Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Experts and sector leaders invited to shape new UK National Maths Academy as call for evidence launched [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 January 2024.

The call for evidence into a new UK National Academy of Mathematical Sciences is now open.
- New National Academy of Mathematical Sciences to drive up skills
- voices from business, academia and beyond encouraged to shape new Academy
- maths underpins our economy from air travel to financial markets and will drive future tech like artificial intelligence and quantum
Maths experts are invited to help shape a new National Academy of Mathematical Sciences that will skill-up the country and grow our economy, after a call for evidence was launched by Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, today (Friday 12 January).

From keeping aircraft in the skies, to enabling global financial markets and even baking cakes, maths already touches every corner of our lives. It will play a pivotal role in keeping the UK at the forefront of future, transformative tech like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, making it even more important to seize the opportunity to make our country a maths superpower.

Today marks the start of the process to deliver a prestigious, independent Academy with specific objectives that offers leadership within the sector and helps make the UK a maths powerhouse – upskilling our workforce and growing the economy.

It is the latest development in government backing for maths, which includes a commitment to establishing 11 maths schools for 16-19 years olds that will prepare the most mathematically able pupils to succeed in maths-related disciplines in further education and future careers. It also comes amid a consultation into the Advanced British Standard, a baccalaureate style qualification framework to provide every child with a world-class education and ensure all young people have the skills they need, including a core focus in maths.

The call for evidence is open until Sunday 25 February 2024 and stakeholders from academia, education, industry, the public sector and beyond are encouraged to express their views on its remit through the online form and/or applying to attend a series of roundtables organised by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Work will then begin on identifying delivery partners to build the Academy, who could in turn receive up to £6 million of government funding over the next three years, alongside charitable donations, and potential private sector funding.

Over time, the new Academy will mark mathematics as a major priority in skills development and seek to emulate respected institutions in other fields such as the Royal Society, which offers authoritative scientific advice to decision makers and issues fellowship grants in excess of £80 million per year, or the Royal Academy of Engineering which offers extensive support to many of the UKs most innovative new businesses.

As a subject which continues to be central to scientific progress and discovery, mathematics is at the root of understanding the world we live in and key to the spectacular progress we have seen in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science over centuries. A new institution will help to reflect the prominence and focus that a discipline vital to driving such progress and understanding the universe deserves.

Initial objectives of the Academy, subject to feedback, include:
- Helping the sector to speak with one voice on enhancing mathematical sciences
- Promoting maths’ role in growing the economy
- Coordinating, views and evidence from across the mathematics community to provide high-quality advice to government and industry
- Developing strategies to boost maths skills and qualifications in people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK.
Science, Research and Innovation Minister, Andrew Griffith, said:

From everyday arithmetic to expert application in financial markets and engineering, mathematics is at the root of so much of our lives and our understanding of the universe.

Establishing a National Academy is an exciting opportunity for the brightest minds in the UK to come together and shape the future of their sector, and in turn helping to skill-up our country in a vital subject and growing our economy.

I would encourage voices from academia, business, education, charities and beyond to get involved and offer their views.

The new Academy builds on a recommendation of Professor Philip Bond’s independent ‘The Era of Mathematics Review’ and the recently published ‘Independent Review of the UK’s Research, Development, and Innovation Organisational Landscape’, led by Sir Paul Nurse.

Feedback from the call for evidence will be used to develop a final set of objectives and functions that a new National Academy would be expected to deliver. This information will be published on the Gov UK website within four weeks of its closure, with stakeholders interested in delivering the organisation then asked to express their interest to DSIT.

Professor of Creativity and Innovation at University of Manchester, Professor Philip Bond, said:

The mathematical sciences, as the beating heart of modern innovation, underpin numerous scientific, technical and social advances that improve health and raise living standards. Recent advances in medical imagery, genetics, AI and quantum technologies, for example, all rely heavily on mathematical sciences such as harmonic analysis, optimisation, statistics and group theory.

The recent announcement by government that a National Academy for the Mathematical Sciences is to be created is therefore very welcome news. The existing national academies provide essential support for the academic communities that they serve and form key bridges to industry and government.

Their provision of expert advice and evidence-based policy recommendations provides enormous positive impact contributing to the well-being of the nation. I expect the new Academy to make a further significant contribution by enabling our mathematical scientists to foster communities more effectively, ensuring that the mathematical sciences flourish in the UK and by supporting academia, industry and government in working together to create a vibrant future for all.

