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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary fires the starting gun on rail reform as Public Ownership Bill reaches final stages in Commons [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary fires the starting gun on rail reform as Public Ownership Bill reaches final stages in Commons [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 3 September 2024.

    • Louise Haigh launches plan to revitalise Britain’s railways and drastically improve services
    • Shadow Great British Railways to be established to deliver higher performing railway built on reliability, efficiency, and safety
    • it comes as the Public Ownership Bill progresses through Parliament today, putting the railways back in the hands of passengers

    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh today (3 September 2024) fired the starting gun on rail reform – ushering in a new era for our railways which puts passengers first.

    Today’s launch of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR) will set in motion a huge overhaul of the running of the rail network, bringing together leaders from the Department for Transport, Network Rail and publicly-owned operators.

    Shadow GBR will pave the way for Great British Railways – a new unified arm’s length body responsible for finally bringing track and train back together and overseeing both services and infrastructure.

    Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill continues its passage through the Commons, marking further progress in the Transport Secretary’s mission to put rail services back into the hands of the public.

    The landmark legislation reinforces the government’s relentless focus on reversing decades of delays, cancellations and unreliable services on Britain’s railways.

    It will prioritise passengers over private companies, putting the railways back on track, while saving taxpayers up to an estimated £150 million every year in fees alone in the process.

    The Transport Secretary has already started the work to modernise the railways – root and branch – so passengers are put first. She says this programme will save money for taxpayers and passengers and deliver a more reliable railway.

    As part of the plans for reform, the government has recognised the need to speed up training for drivers and is collaborating with the sector to build resilience and improve productivity. Following a consultation this summer on lowering the minimum age for drivers from 20 to 18, the government is reviewing the feedback and will lay out next steps in due course.

    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:

    Today, I am firing the starting gun on the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation. I am determined to end the chaos, delay and disruption faced by people on train journeys every day.

    Establishing Shadow Great British Railways marks a significant step towards delivering a unified railway with passengers at its heart by bringing together track and train, and by progressing the Passenger Railways Services Bill we’re one step closer to public ownership which will help put our railways back on track.

    This government will direct every penny into creating a stronger, more reliable rail network that works for everyone.

    This is about making the railways work for the people that use them – putting passengers first and driving up performance.

    Further measures set out by the Secretary of State today include the announcement of a new Rail Sale early next year, to tie in with celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain’s passenger railways. Returning by popular demand, the sale will aim to encourage more people on to the railways by offering up to 50% off train tickets for a specific time period.

    On top of this, tap-in tap-out technology will be rolled out at a further 45 stations next year thanks to nearly £27 million of government funding, meaning simpler and more flexible train travel.

    Among these stations will be London Stansted, allowing smoother journeys for international passengers from train to plane. This follows 47 stations previously announced across the Southeast that are set to benefit from the technology in September.

    The reforms announced today would not be possible to deliver while industrial disputes are ongoing. That’s why the Transport Secretary is prioritising ending the longest national strike in the history of the railways, clearing the way for vital progress on the network.

    Just recently, following a series of positive talks led by government, ASLEF agreed to recommend a new pay proposal to its members which will now be put to members in a referendum.

    Establishing a Shadow Great British Railways, written ministerial statement.

    Rail stations receiving tap-in tap-out technology in 2025

    Rail station Train operating company
    Aylesbury Chiltern
    Aylesbury Vale Parkway Chiltern
    Great Missenden Chiltern
    Little Kimble Chiltern
    Monks Risborough Chiltern
    Princes Risborough Chiltern
    Saunderton Chiltern
    Stoke Mandeville Chiltern
    Wendover Chiltern
    Billericay Greater Anglia
    Bishop’s Stortford Greater Anglia
    Harlow Mill Greater Anglia
    Harlow Town Greater Anglia
    Hockley Greater Anglia
    Prittlewell Greater Anglia
    Rayleigh Greater Anglia
    Rochford Greater Anglia
    Roydon Greater Anglia
    Sawbridgeworth Greater Anglia
    Southend Victoria Greater Anglia
    Stansted Airport Greater Anglia
    Stansted Mountfitchet Greater Anglia
    Wickford Greater Anglia
    Chelmsford Greater Anglia
    Hatfield Peverel Greater Anglia
    Ingatestone Greater Anglia
    Witham Greater Anglia
    Southend Airport Greater Anglia (London Southend Airport)
    Ashtead GTR
    Box Hill and Westhumble GTR
    Dorking (Main) GTR
    Hurst Green GTR
    Leatherhead GTR
    Oxted GTR
    Welwyn North GTR
    Woldingham GTR
    Dormans GTR
    East Grinstead GTR
    Harlington GTR
    Knebworth GTR
    Leagrave GTR
    Lingfield GTR
    Luton GTR
    Reigate GTR
    Watton-at-Stone GTR
  • PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary welcomes Ukrainian counterpart to UK and confirms £1bn milestone in UK-administered fund [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Defence Secretary welcomes Ukrainian counterpart to UK and confirms £1bn milestone in UK-administered fund [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 3 September 2024.

