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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister Fleur Anderson hails positive impact of integrated education [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister Fleur Anderson hails positive impact of integrated education [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 26 November 2024.

    This follows a recent visit to Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary.

    Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Fleur Anderson visited Fort Hill Integrated College in Lisburn alongside Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP.

    The visit followed the recent Budget announcement of £730,000 in additional funding to raise awareness of integrated education and support schools in Northern Ireland as they work towards integrated status.

    The Minister and Education Secretary also met with key stakeholders in the integrated education sector, including the Integrated Education Fund and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

    They are recipients of UKG funding to support their work with schools, parents and the wider public to raise awareness of the integrated sector and support schools through the process of transforming to integrated status.

    Speaking after the visit, Minister Anderson said:

    This was a fantastic visit and I was honoured to show the Education Secretary the positive impacts of integrated education in supporting reconciliation and promoting a culture of tolerance in society.

    The UK Government is wholly committed to supporting more schools in Northern Ireland to become integrated schools as an essential aspect of the reconciliation process in Northern Ireland.

  • PRESS RELEASE : 92% of English bathing waters meet water quality standards [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : 92% of English bathing waters meet water quality standards [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 26 November 2024.

    Further action is needed to improve bathing water quality.

    92% of bathing waters in England have met minimum water quality standards, with 85% of bathing waters being rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, new annual figures released today show.

    The 2024 statistics on English coastal and inland bathing waters follow testing by the Environment Agency at 450 sites regularly used by swimmers throughout the summer, including 27 new sites designated earlier this year. These tests monitor for sources of pollution known to be a risk to bathers’ health, specifically E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

    Despite significant improvement since the 1990s, when just 28% were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, today’s results make clear that more still needs to be done to improve their quality for people and the environment.

    The proportion of ‘good’ and ‘excellent’-rated sites has fallen slightly, in part due to the existing water quality of the 27 new bathing water sites designated this year, 18 of which are classified as ‘poor’. This is not unexpected, as the new sites have not been managed for bathing before, and it takes time to understand and tackle the sources of pollution affecting them.

    Without the newly designated bathing waters, 95% of sites would meet minimum standards this year, only slightly down from 96% last year.

    Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said:

    Bathing waters are hugely important for communities and for the environment – and we know there is growing public demand for bathing sites across the country, including at our lakes and rivers.

    While overall bathing water quality has improved in recent decades due to targeted investment and robust regulation, today’s results show there is much work still to do, particularly to bring our inland bathing waters up to standard.

    We are working with the water industry, farmers and local authorities and are investing in our regulation, with more people on the ground, updated digital assets and new legal powers to improve our bathing waters for all.

    The figures also show a notable difference between the quality of coastal and inland bathing waters, with 95% of coastal waters meeting minimum standards this year, compared to only 53% of inland sites. Rivers often have poorer bathing water quality compared to the sea which benefits from the natural disinfection of salt water and greater dispersal of pollutants.

    The results follow the launch on 12 November of a Government consultation on proposed reforms to bathing water regulations to ensure a more flexible approach to designation and monitoring. This includes assessing water quality and the feasibility of improvement at a site prior to designation.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

    These figures are unacceptable and show that too many of our popular swimming spots are polluted.

    That’s why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation including new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers.

    This is just the start – we’ve launched the largest review of the water sector since privatisation to attract the investment we need and reform the water system to help clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

    Following today’s results, the Environment Agency is working with local partners to take targeted action to improve water quality at all bathing water classified as ‘Poor’.

    Wider measures to improve water quality include:

    • Driving up monitoring of water companies with new flow monitors installed on more than 2,000 wastewater treatment works and 100% of storm overflows now monitored. We are increasing water company inspections to 4,000 by the end of March 2025; 10,000 in 2025/6 and 11,500 in 2026/27.  This will increase our inspection and audit work substantially to uncover non-compliance. We are also carrying out our largest ever criminal investigation into potential widespread non-compliance by water companies. Since 2015, we have concluded 63 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies securing fines of over £151 million.
    • Supporting farmers to reduce water pollution and an increase in agricultural regulation, including doubling funding for free face-to-face support on reducing water pollution to all farmers in England. The Environment Agency carried out more than 4,800 farm inspections across England last year, helping farmers comply with legal requirements and resulting in more than 7,000 actions undertaken to improve farm practices and drive improvements to our environment.

    The Environment Agency is changing its approach to regulation of the water industry by:

    • Investing around £15 million in enhancing our digital systems and tools. Data and information from lots of sources will be combined to turn data rapidly into regulatory intelligence to easily identify and tackle the highest priority issues.
    • Investing in 500 additional staff including environment officers, data analysts, enforcement specialists and technical experts, as well as team leaders and managers.
    • Continuing to prioritise attendance at all Category 1 and 2 serious and significant water company pollution incidents but also increasing our attendance at Category 3 (minor) water company pollution incidents.
    • Being more open and transparent about the way we regulate the industry. To help people get the information they need we recently launched our new Water Hub. This will hold all our data and guidance on water in one place for the public to easily access.