Chief Executive Officer of Smith Institute, Dr Ruth Voisey, said:

I wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of a mathematical academy. It aligns with Smith Institute’s vision to bring the boundless potential of mathematical ingenuity to the everyday world, creating a positive impact across society, the economy and the environment.

Possessing a single, authoritative voice supporting mathematical sciences will help the UK to make this vision a reality. I firmly believe that mathematics forms the bedrock of innovation, of harnessing the potential of new technologies and of shaping our response to crucial challenges that lie ahead.
January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 12 January 2024.

On 11 January, Royal Air Force aircraft joined coalition forces in striking a number of facilities used by the Houthi rebel faction in Yemen to attack shipping in the southern Red Sea.

The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond has already been active alongside US and French warships in defending vital international shipping lanes against Houthi drones and missiles. Given the persistence of the Houthis in threatening merchant ships, several of which have already suffered damage, and the deliberate targeting of HMS Diamond and US Navy vessels on 9 January, coalition forces identified key facilities involved in these attacks, and agreed to conduct a carefully coordinated strike to reduce the Houthis’ capability to violate international law in this manner.

Four RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker therefore used Paveway IV guided bombs to conduct precision strikes on two of these Houthi facilities. One was a site at Bani in north-western Yemen used to launch reconnaissance and attack drones. A number of buildings involved in drone operations were targeted by our aircraft.

The other location struck by our aircraft was the airfield at Abbs. Intelligence has shown that it has been used to launch both cruise missiles and drones over the Red Sea. Several key targets at the airfield were identified and prosecuted by our aircraft.

In planning the strikes, particular care was taken to minimise any risks to civilians, and any such risks were mitigated further by the decision to conduct the strikes during the night. The detailed results of the strikes are being assessed, but early indications are that the Houthis’ ability to threaten merchant shipping has taken a blow, and our commitment to protecting the sea-lanes, through which some 15% of the world’s shipping passes and which is vital to the global economy, has been amply demonstrated.

January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Famous Downing Street corridor showcases collection of Newcastle artworks [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 12 January 2024.

Artworks from the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle chosen to adorn the corridors of Number 10 Downing Street.
- The initiative is part of the Government Art Collection’s ‘Number 10 Museum in Residence’ project.
- Nine paintings will hang in the heart of Government for 12 months, on display to world leaders and high-profile guests.
Nine artworks from the Laing Art Gallery collection in Newcastle have gone on display in 10 Downing Street’s corridor leading from the famous black door through to the Cabinet Room.

The display will showcase the talent of artists from the North East to world leaders and industry bosses as well as high-profile guests, philanthropists, front-line workers, and charitable and civic leaders attending events in the building.

The artworks will remain in the corridor for a year, as part of the Government Art Collection’s ‘Number 10 Museum in Residence’ project.

For the past twenty years, the Government Art Collection has instigated an annual partnership with a museum or gallery across the UK to display artworks from their collection. Previous galleries include the Glynn Vivian in Swansea, The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester and The New Art Gallery in Walsall.

The nine chosen works from the Laing Art Gallery, situated in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, are representative of the city and the wider North East of England. Five of the paintings showcase Newcastle’s cityscape, while the others point to the diverse art scene of the North East. All of the works are by influential artists from the area, who taught at its art schools, or who have been inspired by its landmarks and landscapes.

Paintings in the display include a large oil painting by Edward Dickey, depicting the iconic Tyne Bridge mid-construction, and Caravans, Figures and Helter Skelter, a work from 1930 by Byron Dawson that shows a scene from the long-running travelling fair The Hoppings, which sets up on the Town Moor annually. There are also several mid-20th-century works by figures associated with the region’s progressive art schools such as graduates of King’s College (now Newcastle University).

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

The Museum in Residence scheme helps to ensure that visitors to 10 Downing Street get a glimpse of the brilliant range of artistic talent the UK has to offer.

I’m delighted that visitors over the next year will get to learn more about the proud culture and rich heritage of Tyneside thanks to this partnership with the Laing Art Gallery. The first thing they’ll see after walking through that famous front door is a huge portrait of the Tyne Bridge, which fills my Geordie heart with pride.

