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Tag: 2025

  • PRESS RELEASE : Advanced attack drones for Ukraine in new deal struck by UK government and Anduril UK [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Advanced attack drones for Ukraine in new deal struck by UK government and Anduril UK [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 March 2025.

    Ukraine’s armed forces will be backed by more advanced attack drones to tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea, following a deal struck by the UK government and an Anglo-American defence tech company.

    • The deal with Anduril UK has been agreed ahead of the Defence Secretary’s meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon today.
    • During his visit to Washington D.C., John Healey MP met with staff at Anduril’s facility.
    • The UK continues to work with allies to put Ukraine in the strongest position for peace as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP visited Anduril, the firm supplying the drones, in Washington D.C. ahead of a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon today.

    The deal follows a meeting of world leaders in London last week, when the Prime Minister and allies agreed it was essential that military support continues for Ukraine to put the country in the strongest possible position for peace as it continues to defend itself from Russian aggression.

    The new contracts, totalling nearly £30 million and backed by the International Fund for Ukraine, will result in Anduril UK supplying cutting-edge Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones – known as loitering munitions – that are designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it.

    The Defence Secretary visited Anduril yesterday, where he spoke with a number of American and British staff. Founded in California, Anduril continues to invest significantly in the UK with a large footprint across the country and plans to rapidly scale, in line with the Government’s commitment to keeping the nation safe while providing highly skilled jobs.

    Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies set to top the agenda when the Defence Secretary meets with his US counterpart today.

    The visit follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting the US President last week, and John Healey MP will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK’s special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally – as both nations continue to collaborate to bolster security and support economic growth.

    The meeting follows the recent decision by the UK Government to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 – the biggest sustained uplift since the Cold War. National security is a foundation of our Plan for Change, and the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have said that Europe needs to take a greater responsibility for its security, and that defence can be an engine for economic growth.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    We are determined to achieve a secure, lasting peace in Ukraine, which means putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to prevent any return to Russian aggression.

    The UK has already provided more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, which have proved vital in disrupting Russian troop advances and targeting positions behind the frontline.

    With a £2.26 billion loan from seized Russian assets, plus £1.6 billion worth of air defence missiles announced for Ukraine in the last week, the UK is continuing to show leadership in securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.

    The work with Anduril UK been led by Defence Equipment & Support – the procurement arm of the MOD – on behalf of the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). The fund now stands at more than £1.3 billion worth of pledges from 10 other countries, of which the UK has contributed £500 million.

    Ukraine’s armed forces will take delivery of the drones, launchers and spare parts over the coming months.

    Dr Rich Drake, MD of Anduril UK and Europe said:

    Anduril UK is proud to partner with the UK Government, working hand in glove to deliver vital capabilities for the UK and its Allies. Our focus on developing and deploying technology where and when it’s needed is at the core of everything we do – from the rapid delivery of Altius to Ukraine to the expansion of our presence here in the UK. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of Defence to protect our nation and our allies.

    In January, it was announced that 30,000 drones will be sent to Ukraine by the international Drone Capability Coalition, co-led by the UK and Latvia.

    Since July 2024, the Government has provided over £5.26 billion in military aid and financial support to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for military spending.

    The British and US Armed Forces operate in close alignment around the world, from the long-standing global coalition to combat Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security patrols in the Indo-Pacific.

    The Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington D.C. comes as the UK receives the last of an order of 50 of the latest generation AH-64E attack helicopters for the British Army, the most advanced attack helicopter in the world. The helicopter was handed over this week at the Boeing site in Arizona under a programme that supports more than 300 UK jobs, helping to grow the UK economy – underscoring defence as an engine for driving economic growth.

    The visit also comes at the conclusion of the 50th occurrence of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a joint exercise with the UK, United States and Australia. The training is designed to test equally matched air forces in a realistic combat scenario and involves more than 3,000 military personnel in high-intensity training, such as dogfighting, air-policing and practicing bombing runs, at Nellis Air Force Base.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tough controls considered to regulate private prosecutors [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tough controls considered to regulate private prosecutors [March 2025]

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

    Private prosecutors face greater transparency and accountability over unregulated or unlawful activity following a consultation to overhaul the current system.

    • Consultation launched today (6 March) on reforming private prosecutions and Single Justice Procedure
    • Options include a mandatory code of practice, inspections and requirement to consider mitigating circumstances
    • Announcement follows systematic failures, including the Post Office Horizon scandal and builds on the Government’s pledge to restore confidence in the criminal justice system through its Plan for Change

    Private prosecutions allow people to pursue justice where state prosecutors cannot, or choose not, to prosecute. However, the improper actions of some organisations have resulted in serious and often life-changing miscarriages of justice. Examples include the Post Office Horizon scandal, which saw failings in the prosecutorial practices leading to hundreds of innocent postmasters being wrongfully convicted.