    Notes to editors:

    • Last year’s statistics showed that 96% of bathing water sites met the minimum standard of Sufficient, while 90% met the highest standards of Good and Excellent.
    • 450 bathing waters in England were sampled this year and have been classified as either Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor. These classifications and information about water quality will be displayed at each bathing water and on bathing water profiles available to access on the Environment Agency’s Swimfo website.
    • The bathing water season runs from May to September every year. The Environment Agency took 7,420 samples during the 2024 bathing season. The Environment Agency takes up to 20 water samples at each of England’s designated bathing waters during the season.
    • The sampling programme is set ahead of the start of season to avoid bias and follows a strict protocol to ensure samples are taken consistently in terms of depth of water, location where most bathers are expected and also covering a range of tidal states where safe to sample.
    • Other factors which influence bathing water quality can include tides, and physical or environmental changes at a site, with every catchment affected differently.
    • Our standards for bathing waters come from guidelines produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and are science based. They have been adopted by many countries through the EU Bathing Water Directive, which England’s Bathing Water Regulations are based on.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Biggest employment reforms in a generation unveiled to Get Britain Working again [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Biggest employment reforms in a generation unveiled to Get Britain Working again [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 26 November 2024.

    Unveiling the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation, Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall has today (26 November) published the Get Britain Working White Paper, marking the Government’s first major intervention to achieve an ambitious 80 per cent employment rate.

    • White Paper on biggest reforms to employment support for a generation published today, backed by £240 million investment
    • Jobcentres transformed across Great Britain and every young person to have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities
    • Mental health support to be expanded and extra capacity deployed to reduce waiting lists in areas with highest levels of inactivity
    • Measures announced in White Paper will fuel growth as Government rebuilds Britain in a decade of national renewal

    It comes as stark figures show almost one and a half million people are unemployed, over nine million people are inactive, a record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. Young people have also been left behind with one in eight young people not in education, employment or training, and nine million adults lack the essential skills they need to get on in work.

    The UK is also the only major economy that has seen its employment rate fall over the last five years, which has been largely driven by a significant rise in the number of people out of work due to long-term ill health with an outdated employment support system which is ill equipped to respond to this growing challenge.

    This White Paper sets out a fundamentally different approach to the employment support system – backed by £240 million of investment – to target and tackle the root causes of unemployment and inactivity, and better join up health skills and employment support based on the unique needs of local communities.

    That includes tackling ill health as the biggest driver of inactivity by fixing the NHS. This includes deploying extra staff to cut waiting lists in areas of high inactivity, expanding access to mental health support, as well as a greater focus on prevention to stop people becoming ill in the first place.

    The outdated Jobcentre system will also be transformed into a new national jobs and careers service, focused on people’s skills and careers instead of just monitoring and managing benefit claims. Mayors and councils will be empowered to join up local work, health and skills support in ways that meet the specific needs of their local areas.

    The government is also delivering a new Youth Guarantee so every young person has access to education or training to help them find a job and transforming the Apprenticeship Levy in England into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy backed by £40 million to expand opportunities for young people to develop skills and get into work.

    An independent review will also be launched into how employers can be better supported to employ people with disabilities health conditions, and to keep them in the workplace, ensuring that more people can benefit from a sense of dignity, purpose and financial independence.

    Building on these reforms, the government will bring forward measures to overhaul the health and disability benefits system so it better supports people to enter and remain in work and to tackle the spiralling benefits bill. A consultation will be published in Spring as part of a commitment to put the views and voices of disabled people at the heart of any policy changes that directly affect them.

    The driving purpose behind this new approach is to enable everyone to have the opportunity of secure, rewarding and fulfilling work. Today’s White Paper delivers the fundamental reforms needed to fix the foundations, break down barriers to opportunity particularly for young people and improve living standards.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    From the broken NHS, flatlining economy, and the millions of people left unemployed and trapped in an inactivity spiral – this government inherited a country that simply isn’t working. But today we’ve set out a plan to fix this. A plan that tackles the biggest drivers of unemployment and inactivity and gives young people their future back through real, meaningful change instead of empty rhetoric and sticking plaster politics.

    We’re overhauling jobcentres to make them fit for the modern age. We’re giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to prepare them for the jobs of the future. We’re fixing the NHS so people get the treatment and mental health support they desperately need to be able to get back to work. We’re working with businesses and employers to better support people with disabilities and health conditions to stay and progress in work, and it doesn’t stop there.

    Our reforms put an end to the culture of blaming and shaming people who for too long haven’t been getting the support they need to get back to work. Helping people into decent, well-paid jobs and giving our children and young people the best start in life – that’s our plan to put more money in people’s pockets, unlock growth and make people better off.

    The Secretary of State, Liz Kendall MP said:

    To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, help people to get into work and on at work, allow local leaders to boost jobs and growth, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to get on in life.

    The Get Britain Working White Paper shows that this Government stands unashamedly for work. We will make sure everyone, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, health, disability or postcode can benefit from the dignity and purpose work can bring.

    We can build a healthier, wealthier nation – driving up employment and opportunity, skills and productivity – while driving down the benefit bill.

    The employment reforms will be underlined by the principle that people who can work, will be expected to work with clear consequences if they don’t properly engage with the government’s employment support offer. The fundamental principles of reform set out in the white paper include:

    Fixing the NHS and Tackling economic inactivity caused by ill health

    A quarter of all people aged 16-64 have a long-term health condition that limits their day-to-day activities with disabled people nearly three times more likely (than non-disabled people) to be economically inactive. Given the strong evidence on the health benefits of good work, extra capacity will be deployed to reduce waiting lists in 20 NHS Trusts across England with the highest levels of economic inactivity.

    The government is providing an additional £22.6 billion of resource spending in 2025-26 for the Department of Health and Social Care. This will support the NHS in England to deliver an additional 40,000 elective appointments a week and make progress towards the commitment that patients should expect to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to consultant-led treatment.

