Tag: 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Thames river rage drama ends with huge fine [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 February 2025.

Boat-owner that caused Kingston Regatta incident charged more than £4,000. Video evidence shows disgraceful behaviour on the water.

An appalling incident of river rage on the River Thames at Kingston-upon-Thames in July 2024 has ended with £4,334.54 in fines, compensation and costs at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025.

Navigated boat dangerously

The perpetrator had navigated his boat dangerously and used abusive language at other river users. He was also found guilty of obstructing a boat race and interfering with the safety of persons gathered, failing to comply with a harbour master’s notice, and failing to register his boat for use on the Thames.

Scott Keen, of Morden, Surrey, steered his boat, Barney McGrew, along the Thames into a closed area of the river being used for Kingston Amateur Regatta, an event established in 1852, narrowly avoiding colliding with and swamping rowers.

Foul-mouth tirade

The court heard how Keen was advised by an umpire that the river ahead was closed and he should return to a navigation channel. He ignored the request and continued past the umpire, cutting across the racing line and narrowly missing one of the boats, which had to take last-minute evasive action to avoid a collision. His cruiser than caught the anchor rope of a race stake boat, before he stopped and launched a foul-mouthed tirade against participants, yelling that ‘they did not own the (expletive) water.’

His actions and the way he navigated his vessel endangered the safety of those present at the Regatta, included young scullers in rowing boats. An eyewitness captured the full extent of the drama on a mobile phone.

Environment Agency officers carried out a detailed investigation into the incident and discovered that Barney McGrew was also an unregistered vessel. Keen was invited to a voluntary interview but failed to attend. A summons was subsequently issued for his appearance at Staines magistrates’ court on 28 January 2025. Again, he failed to attend.

Incident ‘was a disgrace’

Maria Herlihy, operations manager at the Environment Agency and harbour master of the Thames, said:

“This incident was a disgrace. Keen showed no regard for the safety of other river users and could easily have caused a tragedy. Quite frankly, it was no surprise to discover that his boat was unregistered, and we are happy with the court result.

“We hope that this serves as a clear warning to all – anti-social and dangerous behaviour on our rivers will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action to deal with those who disregard the rules and regulations for boating on the River Thames.”

The magistrates fined Keen the maximum penalty of £1,000 for interfering with the boat race and navigating his boat without due care and attention. The court explained that it used its discretion to go outside the sentencing guidelines to deal with the matter robustly.

The court heard the incident was shocking in its totality, with clear criminality that endangered the safety of other people, including the young people involved in the regatta.

The court also complimented the Environment Agency’s investigation, and the evidence submitted.

Also charged in court, on the same day, for separate and unrelated incidents was Paul Campbell of West Molesey, who was found guilty in his absence of having not registered his boat, Enigma, for 2024 and failing to comply with directions to move his vessel from its location at West Molesey riverbank. He received a total of £2024.24 in fines, compensation and costs to be paid within 28 days.

Ms Herlihy added:

“As these prosecutions show, we have no hesitation in bringing offenders to court who avoid their obligations and responsibilities to lawful river users. Just one day in court has resulted in more than £6,000 of fines and compensation, which should serve as a major deterrent.”

Last year’s crackdown on unregistered vessels in the Thames resulted in 40 boaters having to pay a combined total of over £55,000 for their offences.

Renewal invitation letters for 2025 registrations on the River Thames were sent in November last year to everyone that registered their boat in 2024, and owners were encouraged to register early to ensure their boats were compliant by 1 January when the new season began.

The Environment Agency’s approach to non-registration on the Thames has changed – boat owners are given ample opportunity to register their boat. However, once a summons has been issued, it won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner subsequently pays their registration fee.

Similar to excise duty for road vehicles, boat registration fees allow the Environment Agency to manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England, keeping them open and safe for thousands of boaters to enjoy.

