, Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

I am passionate about making the UK a top visitor destination that truly rivals our European counterparts.

But we can only do that if we work together. We need a true partnership between the government and the sector to deliver such growth.

We all know that London is great – one of the best cities in the world. But too many visitors only go to London – in fact when asked by VisitBritain, 57 per cent of visitors could not imagine what there was in the UK outside of London.

We need to complement London and Edinburgh with stronger regional destinations – where people visit in their own right and stay and spend money because they know about the full range of attractions at those destinations – the heritage, the arts, the music, the pubs and restaurants.

Too many of my predecessors have seen tourism as a nice thing to have and not a priority. I don’t. I see it as an essential part of our economy, worth £74 billion and 4 per cent of GVA with a huge potential for growth.

We are good at this and can be even better if we work together. I want us to have a ‘holistic’ approach to tourism where we will be looking at every element from a visitor’s arrival at the airport to buying a ticket for a music gig or finding a restaurant or catching a train.

In addition to focusing on inbound and domestic tourism, the Visitor Economy Advisory Council will also look at outbound travel, including the rollout of the EU Entry Exit scheme and eGate access for Brits at European airports, to ensure all visitors have the best possible experience when travelling.

Improving the overall visitor experience will be central to the government’s plans for the tourism industry. Every element of someone’s visit – from their arrival at the airport, to buying a ticket for a gig and booking a hotel – will be considered. Making each individual element of the visitor experience as accessible and enjoyable as possible will encourage more tourists to visit the UK, foster national pride and provide long-term economic benefits for communities across the whole country.

Minister Bryant also updated on ongoing tourism programmes, including the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme, which is transforming tourist boards across the country so they can work better together to market their areas to tourists, and attract more investment and major events to the UK. Thirty five LVEPs have been accredited so far.

The Minister also confirmed that the government will introduce a short-term lets registration scheme as soon as possible, to help provide the best tourist accommodation possible while protecting people’s right to affordable housing, with initial phases of testing already underway.

This follows the government securing a permanent business rates relief at 40% for many companies in the tourism sector.
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Easier access to social housing for veterans confirmed [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 November 2024.

New regulations to remove a local connection requirement for veterans to access social housing.
- New regulations to further support UK Armed Forces Veterans in housing need
- Removal of five-year local connection link removed for our heroes looking for social housing
- Changes build on government’s commitment to honour the sacrifices made by veterans and ensuring homes will be there for heroes
Veterans will have greater access to social housing thanks to the removal of a local connection requirement made by the government today.

The new changes, made by the Housing Minister in Parliament today, exempt all former UK Armed Forces Veterans from rules that restrict access to social housing for those that do not have a connection to the local area. This will make sure veterans across the country have access to the housing support they need and can find a place to call home.

The changes apply to councils with local connection or residency tests determining who can currently qualify for social housing. This will ensure veterans cannot be unfairly penalised where such requirements are in place, recognising the unique challenges they face in trying to build up a connection in a specific local area.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

“Those who put their lives on the line in the service of their country should have access to the housing support they need – this government is making sure they do.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure homes are there for heroes, as part of our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.”

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said:

“This is a government that is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served and today is an important step forward in delivering on our promise that homes will be there for heroes.

“Today’s action shows our government is delivering our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities and to ensure veterans have access to the housing support they need.”

The Deputy Prime Minister has previously written to local councils reminding them of their obligation to prioritise veterans for social housing and the guidance is being updated to reflect these changes.

Wider government support is also in place to help more veterans into secure and permanent accommodation. This includes a further £3.5 million to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme and Op FORTITUDE, which is the single referral pathway for veterans at risk of homelessness.

Alongside these changes, the government has already given councils greater flexibility to use Right to Buy receipts to build and buy more homes and provided an additional £450 million for councils to secure homes for families, including veterans, at risk of homelessness.

Government investment in housing will also increase to £5 billion for next year and this includes an extra £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country. In turn, supporting the government’s commitment of delivering 1.5 million homes by the next Parliament and generating economic growth.

Further information
- The government’s written ministerial statement confirming today’s changes is available here.
- The regulations will come into force on Wednesday 18 December.
- On 24 September, the Prime Minister also set out his ambition to improve access to social housing for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse. Ministers will convene roundtables to explore the detail of these exemptions and bring forward further regulations in due course.
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : £3 billion housebuilding schemes to unlock homes and boost growth [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 27 November 2024.