    Thousands of people have also been handed criminal convictions for legitimate mistakes such as unpaid bills and purchasing the wrong train ticket. This includes situations where there have been strong personal mitigating factors, meaning the cases were not pursued in the public interest.

    The government is calling for views on reforms which will enable better oversight and regulation of these prosecutors to prevent such failures in the future. This builds on the government’s broader efforts to restore public confidence in policing and in the criminal justice system through its Plan for Change.

    Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood, said:

    Recent catastrophic failures in private prosecutions have highlighted that our current system is open to abuse. That cannot be allowed to continue.

    We will listen carefully to the feedback from this consultation and develop stronger safeguards for the public to restore confidence in our justice system.

    Following proposals made by the Justice Select Committee, the consultation aims to set consistent standards and ensure accountability to improve the behaviour and practice of prosecutors.

    Consultation proposals include the introduction of a mandatory code of practice, establishing an inspection regime, and putting in place a system of accreditation for private prosecutors.
    To make these prosecutions more transparent, measures could also include a requirement for organisations and agencies to register with His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) before bringing a private prosecution, and to publish data on their prosecutions.

    The consultation will also look at how the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) can be improved to ensure all cases brought are in the public interest. Suggested changes include requirements for SJP prosecutors to engage with defendants to assess their vulnerability, and to consider their personal and mitigating circumstances before pursuing a prosecution that might lead to a criminal record.

    Justice Minister, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    Fairness and transparency are at the heart of our justice system. However, certain organisations have been allowed to bring life-changing and unjust prosecutions affecting thousands of people, without robust checks and balances.

    It is time to hold prosecutors to account and provide oversight which protects ordinary people. We will ensure that prosecutions are always fair and in the public interest.

    The consultation’s proposals will apply to all private and non-criminal justice agency prosecutors. This includes state-run agencies such as the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency and TV Licensing, as well as companies and private organisations such as Northern Rail.

    Further information

    • The consultation will close on 8th May.
    • Private prosecutors, as defined in the consultation, excludes those categorised as ‘criminal justice agencies’ – the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), police (including British Transport Police), and the National Crime Agency (NCA). For the purposes of this consultation, all other organisations are referred to as ‘private prosecutors’. This includes public agencies that bring prosecutions as well as private or third sector bodies.
    • Individuals who bring private prosecutions on their own behalf are not within the scope of the proposals discussed in the consultation.
    • SJP sees a single magistrate, supported by a legally qualified adviser, try adult summary-only cases, and is important for a streamlined legal process and swift justice.
    • The Office for Rail and Road is conducting a separate independent review of train operators’ revenue protection enforcement practices, including the use of prosecutions. This will report back in May and will support the consultation announced today.

    The Government is consulting on the following policy options:

    • The introduction of a mandatory code of practice for private prosecutors, including requirements for private prosecutors to maintain separation of investigatory and prosecutorial functions, and a requirement to fully consider whether prosecutions are in the public interest.
    • The introduction of mandatory inspections of private prosecutors.
    • The introduction of a system of accreditation for private prosecutors.
    • The introduction of additional requirements for prosecutors using the Single Justice Procedure to engage with the defendant and assess their vulnerability before commencing a prosecution.
    • The introduction of a requirement for all mitigation provided to the court to be sent to prosecutors before the case is decided by a magistrate.
    • The introduction of a requirement for private prosecutors to register with His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service when the number of prosecutions they bring per annum reaches a specified threshold
    • The introduction of a requirement for private prosecutors who bring a specified number of prosecutions per annum to publish their own data on these prosecutions.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders [March 2025]

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

    UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. Delivered at the 58th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr President.

    The United Kingdom welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report and her ongoing work on what is a high priority mandate for the UK. We thank her for drawing attention to the work of human rights defenders in isolated, remote and rural contexts.

    We recognise the additional risks that these brave defenders face and deplore the exploitation of their geographical location to threaten and attack them.

    Human rights defenders make crucial contributions to human rights, sustainable development and the rule of law. We call on all States to provide a safe, accessible and supportive environment for individuals and organisations carrying out this work.

    At a practical level the UK continues to support human rights defenders and their work through our diplomatic network who regularly meet with them. We monitor cases and raise issues both directly with governments, as well as through multilateral organisations and bodies.