Boats can be registered by calling 03708 506 506 or going to River Thames: boat registration and application forms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Ends
- Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames.
- Boat registration on the Thames starts on 1 January every year. Any boats found on the water after that date, without having registered, may be liable to a fine.
- In mid-September 2024, during a river-wide census, Environment Agency officers recorded the locations of 10,890 boats on the river.
- Scott Keen, on Barney McGrew, was charged with:
1. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to comply with a harbour master’s notice, contrary to section 84 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £50.
2. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen navigated his vessel in a manner as would risk obstructing impeding or interfering with such boat race regatta or function or endangering the safety of persons assembling on the river or preventing or interfering with the maintenance of order thereon, contrary to byelaw 52 and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
3. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen used abusive, threatening and language towards officials and volunteers involved in the regatta and conducted himself in a threatening or offensive manner contrary to 63(a) and 86(a) of the Thames Navigation Licensing & General Byelaws 1993 – found guilty in absence and fined £440.
4. On 13 July 2024, being the master of the vessel Barney McGrew, in the vicinity of Ravens Ait and Kingston Bridge on the River Thames, Keen failed to navigate with care and caution and at such a speed and in such a manner as not to endanger the lives of others of cause injury to person or endanger the safety of or cause damage to other vessels or any moorings or to the banks of the Thames or other property, contrary to section 97 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932 – found guilty in absence and fined £1,000.
5. On 17 July 2024, at Riverside Walk, near Kingston-upon-Thames, being the owner or master of a vessel named Barney McGrew, Keen failed to register the vessel with the Environment Agency in accordance with article 4(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010, contrary to article 18(1)(a) of the Environment Agency (Inland Waterways) Order 2010 – found guilty in absence and fined £220.
A total of £2,710 in fines, £275 costs, £265.54 compensation and a £1,084 victim surcharge. A grand total £4,334.53.
- Paul David Campbell on Enigma, was found guilty in absence of the following charges
- Not registering his vessel Enigma, contrary to article 4(1) and article 18(1) of the Inland Waterway Order 2010.
- Failure to adhere to an officer’s directions to move, byelaw 58, Thames Navigation and General Byelaws 1993.
- He received £440 in fines – £220 for each charge – £275 costs, £1,593.40 compensation and £176 victim surcharge. Total: £2,024.24
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New funding to help create the next generation of aviators and boost the economy [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 February 2025.

Latest round of Reach for the Sky programme awarded £810,000 to 16 organisations across the UK.
- £810,000 of new government funding to help young people start a career in aviation by breaking down barriers to opportunity
- with the air transport and aerospace sector contributing £20 billion to the UK economy, investment in the next generation of professionals will secure long-term economic growth and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change
- Reach for the Sky scheme has now provided £2.3 million to 37 organisations, reaching 100,000 people across the country, from Cornwall to Carlisle
The Aviation Minister has today (17 February 2025) launched the latest round of funding to encourage more young people into a career in aviation, helping to secure long term economic growth and ensuring the sector has the workforce needed for the future.

Now in its third round, the government’s Reach for the Sky programme will see £810,000 awarded to 16 organisations across the UK, from Cornwall to Newcastle.

The successful scheme, which totals £2.3 million, has now delivered funding to 37 outreach organisations and reached 100,000 people across the country.

Supporting young people to pursue careers such as pilots, navigators and controllers also aligns with the government’s ambition to go further and faster to kickstart growth. As part of the drive to build up aviation capacity at Heathrow and across the sector – from increased travel options to more UK homegrown aviation jobs – expansion in the sector plays a crucial part in unlocking economic prosperity.

Reach for the Sky aims to break down barriers to opportunity and form the next generation of aviators, particularly by supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have considered a career in the sector before.

Funding will help organisations deliver events, interactive workshops, taster days, mentorship schemes and educational initiatives with schools, universities and career professionals.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

As part of our Plan for Change, we are breaking down barriers to opportunity so that every young person has the chance to pursue their dreams.

Programmes like Reach for the Sky turn ambition into reality, helping to inspire young people and introducing them to the benefits of a career in the skies.

I look forward to seeing the achievements of the next generation of aviators.

With Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing that young people from disadvantaged households are more likely to feel they do not have as much of a chance in life, programmes like Reach for the Sky help break down barriers to opportunity and expand horizons for underserved, hard-to-reach groups.

This year’s recipients of the DfT-funded scheme include SaxonAir, The King’s Trust and Employers and Educators, amongst others.

SaxonAir, who have been successful in previous rounds, offer a range of scholarships, volunteering programmes and events for people of all backgrounds.

One of their main initiatives is the INSPIRE programme, delivered in partnership with Business In The Community (BITC) at West Earlham Infant School. It aims to make the aviation industry inclusive for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The initiative is already making a tangible difference, with teachers at West Earlham Infant School in Norwich reporting a surge in enthusiasm for aviation among pupils following a recent visit.