Julie Milne, Chief Curator of Art Galleries at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said:

We have enjoyed working with the Government Art Collection team in selecting paintings from the Laing Art Gallery. It has enabled us to see the works from a fresh perspective – to hone and highlight narratives about the North East. We are delighted that our wonderful pictures will be seen by a range of people, from the UK and around the world, as they pass through the doors of Number 10.

Works are selected on the basis that they are not part of the lending gallery’s programme over the period of the display, giving them an opportunity to be seen by new people.
January 12, 2024
Rishi Sunak – 2024 Statement on Strikes Against Houthi Military Targets

The statement made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 12 January 2024.

The Royal Air Force has carried out targeted strikes against military facilities used by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In recent months, the Houthi militia have carried out a series of dangerous and destabilising attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, threatening UK and other international ships, causing major disruption to a vital trade route and driving up commodity prices. Their reckless actions are risking lives at sea and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea, including against UK and US warships just this week.

This cannot stand. The United Kingdom will always stand up for freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.

The Royal Navy continues to patrol the Red Sea as part of the multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian to deter further Houthi aggression, and we urge them to cease their attacks and take steps to de-escalate.

January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister in Kyiv – UK support will not falter [January 2024]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 January 2024.

The Prime Minister will reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine in a visit to the capital Kyiv today.
- Prime Minister to visit Kyiv today [Friday] to set out a major new package of support and reaffirm the close UK-Ukraine partnership
- Rishi Sunak will increase military funding for Ukraine next financial year to £2.5 billion, supporting largest ever commitment of drones
- The Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will also sign a historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation
- The Prime Minister is expected to meet first responders dealing with the aftermath of Russian bombings as part of his visit
Later today, the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will sign a historic UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation. The G7 nations agreed to provide Ukraine with bilateral security assurances at the NATO Summit in Vilnius last year; the UK is the first country to deliver a final agreement. The totemic agreement is intended to be the first step in developing an unshakeable hundred-year partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation formalises a range of support the UK has been and will continue to provide for Ukraine’s security, including intelligence sharing, cyber security, medical and military training, and defence industrial cooperation.

It also commits the UK to consult with Ukraine in the event it is ever attacked by Russia again, and to provide “swift and sustained” assistance for their defence.

Ahead of meeting President Zelenskyy, Rishi Sunak has also confirmed the UK will provide £2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024/25, an increase of £200 million on the previous two years.

The funding will help to leverage the best of UK military expertise and defence production to ensure Ukraine’s victory on the battlefield, including in critical areas like long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security.

Of the £2.5 billion, at least £200 million will be spent on a major push to rapidly procure and produce thousands of military drones for Ukraine, including surveillance, long-range strike and sea drones. The technology will give Ukraine cutting edge, battle-tested capabilities to defend their citizens and target the invading Russian forces on land and sea.

This will be the largest delivery of drones to Ukraine from any nation. Most of the drones are expected to be manufactured in the UK, and the Ministry of Defence will work with international partners to significantly scale up the number of drones provided for Ukraine’s defence.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

For two years, Ukraine has fought with great courage to repel a brutal Russian invasion. They are still fighting, unfaltering in their determination to defend their country and defend the principles of freedom and democracy.

I am here today with one message: the UK will also not falter. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come.

“The UK is already one of Ukraine’s closest partners, because we recognise their security is our security. Today we are going further – increasing our military aid, delivering thousands of cutting-edge drones, and signing a historic new Security Agreement to provide Ukraine with the assurances it needs for the long term.”

During his visit to Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to meet emergency workers responding to the aftermath of Russian airstrikes. He will announce a further £18 million in aid for Ukraine, building on almost £340 million already provided. Some of that funding will support organisations like the UN and Red Cross to provide humanitarian aid on the frontline, and £8 million will go to fortify Ukraine’s energy infrastructure against further Russian attacks.

As part of efforts to cement the close bond between our two nations and Ukraine’s place at the heart of Europe, the UK will also provide additional funding and resources for English language training in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Government has proposed legislation to promote English in Ukraine, boosting economic competitiveness and diplomatic ties. Today’s announcement will see the UK fund online English lessons for Ukrainians of all ages, as well as providing resources and teacher training.

Today’s visit builds on months of direct diplomacy between the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy, as well as a world-leading record of UK military, diplomatic and economic support for Ukraine. With this latest funding, the UK has now provided almost £12 billion in support to Ukraine and has often been the first-mover on vital lethal aid, from Storm Shadow cruise missiles to a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks.
January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on strikes against Houthi military targets [January 2024]

The statement made by 10 Downing Street on 12 January 2024.