    Special Rapporteur,

    We would like to ask what further practical steps can States take to develop protection mechanisms for human rights defenders working in isolated, remote and rural contexts?

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK supports effective media relations for parliamentary officials [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK supports effective media relations for parliamentary officials [March 2025]

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

    A one-day training to equip parliamentary officials in Solomon Islands on effective media relations concluded last month.

    The objective of the training was to equip parliamentary officers with plans for effective media relations, enabling them to communicate clearly and accurately with the media on the activities of parliament.

    The focused workshop would also help parliament officials sharpen their skills in media handling, ensuring professional, clear and timely communication with the public and media.

    British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Robert Turner said:

    A vibrant media is a sign of a healthy society – a society that is at ease with itself; that can investigate and report on all kinds of stories; one that can both challenge and reflect on matters in the political arena. “The press is there to serve the governed, not the governors.” – the words of the US senator Hugo Black some 50 years ago. He was right.

    Our job in this workshop is to equip and prepare you as Parliamentary officials to be able to flourish in such an environment – to manage the flow of information and sharpen your skills in interacting with the media and ultimately with the public.

    Clerk to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Jefferson Hallu said:

    Parliamentary activities are of public interest, and it is appropriate that people know what the government is doing or decide in their interest.

    Supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and BBC Media Action programmes in Solomon Islands, the workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis conducted in 2023 when WFD began its work in the country.

    WFD Country Director for Solomon Islands, Vatina Devesi said:

    The workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis we conducted back in 2023 which identified gaps in our system, one of which is misinformation and disinformation. However, WFD is not here to recommend any system or practices for Solomon Islands but takes a participant-based approach in working with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands who is taking the lead in implementing activities.

    Westminster Foundation for Democracy is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. BBC Media Action on the other hand is the BBC’s international charity that use media and communication to help deliver stronger democracies, a safer, more habitable planet and inclusive societies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New era of rail accountability for passengers as performance data goes live at stations [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New era of rail accountability for passengers as performance data goes live at stations [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 March 2025.

    Display screens at stations will help rebuild trust with passengers as we tackle root causes of rail delays and cancellations.

    • data showing the punctuality of trains at individual stations across England available for the first time ever
    • statistics covering over 1,700 stations also show reliability of services
    • fulfils a commitment to transparency and to hold operators to account, improving connectivity and supporting growth as part of the Plan for Change

    Passengers across England can now see how reliable their local train services are, as performance data goes live at over 1,700 stations from today (6 March 2025).

    The data, broken down by operator, shows the percentage of trains cancelled and how punctual trains are at each station, marking the first time that station-level data has been available in the history of the railway. It is now live at major stations through digital screens, where possible, and at most smaller stations, passengers will be able to scan a QR code to see the data online.

    This fulfils a commitment made by the department to be fully transparent with passengers, demonstrating how the railways are working and allowing the public to hold train operators to account as we bring services into public ownership.

    As well as delivering more reliable, better-quality services, these reforms will catalyse economic growth through improved connectivity, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. By holding operators to account, they will be encouraged to drive up efficiency and productivity – providing better value for money for passengers and driving forward the government’s growth mission by delivering better connectivity.

    The government is determined to drive up performance, and the Rail Minister is meeting with all train operators to address concerns and demand immediate action. In response, the industry has set out a framework with clear areas of focus, including timetable resilience and staffing, to recover performance to acceptable levels.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, will visit Reading station today to mark the launch of the displays.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

    Today marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability.

    These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.

    Through fundamental rail reform, we’re sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Each station’s data can also be found on the ORR’s new data portal, which contains punctuality and reliability information for all stations in Great Britain. The online data is also screen reader compatible for those with accessibility needs.

    The screens also display a short commentary on work underway by the operators and Network Rail to improve performance, informing and assuring passengers of the ongoing work across their area to improve the reliability and efficiency of services.

    Jacqueline Starr, Chair and Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group, said:

    We know how frustrating it is for customers when their train is cancelled or delayed. By being transparent with this data and the positive actions we’re taking, it shows how serious the industry is in putting this right by continuing to strive for improvements.

    This sends a clear message to customers the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable.

    Natasha Grice, Director at the independent watchdog, Transport Focus, said:

    Passengers tell us they want a reliable, on-time train service and will welcome improvements to information about the punctuality of their service and cancellations being shared more transparently. It’s important that the industry uses this information to drive up performance.

    This forms part of a wider overhaul of the railways, which will establish Great British Railways (GBR) as a new body to bring track and train together, to end years of fragmentation and waste. GBR will relentlessly focus on driving up standards for passengers and proposals for how it will run, including plans for a powerful new passenger standards watchdog, are currently under consultation.