Hannah Colledge, HR and Wellbeing Coordinator at SaxonAir, said:

Our INSPIRE Outreach Programme is designed to spark a passion for aviation from as young as 5 years old offering tailored activities that align with different age groups and connect appropriately to the curriculum.

With support from the Reach for the Sky funding, we can extend our reach, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the chance to experience aviation firsthand.

By breaking down barriers and bringing aviation opportunities to underrepresented communities, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more diverse and inclusive aviation sector.

Graham, the father of a student at Aylsham High School, Norwich, said:

[My son] really enjoyed the INSPIRE event and loved the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes in the aviation industry. His ambition is to be a pilot, but this event opened his eyes into other possibilities of work with and around aircraft. Thank you for providing him with this rare opportunity.

Education and Employers Charity helps young people discover their future by bringing inspiration from the world of work into school. Reach for the Sky funding helps them connect aviation professionals with young people to deliver careers events and provide training across the UK.

Speaking about one of these events, a pupil at Ealing Fields High School, Josh from London said:

I’ve wanted to be a pilot for a long time and the opportunity to listen to a pilot tell his story and career path was really impactful. At the end I was lucky enough to speak to him 1:1 and this really helped me with my questions. Since meeting with him I’ve made the most of opportunities and even visited a flight simulator. The talk was so impactful.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for delivering the Reach for the Sky programme on behalf of DfT.

Sophie Jones, Head of Organisational Capability and STEM Sponsor at the CAA, said:

The aerospace sector provides many jobs and opportunities for development, and with the innovation and growth currently taking place, it is all the more vital for young people to join the industry.

The Reach for the Sky Challenge fund provides support for outreach programmes that inspire the next generation, from all backgrounds, to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace, ensuring that the UK continues to be at the forefront of innovation and development.

As the UK’s aviation regulator, we are proud to inspire the next generation’s journey into this fantastic industry through our STEM programme, funded by the Department for Transport.
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with Prime Minister Støre of Norway [17 February 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 February 2025.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre this morning.

The Prime Minister began by setting out his aims for the informal meeting of European leaders taking place later today in Paris to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position is paramount, and they both agreed that all international leaders must come together to ensure Euro-Atlantic security.

The Prime Minister reiterated that this is a once in a generation moment for our national security and there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Devolution Priority Programme consultations launch [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 February 2025.

Government seeks views of people in six areas on proposals to establish mayoral combined (county) authorities.

Consultations have been launched in six areas on proposals to establish mayoral combined authorities or mayoral combined county authorities as part of the government’s commitment to widen devolution.

The Devolution Priority Programme – one of the largest ever single packages of mayoral devolution in England – was launched earlier this month and will support the areas to move towards devolution at pace, becoming mayor-led strategic authorities by May next year if they proceed.

The government is now seeking views from interested parties, such as local residents, businesses, and public sector bodies.

Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent joined the Devolution Priority Programme earlier this month.

The consultations will consider questions such as the proposed geographies and how the mayoral combined (county) authorities will operate.

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP said:

We are committed to shifting power out of Whitehall and into our regions, ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to tackle local priorities and realise their areas’ potential as part of our Plan for Change.

Our Devolution Priority Programme will deliver that power at pace and I encourage local residents to be part of our ‘devolution revolution’ by contributing to these consultations.

The Devolution Priority Programme will bridge the gap between the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution Bill. The government is working towards mayoral elections in May 2026 for the areas that have joined it.

The easiest way to respond and engage in one of the consultations is via the relevant link below:
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regional growth and regeneration to be sparked by cash boost for Wales’ critical culture projects [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 17 February 2025.

The funding is the latest step in the Plan for Change to deliver economic growth across the country
- Growth in jobs, tourism and regional regeneration to be ushered in by funding for major cultural projects in Wales
- Welsh projects part of several across UK set to receive millions in funding to help kickstart decade of national renewal
- Funding is the latest step in the Plan for Change to deliver economic growth across the country
Regional growth regeneration will get a much-needed boost as two major culture projects across Wales will receive £15 million funding to help boost growth and spark regional regeneration, the government confirmed today (17 February).

Funding will be ‘critical’ in showcasing the UK as a world-leader in culture and bring in visitors from across the globe.