    The milestone comes as the International Fund for Ukraine’s largest support package will start delivering this year.

    Urgent work to accelerate the delivery of the UK’s military support for Ukraine will be discussed between the Defence Secretary and his counterpart, Rustem Umerov, during a visit to London today.

    The visit comes during a milestone moment in international support for Ukraine, with eight countries from across the world having now joined the UK to provide more than £1 billion to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), in a significant show of unity from Ukraine’s allies.

    It comes after the Prime Minister announced the IFU’s largest ever support package at the NATO Summit in July, with a £300m contract to supply 152mm artillery shells to supply Ukraine’s Soviet-era guns. He also confirmed £3bn of UK aid for Ukraine per year for as long as it takes.

    The Defence Secretary confirmed today the £300m contract has now been signed and is expected to deliver thousands of shells before the end of the year – providing a significant boost for Ukraine’s stockpiles and aligning with the Government’s acceleration of military support deliveries.

    Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Norway all confirmed their intent this summer to invest additional money in the Fund to purchase more drones to help on the frontline, as well as vital air defence capabilities to help shield Ukraine’s people and key infrastructure from relentless Russian bombardment.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:

    UK military equipment continues to prove invaluable for Ukraine’s war effort. The ongoing defensive operation in Kursk underlines the crucial importance of continued support. And today’s milestone for the International Fund for Ukraine shows the value of working with our Allies to deliver that support.

    Our government is stepping up Britain’s support for Ukraine to fight Putin’s illegal invasion. We are speeding up deliveries of aid, with a much-needed ammunition package announced by the Prime Minister at NATO set to begin deliveries within months. We will continue to step up our support to help Ukraine achieve victory.

    In his first days as Defence Secretary, John Healey met President Zelenskyy and Minister Umerov in Ukraine, where he pledged to accelerate the delivery of the UK’s military support for Ukraine.

    The artillery ammunition contract, placed by Defence Equipment & Support – the MOD’s procurement arm – will deliver 120,000 newly-manufactured shells over the next 18 months, and will stimulate industrial capacity in Europe and safeguard reliable supply chains that will continue to provide Ukraine with vital ammunition.

    It follows previous packages of support from the IFU, which have delivered heavy-lift and reconnaissance drones, maritime drones, minefield-clearing capabilities, combat vehicle spares and air defence systems.

    The IFU was first launched by Denmark and the UK in 2022 to provide a more efficient way for countries to pool resources to buy equipment and weapons to support Ukraine’s most urgent capability needs. The UK has donated £500m to the Fund to date.

    With artillery having proved critical to Ukraine’s previous battlefield successes, this new investment will support them in further degrading Russia’s forces and preventing them from making significant breakthroughs.

    Other contributors to the IFU include Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. Further deliveries from the IFU’s other contracts will continue through the coming months.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the President of the United Arab Emirates [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with the President of the United Arab Emirates [September 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 September 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates yesterday afternoon.

    The Prime Minister said he was pleased to have the opportunity to speak again so soon, following their first call shortly after the election in July.

    The leaders agreed that our countries share a strong and important bond and reiterated their commitment to deepening the relationship going forwards.

    They agreed to find a time to meet in person at the earliest opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK continues reset with Europe as Minister visits Czech Republic and Slovenia to boost security ties [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK continues reset with Europe as Minister visits Czech Republic and Slovenia to boost security ties [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

    During a visit to the region, including Czech Republic and Slovenia, Minister Doughty attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague and the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia.

    • Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty returns from Central Europe today, following first visit to the region since the election
    • visit focused on countering Russian hybrid threats and defending European security
    • UK reset with Europe also top of the agenda as minister met counterparts from across the region

    Security challenges facing Europe were at the top of the agenda during the first visit by Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty to Central Europe, concluding today (3 September).

    During a dual-leg visit to the region including stints in both the Czech Republic and Slovenia, the minister attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague followed by the Bled Strategic Forum at Lake Bled in Slovenia.

    European security was front and centre of those conversations, as threats including disinformation, cyber-attacks, organised immigration crime and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine continue to transpire across the continent.

    The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset the country’s relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges from climate change to illegal migration.

    That reset was emphasised by the Prime Minister during a visit to Germany and France last week, and by the Foreign Secretary during his travels to Germany, Poland and Sweden in recent weeks. It has also been the focus of discussions by the European Union Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds in Brussels.

    Minister Doughty spoke at the GLOBSEC Forum, the premier Central and Eastern European security forum held in Prague this year, alongside counterparts from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Moldova.

    At a panel event on countering Russian hybrid threats, the minister emphasised work being done by the UK and partners to degrade Russia’s network of spies and take action against Putin’s destabilising activity. This includes the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, and joint efforts in countering Russian disinformation intended to negatively influence elections across Europe.

    The minister then travelled to Slovenia for the Bled Strategic Forum, where he made clear that the UK will continue to support Slovenia in tackling the shared challenges of illegal migration and criminal gangs. The UK and Slovenia’s continued co-operation in this field follows discussions at this year’s European Political Community Summit in July, where the Prime Minister met Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, releasing a joint statement committing to further cooperation on tackling organised immigration crime.

    He also focused attention on promoting stability in the Western Balkans, amid increasing tensions and attempted interference from malign actors in the region.

    Speaking at a panel event at the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Doughty said:

    As a new government to the UK, we are absolutely clear we are committed to multilateral systems, we’re committed to the rule of law, we’re committed to NATO.

    We’re committed to Ukraine; we’re committed to standing up to Russia; to Iran … and we’re committed to working with our allies whether that’s in the EU, whether that’s outside the EU in Europe; whether that’s across the transatlantic relationship or whether that’s around the World.

    Not only on those security challenges, but also on climate change, on growth and prosperity for people, on tackling poverty, on equal rights, on gender equality.

    During the visit, the minister also met Czech and Slovenian counterparts – Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as well as Slovenian Foreign Minister Marko Stucin – to emphasise plans to pursue a positive, forward-looking relationship with allies across the region as part of the wider UK-Europe reset.

    The visit also builds upon progress made at Blenheim Palace during the European Political Community in July, where European nations underscored the strength of international support for Ukraine, and joint commitment to regional security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government support extended to help struggling households with bills and essential costs over winter [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government support extended to help struggling households with bills and essential costs over winter [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 2 September 2024.

    Millions of vulnerable people to receive help this winter as the Work and Pensions Secretary extends the Household Support Fund.

    • £421 million boost for local authorities in England to help people most in need with the cost of their energy, food and water, with £79 million for devolved administrations
    • Immediate support comes alongside the government’s growth mission to rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off

    Vulnerable households will receive support for the cost of essentials this winter, as the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announces an extension to the Household Support Fund for the next six months.

    The £421m extension gives certainty to Local Authorities across England over the winter months – up until April 2025 – as they work to help those struggling with the cost of energy, food, and water.

    Pensioners and others struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them. Details on the latest scheme for local authorities and councils will be communicated in the coming weeks.

    Many councils also use the Fund beyond emergency support, including working with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes, and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.

    An estimated £79 million will also be given to Devolved Administrations via the Barnett formula as the government leaves no stone unturned in ensuring every person – in every part of the country – has the foundations they need to be financially secure. Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can choose how to allocate this additional funding, as the UK government continues to work closely with them to help support vulnerable people.

    Given the dire economic inheritance, we had to take difficult decisions to put our public finances on a sustainable footing as we tackle the £22 billion black hole.

    1.3 million more people have fallen into poverty since 2010/11, with living standards falling by the largest year-on-year drop since records began in 2022/23. For over a decade people have also been denied the security and dignity that good work affords with more than a near record 2.8 million people out of work due to sickness.