    Separately, the landmark Public Ownership Act will improve services and save taxpayers up to £150 million a year that was previously given to private shareholders, with the first services being brought in as soon as May 2025.

    The government will deliver change that can be felt, driving growth across the country by ensuring passengers can use the railways to get to work, school, appointments and see friends and family with ease.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Vacant shops to be filled as high streets revitalised [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Vacant shops to be filled as high streets revitalised [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 6 March 2025.

    More vacant shops and other commercial premises will be transformed as councils use new powers to revitalise high streets across the country.

    • Eight more councils to breathe life back into high streets by signing up to tackle scourge of vacant shops
    • High Street Rental Auctions let councils auction off leases for empty commercial properties
    • Bringing businesses back to high streets and driving growth across country as part of Plan for Change milestone to kickstart local economic growth

    More vacant shops and other commercial premises will be transformed as councils use new powers to revitalise high streets across the country, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change growth mission and supporting local communities.

    Eight more local authorities have committed to implement High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers as the latest wave of Early Adopters, setting an example for other councils.

    These are Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, Camden London Borough Council, Hillingdon London Borough Council, Lichfield District Council, North Northamptonshire Council, North Somerset Council and Westminster City Council.

    High Street Rental Auctions, introduced at the end of last year, give local councils the power to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country.

    This brings the total number of councils trailing the scheme to 11 – with Bassetlaw, Darlington and Mansfield councils becoming Early Adopters in November.

    Minister of State for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris said:

    “We’re bringing shops and shoppers back to the high street, boosting trade, creating jobs, supporting our communities and driving local growth through our game changing High Street Rental Auction rollout.

    “I am delighted that eight more councils have become Early Adopters of these new powers, acting as leading lights for other local authorities.

    “We are committed to growing the economy and improving opportunities for people across the country through our Plan for Change, and thriving high streets have a key role to play.”

    Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    “We promised to lift the shutters on the country’s high streets and that’s exactly what’s happening across these local authorities today.

    “We know that small businesses are the drivers of our economy, which is why we’re working hard to boost exports and tackle late payments, and HRSAs are another crucial tool to support SMEs, increase jobs and go for growth.”

    HSRAs allow councils to put properties up for auction that have been empty for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, for a one-to-five year lease, reinvigorating town centres and giving local businesses the backing they need to thrive.

    Over £1 million of funding has been provided to support the rollout of HSRAs and the government looks forward to more councils delivering with the powers.

    It forms part of the government’s wider commitment to support high streets and small businesses, in line with its work to drive economic growth in all parts of the country and break down barriers to opportunity.

    Supporting small businesses is at the heart of this government’s growth mission, and plans are underway to unleash the potential of small businesses all around the country. A new  Small Business Strategy will be published later this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New UK–Japan Economic Partnership to propel growth [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New UK–Japan Economic Partnership to propel growth [March 2025]

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

    Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan for the Economic 2+2, a new way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy.

    • huge Japanese market to be further unlocked through new partnership between UK and Japan as Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Business and Trade visit to the world’s 4th largest economy
    • Japan already invests £86 billion in the UK economy; a business delegation travelling alongside the ministers will drive more investment and opportunities for British companies in Japan
    • UK and Japanese defence industrial cooperation will deliver jobs for Brits and security across the Indo-Pacific – building our defence capability and our economy

    A new partnership between the UK and Japan will unlock further growth for British business – advancing a relationship worth £27 billion annually and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.

    It comes as the Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan today (6 March 2025), for the Economic 2+2, a new strategic way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy. The visit is part of the government delivering its Plan for Change to boost growth, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Economic growth and future prosperity depend upon strong security foundations, a reliable trading system, resilient supply-chains, energy security, and an economy resilient to shocks.

    Japan’s decision to enter into an Economic 2+2 with the UK, a dialogue that they only currently have with the US, demonstrates that Japan and other major world economies view the UK as an important partner for driving long-term sustainable growth and security.

    UK-Japan joint defence industrial projects are driving jobs across the UK while providing new defence capabilities and protecting British security interests in the Indo-Pacific.

    This is delivered through programmes like GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), the UK, Japan and Italy’s joint future fighter jet programme. The programme currently employs more than 3,500 people, including engineers and programmers, across the UK, and British workers are building jets that will protect British security interests and international trade, whilst boosting jobs in the UK.

    The 2+2 will encourage future opportunities to collaborate on growth and defence. The Foreign Secretary will see the impact these programmes are having first hand during a visit to Japan’s Ministry of Defence and meetings with UK companies actively engaged in GCAP.