Just as importantly this will help drive growth in all parts of the country – a key element of the government’s Plan for Change – by creating jobs and in some cases building new homes.

Projects in Wales receiving funding include:
- £10 million for Venue Cymru in Conwy, Wales, will upgrade the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff and deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the consideration of relocating the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub.
- £5 million for Newport Transporter Bridge, Wales, that will fund vital repair and maintenance works to Newport Transporter Bridge, which plays a crucial role in the tourism economy as a visitor attraction in South Wales.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.

Our Plan for Change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.

Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”

Alex Norris, Minster for Local Growth said:

The benefits of these fantastic projects go far beyond community and county borders, they are key to unlocking a regional and nationwide celebration of UK culture and creativity as well as driving growth and regeneration.

This investment marks a huge step forward in our decade of national renewal as committed to in our Plan for Change – creating jobs and boosting tourism and regeneration in our regions is the type of long-term, sustainable growth the government is prioritising to ultimately put more money in people’s pockets.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge are iconic landmarks in their local communities, and I am delighted that this UK Government funding will be used to boost Wales’ already world-leading tourism and culture sectors.

Our investment in these two fantastic projects is an example of how our Plan for Change will lead to a decade of national renewal for people the length and breadth of Wales. This is a UK Government that is delivering regeneration and economic growth for every community.”

These projects will celebrate and raise awareness of the unique social value and cultural history of Wales while also supporting crucial economic growth through creating local jobs and attracting tourism on a national scale.

Projects that are most advanced and will see benefits spread beyond regional borders and attract investment have been prioritised to maximise public spending and deliver long-term growth.
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ministers confirm appointments to key roles on Low Pay Commission
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 February 2025.

The Government has today (Monday 17 February 2025) confirmed the appointment and reappointment of members of the Low Pay Commission (LPC), Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) and Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) since June 2024.

The LPC, the independent body that advises the government about the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, has reappointed several members to the Commission. These include:
- Worker Member: Simon Sapper
- Employer Members: Matthew Fell and Louise Fisher.
- Independent Members: Jonathan Wadsworth and Dr Patricia Rice.
Last month Janet Williamson was also appointed as a Worker Member for a three-year term.

Danny Mortimer was also appointed for his first term as a Employer Member of the Acas Council, whilst Michael Clancy’s term was extended by six months. Further reappointments include:
- Worker Members: Roy Rickhuss and Christina McAnea
- Employer Members: Matthew Percival and Jayne Haines
- Independent Members: Ben Summerskill, Ijeoma Omambala and Simon Lewis.
The CAC, an independent authority that handles specific issues relating to trade unions and employers, also had a number of reappointments made. These are:
- Four Deputy Chairs: Laura Prince, Naeema Choudry, Lisa Gettins and Stuart Robertson
- Eight Worker Members: Steve Gillan, Ian Hanson, Paul Moloney, Paul Morley, Claire Sullivan, Joanna Brown and Nicholas Childs.
- Seven Employer Members: David Cadger, Mustafa Faruqi, Richard Fulham, Martin Kirke, Sean McIlveen, Kieran Grimshaw and Alastair Kelly.
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

These three organisations are crucial to the government’s mission to grow the economy and Make Work Pay.

I welcome all of the new appointments and look forward to working with them to help protect the rights of workers across the country.
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any peace negotiations: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 February 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

President, Russia is once again using this meeting in an attempt to distort the truth behind its illegal war. I will make three points about lessons.

First, the events of the last decade in Ukraine originate from a simple, sad reality: Russia’s imperialist ambition and failure to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Russia is not a reliable party to agreements or treaties.

In freely signing up to the Minsk Agreements, Russia had the opportunity to ensure peace.

Russia and Ukraine were the sole parties to these agreements.

And this Council consistently called on all parties to implement their commitments in full, right up until the moment when President Putin decided that, on 22 February 2022, I quote the Minsk Agreement ‘no longer existed.’

Second, Russia continues to violate the UN Charter and international law in multiple ways.

In its war in Ukraine, Russia has targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, energy infrastructure, it has abducted children, it has raped women, it has compromised nuclear safety and security, flouted international law, and tortured detainees.

For all these reasons, it is no surprise that the ICJ has issued an indictment on President Putin.