    As we continue our work to deliver growth, make work pay and develop our child poverty strategy in the long term, the extension of the Fund prevents councils and vulnerable households experiencing an immediate cliff edge of support with a tough winter ahead.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said:

    The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.

    But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do – provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, said:

    We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.

    The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago – and this Government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society.

    At the same time, we are taking action to fix the foundations of our country through our plans to grow the economy, make work pay, and Get Britain Working again.

    The government is exploring options around how best to provide sustainable support to vulnerable households in the longer term while the ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce develops an ambitious strategy to tackle the root causes of poverty, and the Get Britain Working White Paper, to be set out in the Autumn, will develop measures to reduce inactivity and help people to find better paid and more secure jobs.

    By growing the economy and unlocking investment through the National Wealth Fund; launching Great British Energy to drive home-grown clean energy and lower bills; making work pay and developing a new Child Poverty Strategy to give children the best start in life – the Government is looking at all levers available to unlock the potential of millions across the country and give them the platform they need to thrive.

    Additional Information

    • The Household Support Fund is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered by Local Authorities in England. It can be used to help vulnerable residents with energy and water bills, food and other essential items.
    • People can find their council here.
    • Barnett consequentials for Devolved Governments will be finalised in due course.
    • In 2022/23, there were 1.3 million more people in relative poverty after housing costs than in 2010/11.
    • In 2022/23, living standards, as measured by RHDI per capita, fell by 2.1 per cent, the largest year-on-year drop since records began in the 1950s.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Single headline Ofsted grades scrapped in landmark school reform [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Single headline Ofsted grades scrapped in landmark school reform [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 2 September 2024.

    Government pushes ahead with reform agenda by scrapping single headline Ofsted judgements for schools with immediate effect.

    Single headline grades for schools will be scrapped with immediate effect to boost school standards and increase transparency for parents, the government has announced today.

    Reductive single headline grades fail to provide a fair and accurate assessment of overall school performance across a range of areas and are supported by a minority of parents and teachers.

    The change delivers on the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and demonstrates the Prime Minister’s commitment to improve the life chances of young people across the country.

    For inspections this academic year, parents will see four grades across the existing sub-categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership & management.

    This reform paves the way for the introduction of School Report Cards from September 2025, which will provide parents with a full and comprehensive assessment of how schools are performing and ensure that inspections are more effective in driving improvement. Recent data shows that reports cards are supported by 77% of parents.

    The government will continue to intervene in poorly performing schools to ensure high school standards for children.

    Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, said:

    The need for Ofsted reform to drive high and rising standards for all our children in every school is overwhelmingly clear. The removal of headline grades is a generational reform and a landmark moment for children, parents, and teachers.

    Single headline grades are low information for parents and high stakes for schools. Parents deserve a much clearer, much broader picture of how schools are performing – that’s what our report cards will provide.

    This government will make inspection a more powerful, more transparent tool for driving school improvement. We promised change, and now we are delivering.

    As part of today’s announcement, where schools are identified as struggling, government will prioritise rapidly getting plans in place to improve the education and experience of children, rather than relying purely on changing schools’ management.

    From early 2025, the government will also introduce Regional Improvement Teams that will work with struggling schools to quickly and directly address areas of weakness, meeting a manifesto commitment.

    The Education Secretary has already begun to reset relations with education workforces, supporting the Government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers, and reform to Ofsted marks another key milestone.

    Today’s announcement follows engagement with the sector and family of headteacher Ruth Perry, after a coroner’s inquest found the Ofsted inspection process had contributed to her death.

    The government will work closely with Ofsted and relevant sectors and stakeholders to ensure that the removal of headline grades is implemented smoothly.

    Jason Elsom, Chief Executive of Parentkind, said:

    We welcome the decision by the Secretary of State to prioritise Ofsted reform. The move to end single-word judgements as soon as practical, whilst giving due care and attention to constructing a new and sustainable accountability framework during the year ahead, is the right balance for both schools and parents.

    Most parents understand the need for school inspection, but they want that inspection to help schools to improve as well as giving a verdict on the quality of education their children are receiving. When we spoke to parents about what was important to them, their children being happy at school was a big talking point and should not be overlooked.

