Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 May 2025.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visits Star Coaches in Batley and celebrates a sector that provides 42,000 jobs in the UK.
- Transport Minister visits West Yorkshire to pledge renewed support for the coach sector, which provides 42,000 jobs in the UK
- meeting industry leaders, he will reinforce the UK’s commitment to working with the sector to grow local economies and make services greener
- comes ahead of National Coach Week, celebrating an industry that contributes over £6 billion to the national tourism economy, securing jobs and delivering growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The government has reaffirmed its support for the coach sector today (6 May 2025), as Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Star Coaches in Batley ahead of National Coach Week.

In partnership with the Road Haulage Association, National Coach Week (12 to 18 May 2025) celebrates the essential role of coaches in everyday life, from transporting over half a million students to school each day, to providing vital backup when trains or planes are disrupted.

The minister met with staff and Road Haulage Association leaders to discuss the industry’s contribution to local communities, and how the government can work with operators to improve accessibility, make services greener and drive economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

It was a pleasure to visit Star Coaches in Batley today, ahead of National Coach Week.

From getting over half a million students to school each day, to supporting 42,000 jobs for drivers and other staff, the coach sector plays a vital role in our economy, and keeps communities connected.

That’s why we’re working hand-in-hand with the industry to unlock its full potential – which will ultimately boost local economies, and open up access to greater job opportunities across the country to drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.

During the visit, the minister discussed how Star Coaches supports the region – from transporting children on school trips, to helping older residents stay connected with their communities. The Batley based operator was founded in 1982 and operates a fleet of 16 to 70-seater coaches to serve local passengers across West Yorkshire.

Tomorrow, the minister will meet with industry leaders to share insights from the visit and discuss how the government can strengthen the sector for the future.

As part of efforts to tackle driver shortages and expand opportunities for young people, the government is currently reviewing consultation feedback on licence rules for 18-to-20-year-olds.

The government is also working with the sector to continually improve accessibility, which includes running an innovation competition with Innovate UK to develop transferable audio-visual equipment for coaches, which will award projects up to £170,000.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

National Coach Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role the coach industry plays in our society.

Coaches provide essential transport links, connect communities, and support our tourism sector. They are also a key part of the solution to reducing congestion and improving air quality.

We urge everyone to join us in celebrating this important industry and recognise the hard work and dedication of the people who make it a
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Eight Welsh businesses celebrated in The King’s Awards for Enterprise [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 May 2025.

Welsh recipients announced in third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.
- Businesses from Bridgend to Wrexham recognised, with each playing a key role in the UK Government’s mission for economic growth.
- Winners across three different categories: Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development.
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

Eight Welsh businesses across a range of different sectors have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.

The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including industrial lasers, medical equipment, and baking, and are based around the country, from Wrexham to Bridgend and Welshpool.

One Welsh company was awarded for their innovative practices, five for their achievements in international trade and one for their sustainable development.

By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these play a key role in the UK Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, and put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:

There are some excellent Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Spectrum Technologies’ pioneering laser equipment to Bluestone Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Wales and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

I congratulate all eight Welsh businesses who have won awards. From baking to medical devices to sustainable holidays, their work shows the best of business right across Wales, producing and exporting high quality products and services.

By working with talented Welsh enterprises to create well-paid local jobs and economic growth, the UK Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.

This year’s recipients include Spectrum Technologies, a global leader in the supply of industrial laser wire-processing equipment for the aerospace industry. Based in Bridgend, they have been recognised in the International Trade category.

Dr Peter Dickinson, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer at Spectrum Technologies, said:

Spectrum is very excited and proud to be a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise. The Company faced huge challenges with Covid but our team of employees have really pulled together and helped turn a difficult situation around, more than doubling sales over the last few years.

The King’s Award is a tribute to their combined efforts, as well as a reflection on the company’s global market-leading position supplying specialised laser wire processing equipment to the aerospace industry.”

Bluestone Resort is situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The park has been designed to reconnect families with nature in a responsible fashion, and as such they have received an award in the Sustainable Development category.

William McNamara OBE, CEO and Founder of Bluestone, said:

Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a hugely exciting and rewarding milestone for everyone at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire.

Our ethos is centered on the three pillars of sustainable development: actively protecting natural ecosystems, growing the local economy and supporting local communities. This has become our operational blueprint. The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development gives us many reasons to celebrate, recognising the importance of our work as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special royal reception event.

Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, a representative from the Welsh Government and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister.

Richard Harris, Head of Trade at the Welsh Government and a judge on this year’s panel commented:

It’s an absolute privilege to represent Wales as a judge on the Kings Awards and reviewing and appraising the applications which seem to grow in quality year on year never fails to impress.