We will not tolerate Russia’s attempts to spread disinformation and divert this Council’s attention away from its atrocities, or efforts to subjugate a sovereign state.

Russia is the sole architect of the war in Ukraine and could end it now if it chose to by withdrawing its forces.

Third lesson is that the international community must stand firm in support of peace and security.

No one wants this war to end more than Ukraine.

But Putin’s so-called preconditions for talks – reaffirmed by his deputy Foreign Minister just a few days ago – have been that Ukraine withdraw from its own sovereign territory, and abandon its sovereign right to choose its alliances.

No country could or should accept this.

We can and must create the conditions for a just and lasting peace, which protects Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and independence.

This will require robust security arrangements from the outset, which ensure that Russia is never able to invade again.

Putin has shown time and again that he will break a weak deal.

The UK will continue to play our part.

We will continue to provide concrete support for Ukraine’s self-defence and security for as long as it is needed.

And we are clear that Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any negotiations.

Let me conclude, President, by reminding Russia that the suffering of so many Ukrainians today simply would not exist if Russia fulfilled its most basic obligation as a member of the United Nations: to respect the principles of the UN Charter.

March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Over two million extra NHS appointments delivered early as trusts handed £40 million to go further and faster [February 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 February 2025.

Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early.
- Pledge to deliver over two million more elective care appointments hit early with over 100,000 more treatments, tests and scans for patients each week
- Waiting lists falls by almost 160,000 since government took office, as extra appointments delivered for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests
- Comes as an additional £40 million set to be handed to trusts that deliver biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists
- Marks major step towards delivering Plan for Change milestone of hitting 18-week treatment target by the end of this Parliament
Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early.

The Prime Minister has welcomed new figures published by NHS England [today] which reveal that between July and November last year, the NHS delivered almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period the previous year – delivering on the government’s mission to fix the NHS as part of the Plan for Change.

The new data confirms the government reached the target seven months earlier than promised – with 100,000 more treatments, tests, and scans for patients each week, and more than half a million extra diagnostic tests delivered.

It follows figures published last week which showed the waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year.

It means thousands of patients have received vital operations, scans, treatments, and consultations earlier than planned, helping them get back on with their lives and back to work sooner.

The extra 2 million appointments – delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working – are underpinned by the government’s ambitious wider reform agenda, including our plan to expand opening hours at Community Diagnostic Centres across the country, 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

The government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future starts with tackling waiting lists, and hitting this milestone is a crucial step towards treating 92% of elective care patients within 18 weeks of referral by the end of this Parliament – delivering a core commitment in the Plan for Change.

While there is more to do, today’s milestone also clears the path to bring forward wider NHS reforms through the government’s Elective Reform Plan – announced by the Prime Minister last month – which will cut waiting times and improve patient experience by getting people seen more quickly, closer to home.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“Two million extra NHS appointments and a waiting list on its way down – we’re delivering on our promise to fix the NHS and make sure people get the care they need, when they need it.

“This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the cancer patients who for too long were left wondering when they’ll finally start getting their life-saving treatment. It’s about the millions of people who’ve put their lives and livelihoods on hold – waiting in pain and uncertainty as they wait for a diagnosis.

“We said we’d turn this around and that’s exactly what we’re doing – this milestone is a shot in the arm for our plan to get the NHS back on its feet and cut waiting times.

“But we’re not complacent and we know the job isn’t done. We’re determined to go further and faster to deliver more appointments, faster treatment, and a National Health Service that the British public deserve as part of our Plan for Change.”

Since entering office, the government has hit the ground running to fix the broken health service we inherited by tackling the waiting lists, and building an NHS fit for the future.

This includes ending NHS strikes so staff are on the front line instead of the picket line this winter, vaccinating more people against flu than this time last year and putting immediate investment into our health system through £1.8 billion to fund extra elective care appointments as part of record £26 billion extra NHS funding secured at the October Budget.

Building on this, the government has announced an extra £40 million funding pot for trusts who make the biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists. The funding will be available for hospitals from next year to spend on capital projects such as new equipment or repairs to their estate which can deliver faster access to treatment and improve conditions for patients.