Joint Statement from the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Recognising the broad consensus as expressed by 44 countries around the world on December 19, 2023, as well as the statement by the UN Security Council on December 1, 2023, condemning Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, our governments issued a joint statement on January 3, 2024, which called for the immediate end of illegal attacks and warned that malign actors would be held accountable should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. Despite this strong warning, attacks in the Red Sea have continued, including the launch of numerous missiles and one-way attack aerial vehicles against ships in the Red Sea on January 9, 2024, including U.S. and UK vessels. On January 10, 2024, the UN Security Council passed UNSCR 2722, which also condemned these attacks and demanded that they cease.

In response to continued illegal, dangerous, and destabilising Houthi attacks against vessels, including commercial shipping, transiting the Red Sea, the armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, conducted joint strikes in accordance with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence, consistent with the UN Charter, against a number of targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These precision strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks.

Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats.

January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : We remain concerned by violence against human rights defenders, women and social leaders in Colombia – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

Thank you, President.

Let me thank SRSG Ruiz Massieu for his briefing today. I’m grateful to Yolanda Perea for her powerful testimony, and commend the vital work of women peacebuilders and women’s rights organisations working for peace and justice in Colombia. I also welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Leyva in our meeting today.

As we mark the seventh anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement, the United Kingdom continues its unwavering support to the Colombian people along their path to peace.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to accelerate implementation of the ethnic chapter, including initiatives on access to land and reintegration.

We urge further steps to ensure 60% of the ethnic chapter is implemented by 2026 as agreed in the recent Government pact. Full implementation of the gender and ethnic provisions of the Peace Agreement is needed to address the drivers of inequality and to protect vulnerable groups including indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities most affected by the conflict.

We remain strongly concerned by violence against peace signatories, human rights defenders, communities, women and social leaders – this includes three reported killings of peace signatories and human rights defenders already in 2024. We strongly encourage the Government to step up efforts to protect these local leaders and participants in the peace process. Security guarantees are an essential component of the Peace Agreement underpinning progress in all other chapters, including reintegration.

The recently approved Comprehensive Reintegration Programme is a welcome step. We also reiterate our call for the appointment of a dedicated office within the Presidency to coordinate and advance implementation of the agreement.

President, we welcome the Government’s commitment to expanding peace through dialogue and we note the intention to extend the ceasefire with the ELN. The ELN’s commitment to abide by international humanitarian law, including refraining from kidnapping, must be reflected in a change of practice on the ground.

Finally, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting broad and lasting sustainable peace in Colombia. We look forward to a visit by the Council next month to see first hand the progress made to date and learn how we can contribute to supporting Colombia on this journey.

I thank you.

January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : North-west plays critical role in Ukraine’s fight for freedom [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 January 2024.

UK defence in the north-west of England benefits from £2.5 billion each year, supporting 16,000 jobs.
- UK defence supports 16,000 north-west jobs and spends £2.5 billion in the region annually.
- Defence Secretary visits UK primes based in north-west – MBDA in Bolton and BAE Systems at Warton.
- Defence Secretary thanks local workforce for their role in backing Ukraine and keeping the UK safe.
UK defence in the north-west of England benefits from £2.5 billion each year, supporting 16,000 jobs – including to make crucial weaponry for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.

Today, Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, visited some of these facilities across the north-west where key components are made for a selection of the UK’s most lethal weaponry, such as Storm-Shadow and Brimstone, that has been gifted to Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s illegal invasion, the UK has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, donating weaponry, ammunition and supporting training efforts for their armed forces.

The Defence Secretary also praised those working at the facilities for their support in keeping the UK safe and backing Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

People remain at the heart of UK defence and today I had the privilege to meet staff who play such a crucial role in ensuring our nation’s security and supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

We will continue to invest in defence and skills across the north-west, supporting jobs and communities across the region.

With 22,000 BAE Systems jobs in the north-west alone, 57% of the company’s total UK-based workforce, BAE Systems is an example of how the British defence industry is strengthening the economy and providing opportunity in the region. The MOD will continue to invest in the region, currently spending more than £2.5 billion a year to support the defence industry.

Visiting MBDA in Bolton – a facility that manufactures some of the most critical elements of the game-changing Storm-Shadow, ASRAAM and Brimstone missiles – and BAE Systems in Warton – where work for the future fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme is underway, the Defence Secretary met with the local workforce, thanking them for their crucial work.