    Parents have been very clear that they want to see changes to the way Ofsted reports back after visiting a school, and it is welcome to see a clear timetable being set out today for moving towards a report card that will give parents greater clarity of the performance of their children’s school. We need to make sure that we get this right for parents, as well as schools.

    There is much more we can do to include the voice of parents in Ofsted inspections and reform of our school system, and today’s announcement is a big step in the right direction.

    Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of National Association of Headteachers, said:

    The scrapping of overarching grades is a welcome interim measure. We have been clear that simplistic one-word judgements are harmful, and we are pleased the government has taken swift action to remove them.

    School leaders recognise the need for accountability but it must be proportionate and fair and so we are pleased to see a stronger focus on support for schools instead of heavy-handed intervention.

    There is much work to do now in order to design a fundamentally different long-term approach to inspection and we look forward to working with government to achieve that.

    Where necessary, in cases of the most serious concern, government will continue to intervene, including by issuing an academy order, which may in some cases mean transferring to new management. Ofsted will continue to identify these schools – which would have been graded as inadequate.

    The government also currently intervenes where a school receives two or more consecutive judgements of ‘requires improvement’ under the ‘2RI’ policy. With the exception of schools already due to convert to academies this term, this policy will change. The government will now put in place support for these schools from a high performing school, helping to drive up standards quickly.

    Today’s changes build on the recently announced Children’s Wellbeing Bill, which will put children at the centre of education and make changes to ensure every child is supported to achieve and thrive.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK suspends around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law concerns [September 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK suspends around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law concerns [September 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 September 2024.

    The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

    • government announces immediate suspension of around 30 licences for items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of approximately 350 licences to Israel
    • UK assessment concludes there is a clear risk certain military exports to Israel might be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law
    • Foreign Secretary underlines our support for Israeli security
    • sanctions announced against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East

    The government has taken the decision that the UK will suspend arms export licences to Israel for use in military operations in Gaza, following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law.

    The UK’s robust export licensing criteria states that the government will not issue export licences if the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.

    The suspension will not change the UK’s steadfast support for Israel’s security, and the decision will be kept under review.

    On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel’s compliance with International Humanitarian Law, and has travelled to Israel twice since being appointed to the role to understand the situation on the ground.

    These assessments have led to serious concerns about aspects of Israel’s compliance, and the government has concluded there is a clear risk that items exported to Israel under these 30 licences might be used in serious violations of IHL and is therefore suspending certain exports immediately from today.

    It comes after repeated calls by UK ministers for Israel to do more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza, and for improved treatment and access to detainees.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Facing a conflict such as this, it is this government’s legal duty to review export licences.

    It is with regret that I inform the House today, the assessment I have received finds that for certain UK arms exports to Israel there exists a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.

    Therefore today we are announcing the suspension of around 30 export licences to Israel as required under the Export Controls frameworks.

    The UK continues to support Israel’s right to self-defence in accordance with international law.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our world renowned defence industry operates under one of the most robust export licence regimes in the world, and we have a duty to uphold both our domestic and international legal obligations.

    That is why after assessing the latest available advice, I have taken the difficult decision to suspend certain arms licences for exports from the UK to Israel. By suspending these licences, I am fulfilling our commitment to avoiding the risk that UK exports could be used in IHL violations in the Gaza conflict. There will remain however an important commitment to maintaining the F-35 programme which is integral to international security.

    The suspension will apply to around 30 items used in the current conflict in Gaza which go to the IDF, from a total of 350 licences to Israel. The list of suspended items includes important components which go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones as well as items which facilitate ground targeting, that would be used in Gaza.

    There are a number of export licences which we have assessed are not for military use in the current conflict in Gaza and therefore do not require suspension.

    These include items that are not being used by the IDF in the current conflict (such as trainer aircraft or other naval equipment), and other, non-military items.  Export licences cover a range of products including things such as food-testing chemicals, telecoms and data equipment.

    UK components for the multi-national F-35 joint strike fighter programme will be excluded from this decision, except where going directly to Israel.

    Any suspension of those pooled parts is not possible without having a significant effect on the global F35 fleet with serious implications for international peace and security.

    Today the Foreign Secretary has also announced sanctions against 3 individuals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and an IRGC unit for threatening the stability of the Middle East.

    These targets seek to destabilise the region by sponsoring and providing weapons to Iranian proxy groups and partners across the region such as Lebanese-Hizbollah.