The Kings Award is the gold standard, it means something, for me it’s the benchmark award for quality that can literally open doors and start conversations across the world, enabling companies to access opportunities that ordinarily might not be available and win business.
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Modi of India [May 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 May 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today.

The leaders began by celebrating the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement announced today – a deal which will add billions to the UK economy, boost wages and deliver on this government’s Plan for Change.

In a huge economic win for the UK, delivering for working people and British businesses, the Prime Minister underscored the need to go further and faster to get things done, to secure and renew our country.

Through pragmatism and purpose, the leaders noted that this historic deal is the biggest the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the most ambitious India has ever done. Prime Minister Modi also thanked the Prime Minister for his decisive leadership in getting the deal over the line.

Turning to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir last month, the Prime Minister reiterated his deep condolences at the tragic and senseless loss of life.

Finally, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to India, which the Prime Minister was pleased to accept and said he looked forward to visiting India at the earliest opportunity.

They looked forward to speaking soon.

May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 49 – UK Statement on Türkiye [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 May 2025.

UK Statement on Türkiye, delivered at Türkiye’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

We recognise efforts by Türkiye to address human rights concerns. The UK urges Türkiye to take further action to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom, in accordance with its international human rights obligations.

We recommend Türkiye:
1. Strengthens judicial independence by amending constitutional provisions for appointing members of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, ensuring peer election and preventing executive interference.
2. Protects workers’ rights by enhancing legal frameworks for trade unions, prevents harassment and intimidation, and guarantees the right to union activities without reprisals.
3. Eliminates restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, ensuring no undue interference and allows independent media to operate freely, without fear of censorship.
Thank you.
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Boost for woodlands as research to tackle plant pests & diseases [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 6 May 2025.

Key research to combat ongoing pest and disease outbreaks and emerging threats to protect our trees.

British woodlands and trees will benefit from new research aimed at boosting protection against pests and diseases, announced today (Tuesday 6 May).

Our plants and trees are estimated to contribute £4.1 billion per year to the UK’s economy – their vast canopies are teeming with birds and insects, they help mitigate the impact of flooding for communities across the country, trees outside woodland in towns as well as rural areas are cherished by the British people. But our trees are vulnerable, with plant pests and diseases posing a significant threat to nature and the economy.

The threat from pests and diseases is growing due to factors like climate change, and it is increasingly important to plant resilient trees that can withstand warmer temperatures so people and nature can enjoy the widespread benefits they bring.

17 new research projects will improve tree health and resilience through the Centre for Forest Protection – a collaboration between Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

These will help plant and protect treescapes that are resilient to stresses including climate change and pests and diseases such as ash dieback, which has been estimated to kill over 100 million trees in the UK and cost the economy up to £15 billion to Great Britain over the coming decades.

The £4 million of funding will include projects to facilitate future tree breeding for resilience to ash dieback and a fungal disease affecting Scots pine, and new technologies so trees can flower at a younger age to accelerate breeding programmes.

Professor Nicola Spence, Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer, said:

“Tackling the growing threat from plant pests and diseases due to climate change is critical to protect the long-term health and resilience of our trees.

“Expanding our research efforts and work to restore native ash trees are an important step in the fight against diseases which devastate our nations woodlands, protecting trees for the benefits they bring to our climate and for people’s enjoyment.”

Dr Louise Gathercole, Centre for Forest Protection Coordinator, said:

“At Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we are delighted to continue our collaboration under the Centre for Forest Protection.

“Funding this virtual centre gives us the opportunity to leverage the expertise and resources of both organisations, along with a wide range of other collaborators, to carry out innovative science and produce the evidence needed for future woodland resilience.”

Projects for 2025/26 include:
- Dodging the double whammy, looking into whether trees resilient to ash dieback can also help avoid damage from Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic emerald coloured beetle from Asia which has caused significant damage to ash trees in North America.
- Infusing resilience into the Scots pine genetic resource, breeding pine trees resilience to Dothistroma needle blight, a fungal disease which can reduce timber yields and even cause tree death.
- Developing novel methods to understand and mitigate grey squirrel bark stripping behaviour, on the impact of invasive grey squirrels on woodlands – with an estimated economic cost of £37 million annually – and how to combat bark stripping behaviour, which disincentivises tree planting and leaves trees susceptible to increased risk of disease.
As part of £700,000 of Defra-funded research, a second UK ash tree archive in Scotland has now been planted aimed at increasing resilience and further developing efforts for a breeding programme of tolerant UK ash. This is a key step towards restoring native ash back to our landscape.