Billions of pounds in guarantees for housebuilders are now open for business as part of a new support package confirmed by the Housing Minister today.
- Over 20,000 new homes through vital support for SME housebuilders and the Build-to-Rent sector.
- Existing schemes to receive £3 billion more in government support to help deliver 1.5 million homes.
- Builds on £5 billion investment in housing for next year.
Billions of pounds in guarantees for housebuilders are now open for business as part of a new support package confirmed by the Housing Minister today.

As announced at the Budget, an additional £3 billion in housing guarantees will be available to help builders apply for more accessible loans from banks and lenders, giving them the confidence they need to get Britain building again.

Government guarantees reduce risk for lenders and encourages them to increase the supply of credit for housebuilders. Housebuilder’s access to credit is a key constraint on growth in the sector, so guaranteeing more lending encourages more housebuilding.

Thousands of new homes will be delivered across the country because of the government’s latest invention, which will see more families onto the property ladder, boost economic growth and create jobs, and support the ambition to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

This includes doubling the ENABLE Build scheme to £2 billion so smaller housebuilders and firms can support the delivery of over 10,000 new homes, including more student accommodation and specialised housing for older people, in areas most in need.

Build-to-Rent developers will also see the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme reopen at the end of the year, with nearly £2 billion available to ramp up housebuilding. A broader variety of projects will be eligible to access additional lending, so more housing projects can be completed without unnecessary delays.

Based on the performance of the schemes so far, the government estimates that the increase in guarantees would support over 20,000 more homes.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

“SME housebuilders and Build to Rent operators have a crucial role to play in delivering the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes in this parliament.

“The significant additional support provided by our housing guarantee schemes will enable them to access low-cost loans and support the building of thousands of new homes across the country”.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said:

“SME house builders have a crucial role to play in helping to deliver the Government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. In recent years, small house builders have faced a particularly difficult set of financial challenges. Diversification of the UK’s housing market is essential to deliver the number of homes needed.

“Today’s Government announcement providing greater support for small housebuilders is welcome news. For the Government’s plans to succeed, it will be crucial that this lending is available for those small house builders who need it most and can build the homes this country needs.”

Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank said:

“We welcome this £1bn expansion of the Bank’s ENABLE Build programme by the government. Unlocking finance for smaller housebuilders is more important than ever, not just to help build homes across the UK’s Nations and regions and provide people with security, but also to stimulate much-needed growth for the UK economy. Combined with the ENABLE Build programme’s recent expansion to include provision to non-bank lenders, this means that the sector will benefit from both an increased volume and choice of finance.”

Richard Green, Partner at Venn Partners said:

“Build-to-rent can play a key role in the UK’s private rented sector, delivering high quality, well managed homes funded by institutional investors. Venn looks forward to continuing to support the sector with attractive loans from the PRS Guarantee Scheme”.

To accelerate housing development and achieve the ambition to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, the government has already:
- Announced an overhaul of the planning system through a consultation on reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, including new mandatory housebuilding targets for councils:
- Launched a New Homes Accelerator group to unblock thousands of new homes stuck in the planning system or partially built.
- Introduced ‘brownfield passports’ to ensure where planning proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer to planning permission is yes:
- Set up an independent New Towns Taskforce, as part of a long-term vision to create largescale communities of at least 10,000 new homes each:
- Awarded £68 million to 54 local councils to unlock housing on brownfield sites:
- Awarded £47 million to seven councils to unlock homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules.
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Sculpture by celebrated artist Dame Barbara Hepworth at risk of leaving the UK [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 November 2024.

A temporary export bar has been placed on Dame Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red.
- The sculpture has been valued at almost £3.7 million
- Export bar is to allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the sculpture
An export bar has been placed on celebrated British artist Dame Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red.

Born in 1903 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Hepworth became one of the leading British artists of the 20th century, creating prominent sculptures for the 1951 Festival of Britain entitled ‘Contrapuntal Forms’, which are still on display in Harlow, Essex and her prestigious work ‘Single Form’, which stands in the plaza of the United Nations building in New York City.

Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red is a painted wood sculpture created in 1943. It is part of a larger series in Hepworth’s oeuvre, which she developed throughout the Second World War after she settled with her family in St. Ives, Cornwall.

The piece is a notable example of this series, which pioneered her stringed and coloured sculptures for the first time. Although this concept of colour and strings is understood to have been first conceived in London, Hepworth consistently associated these elements with the organic elements she observed in her rural surroundings in West Penrith.

This work also marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s development as a leading pioneer of the direct carving method and it is the only surviving oval carving after the first prototype of the series was broken when Hepworth cast it in bronze in 1961.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

Dame Barbara Hepworth was a phenomenal artistic genius, who will continue to inspire future generations with her unique genre defining sculptures, which remain as powerful and engaging now as during her lifetime.

Hepworth was influenced by her surroundings and this sculpture is a beautiful insight into her new life in St.Ives after the outbreak of the Second World War.

I hope a UK buyer can be found for this sculpture so the British public can continue to learn and engage with one our most important artists for generations to come.

Stuart Lochhead, RCEWA Committee Member said:

Having moved to Cornwall at the outbreak of the Second World War, Barbara Hepworth found herself in a profoundly different environment where, even with limited resources, she produced ground breaking sculpture.

Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red embodies the Cornish sky, sea and rugged coastline, in which she lived and which influenced her so deeply. One of only a handful of stringed and coloured sculptures she produced during this period, it marks a significant evolution in her practice, bridging her pre-and post-war artistic developments. As such, this beautiful and immensely informative work by one of Britain’s greatest artists must be saved for the nation.

The Committee made its recommendation on the basis that the sculpture met the first, second and third Waverley criteria for its outstanding connection with our history and national life, its outstanding aesthetic importance and its outstanding significance to the study of Dame Barbara Hepworth’s working practice and the evolution of her work.

The decision on the export licence application for the sculpture will be deferred for a period ending on 26 February 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 Business Days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the sculpture at the recommended price of £3,652,180.63 (plus VAT of £129,800). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for five months.

Notes to editors
1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the sculpture should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
2. Details of the sculpture are as follows: Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, 1943. Painted wood and string, 50.2 cm. Signed, inscribed and dated ‘Barbara Hepworth/”Sculpture with colour/pale blue & red”/1943’ (on the underside of the base), painted wood and string, unique. This work is recorded as BH 119.
3. Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Helen Sutherland in March 1944. Acquired from the above by Nicolete Gray, London, in 1966, and by descent. Anonymous sale; Christie’s, London, 1 July 1998, lot 20, Anonymous sale; Christie’s, London, 6 June 2008, lot 164, where purchased by the previous owner. Anonymous sale; Christie’s, London, 20 March 2024, lot 12, where purchased by the present owner.
4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government boosts growth-driving creative industries in Merseyside and the West Midlands [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 27 November 2024.

Creative technology firms and artists in Merseyside and the West Midlands are in line for a major financial boost, as a £13.5 million investment in training, research and development funding is announced by the Culture Secretary to boost economic growth and job opportunities.
- £13.5 million awarded to boost Merseyside’s thriving live music sector and help creative firms in the West Midlands revolutionise live performance with VR and immersive technology
- Clusters funding builds on UK’s regional strengths as part of government’s growth-driving mission for the creative industries
- Next phase of advanced ‘movie magic’ research labs launched, with £6.6 million of funding available for SMEs
Liverpool City Region’s MusicFutures cluster will benefit from £6.75 million to bring together partners including the city’s two universities, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Liverpool M&S Bank Arena. The cluster will provide funding and training for musicians, educators and small businesses to harness new technologies such as AI and Extended Reality (XR) and explore making the live music sector more environmentally sustainable.

CreaTech Frontiers in the West Midlands will also benefit from £6.75 million, with the investment focusing on developing small, micro- and medium-sized businesses specialising in creative tech like video games and immersive reality. Several regional universities alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will work with industry to boost skills and develop new products, technology and multi-platform content. This will include using VR, 3D-modelling and animation techniques in live events, and adapting video game engines for use in music, theatre and film.

Experimental performance projects curated by the RSC will be showcased at South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Texas in 2026, while the Birmingham Opera Group and The Rep theatre will stage new works, including co-creations with young people in deprived areas of the West Midlands.