  • Kate Dearden – 2024 Maiden Speech on the Economy, Welfare and Public Services

    Kate Dearden – 2024 Maiden Speech on the Economy, Welfare and Public Services

    The maiden speech made by Kate Dearden, the Labour MP for Halifax, in the House of Commons on 22 July 2024.

    Mr Deputy Speaker, thank you for allowing me to make my first contribution to this House. I thank the hon. Member for Meriden and Solihull East (Saqib Bhatti) for his contribution to the debate.

    Today’s debate is a crucial one for how we rebuild our economy in a way that works for all. I am delighted to be joining my many, many excellent new Labour colleagues in making their brilliant maiden speeches. I am also delighted to follow the incredible Holly Lynch. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] Holly dedicated her talent and energy to supporting her constituents. She was a casework champion who still found time to push for protections for our emergency service workers and for global causes, such as Fairtrade. Holly’s commitment was second to none, and I will do my best to follow in her footsteps.

    In succeeding Holly, I am proud to take my place in one of Parliament’s great traditions: the Labour women of Halifax. Since the election of Shirley Summerskill in 1964, there have only been four years where Halifax has not been represented by a Labour woman. I am lucky to have the support of brilliant women, from the Labour Women’s Network to trade union colleagues and my late teacher Elaine Barker who set me on the road to this House. I am standing on the shoulders of my sisters, and I will not let them down.

    Halifax is a town bursting with history. It was a centre of the wool trade and textile manufacturing, with the Piece Hall the most beautiful and well-known testament to our heritage, but there is far more to the history of Halifax than that. We have a magnificent minster, the imposing Wainhouse Tower, and Shibden Hall, home of lesbian diarist Anne Lister. Halifax’s industrial heritage has meant a close connection to socialist movements. It was a stronghold for Chartists, a centre of trade union activism and the birthplace of Halifax building society, and it has a legacy of co-operative movements. As a trade unionist and now a Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament, it is a history I am proud to celebrate, and celebrating our history has become a big part of Halifax’s future.

    The Piece Hall is now one of the UK’s best music venues. This summer it is hosting Idles, Tom Jones and the Ministry of Sound, and I will leave it to hon. Members to guess who I would prefer to see. We have reimagined the beating industrial heart of Halifax at Dean Clough mill as a centre for arts, culture, food and shopping. That, combined with the beautiful nature of the Calder valley, has seen Halifax transforming into Haliwood. Many in this Chamber will have seen “Happy Valley”, but there is also “Gentleman Jack” and “Last Tango in Halifax”, and we even hosted Marvel for its “Secret Invasion”. As a Member of Parliament for Halifax, I will lobby for any future editions of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to come and celebrate the home of toffee, Rolos and Quality Street.

    There are so many other things that make Halifax a unique and special town, from our fabulous independent department store Harveys—where I bought today’s lovely dress—to Eureka! the museum where I and every other former schoolkid in the north of England went on school trips, and, of course, the famous Shay, home to Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers.

    I must also mention some of the challenges that my town still faces. Like most of the ex-industrial UK, we have faced decades of neglect and under-investment. Halifax endures significant deprivation, with above-average levels of unemployment and child poverty. Access to housing is a problem, especially for young people, and the availability of GPs came up time and time again on the doorstep. The people of Halifax have struggled for too long with the cost of living crisis, low wages and poor public services. That has been the story of my town and of our country.

    As anyone who knows Yorkshire will guess, the people of Halifax have done much to help each other. Halifax is the home of Andy’s Man Club, which many Members will know from its essential work to support men’s mental health. I met its volunteers as well as those of Healthy Minds, which is another great charity helping tackle mental illness. Noah’s Ark debt centre offers crucial financial support, and the Holy Nativity church in Mixenden is one of several organisations running a food bank and a pay-what-you-can café. Daisy Chain café provides a haven for the elderly to meet and socialise, and St Augustine’s Centre gives much needed support to refugees.

    Those brilliant community initiatives have done their best to help those who have been struggling in recent years, and they have achieved much. However, we know that the buck stops with us and that we must address the issues facing our nation and prove that things can get better. These issues, when not addressed, lead to suffering, despair and anger. We on the Labour Benches can celebrate our success at the election, but a victory for our party is only ever a means to an end. Our goal now is to bring about the change that we promised.