    The Government will deliver an additional 8,500 new mental health staff and also expand access to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for severe mental illness, reaching 140,000 more people by 2028/29. On top of this, the Government will take a prevention first approach through an expansion of Talking Therapies, a landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill and a range of steps to tackle obesity.

    The White Paper sets out how the Government will invest £125 million in eight areas across England and Wales, to mobilise local work, health and skills support – so everyone who wants to work can get the joined-up support they need. This includes funding in three of the trailblazer areas for NHS accelerators to stop people falling out of work completely due to ill health. The three areas will be the North East, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.

    These eight trailblazers will be at the forefront of designing how locally joined-up support will work in practice across England and Wales.

    Creating a new National Jobs and Careers Service to help people into work

    Jobcentres across Great Britain will be overhauled and in England will be brought together with the National Careers Service. This will be kickstarted by £55million of investment, to help people get into work, stay in work, build skills and progress in their career.

    A radically improved digital offer will be trialled to bring Jobcentres into the 21st century, with the DWP using the latest technologies and AI to provide up-to date information on jobs, skills and other support and to free up Work Coach time.

    Staff at Jobcentres will have more flexibility to offer a more personalised service to jobseekers – moving away from the ‘tick box’ culture. New coaching academies will also be set up to upskill jobcentre staff to better support people into work.

    Backed by £55 million, testing and digital design will be carried out into next year to understand how best to bring DWP services online and make them easier to access to deliver tailored support, including CV advice and job adverts. This builds on work already underway to give work coaches AI tools so they can find the right information for their customers faster.

    Delivering a Youth Guarantee to support young people into work

    Every 18-to-21-year old in England will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job under a new ‘Youth Guarantee’.

    The White Paper unveils new partnerships with some of Britain’s most iconic cultural and sporting organisations, including the Premier League, Channel 4 and the Royal Shakespeare Company, who will offer work or learning opportunities to inspire and upskill the next generation.

    Eight youth “trailblazer” areas will be set up across the country, including in Liverpool City Region , Tees Valley and the East Midlands with £45 million funding to identify those most at risk of falling out of education or employment and match them to opportunities for education, training or work.

    To further expand opportunities for young people through the Youth Guarantee, the Government will transform the Apprenticeship Levy in England into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy by investing £40 million. This will help to deliver new foundation and shorter apprenticeships in key sectors.

    These new opportunities will be the responsibility of young people to take them up. In return for these new opportunities, young people will be expected to engage with training or work that’s on offer so no young person is left behind.

    An advisory panel will also be set up to put young people at the heart of decision making. There will also be a disability panel set up to ensure the voices of disabled people are at the core of reforms.

    This change will deliver greater flexibility for employers and learners, aligned to the Governments Industrial Strategy, while rebalancing the offer so that more apprenticeships are focused on young people.

    Empowering local mayors to shape an effective work, health and skills offer for local people

    Up to £15 million will be made available to areas across England not getting a trailblazer so they can develop their own Get Britain Working Plan focused on reducing economic inactivity. Plans will be developed by mayoral authorities where they exist – aligned with their Local Growth Plans – and elsewhere by Local Authorities.

    By giving local areas the power and money to design their own Get Britain Working plans, we will deliver real employment opportunities for people who know their communities best. Up to £15 million will be made available to support local areas across England to develop their own plans and to support the trailblazers.

    The government will also provide £115 million in funding next year to enable local areas across England and Wales to deliver a new supported employment programme called Connect to Work scheme.

    Connect to Work provides voluntary employment offers to people with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to work and will support up to 100,000 people a year at full roll out as the first tranche of money from a new Get Britain Working Fund.

    Launching an independent review into the role of UK employers in promoting health and inclusive workplaces

    Poor workforce health imposes large costs on employers, especially from sickness absence and turnover, while also making it harder for them to find the talent they need to grow and thrive.  There is also compelling evidence about the value of helping people with a health condition or disability to stay in work, including to prevent them becoming economically inactive.

    In response, the review will consider what more can be done to enable employers to increase the recruitment and retention of disabled people and those with a health condition and undertake early intervention for sickness absence and increase returns to work.

    The review will run until next summer and involve wide-ranging engagement with employers, employees, trade unions, health experts, and disabled people and those with health conditions.

    It will complement the Government’s Employment Right’s Bill, which will tackle job insecurity and expand flexible working.

    Adele Ablett, who has worked at the DWP for 38 years and now manages five Jobcentres and 71 Work Coaches across Cheshire said:

    It’s a real privilege to support people at vulnerable times in their lives and help them find the right pathway for them – whether that be through training or work. With more customers coming through our doors with complex health needs and mental health challenges, the demand on our service has never been greater.

    The changes in the Get Britain Working White Paper will help us to amplify this support to reach more people and change more lives. It will give us more flexibility to build strong relationships with employers and organisations, so everyone sees us the way I do – as the go-to place for businesses to recruit and as a public service passionate about people and possibilities.

    Clare Sumner, Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer said:

    Building on our long-term investment into communities, the Premier League will contribute to the Youth Guarantee by using the power of football to engage young people who need the greatest support.

    Our programmes delivered by football clubs across the country play a vital role in providing inspiring opportunities and pathways to success to help the next generation fulfil their potential. We will be working with the Government to continue this important work and help extend the reach of the Youth Guarantee initiative into communities and to those who need it most.

    Secretary of State Lisa Nandy said:

    We’re committed to a bold new approach to shaping policy that values the aspirations and experiences of young people to give them every chance of success in life.

    The introduction of a Youth Guarantee, along with the co-production of a new National Youth Strategy, will help put young people back in charge of their own destiny and unlock opportunities for all young people, regardless of their postcode.