2500 young trees have now been planted over the 1-hectare site. These trees have been specially selected as showing signs of potential resistance to the disease. Over the coming years, the less healthy individuals will be weeded out, allowing for the best trees to form a potential seed orchard for resistant ash seed production in future.

This follows over 3000 trees of tolerant ash being planted at the first ash archive site in southern England in 2019. Screening for tolerant trees in a different climate away from other threats will significantly boost research efforts. Identifying ash with a high tolerance to the disease will enable the development of orchards producing commercially available seed and prove transformative to our future landscapes.

The announcement marks the launch of this year’s National Plant Health Week (5-12 May 2025), an annual designated week of action to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy, led by Defra in partnership with 32 organisations, including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Woodland Trust and the Horticultural Trades Association

Additional information:
- The second ash archive is funded by Defra on an estate owned by Forestry Land Scotland in Clackmannanshire.
- The Centre for Forest Protection is a collaborative, virtual hub which aims to protect our trees from environmental and socioeconomic threats, through innovative science, interdisciplinary research, expert advice and training. The CFP is led by Forest Research – Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research – and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
The 17 new research projects are:
- Dodging the Double Whammy: Does Resistance to Ash Dieback Help European Ash Avoid Damage by Emerald Ash Borer?
- Knowledge synthesis: How trees evolve under novel conditions
- SUPPoRT: Sustainable Plant Provenancing for Resilient Trees
- Genomic basis of ash health after five and thirteen years’ exposure to ash dieback
- Complex Yew Decline Research
- ADGROW: Applied Dendrochronology for the Genomic Resilience Of Woodlands
- EXPLORATION: Assessing the robustness of mixed species planting as a drought adaptation measure during early stage establishment – an experimental approach
- Enhancing forest resilience through stand structural complexity
- Infusing resilience into the Scots pine genetic resource
- Phenology, Genomics, and Non-Destructive Testing: A Comprehensive Approach to Detecting, Understanding, and Reducing Oak Shake (PhenoGenDT)
- Speed breeding technologies for UK broadleaved trees
- Forest Sector Modelling of the Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Risks on Forest Resilience
- Developing novel methods to understand and mitigate grey squirrel bark stripping behaviour
- Supporting farmers’ on-farm integration of tree resilience actions
- REWARD, Remote Early Warning and Advanced Response for Diseases.
- The wind within the trees: understanding cultural, silvicultural, and timber quality dimensions to windstorm risks and impacts
- Resilience to compound abiotic and biotic stress in native Scots Pine
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to get Britain building will boost economy by billions [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 6 May 2025.

New analysis shows economy could be boosted by up to £7.5 billion over the next decade thanks to the pro-growth Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Planning reforms to accelerate the delivery of new homes, roads and railways, and clean energy projects will boost the UK economy by billions of pounds, according to new analysis.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill’s Impact Assessment, published today (Tuesday, May 6) has shown the government’s pro-growth changes to get Britain building could benefit the economy by up to £7.5 billion over the next 10 years.

A growing economy is at the heart of our Plan for Change to improve the lives of hard working people and by making it quicker and easier to build 1.5 million new homes, the reforms will turn the tide of the housing crisis and ensure critical infrastructure – including public transport links and clean energy projects that will protect billpayers – is sped up.

Lower costs for businesses, fewer delays and more certainty as a result of the Bill’s measures could lead to further investment and provide an additional boost to the economy.

Even this assessment is expected to be an underestimate of the true economic value the reforms will have in boosting development. The current assessment also does not account for recent amendments to the Bill to overhaul the pre-application stage for critical infrastructure, which government analysis suggests will add another £1 billion over this Parliament.

This huge boost to the economy is on top of the measures already implemented in the new pro-growth National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Office for Budget Responsibility recently said the changes to NPPF alone will drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and deliver an additional £6.8 billion by 2029/2030.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

“Getting Britain building will not only boost economic growth but ensure we deliver the homes and infrastructure working people deserve.

“This landmark pro-growth Bill will get spades in the ground and the foundations laid for a new generation of homes, as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”

The analysis has also been given a ‘green rating’ by the Regulatory Policy Committee, which means the assessment is considered robust and fit for purpose by the independent scrutiny body that considers them.

The Bill will help deliver on the Plan for Change by streamlining the building of 1.5 million homes and crucial infrastructure needed to make Britain a clean energy superpower and protect billpayers and reduce future energy shocks.

This will help put money back into the pockets of working people and support the government’s push to make at least 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects this Parliament, with 17 decided so far.

Further reforms tabled at Committee Stage, and not included in the impact assessment, will streamline the pre-application process for windfarms, new roads and other major infrastructure projects.