    This further builds on the Prime Minister’s announcement that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027. Investments in defence like GCAP will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive and increase jobs, supporting the government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.

    In 2023 to 2024, defence spending by the UK government supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    This government is boosting growth to the UK by taking our relationships with major economies like Japan to new heights. It’s fantastic to arrive in Tokyo with a business delegation as we start a first of its kind economic dialogue.

    The UK and Japan’s interests have never been more closely aligned. From our shared understanding of the indivisibility of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, to our desire to grow more together as we embrace the opportunities of new technologies like AI.

    By working more closely with Japan, we will give UK firms more business, put money in people’s pockets and help deliver our Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I’m looking forward to having the chance to discuss how the UK and Japan can strengthen the many economic ties that bind our 2 countries together as we deliver on our Plan for Change.

    The UK and Japan share a proud, historic trading relationship that has only deepened in recent years, opening up new opportunities for businesses in both of our countries, and with our upcoming industrial strategy we will find even more common ground.

    The Economic 2+2 will strengthen UK and Japan cooperation in a range of areas– such as continued commitment to a fair-trading system, joint research into the technologies of the future and mutual investment to support growth, innovation and jobs in the defence industry.

    The joint visit will also move forward work with Japan on our modern, ambitious industrial strategy. Japan is an incredibly important investment partner, with 1,000 Japanese companies supporting 160,000 jobs in the UK.

    The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) combined with the new economic partnership announced today will strengthen that relationship even further.

    A business delegation, representing the key high growth sectors of the future, will travel alongside the ministers to see first-hand the opportunities for growth and development UK-Japanese collaboration will bring.

    The Foreign Secretary and Business and Trade Secretary’s discussions with Japan will give UK businesses access to Japanese industry and further open up trade. Japan is a manufacturing powerhouse – ranking third globally in terms of value added to the manufacturing industry.

    Chief Economist at the CBI – member of the travelling business delegation – Louise Hellem said:

    Cooperation with like-minded partners like Japan will be critical to achieving the government’s Growth Mission.

    As a significant and growing trading partner, Japan’s economy offers unique opportunities for UK firms looking to expand and internationalise. This delegation is an important next step in our relationship, enabling both governments to explore deeper collaboration across topics like digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.

    As the voice of business, the CBI will continue to work closely with our Japanese sister federation – Keidanren – in the B7, B20 and bilaterally to promote a strong and mutually beneficial UK-Japan relationship.

    In Tokyo the Foreign Secretary and Business and Trade Secretary will host an AI business reception to promote the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and discuss with Japanese AI leaders the scope for new growth opportunities between British and Japanese AI.

    During the visit, the Business and Trade Secretary will announce plans to develop a new industrial strategy partnership – the first of its kind for Britain, as well as sign a UK-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation on Offshore Wind as the UK races ahead to net zero. He will meet with global automotive manufacturers Nissan and Toyota, and with CPTPP Minister Akazawa – their first meeting since the UK’s accession to the trade group last year.

    While in Tokyo Reynolds will also tour some iconic UK exporters, visiting major brands including Warhammer, Brompton and Burberry. UK exports to Japan totalled £14.7 billion in the 12 months to September 2024 – an increase of 5% from the previous year.

    The Foreign Secretary will travel onto the Philippines, where he will drive forward cooperation with one of our key security partners in the region. Growth and security go hand in hand – a third of global maritime passes through the South China Sea – and so the Filipinos’ work to stand up for freedom of navigation and international law in the region is vital to ensure these trade routes remain safe and secure.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government bolsters employment support to unlock work for sick and disabled people [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government bolsters employment support to unlock work for sick and disabled people [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 March 2025.

    Work will be unlocked for thousands of sick and disabled people through new measures that will bolster the support offered in Jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced today [Thursday 06 March].

    • New plans to improve employment support brought forward ahead of wider reform package to fix broken welfare system.
    • 1,000 work coaches deployed to deliver intensive employment support to sick and disabled people as part of the government’s Plan for Change which will break down barriers to opportunity.
    • It comes as a new survey reveals scale of the broken system with nearly half of disabled people and those with a health condition saying they don’t trust DWP to support them.

    The plans will see 1,000 existing Work Coaches deployed in 2025/26 to deliver intensive voluntary support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people – helping them to break down barriers to opportunity, drive growth and unlock the benefits of work.

    This intensive support for people on health-related benefits – including those furthest away from work – will see Work Coaches providing tailored and personalised employment support, and help claimants access other support such as writing CVs and interview techniques. They will also access a range of DWP employment programmes to help claimants unlock work based on conversations with their Work Coaches.