    Darren Burns, Director of Diversity & Inclusion of Timpson Group said:

    At Timpson we support the plan to get more people back into work, by helping them to find exciting and rewarding careers.

    Many of our existing colleagues have come to us through the Jobcentre and this is still the case today. We regularly work in close partnership with local job centres to find amazing colleagues for our business and the support we receive is invaluable.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

    It’s great to see the Government get serious about transforming the old tick-box approach to job support into one that tackles the root causes of unemployment and poor health and sets people up to succeed.

    The best way to do that is to join up services in the places where people live, and offer them the kind of positive, personalised support that grows confidence and looks at complex issues in the round.

    The Secretary of State has seen for herself the difference that our Live Well approach is already making in Greater Manchester, where our brilliant community partners are building trust and helping break down barriers to work and wellbeing.

    Through our new trailblazer, and with Government backing, we can build on these strong foundations and help more people find the sense of purpose that comes with good work. That is how we will help everyone to achieve their potential, ease pressure on our public services, and deliver growth in our city-region and across the country.

    Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said:

    In South Yorkshire, work, health and skills barriers have prevented people here making the most of their talents for far too long.  That’s why we’re determined to address those barriers through our pioneering Pathways to Work Commission.  The Commission’s report set out recommendations that could unlock the full potential of our communities and I’m really pleased that the Government has backed our pioneering approach.

    In South Yorkshire we have led the way in highlighting the importance of bringing work, health and skills together as we support people back into employment.  We now have a Government that understands the importance of devolution and joined-up working, and together we are undertaking the biggest reforms to how we support people into work for a generation.

    Our trailblazer will help us to create a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire that helps people to stay near and go far.

    Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

    Devolution is already making a huge difference to people’s lives in the Liverpool City Region. We’ve helped thousands of people into work, created opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, and supported adults to gain the skills they need to thrive. This shows what can be achieved when decisions are made closer to the people they affect.

    That’s why I welcome the government’s plans to give Mayors more of the tools and resources we need to break down the barriers keeping people out of work. Whether it’s tackling skills shortages, improving childcare, or supporting people with health conditions, this is a chance to make a real difference.

    I look forward to working with the government to make these bold ambitions a reality for the people in our communities.

    Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute said:

    The Government’s ambition for an 80% employment rate is the right one and our research shows it will benefit people, employers and the economy. More than three million people who are out of work want a job, but too often don’t get the right support.

    This White Paper starts us on the path to change that. I’m particularly pleased to see the Youth Guarantee, which we have long called for. There can be few bigger priorities than ensuring young people get the education and careers they need.

    To tackle the shockingly wide disability employment rate gap and opportunity gaps across the country, we need high-quality, joined-up, locally delivered work, skills and health support. It will take time, but the prize is great.

    The White Paper is part of wider Government action to spread opportunity and fix the foundations of our economy. This includes launching Skills England to create a shared national plan to boost the nation’s skills, creating more good jobs through our modern Industrial Strategy, and strengthening employment rights through our Plan to Make Work Pay.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    Breaking down barriers to opportunity is the key to our plan to Get Britain Working. Our radical overhaul of Jobcentres will bring improvements to every part of the UK, creating a service more fit for modern life, helping people into decent, well-paid jobs.

    A joined-up approach to tackling inactivity is crucial, and we want to work with the Scottish Government to ensure all services are considered – including better healthcare, improved childcare, and access to meaningful skills training.

    Our Employment Rights Bill has brought some of the biggest improvements for workers in a generation with an end to zero-hours contracts and increased job security. And our Tobacco and Vapes Bill, also introduced today, will curb many of the health issues affecting work connected with smoking. Together we can Get Britain Working and on the path to prosperity and growth.

  • David Lammy – 2024 Statement on the Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah

    David Lammy – 2024 Statement on the Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah

    The statement made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 26 November 2024.

    For more than a year, over a million Lebanese and Israeli civilians have been displaced from their homes, with many living under relentless rocket attacks. The announcement of a ceasefire agreement to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah offers hope.

    The UK was the first G7 country to call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah in September and we have worked relentlessly since with our allies and partners to apply pressure to end this conflict since. We strongly urge all parties to use this agreement to open a pathway to a lasting peace.

    A long-term political settlement, consistent with UN Security Council resolution 1701, is the only way to restore security and stability for the Lebanese and Israeli people. The UK will continue to support UNIFIL’s essential role in maintaining peace along the Blue Line and the Lebanese Armed Forces, as the only legitimate military force in Lebanon.

    The devastation from this conflict is appalling and the human suffering must be addressed. The UK has played a leading role in addressing the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, announcing £15m in humanitarian support in autumn to provide essential medical supplies, emergency cash assistance, shelter and access to clean water. We will continue to play our part to support those in need.

    We must seize this moment. It must be a turning point that builds momentum towards a lasting peace across the Middle East. In Gaza, we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all the hostages and an end to Israeli restrictions on aid. The intolerable suffering must end.

  • PRESS RELEASE : MPs to vote on landmark smoking ban to stop cycle of addiction [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : MPs to vote on landmark smoking ban to stop cycle of addiction [November 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 26 November 2024.

    Votes on the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill will move the UK one step closer to becoming smoke-free.