    I am proud to be delivering my maiden speech in this debate, where we set the agenda for what we will do to improve the lives of everyone across the country. Part of this is close to my own heart: the new deal for working people. In my previous role at the brilliant Community trade union, I was proud to be part of drafting those aims alongside trade union colleagues. The agenda on extending workers’ rights, including for those who are self-employed or part of the gig economy, is one that I want to champion over the next five years.

    I would like to end with a few thank yous. First, I thank all the people I have mentioned so far, who make Halifax the wonderful town that it is, for everything they do. Secondly, to the incredible activists of Halifax—the Labour team in our town should be the envy of constituency Labour parties nationwide—I could not be more grateful. As every Member in this House knows, we are here because of those around us—the family, friends and colleagues who support us—so I want to thank my wonderful friends, my mum, my dad, my sister, and my partner Brad. Finally, I thank the people of Halifax for trusting me. I will fight every day to achieve everything that I can for them and reward the faith that they have shown in me.

  • Saqib Bhatti – 2024 Speech on the Economy, Welfare and Public Services

    Saqib Bhatti – 2024 Speech on the Economy, Welfare and Public Services

    The speech made by Saqib Bhatti, the Conservative MP for Meriden and Solihull East, in the House of Commons on 22 July 2024.

    I start by wishing His Majesty the very best of health on behalf of myself and my constituents. As we welcome many new Members to the House, His Majesty sets a clear standard for public service that we can all hope to emulate. I have had the privilege of listening to a number of maiden speeches from across the House—all fantastic, all unique. I am sure all new Members will have received countless pieces of advice, so I will just say this: none of us, new or returning Members, should ever forget what a privilege it is to serve in this House and in this Parliament, the mother of all Parliaments.

    We on the Conservative Benches have much to be proud of in the legacy of the last 14 years. Just last week we have seen inflation remain at the Bank of England target rate of 2%. We created more than 800 jobs a day for the last 14 years. It was under the Conservative Government that, in 2023, the UK became the third most valuable tech economy in the world, worth $1 trillion. We also boast more billion-pound companies than France, Germany and Sweden combined. As has been repeatedly mentioned, we have the fastest-growing economy in the G7.

    I want to address the notion that the Government are trying to push, where they talk down the economy, paving the way for tax rises. It clearly does not stack up. If the Chancellor insists on pushing this alternative narrative, as we have heard today, some questions need answering, because surely all those promises made during the election cannot have been made by the Chancellor, or the shadow Chancellor as she was then, flying blind, especially when the OBR provides the transparency that she now denies she had.

    Throughout the campaign, we heard about how the Government’s policies were fully funded. If the Chancellor did not use the OBR forecasts, what was she using to make those promises in the first place? I do not think anyone is fooled by this narrative or these tactics. Most importantly, if they are going to raise taxes, which will they raise? They need to come clean about that, because the British people deserve the truth, not whatever the Government are trying to peddle to justify their tax and spend policies. The Government can be assured that the Opposition will do our duty and hold this Government to account.

    I want to address a number of things in the King’s Speech. I have to say I was astonished by the lack of respect in the King’s Speech to rural communities. A lot of my communities in my rural area felt incredibly disrespected, and it was incredibly disappointing. I am also disappointed and deeply concerned by the Government’s focus on building on the green belt. We have some of the most precious green belt land in Meriden and Solihull East, not least the Meriden gap, which is a hugely important throughway for migrating wildlife. It is not clear how the Government will protect the Meriden gap.

    In fact, the only thing that has been clear in the early days of this Government is that they are willing to set aside local community opinions, and anyone who challenges that will be accused of being a nimby. My villages in Balsall Common, Hampton in Arden, Marston Green, Knowle, Dorridge, Chadwick End and Hockley Heath have already made huge sacrifices when it comes to green-belt land, not least because of HS2. These top-down targets and vague references to grey-belt land are already causing huge anxiety. This matters because when it comes to setting aside community opinion and disenfranchising whole communities, the tactics that the Government are already employing are the best way to do it. I am deeply concerned by that. We on the Opposition Benches will ensure that we hold this Government to account.