Beyond the conflict in Ukraine, MBDA-manufactured Sea Viper missiles are also playing a critical role in upholding security in the Red Sea, through the international taskforce Operation Prosperity Guardian. Mounted on the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers, the Sea Viper missile represents one of the most accurate and long-ranging missile systems in service.

Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK said:

We are very proud of our 90-year history of defence manufacturing in the north-west in support of the MOD and key British allies.

To support the growing workforce of over 1,100 at our Bolton site we are undertaking a multi-million-pound investment that will double our manufacturing footprint and we are continuing to recruit in order to support the MoD in their critical role.

Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said:

We have a long and proud history in the north-west; supporting thousands of high-quality jobs both directly and indirectly in the region, across our supply chain and through our partnerships with businesses and academia.

We’re continuing to invest in people, new technologies and our facilities in the region to support the defence of the nation and our allies for decades to come.
January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Ministry of Justice confirms sale of former Reading Prison site [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 11 January 2024.

The Ministry of Justice has today (11 January 2024) confirmed the sale of the former Reading Prison site to a non-profit organisation, the Ziran Education Foundation.

The sale follows an extensive bidding and vetting process to guarantee best value for taxpayers’ money while ensuring future planning applications acknowledge the historic nature of the site.

The Ziran Education Foundation will now engage with Reading Borough Council on the use of the site as it will need to approve any development plans.

Initial proposals included plans for an educational centre providing services to the local community, including a museum outlining the history of the prison and an exhibition space accessible to the public.

Proceeds from the sale will now be reinvested in the wider prison estate to help reduce reoffending and protect the public. In the last decade we have raised over £105 million through the sale of former prison sites.

January 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks views on new pay scale for NHS nurses [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 11 January 2024.

A call for evidence will collate feedback from across the health sector on the merits of a separate pay structure.
- Call for evidence launched to determine the benefits and risks of a separate pay structure for nursing staff in the NHS
- It seeks to understand whether the Agenda for Change contract is creating specific barriers to the career progression of nurses
- It will run for 12 weeks and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views and suggestions
The government has published a call for evidence to seek views on a new pay scale for nurses.

It will collate feedback from across the health sector on the merits of a separate pay structure for nursing staff in the NHS, considering both the risk and benefits of this approach.

The government has heard the concerns of nursing staff and their representatives about the challenges they face in terms of career progression and professional development.

The call for evidence will seek to understand whether the Agenda for Change contract – covering more than 1 million NHS workers such as nurses, midwives, paramedics, as well as other non-medical, workers – is creating specific barriers to the career progression of nurses and explore solutions that could be considered if the evidence shows there are issues with the current arrangements.

Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said:

We hugely value the work of nurses, who play a vital role in the NHS.

We have listened to union concerns and are launching this call for evidence to explore the risks and benefits of a separate pay structure for nurses.

I want stakeholders to share their expertise and help us collate feedback from across the healthcare sector, ultimately helping to make the NHS a better place to work.

This call for evidence, which runs for 12 weeks, will now provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views and suggestions. Any changes will be carefully considered and the government will publish a response in due course.

Nurses play a vital role in the NHS and that is why the government agreed a deal for the Agenda for Change (AfC) workforce through the NHS Staff Council in May 2023. This resulted in a pay rise of 5% for 2023 to 2024 alongside two one off payments worth over £2,000 on average for full-time nurses, alongside a series of non-pay measures to support the NHS workforce, including improving opportunities for nursing career progression.

The government is taking steps to support and grow the workforce – data published in November showed there were 51,245 additional nurses in September 2023 compared to 2019. This means the number of nurses has increased from 300,904 in 2019 to over 352,000 – hitting the government’s commitment to recruit an additional 50,000 nurses six months early.

It is the largest ever sustained growth in the NHS nursing workforce, with the expanded workforce delivering hundreds of thousands of extra appointments, helping to tackle waiting lists and improve access for patients.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan – backed by over £2.4 billion over five years – also sets out three priority areas to train, retain and reform the health workforce. The plan will significantly expand domestic education, training and recruitment and will deliver more nurses than ever before. It will almost double the number of adult nurse training places by 2031, with around 24,000 more nurse and midwife training places a year by 2031. This will include over 5,000 more mental and learning disability nurses a year.
January 12, 2024