    • Vote will move the UK one step closer to becoming smoke-free, shielding the next generation from the harms of smoking
    • Ambitious plans to protect children from vaping, including ban on vape advertising and sale of vapes in vending machines, in addition to restricting vape flavours, packaging and shop display
    • Bill bolstered by additional £10 million of support for enforcement and £70 million for stop smoking services

    MPs will today (26 November 2024) vote on the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill, moving the UK one step closer to protecting future generations from the harms of smoking and vaping.

    The ambitious bill includes plans to clamp down on youth vaping with many of the measures specifically aimed at protecting children.

    Subject to consultation, the sale of vape flavours that overtly appeal to children – such as bubble gum, gummy bear and cotton candy – could be brought to an end, alongside restrictions on vape packaging that is designed to appeal to young people.

    The bill will bring in a total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship which will include displays that will likely be seen by children and young people such as on buses, in cinemas and in shop windows, bringing this in line with current tobacco restrictions.

    All vaping and nicotine products will be banned from being sold to under 18s – closing loopholes on non-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches. Vapes will also be banned in vending machines, where they can be easily accessed by children. The free distribution of these products will also be banned.

    If passed, the bill will progress to the next Parliamentary stage, bringing the UK one step closer to creating the first smoke-free generation.

    The bill will help achieve one of the 3 key shifts in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, to move from sickness to prevention.

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

    The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we’re going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction.

    It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like ‘gummy bear’ and ‘rainbow burst’.

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That’s why it’s so incredibly important it is voted through.

    To support current smokers to quit smoking, the government will provide £70 million for stop smoking services. This is in addition to all hospitals integrating ‘opt-out’ smoking cessation interventions into routine care, making every clinical consultation count.

    To bolster enforcement, the government will provide an additional £10 million for Trading Standards to crack down on illicit trade. This comes off the back of new data from National Trading Standards (NTS) that shows over 1 million illicit vapes were seized inland by Trading Standards in 2023 to 2024, a 59% increase compared to the previous year.

    In a separate programme coordinated by NTS, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 5.2 tonnes of illicit hand-rolled tobacco were seized by Trading Standards in 2023 to 2024. This is on top of the over 1 billion illicit cigarettes and 92.4 tonnes of illicit hand-rolled tobacco seized by HMRC and Border Force.

    The bill will also include powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape and nicotine products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will introduce on-the-spot fines of £200 to retailers found to be selling these products to people underage. Expanding the use of highly effective standardised packaging to all tobacco products will also be explored.

    Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said:

    If this major piece of legislation is passed, it will accelerate a smoke-free generation and lead to children never being trapped by addiction to cigarettes with lifelong harms to their health.

    The rising number of children vaping is a significant concern, and the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will help prevent marketing vapes to children, which is utterly unacceptable. Smoking results in direct harm across a person’s life course but also causes harms to others around them, including children, pregnant women and the medically vulnerable.

    Reducing the number of vulnerable people exposed to second-hand smoke, as well as preventing non-smokers taking up vaping is important and will improve the health of the nation.

    The NHS also recently announced the rollout of a once-a-day pill that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes. It also follows the government laying new legislation in October banning the sale of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025.

    NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said:

    Vaping among young people is a significant and growing concern and we wholeheartedly welcome the government’s commitment to tackle this as part of the measures outlined in this bill.

    Smoking also remains the leading cause of preventable deaths and has a huge impact on the NHS, costing billions every year and we look forward to working with the government and partners to ensure the next generation grow up smoke- and vape-free.

    The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give government the powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces: with children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all being considered in England, subject to consultation. These powers will also allow places that are currently smoke-free to be made vape-free, subject to consultation.

    Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:

    The announcement of additional funding for smoking cessation services is desperately needed to help the tens of thousands of existing smokers who want to quit, which is incredibly difficult to do without support. Stop smoking services have suffered drastic cuts in recent years, but when they are appropriately funded they do a fantastic job of supporting people to stop smoking for good.

    Today’s vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the crucial next step towards protecting younger generations from the harms of smoking, by stopping them from ever taking up cigarettes. However, it’s only by tackling the whole problem that we can truly begin to put a stop to the devastating effects this deadly addiction has on the health of the nation, and the huge burden it places on the NHS.

    Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said:

    Every day around 350 young people start smoking, and two-thirds of long-term smokers will die due to smoking.

    Passing this bill is a vital way the government can start to end the unprecedented harm caused by tobacco, protecting the health of the next generation by ensuring they won’t become addicted to smoking. Alongside the legislation funding is necessary to help the millions who currently smoke to quit and accelerate the creation of a smoke-free country, and the announcement today is welcome.

    Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, said:

    Tobacco still causes around 160 cancer cases every day in the UK. But with strong political will and bold action, these staggering numbers can be turned around.

    By voting in favour of this historic legislation, MPs have the power to help save lives and make the UK a world leader in tobacco control. Raising the age of sale of tobacco products and funding cessation support will save people from a deadly and costly addiction. I urge politicians to prioritise the health of the nation and help end cancers caused by smoking for good.

    In England, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched change.nhs.uk to encourage the biggest conversation ever about the NHS to help inform the 10 Year Health Plan for England.

  • PRESS RELEASE : An immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages is the best way to achieve peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : An immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages is the best way to achieve peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 November 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East Peace Process.

    First, the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and unacceptable. Famine is likely imminent in some areas and the unthinkable hardship that millions of civilians, including children, are already facing in Gaza is set to get even worse as winter continues.

    As my Foreign Secretary reiterated last Monday to this Council, there is no excuse for Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. We need much better protection of civilians in Gaza, a huge surge in aid, and for the UN and humanitarians to be able to operate in safety.

    An immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages is the best way to achieve this.