    The title of this debate includes public services, and one of my key campaign pledges was to restore A&E services to the borough of Solihull. My argument on that is simple: we have about 220,000 people in the borough, and if there is an emergency, my constituents have to go all the way to Heartlands hospital or Warwick hospital, which are way too far away. It is clear to me that the case is strong. One thing I will be campaigning for in this Parliament, whether it takes five or 10 or 15 years, if I am lucky enough to be returned repeatedly—I make no assumptions on that, of course—will be to get that A&E service. I will be working with the integrated care board to achieve that.

    I will finish on this: my constituents and the British people have been clear. As we discharge our duties as His Majesty’s official Opposition, their expectations are that we do so with integrity and humility, but always with courage and boldness in what we stand for and who we are. I assure my constituents that for the sake of our country we shall not falter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-Ukraine digital trade set to grow [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-Ukraine digital trade set to grow [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 1 September 2024.

    The UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) enters into force today, allowing businesses on both sides to benefit from quicker and cheaper trade.

    • UK and Ukrainian businesses set to benefit as UK-Ukraine digital trade deal enters into force today
    • Agreement paves the way for a new era of trade, making trade between both countries cheaper and easier and boosting both economies
    • Trading digitally is particularly important during the current conflict, where warfare and damage to infrastructure make it harder to trade physically

    UK-Ukraine trade is set to grow as the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) today [Sunday 1 September] enters into force, allowing businesses on both sides to benefit from quicker and cheaper trade.

    The digital agreement is one of the first of its kind and opens the door to wider shifts to digital trading systems. Such digital systems are more important than ever for Ukraine as physical trading systems have been impacted by war.

    Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of information technology services globally, with areas such as outsourcing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile applications in rapid development before the war.

    As a global leader in tech, the UK is ideally positioned to aid Ukraine’s post-conflict transition to a digital economy, with over half of our services exports to Ukraine already digitally delivered.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’re modernising our trade relationship with Ukraine with one of the world’s first digital only trade agreements.

    Greater digitalisation of the economy is an important step in supporting Ukraine’s economy and their fight for independence. This government will continue to lead the way in our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people.

    First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko said:

    The support of Ukraine from the United Kingdom is unprecedented. We have felt it from the very first days of the full-scale war. The digital trade agreement between our countries is another manifestation of solidarity and support.

    Implementing this agreement will deepen Ukraine’s participation in global supply chains, foster the development of small and medium-sized businesses, maintain free access for Ukrainian IT companies to the UK digital markets, and provide crucial support to our economy during the war and in the post-war reconstruction period.

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said:

    With the current conflict in Ukraine making physical trade more difficult, we hope this agreement will make trading digitally easier for Scottish and Ukrainian businesses.

    I know there is a tremendous amount of support for Ukraine and its people throughout Scotland, and this government will do all we can to support them.

    Sabina Ciofu, Associate Director, International Policy & Trade, TechUK said: 

    The UK-Ukraine digital trade deal coming into force is a great step forward that will strengthen tech ties between both countries, and simplify and reduce the cost of trade for businesses, especially at a time when trade is made more difficult by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    TechUK is looking forward to working with our sister organisation IT Ukraine and both governments to deliver on the promises of this agreement, especially around regulatory cooperation and emerging technologies.

    Pavlo Pikulin, CEO and founder at Deus Robotics said:

    We are deeply thankful to the UK Government, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for establishing the UK-Ukraine TechBridge programme.

    In essence, our successes in the UK thus far can be directly attributed to this initiative. TechBridge has provided us with everything essential for a tech startup to thrive in the UK — access to potential clients, partners, investors, and mentors. With this programme, you know who to talk to, and how and where to do it best.

    The agreement is part of a series of digital initiatives by the UK government to support Ukraine’s digital economy. The UK-Ukraine TechBridge promotes collaboration and investment across the UK and Ukraine tech sectors.

    Tech partnerships are also a key area of the digital trade agreement, supporting collaboration between the UK and Ukraine on areas like cybersecurity.

    Background

    • Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ukraine was £1.6 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024.  In 2021, the export of digitally delivered services to Ukraine was worth £151 million – 54% of our total service exports to Ukraine
    • The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is a programme designed to support the Ukrainian tech sector and ensure its resilience so it can contribute effectively to Ukraine’s economic recovery whilst strengthening the UK’s tech sector collaborations.
    • In addition to these digital initiatives, DBT is mobilising UK businesses to support Ukraine’s immediate defence needs and deliver infrastructure projects.