For more information:
- The government has now published its impact assessment for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which has now received a green rating from the Regulatory Policy Committee. This can be read in full here.
- The analysis includes higher, central and lower estimates for how much money the Bill could add to the economy over 10 years. The highest estimate was up to £7.5 billion, the central estimate was £3.2 billion and the lower estimate was £1.3 billion.
- This assessment does not include the amendments tabled at the Committee Stage, which the government predicts will further boost the economy by £1 billion over the course of this Parliament.
- It is expected to be an underestimate of the true impact as there will be ‘wider, un-monetised benefits such as the benefit to society from quicker delivery of housing and infrastructure, and the macroeconomic contribution of increased development supported by the Bill”.
- The Bill will deliver a range of measures to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure and 1.5 million homes.
- The OBR analysis of the National Planning Policy Framework forecast 0.2% to be added to GDP by 2029/30– worth around £6.8bn in today’s prices.
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Brand Scotland backing for female entrepreneurs [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 6 May 2025.

Minister Kirsty McNeill champions all-women exporting power with female-led business roundtable hosted at Scotland Office Edinburgh HQ.

Scottish female entrepreneurs are getting direct access to the UK Government’s global trade expertise as Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill urged women business leaders to join her on the first all-female Brand Scotland trade mission.

The Scotland Office hosted a gathering of female business leaders from across Scotland on Thursday 1 May to identify and tackle any export challenges they face. Minister McNeill wanted to bring together business professionals to boost the success of women-led firms in the worldwide market.

It’s part of the department’s Brand Scotland mission, to sell Scotland’s unique strengths around the world – promoting our goods and services to new markets, helping Scottish businesses export, and supporting trade missions to key global markets to unlock jobs and investment for the future.

At the roundtable discussion event in Edinburgh Minister McNeill asked for the views of company leaders across the technology, sustainability, clean energy and beauty sectors, as well as from representatives of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry and Women’s Enterprise Scotland.

Minister McNeill said:

From science and sustainability to culture and financial services, we’re amongst the best in the world – and by selling Scotland globally, we can unlock jobs and investment, an essential part of our Plan for Change.

It’s crucial that I hear from Scottish businesswomen about the barriers they face, find out what we can do to help, and demonstrate how Scottish companies can really benefit from having direct informal access like this to the UK’s vast global network of trade expertise. By harnessing the combined resources of the Scotland Office, the Foreign Office and Department for Business and Trade, we can create significant opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

We’re already seeing positive results from championing Brand Scotland internationally and I’m committed to unlocking more global opportunities for Scottish women in business.

The roundtable discussion addressed three key challenges – how businesses can access finance and investment, overcoming export barriers, and tackling market access issues that disproportionately affect women-led businesses.

Ideas and suggestions from the meeting will directly shape the Scotland Office’s all-women trade mission to Madrid in June where Minister McNeill will use diplomatic networks to expand markets for British exporters and meet with the Spanish business community to strengthen trade links. Representatives of Scottish female-led companies are being invited to join.

Background
- Brand Scotland is about selling Scotland’s unique strengths around the world – promoting our goods and services to new markets, helping Scottish businesses export, and funding and supporting trade missions to key global markets to unlock jobs and investment for the future.
- As part of this, the Scotland Office will lead trade missions to sell Scotland and its products to the world, encourage inward investment in Scotland and encourage Scottish firms to export to overseas markets – often for the first time. All this will drive growth and jobs here in Scotland.
- The Budget allocated an additional £750k for the Scottish Secretary and the Scotland Office to develop the Brand Scotland programme.
- The Scottish Secretary has already made trade trips to Norway, South East Asia and the US. Minister McNeill’s first trade trip will be to Madrid in June.
May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of 4 members to the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 6 May 2025.

The Secretary of State has announced the appointments of Dr Hannah Bows, Sean Harvey, Suzanne McCarthy and Asrar Ul-Haq as members of the Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors for ten years from 1 July 2025.

Biographies

Dr Hannah Bows

Dr Bows is currently Professor in Criminal Law at Durham University. She is also the deputy director of the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse, where she leads and teaches on the criminal law module and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Dr Bows has declared no political activity.

Suzanne McCarthy

Mrs McCarthy has significant public sector experience in the areas of governance, regulation, standards, fitness to practice and audit and risk management. She is currently the Chair of the Fire Standards Board, the Valuation Tribunal Service, the National Guardian Office’s Accountability and Liaison Board and the Standards Committee of the Fundraising Regulator.

Mrs McCarthy has declared no political activity.