    Second, as we have repeatedly said, the UNRWA bills that Israel’s Knesset has passed are gravely concerning and risk jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza, and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank.

    UNRWA is indispensable.

    No other agency can get aid into Gaza on the scale needed or replace its mandate to serve Palestinian refugees. Israel must ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital operations.

    Third, we remain deeply concerned by instability in the West Bank. The economic situation is dire.

    We urge the Government of Israel to extend Correspondent Banking Relations for at least one year, to immediately release withheld clearance revenues, and to stop settlement expansion on Palestinian land, which is illegal under international law.

    The rate of expansion is unprecedented, and it undermines stability and the prospects for peace. We have announced three tranches of sanctions targeting illegal settler outposts and organisations that have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank.

    Palestinians must be able to live without fear of violence or intimidation.

    Colleagues, we must continue to work together to end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, to secure the release of all the hostages who are living an unimaginable horror and to stop the suffering of civilians.

    Too many people have lost their lives. The region needs a lasting peace, with a two-state solution at its core.

  • Catherine West – 2024 Speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies

    Catherine West – 2024 Speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies

    The speech made by Catherine West, the FCDO Indo-Pacific Minister, at India House in London on 25 November 2024.

    We know that the Indo-Pacific is crucial for the UK, for three reasons.

    Firstly, boosting economic growth, secondly, tackling climate change, and thirdly strengthening national and global security.

    And these are shared challenges, where progress is in our mutual interest.

    When we won the general election in July this year, we faced a simple choice: how do we demonstrate our long-term commitment to the region?

    And we knew there was only one credible answer, and that is to back our words up with action.

    Since then, I’ve visited the region four times, covering 10 countries, and the Foreign Secretary travelled to the region in his first three weeks. Of course since then, last week at the G20, [the Prime Minister was] enhancing the relationships and having a deep conversation with Mr Modi.

    We have also had ministerial visits to the UK, not least President Prabowo just last week, and indeed David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, was at the inauguration of President Prabowo.

    For us, this is a generational mission, a long-term strategic posture, not just a short-term shift for the sake of soundbites.

    We want a free and open Indo-Pacific underpinned by the rules-based international system. Because rules matter.

    They matter for trade and growth. They matter for good governance, and they matter for our collective security, which also explains why our engagements are guided by four key principles.

    To promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, to support growth and create economic opportunities for all, to seize opportunities for clean energy transition, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals while building more resilient economies.

    Now, let me give you some concrete examples to show how this approach is making a difference. Let’s start with ASEAN, and it’s wonderful to see so many ASEAN partners here. And could I say thank you to the lovely community which regularly invites the relevant minister to attend the ASEAN committees, graciously hosted by the Singapore High Commission. Thank you for that.

    So the [ASEAN] bloc is ahead of the UK as the world’s fifth-largest economy, and our trading relationship is worth almost £50 billion, the UK being ASEAN’s third-largest partner in financial services. But we can and must go further.

    As a dialogue partner, we respect ASEAN centrality and we are working in partnership with ASEAN to support the work and priorities of it, whether that’s economic integration, climate and energy, or education, health and women’s peace and security.

    I was delighted to be in the Philippines not long ago, speaking about the region of Bangsamoro and the important work that the FCDO is doing there, to be in partnership with others, and really to promote the role of women in security. And I can see this conference is slightly better than others, having a few women dotted here and there.

    We support ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific as a positive blueprint for cooperation and progress. We are taking steps to deepen our partnership, with exciting programmes underway on science and technology, creative industries and much more. But working with ASEAN also means collaborating on the difficult issues.

    Such as the escalating conflict in Myanmar, where over 18 million people desperately need humanitarian assistance. This poses serious spillover risks in the region. And during a recent visit to Bangladesh, I was able to have in-depth conversations about the desperate need in Cox’s Bazar.

    The UK has provided over £150 million in life-saving assistance since the coup in 2021, and we must continue to work together closely to support a more peaceful and stable Myanmar.

    Next, let’s look at Japan, and I do welcome our new representative to London, here this morning. Our Global Strategic Partnership is one of the most consequential in the Indo-Pacific.

    As the founding member of the CPTPP free trade area, Japan encouraged us to join, and we knew it was in our strategic interests to do so.

    Put simply, this partnership established high-quality trade rules and Indonesia’s recent decision to apply for membership is further proof of its significance.

    Our Global Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea marks a decisive new chapter in our economic and technology relations, and has brought us closer on security.

    Despite the distance, the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and Europe-Atlantic are inseparable, a point that has been brought into sharp relief by North Korea’s support for Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

    This will directly raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula and undermine regional security in the Indo Pacific. And then of course there’s China, with which this government is taking a strategic approach to co-operate where it is possible to do so, compete where we need to, and challenge strongly where we must.

    We will co-operate where we can as fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council, because we cannot address shared global challenges like global net zero, health and growing trade without China.

    And we will challenge where we must, to protect our national security and values.

    We will improve the UK’s capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses, through an audit of our partnership as a bilateral and global actor.

    Ultimately, we want UK businesses to make the most of the opportunities the second-largest economy in the world offers.

    But at the same time, we must be open-eyed about the risks.

    The Foreign Secretary was in China last month and I am just back from Hong Kong.

    My visit was an opportunity to build on our long-standing friendship, economic and societal links.

    Hong Kong’s continued role as an international financial centre presents clear opportunities for UK businesses.

    At the same time, imposing the National Security Law did in effect crack down and erode rights and freedoms, and is a breach of the commitments China made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and unfortunately has damaged a sense of vibrancy in Hong Kong.