It comes as the CoSTAR network of R&D labs being built across the UK to drive the next generation of ‘movie magic’ visual effects tech in film, TV and performing arts enters its next phase, with £6.6 million now available to help innovating firms build prototypes and take their products to market.

Merseyside and the West Midlands have been selected in the government’s Creative Industries Clusters, delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, which aims to grow specialist creative subsectors across the UK. The UK’s world-class creative industries have been named as one of the government’s eight growth-driving sectors in its forthcoming Industrial Strategy.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. That’s why we are supporting firms, artists and freelancers that are innovating, using new technology and driving growth in creative clusters across the country.

Liverpool and Merseyside hold a special place in our nation’s music landscape, and this funding will support imagination and experimentation across the city and region, as creators explore how we can make gigs more environmentally friendly.

Birmingham and the West Midlands have a rich industrial history, and we are putting them at the forefront of a potential new industry developing the amazing technology that will revolutionise visual effects in film, theatre and gaming.”

AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said:

AHRC is delighted to announce the launch of a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters.

The two new clusters announced today, MusicFutures and CreaTech Frontiers, will create vital support for technology and innovation in the UK’s world-leading creative industries and expand our regional investment.

These clusters will support artists and creators so they can benefit from new technologies across a wide range of platforms, and develop their innovation and business skills.

The remarkable projects made possible through our Creative Industries Clusters span sustainable fashion, game design and extended reality, and have attracted major co-investment. They have helped solve real-world problems and they deliver commercial benefits to the UK economy in line with the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The Helsinki Decalogue remains valid, important and relevant today: UK statement to the OSCE [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Ambassador Holland underlines ongoing relevance of Helsinki Decalogue and calls on Russia to return to full compliance with its OSCE commitments.

Thank you Chairs for hosting this Security Dialogue to mark the Helsinki Final Act turning 50 next year. Thank you to the speakers for their interventions. I will speak along the lines that your concept Note suggested – on the purpose, the current state and the future of the Decalogue.

Firstly, the purpose of the Decalogue. It underpins the collective peace, sovereignty, and cooperation in our Euro-Atlantic region. In it, we all committed to ensuring conditions for “true and lasting peace free from any threat to or attempt against their security”. It enshrined core, simple, yet foundational principles – including on sovereignty, inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, the non-use or threat of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States.

Secondly, the current state of the Decalogue. This September, the Russian Delegation called the Helsinki Final Act our “lodestar”. We agree. Yet, last week, we marked 1000 days of Russia’s full-scale, illegal invasion of Ukraine. An invasion that the Russian delegation repeatedly insisted, on the OSCE record, would not happen. And yet it did. In contravention of all ten Decalogue Principles. We have deployed the OSCE toolkit to demand that Russia and Belarus return to compliance with the Decalogue. The OSCE toolkit, including Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR reports, has also established violations of OSCE commitments and international law. The ODIHR’s fifth interim report catalogued a “multiplication of rights violations” by Russian forces “some of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity”.

Sadly, there is a pattern of Russia contravening the Decalogue over decades. I highlight three: invading neighbouring States; undermining the right of States to join alliances; and waging a campaign of hybrid attacks across the OSCE region. In more detail:
- Contravening all of our ten Principles, Russia intervened with force in Moldova in 1990, Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine in 2014. In Ukraine, Russia has staged illegal and illegitimate annexations of territory. Russian armed forces also remain stationed illegally in the territories of the three.
- In the Decalogue, States have the “right to be … a party to treaties of alliance”. Yet Russia tries to dictate against States choosing to join NATO – including through the use of force.
- In the Decalogue, States must refrain from the “intervention in the internal affairs … of another State”. And yet, at Permanent Councils on 16 May and 25 July this year, 40 States documented Russian malign activities and interference in the region. This highlighted a pattern of espionage, sabotage, cyber, disinformation, conventional and other unacceptable attacks by Russia.
Chairs, the Helsinki Decalogue remains valid, important and relevant today for the security of the whole OSCE region. These shared commitments underpin our shared security. Any breaches are a direct and legitimate concern for us all. The UK remains fully committed to the Decalogue. And we once again call on Russia to return to full compliance with its commitments and for all cases across the entire OSCE Zone of Application.
December 28, 2024