    The additional help will be delivered by reprioritising work coach time so they can focus on tackling economic inactivity in order to make the welfare system more sustainable. The 1,000 redeployed Work Coaches are a “downpayment” on wide-ranging plans to overhaul employment support, which are set to be unveiled in just a few weeks’ time.

    It is part of the Government’s Plan for Change – which will boost living standards and grow the economy by unlocking work for the 2.8 million people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness – the highest in the G7 – and bring down spending on incapacity benefits which is expected to reach £70 billion by the end of this parliament.

    It comes as new survey results show the current system isn’t just failing the taxpayer, it’s also failing the people it’s meant to help, with 44% of disabled people and people with a health condition believing DWP does not provide enough support to people who are out of work due to disability, ill health, or a long-term health condition.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said:

    We inherited a broken welfare system that is failing sick and disabled people, is bad for the taxpayer, and holding the economy back.

    For too long, sick and disabled people have been told they can’t work, denied support, and locked out of jobs, with all the benefits that good work brings.

    But many sick and disabled people want and can work, with the right support. And we know that good work is good for people – for their living standards, for their mental and physical health, and for their ability to live independently.

    We’re determined to fix the broken benefits system as part of our Plan for Change by reforming the welfare system and delivering proper support to help people get into work and get on at work, so we can get Britain working and deliver our ambition of an 80% employment rate.

    The data from the DWP Perceptions Survey – soon to be published in full – also shows:

    • 35% of disabled people and people with a health condition believe DWP does not provide enough support to people of working age who are out of work, to help them get back into work.
    • 44% of disabled people and people with a health condition don’t trust the DWP to help people reach their full career potential.
    • Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) disabled people and people with a health condition do not trust DWP to take its customers’ needs into account in how it provides services.

    These figures follow recently released data which shows that there are over three million people on Universal Credit with no obligation to engage in work-related activity, despite over a quarter (27%) of health and disability benefit claimants believing that work could be possible in the future if their health improves and 200,000 saying they would be ready to work now.

    Data also shows the number of working-age people on Universal Credit with no work-related requirements has risen to 3.1 million, reflecting the alarming rate at which young and working aged people are increasingly falling out of work and claiming incapacity benefits.

    Behind each of these statistics is a person with hopes and ambitions, who can provide businesses with much-needed skills and experience, helping to grow our economy.

    To give people the support they deserve, and restore trust and fairness to our welfare system, reforms to the welfare system are expected to be announced in just a few weeks.

    These reforms will recognise that some people will be unable to work at points in their life and ensure they are provided with support while transforming the broken benefits system that:

    • Asks people to demonstrate their incapacity to work to access higher benefits, which also then means they fear taking steps to get into work.
    • Is built around a fixed “can versus can’t work” divide that does not reflect the variety of jobs, the reality of fluctuating health conditions, or the potential for people to expand what they can do, with the right support.
    • Directs disabled people or those with a work-limiting health condition to a queue for an assessment, followed by no contact, no expectations, and no support if the state labels them as “unable” to work.
    • Fails to intervene early to prevent people falling out of work and misses opportunities to support a return to work.
    • Pushes people towards economic inactivity due to the stark and binary divide between benefits rates and conditionality rules for jobseekers compared to those left behind on the health element of Universal Credit.
    • Has become defined by poor experiences and low trust among many people who use it, particularly on the assessment process.

    The government’s plans to fix the broken benefit system will build on the biggest employment reforms in a generation announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, which will empower mayors to drive down economic inactivity, deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, and overhaul jobcentres across the country.

    Former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield is leading an independent review investigating how government and employers can work together to help disabled people and those with ill health who may be at risk of falling out work stay on in employment, with the findings of the discovery phase expected in the spring.

    The government is also investing an additional £26 billion to cut NHS waiting lists and get Britain back to health and back to work.

    The government has already delivered on its pledge, providing two million extra appointments in five months and as a result, around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.

    Teams of clinicians will also introduce new ways of working at 20 hospital sites in areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity to help patients return to the workforce faster. This is alongside the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health workers to ensure mental health is given the same attention as physical health.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges to protect more women from violence [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges to protect more women from violence [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 March 2025.

    This International Women’s Day, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

    This International Women’s Day, as statistics show that a woman is killed on average every 3 days in the UK, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

    For the past 10 years, Jess Phillips has read the names of women suspected of being killed by men on International Women’s Day, provided by the Femicide Census. But today she read out the names for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office Minister, and reiterated that ensuring our streets and homes are safer for women is now a top government priority.