    So we will pursue our economic interests with China and Hong Kong while continuing to speak out when people’s rights and freedoms are under threat.

    I did that in my recent statement on the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists and former politicians for exercising their fundamental rights.

    And I also did it during my visit when I raised detailed concerns about detained British National Jimmy Lai, whose family now reside just a mile away from here.

    My key message is that I would like to see a more stable, mature relationship with Hong Kong. And our ambitions should remain bold.

    The Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping at the G20 to deepen our partnership on a range of issues including trade, investment, health, education and other areas of mutual interest.

    He reiterated that his approach would always be rooted in the national interests of the UK, but that we would be a predictable and pragmatic partner on our side of the relationship.

    In all these engagements we have raised opportunities for collaboration while pushing robustly on areas where we disagree.

    Now, let me turn to the key opportunities for collaboration in the region.

    We know that we live in a rapidly changing world where the more closely we work, the stronger we are.

    This is a world where listening to each other and understanding mutual concerns is what matters most.

    So it is in that spirit that we want to collaborate with and learn from countries across this region. But for today let me focus on the three organisers of this event – Singapore, India and Australia.

    Firstly, Singapore. Last year, we launched a new Strategic Partnership and earlier this year I visited Singapore. I was delighted to see high ambition matching high potential, building on already high levels of cooperation across sectors – whether that’s economic, defence, climate, or indeed research, technology, and public sector cooperation.

    Our Green Economy Framework, which was the first of its kind for the UK, will promote mutual decarbonisation and sustainable investments across the region.

    And just this month, the UK and Singapore renewed our Memorandum of Understanding which builds on our longstanding cooperation on security issues. We also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between our AI Safety Institutes to boost collaboration on global safety standards.

    And our defence ties, including through the important and unique Five Power Defence Arrangements, are going from strength to strength.

    It was a pleasure to host the Singapore Minister for Defence in London last month and I look forward to working in partnership in an ongoing way to deliver flagship events in the New Year, such as the planned port visit of our Carrier Strike Group.

    Turning now to India, the fastest growing G20 economy, and the fastest-growing to my heart, following my visit last week.

    When they met in Rio, the two Prime Ministers agreed to restart FTA negotiations as soon as possible.

    We have consistently said that we see an FTA as the floor and not the ceiling of our ambitions.

    When I visited India last week, everyone shared this enthusiasm for mutual collaboration and tackling global problems together.

    From exciting higher education opportunities, to cooperation on clean power and climate change. And can I just say how excited I am about Southampton University, the first university to have its own full campus, fully regulated within all of the guidelines, setting up in Delhi, which is the most vibrant and fantastic city.

    As the world’s most populous country India has a unique opportunity to help shift the dial and lead progress on climate and sustainable development.

    I was delighted to visit Delhi for two days last week to talk about climate, tech, health, education and development, all on the agenda.

    My visit also coincided, of course, as people will have read in the papers, with the season where [with] Delhi’s air quality [it] is somewhat difficult to see others in front of you. But having come from a city in London where we have also have had similar problems, there are lots of things we can do together to share best practice and move towards a cleaner climate.

    Ultimately, we both share a deep and enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The UK is pleased to be co-leading the Maritime Security Pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

    And our naval interactions, following visits by Royal Navy ships and INS Tabar have established a firm basis for joint work in the region. There is significant potential for much closer defence collaboration over the coming years.

    And now to Australia, my place of birth. Our partnership is both historic and modern.

    It is a unique and enduring bond built on friendship and shared values. A bond underpinned by strong security, prosperity and warmth among our people.

    It is more relevant now than ever, as we work together to advance common interests and tackle global challenges. We are close partners on the international stage, sharing a commitment to protecting and promoting the rules-based international order, with AUKUS being a true testament to the strength of our partnership. And I know my colleague Maria Eagle has had in-depth conversations with you about our next steps on AUKUS.

    And Australia, like us, and many others, care deeply about the Pacific. We are working together to support our Pacific partners to shape their future through their 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. And we have been supporting them at COP29 in Australia’s request to call for action now against global warming.

    I was glad to be at the Pacific Island Forum in Tonga in August. And I congratulate Samoa on hosting such a wonderful CHOGM event – it was so brilliant to see that.

    As you may be aware, today happens to be the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, so I am particularly pleased that our shared commitments on gender equality mean that we can invest in women and girls. Getting more women working, enabling more women, should they choose to, to go up the career ladder within our economies. Estimates show that closing the gender gap could boost the global economy by as much as seven trillion dollars.

    The same goes for climate and nature investments where women, indigenous peoples and excluded groups serve as potential benefit multipliers.

    Finally, we are also aligning our approach to the Indo-Pacific with close partners to ensure that our offers complement the region’s priorities.

    Of course this includes the USA and other G7 members including Canada, France, Germany and the European Union.

    The Foreign Secretary agreed with his EU counterparts that working together in the Indo-Pacific should be one of our top priorities for early joint action.

    I will be discussing next steps in more detail with European External Action Service Secretary-General Stefano Sannino later this month.

    So in conclusion, the UK remains fully committed to the Indo-Pacific.

    The region is vital to global growth and security, and we will build and deliver on our reputation as a trusted partner in the long term.

    And we will do that through sustained engagements like this, working together on our shared challenges in the spirit of genuine partnership, and I look forward so much to hearing the next steps in this conference. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches Global Clean Power Alliance as UK leads the global energy transition [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches Global Clean Power Alliance as UK leads the global energy transition [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 November 2024.