Sean Harvey

Mr Harvey has a range of earlier career experiences, including ten years as a primary school teacher. He now sits as a lay panel member at the Health and Care Professions Council, as a member of the Conduct Committee at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a panel chair at Social Care Wales. He is a magistrate who also sits in the Crown Court on appeals.

Mr Harvey has declared no political activity.

Asrar Ul-Haq

Mr Ul-Haq is a retired Police Officer with over 30 years of experience in a variety of policing roles on a local and national level. He is a registered Subject Matter Expert with the National Crime Agency. He is also an independent lead consultant, supporting organisations to improve service delivery, develop leadership and professionalism. Mr Ul-Haq is a member of the Greater Manchester Advisory Committee to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice and an Independent Member of the Parole Board.

Mr Ul-Haq had declared no political activity.

The Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors (ACCO) makes recommendations on conscientious objection claims from Armed Forces personnel where an application to retire or resign a commission or for discharge on the grounds of conscience have not been accepted by service authorities. ACCO is a non-statutory Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.

It was established in 1970, but its history can be traced back to the tribunals set up by the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939. The 1970 arrangements included an agreement that the Lord Chancellor appoints to the public appointee roles on the Committee to ensure that ACCO maintains its independence from the MOD.

It is for this reason that MOJ manages the campaign. As public appointments, the roles are subject to the provisions of the Governance Code on Public Appointments (the Code).

Owned by the Cabinet Office, the Code sets out the principles governing such recruitment and the role of Ministers. Roles covered by the Code are also subject to regulation by the independent Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPA).

May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Colin Allars reappointed as Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 4 May 2025.

The Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, has announced the reappointment of Colin Allars as the Chair to the Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP) for a second term of 3 years. His reappointment will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.

Mr Allars’ original appointment tenure commenced from 1 January 2023 for a 3-year term to run until 31 December 2025.

The Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP) was set up in response to Charlie Taylor’s review of pain-inducing techniques in the youth estate in 2016. The IRRP reviews incidents at youth custody sites when serious injuries or warning signs have been identified, or where a pain inducing technique has been deployed. In addition to the mechanics of restraint, the IRRP can make observations about behaviour management and staff behaviour and leadership. Although the IRRP is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, this reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Collin Allars Biography

Colin Allars has been Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel since 2021. Mr Allars is also the Non-Executive Chair of the Government Facilities Services (GFSL), appointed in 2018. An engineering graduate, Colin has worked in both private and public sectors in a wide range of delivery focused roles. He retired, from full time employment, in May 2021 having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Justice Board; NDPB responsible for oversight of and advice on the youth justice system.

May 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Climate envoy visits Singapore to drive regional climate action [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 May 2025.

The visit by UK Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, will strengthen UK-Singapore partnership and drive regional climate action and investment.

The UK’s Special Representative for Climate, Rachel Kyte, is in Singapore on 6-7 May to strengthen UK-Singapore partnership on climate and clean investment and support greater climate ambition across Southeast Asia.

As part of the two-day visit, Ms Kyte will speak at Ecosperity Week and the GenZero Climate Summit, where she will share lessons from the UK’s decarbonisation journey, engage on opportunities to catalyse investment and technical assistance in green growth across Southeast Asia, and together with partners drive development of carbon markets.

The visit underscores the UK’s renewed commitment to international climate leadership. While here, Ms Kyte will hold meetings with Climate Ambassador Ravi Menon, as well as representatives from GenZero, Temasek, and Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to deepen collaboration on areas such as energy connectivity and carbon markets under the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework (UKSGEF).

Rachel Kyte, the UK’s Special Representative for Climate, said:

Increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, Singapore has become one of the most important hubs for financing clean growth and climate action. From carbon markets to clean tech to building resilience Singapore, like London, is leading the way. Deepening collaboration and, together, encouraging others to join with us in our ambitions for greener growth benefits everyone in our two countries and in the wider region.

I hope that the UK-Singapore partnership can help drive demand for high integrity carbon markets that will support stronger financial flows into nature and support companies to move faster with their transition plans and managing their emissions.

British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nikesh (Nik) Mehta, said:

The UK and Singapore share not just a commitment to addressing climate change, but a recognition that environmental protection and economic ambition go hand in hand. Singapore is a vital strategic partner in our climate diplomacy across Southeast Asia.

Through our UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework, we are pioneering approaches that will spur the green transition across the region, unlocking significant investment and genuine climate benefits.

I’m confident that we will further cement our collaboration and identify exciting new areas for joint action on sustainable finance, carbon markets, and clean energy – areas where our combined expertise can make a real difference to the region’s green transition.

May 6, 2025