    This comes as the data shows that 1 in 5 homicides are domestic homicides and that over the last decade there were:

    • 898 female victims of domestic homicides
    • of these, 698 victims (78%) were killed by a partner or ex-partner
    • and over 9 in 10 female homicide victims were killed by a man (92%)

    These are numbers that the government has committed to change.

    Following the toxic influence we have seen on and offline from misogynistic figures, Minister Phillips also pledged that the government’s milestone violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy, expected to be published in the summer, will include actions specifically addressing the root causes of abuse – including underlying behaviours held by some men and boys.

    Under the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, the government has already set out a number of initiatives to tackle these appalling numbers and the scourge of abuse suffered by women and girls in this country.

    Work is already under way to improve the policing and criminal justice system response, relentlessly pursue dangerous perpetrators and provide enhanced support for victims, and includes:

    • a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG: to deliver transformational change and ensure efforts remain coordinated and effective, we are spearheading a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG through the Safer Streets Mission Board
    • Raneem’s Law: last month, domestic abuse specialists were embedded in 999 control rooms in the first five police forces under ‘Raneem’s Law’, to help improve the police response to domestic abuse – these specialists are advising on risk assessments, working with officers on the ground and ensuring that victims are referred to appropriate support services swiftly
    • measures to tackle spiking: in November, the Prime Minister announced a raft of measures to tackle spiking including a new criminal offence for spiking and new spiking training for up to 10,000 staff in the night-time economy to ensure they have the skills to support victims and prevent incidents
    • new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: in November, we launched these orders in select police forces and courts and in the short time since they have launched, we have seen them being used to protect victims, including those experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour – we are going even further and onboarding an additional two sites over the next two months
    • measures to protect stalking victims: in December, we announced a package of new measures to protect victims of stalking, including helping ensure victims have the right to know the identity of online stalkers and widening the use of Stalking Protection Orders which can ban stalkers from going within a certain distance of victims or force them to attend behaviour programmes

    Today, the Home Office lit up in the colours of green, purple and white to mark International Women’s Day across four estates in the UK in a symbol of how crucial this priority is for Keir Starmer’s government.

    For the first time, each of the 95 women’s names provided by the Femicide Census were displayed in the Home Office’s headquarters in London for staff to view.

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

    Today, for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office minister, I have performed the heavy task of reading out the names of women suspected of being killed by a man over the last year, provided by the Femicide Census. The statistics show that a woman is killed in the UK on average every 3 days – a number that is unacceptably high.

    Each had more of their life to live and was unfairly torn away from their loved ones, and each deserves to be recognised.

    The government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade is not an abstract goal – it is a top priority. From embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to launching new domestic abuse protection orders, we are taking action. But the names on today’s list remind us we must do more, and we must do it faster.

    Julie Devey, Killed Women Trustee, said:

    Each and every year too many women are murdered by violent men. That has to stop and we welcome the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade and the action it is taking to stem this devastating tide.

    The reading out of the names of killed women has become a sombre but important tradition – and we are pleased to see that duty move to the government front benches where it belongs. We know ministers are focussed on protecting the women we are here to fight for, and delivering justice for those whose loved ones have been cruelly snatched away.

    But this must be just the beginning – we hope government will deliver urgent action to address hidden homicides so that the lives of all women are recognised in the future. We look forward to working with ministers as they work to deliver justice.

  • PRESS RELEASE : NHS patients receive first home-grown blood plasma treatments [March 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : NHS patients receive first home-grown blood plasma treatments [March 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 March 2025.

    The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life-saving plasma from the blood of UK donors.

    • Treatments will help save 17,000 NHS patients’ lives every year
    • Move will deliver government’s Plan for Change by building domestic medical supply chains, reducing reliance on imports and with savings between £5 million to £10 million a year

    The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life-saving plasma from the blood of UK donors, thanks to a partnership between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and NHS England.

    Since a longstanding ban on UK plasma was lifted in 2021, the UK has been building its own supply of plasma medicines amid a global shortage. This will reduce reliance on imports, saving the NHS between £5 million and £10 million per year and strengthening the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences under the government’s Plan for Change.

    Around 17,000 NHS patients with immune deficiencies and rare diseases rely on vital human-donated plasma to save or improve their lives. It is also used in emergency medicine for childbirth and trauma care.

    Health Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said:

    This is a significant milestone for the NHS as we take a step towards UK self-sufficiency in these vital medicines.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are improving access to life-saving treatments for thousands of NHS patients and strengthening healthcare security.