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially launched the Global Clean Power Alliance at the G20 in Rio de Janeiro today, with 12 countries signing up to join its first mission
    • Global Clean Power Alliance will unite countries to speed up the clean energy transition globally, while bolstering the UK’s energy security and creating thousands of jobs
    • UK continues to lead the way on tackling the climate crisis, following PM’s interventions at COP29 in Azerbaijan last week

    The Prime Minister has officially launched the UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance today, in a major boost for the world’s clean energy transition.

    Brazil, Australia, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Morocco, Norway, Tanzania, the African Union are the first countries to sign up to its first mission. The United States and the European Union will also partner with the UK on the initiative.

    At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Prime Minister and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confirmed the new partnership, saying that it will speed up the global drive for clean power by uniting developed and developing countries across the north and south.

    The alliance of countries will work together and share expertise with the goal of meeting the COP28 commitments to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency.

    The Global Clean Power Alliance will have ‘Missions’ to address the most critical energy transition challenges. The first of these is the Finance Mission, which will be published today and co-chaired by Brazil, will harness the political leadership needed to unlock private finance on a huge scale, so that no developing country is left behind.

    It commits to supporting countries to build investment platforms and providing the assistance needed to get clean finance flowing.

    The UK is leading the way on the green energy transition. One of the Prime Minister’s missions is to make Britain a clean energy superpower – making the British people better off by investing in clean homegrown power to end national exposure to fossil fuel markets and the dictators who control them.

    The UK has already seen £34.8 billion of private investment into homegrown clean energy industries since July – unlocking thousands of jobs and making the British people better off.

    There are already around 640,000 people employed in green jobs across the UK – a rise of 20% from 2020 to 2022, growing at a rate 4 times faster than overall UK employment.

    The UK’s success highlights the potential for the global transition, as well as marking the return to responsible global leadership on the biggest challenges of our time.

    Since taking office in July, the government has also lifted the de facto ban on onshore wind, pledged to end new oil and gas licences and launched the new national clean power company GB Energy.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    The UK is already leading the way in the clean power transition – we’ve phased out coal power, lifted the ban on onshore wind and launched GB Energy – but we will not stop there.

    We want our clean energy ambitions to go global, so it is fantastic news that multiple other countries are now on board with the UK-led Global Clean Power Alliance.

    I will restore the UK’s role as a climate leader on the world stage – and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make sure we face up to the climate crisis head-on, while delivering more jobs, growth and prosperity for people across the entire planet.

    Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

    Speeding up the global clean energy transition is in Britain’s national interest – it is the route to the jobs of the future, energy security and tackling the climate crisis.

    The UK is back in the business of climate leadership and that means working more closely with other countries to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and unlock the rewards of cheap, secure and clean power at home and abroad.

    Brazil signing up to our finance mission is a huge vote of confidence ahead of the crucial COP30 summit in Belem next year, sending a strong message to the world that together we can accelerate the clean energy revolution.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

    The climate crisis is the greatest challenge the world faces and tackling it is essential for Britain’s national security, energy security and economic growth.

    Britain is back leading from the front on climate change at home and abroad. Working with allies and partners, the Global Clean Power Alliance will turbocharge the rollout of clean power worldwide and support our mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    Our partnership with Brazil, who will co-lead the first GCPA Mission on Finance, will scale up clean energy investment and help meet our climate goals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister announces relaunch of UK-India free trade talks [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister announces relaunch of UK-India free trade talks [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister has announced that UK-India trade talks will relaunch in the new year, following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit.

    Boosting trade abroad is essential to delivering a strong economy at home. The UK is committed to negotiating a trade deal with India – one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

    The UK will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a trade agreement, as well as deepening co-operation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change.

    The Business and Trade Secretary announced the UK’s commitment to relaunching talks with Free Trade Agreement partners in July. Since then, negotiations have been kickstarted with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Switzerland and South Korea. The UK is also set to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December.

    The Department for Business and Trade will soon unveil the government’s new Trade Strategy, aligned with the Industrial Strategy, to help inform future trade talks and achieve long-term sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth through trade.

    The Prime Minister is using his trip to the G20 in Brazil to strengthen ties with the world’s leading economic powers to drive growth and deliver for the British people at home.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    Boosting economic growth is key to improving living standards for working people.

    A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK – and represent a step forward in our mission to deliver growth and opportunity across our country.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    India is the fifth largest economy in the world and a vital trading partner for the UK. We believe there is a good deal to be done here that works for both nations.

    Whether it’s lowering Indian tariffs to help British firms export to this dynamic market or boosting investment which already supports over 600,000 jobs across both countries, striking a deal is important to deliver this Government’s core mission of driving economic growth.

    A deal with India would boost the UK’s trading relationship, worth £42 billion in the 12 months to June 2024. UK exports to India are worth £16.6 billion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia [November 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia [November 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 November 2024.

    The Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese at the G20 Summit in Brazil today.

    Prime Minister Albanese began by asking about the recently announced UK Budget. The Prime Minister said he was committed to fixing the foundations of the country, prioritising economic growth and delivering for the British people.

    They discussed their ongoing commitment to climate collaboration and looked forward to the work of the Australia-UK Climate and Energy Partnership, launched last month at CHOGM.

    At a challenging time for the world, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the AUKUS defence and security partnership, which will advance a free and open Indo-Pacific while maintaining peace and stability.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the need for G20 leaders to double down on support for Ukraine. Both agreed that they would do whatever it takes to ensure Putin does not win.