Further details on the scope and allocation of the funding package will be set out in due course, but examples of the innovations that trusts will be able to benefit from include investment into new tech such as surgical robots and AI scanners to modernise the NHS and help patients get diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

The funding could also go towards completing hospital ward maintenance – expediting the transformation of ageing NHS estates and giving patients newer, safer environments in which to receive care.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

“We have wasted no time in getting to work to cut NHS waiting times and end the agony of millions of patients suffering uncertainty and pain.

“Because we ended the strikes, invested in the NHS, and rolled out reformed ways of working, we are finally putting the NHS on the road to recovery.

“We promised change, and we’ve delivered, providing the two million extra appointments we pledged in just our first five months – a promise made, and a promise kept. The result is around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.

“That was just the first step. Through our Plan for Change, we are opening new surgical hubs, Community Diagnostics Centres at evenings and weekends, and using private sector capacity to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.”

Amanda Pritchard NHS chief executive said:

“Thanks to the hard work of staff and embracing the latest innovations in care, we treated hundreds of thousands more patients last year and delivered a record number of tests and checks, with the waiting list falling for the fourth month in a row.

“There is much more to do to slash waiting times for patients, but the Elective Care Reform Plan will allow us to build on this incredible progress as we boost capacity and drive efficiency while also improving the experience of patients.”

The Elective Reform Plan will drive forward action to meet the 18-week target through the necessary reforms to overhaul the system, support staff, cut waste and put patients first – creating millions more appointments in the process. As part of this, the government is creating thousands more appointments through greater access to Community Diagnostic Centres and 17 new or expanded surgical hubs.

The Community Diagnostic Centres will be opened 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible so that people can access a broader range of more appointments closer to home in their neighbourhoods. These will increase the availability of same-day tests and consultations so that patients don’t have to wait for weeks in between different stages of care.

The surgical hubs will be also created within existing hospitals by June and three others expanded, with more expected in coming years supported by the £1.5 billion investment confirmed at the Autumn budget.

These will bring together the necessary expertise, best practice, and tech under one roof to focus on delivering the most common, less complex procedures. The new hubs will be ring-fenced from winter pressures and will cut waiting times for standard surgeries, in turn freeing up beds in acute wards needed for more complex cases.

Other elements of the plan include freeing up around 1 million more appointments every year by removing non-essential follow-ups, publishing a new deal with the independent sector to increase capacity, revolutionising the NHS app to give patients greater choice and control over their treatment and preventing unnecessary referrals by incentivising GPs to work with hospital doctors to get specialist advice.

The government has also launched a nationwide consultation on the 10 Year Health Plan to build an NHS fit for the future and secured an extra £2 billion to upgrade NHS technology and £1 billion to deal with the massive NHS maintenance backlog.

As part of a drive towards prevention, NHS England have also launched its first-ever awareness campaign today to support more women to attend potentially lifesaving breast screening. The campaign, supported by leading charity Breast Cancer Now, launches today with a new advert across TV, on demand and radio to highlight the benefits of screening in detecting cancer at the earliest opportunity.

Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage, and the most comprehensive review to date found around 1,300 deaths are prevented each year by the breast screening programme.
March 6, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Regional growth to be boosted by £67 million for culture projects [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 20 February 2025.

Growth in jobs, tourism and regional regeneration to be ushered in by funding for major cultural projects across the UK.

Regional growth and regeneration will get a much-needed boost as 10 major culture projects across the UK will receive more than £67 million, the government confirmed this week.

Funding will be ‘critical’ in showcasing the UK as a world-leader in culture and bring in visitors from across the globe.

Just as importantly this will help drive growth in all parts of the country – a key element of the government’s Plan for Change – by creating jobs and in some cases building new homes.