    By sourcing our own medicine, we are building a more resilient and domestic medical supply chain and boosting economic growth.

    Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said:

    This landmark moment ensures patients relying on crucial plasma-derived medicines will always have access to the treatment they need.

    Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products, owned from start to finish by the UK, will reduce our reliance on imported stock and boost the fortitude of hospital supplies.

    Thousands of people with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiencies and neurological conditions rely on these products, and strengthening the supply chain of plasma-derived treatments through UK donations will help NHS clinicians ensure these vital medicines are available for all who need them.

    Jill Jones made history by becoming the first patient to be given UK-sourced plasma at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has received treatments every 3 weeks following a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 20 years ago, and described the infusions as “life-changing”.

    The initiative will also build UK capacity in the global plasma medicines industry, which was valued at over $30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2027. It will help establish the NHS as an engine of economic growth to drive investment in public services and raise living standards for everyone.

    NHSBT has collected 250,000 litres of plasma from donors in England since 2021. From this, 2 vital medicines are being produced: immunoglobulins, which treat autoimmune conditions, and albumin, which is essential for surgery and treating liver conditions.

    The NHS plans to reach 25% self-sufficiency in immunoglobulin by the end of 2025, rising to 30 to 35% in 2031, and 80% self-sufficiency in albumin by next year.

    Global medical supply issues worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2024, a national patient safety alert was issued due to critically low blood stocks, demonstrating the importance of building self-sufficiency in the UK.

    Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

    Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving life-saving medicines made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation.

    Plasma makes up 55% of our blood and contains antibodies which strengthen or stabilise the immune system. It is used to save lives during childbirth and trauma and is used to treat thousands of patients with life-limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies.

    These lifesaving medicines can only be made from our blood. We need more donors to help save more lives. Please go to Give Blood to become a donor.

    Jill Jones from Oxford, the first patient to receive UK-sourced plasma medicine, said:

    Coming to the immunology ward is like catching up with friends. The staff are delightful and you get to know staff and patients really well. You have a cup of coffee and chat. Today I was talking about knitting and kittens as I was being transfused!

    Infusions have been life-changing for me in keeping me well. Before I started on them, I was regularly in hospital with infections – which just doesn’t happen now. It’s made a huge and positive difference to my life and my family’s life.

    I felt really privileged today to be the first patient in the UK to be receiving immunoglobin that was made from UK plasma for the first time in a very long time.

    Previously, the NHS relied solely on imported plasma medicines due to a long-standing ban on using UK plasma.

    The ban was introduced in 1998 as a precautionary measure against Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (vCJD), linked to mad cow disease.

    In 2021 following rigorous scientific reviews, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed that plasma from UK donors is safe, supported by robust safety measures.

    Decades of rigorous research showed no confirmed cases of vCJD transmission through plasma-derived medicines.

    Plasma comes from blood donations. The plasma in blood contains antibodies that strengthen or stabilise the immune system. The antibodies are separated out and made into immunoglobin medicines that treat people with life-limiting conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, as well as severe burns.

    Where to donate

    Donors can book an appointment at a dedicated plasma donor centre in Birmingham, Reading or Twickenham.

    Blood donations can be given at one of 27 donor centres across the country. Visit Give Blood to find out how you can become a donor today.

    Background information

    First UK-sourced plasma medicines will come from English donations, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow.

    Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries vital proteins, antibodies and clotting factors. It is essential for creating plasma-derived medicines, which treat life-threatening conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders and severe burns. Plasma donation saves thousands of lives each year and is a critical part of modern healthcare.

    Two types of medicines are being made – immunoglobulins (used to treat autoimmune conditions and weak immune systems) and albumin (used in surgery and to treat burns and liver conditions). This puts the NHS on track to supply 25% of its immunoglobulin needs by the end of 2025, with plans to increase this to 30 to 35% by 2031 and 80% of albumin by next year.

    In 1998, the UK imposed a ban on using domestically collected plasma for fractionation, the process of separating plasma into its components. This followed concerns about a potentially increased risk of plasma recipients acquiring the brain disease variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) due to UK plasma donors being exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, sometimes referred as mad cow disease) prions from infected cattle.

    As a result, the UK relied solely on plasma imports, primarily from the United States which increased dependence on international supply chains for plasma-derived medicines.

    Rising demand for plasma globally placed additional pressure on supply.

    In February 2021, the UK government lifted the ban on using UK-donated plasma for fractionation. This decision followed scientific reviews confirming the safety of plasma collection and manufacturing processes.

    Advanced donor screening, pathogen testing and fractionation techniques now ensure the highest safety standards.