Projects receiving funding are:
- £15 million for the National Railway Museum in York, will go towards the construction of a new building, Central Hall, which will include a new entrance to the museum, a new gallery, retail, café, flexible event space and new visitor facilities. The museum is part of a wider mixed-use regeneration scheme in York to transform underused railway land into a new city quarter which could create more than 3,000 new homes, new office, retail and hospitality space, contributing to more than 6,000 new jobs and £1.6 billion in economic value to the region.
- £10 million to start the process of revamping ‘Temple Works’ in Leeds a derelict Grade 1 building, bringing it into public ownership; paving the way for it to house the British Library North in the future and unlock further regeneration of new housing and commercial development on surrounding sites.
- £10 million for the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum in Liverpool, to expand and maintain the museums which play a crucial role in the wider reimagining of the Liverpool Waterfront.
- £5 million for the National Poetry Centre in Leeds that will renovate a redundant Grade 2 Listed building to create a national headquarters for poetry and bolster Leeds’ reputation as a regional centre for culture and creativity.
- £5 million for City Centre Cultural Gateway in Coventry, that will support the repurposing of the former IKEA building in Coventry city centre to become a new cultural and visitor attraction.
- £2.3 million to three cultural projects in Worcester, these three projects will deliver new cultural and public spaces around the Scala arts venue:
- A new Scala Co-Working Space will be created to provide an onsite office and studio space for artistic companies to create work.
- Two mezzanine floors of the Corn Exchange building will be brought back into use through the creation of Next Level Food which will provide a new space for more events and exhibitions and modern catering facilities will be
- A new welcoming social space for younger generations will be created through the Angel Place is Your Space hub
- £10 million for Venue Cymru in Conwy, Wales, will upgrade the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff and deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the relocation of the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub.
- £5 million for Newport Transporter Bridge, Wales, that will fund vital repair and maintenance works to Newport Transporter Bridge, which plays a crucial role in the tourism economy as a visitor attraction in South Wales.
- £2.6 million for the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee, Scotland, that will expand and recurate the existing Scottish Design Galleries telling the story of Scottish design to create an improved destination and visitor experience.
- £2.2 million for Shore Road Skills Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that will see the redevelopment of the South Stand at the Crusaders FC into a unique state of the art community education, event and skills centre
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.

Our Plan for Change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.

Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”

Alex Norris, Minster for Local Growth, said:

The benefits of these fantastic projects go far beyond community and county borders, they are key to unlocking a regional and nationwide celebration of UK culture and creativity as well as driving growth and regeneration.

This investment marks a huge step forward in our decade of national renewal as committed to in our Plan for Change – creating jobs and boosting tourism and regeneration in our regions is the type of long-term, sustainable growth the government is prioritising to ultimately put more money in people’s pockets.”

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

Everyone across the country should be able to access arts and culture in the place they call home. This support will empower our cultural organisations to continue playing an essential role in developing skills, talent and high-quality careers in every corner of the UK.”

These projects will celebrate and raise awareness of the unique social value and cultural history of the UK while also supporting crucial economic growth through creating local jobs and attracting tourism on a national scale.

Projects that are most advanced and will see benefits spread beyond regional borders and attract investment have been prioritised to maximise public spending and deliver long-term growth.
March 5, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration on Holocaust Remembrance [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2025.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance commemorates 25 years of the Stockholm Declaration and looks ahead to the future of Holocaust remembrance.

On Monday 17 February, the UK presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) welcomed Heads of Delegation from the 35 IHRA Member Countries to London for an event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration on Holocaust Remembrance. We also invited key figures who played an important role in shaping international activity on Holocaust education, remembrance and research over the past 25 years, as well as Holocaust survivors, representatives of the Jewish community and civil society.

The UK government is committed to international co-operation to promote education, remembrance and research about the Holocaust. The UK was one of the founding signatories of the Stockholm Declaration in 2000, through which we pledged that the terrible events of the Holocaust would remain forever seared in our collective memory. This commemoration event provided an important opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved in terms of promoting Holocaust remembrance, and look ahead to the future.

IHRA Chair and UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues Lord Pickles reflected on the achievements of the past 25 years. He noted that the pledges made 25 years ago were still as relevant today as they were in 2000. Lord Pickles stressed the importance of safeguarding Holocaust sites, opening up Holocaust-related archives, and the promotion of testimony and Holocaust-related objects. He also drew attention to the dangers caused by ongoing Holocaust distortion, adding that the truth can never harm us.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President Bill Clinton both addressed the audience via video message. They reflected on their efforts, alongside former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson, to strengthen international co-operation on Holocaust remembrance 25 years ago and to bring together world leaders to sign the Stockholm Declaration and form the IHRA.

Looking ahead to the future, participants emphasised that further collective action was needed to tackle the challenges of Holocaust distortion and the global rise of antisemitism. The role of emerging technologies was also highlighted as an area to explore, given the potential to harness artificial intelligence as a force for good in Holocaust education. All agreed that it was essential to continue to educate about the facts of the Holocaust, to ensure the truth is never forgotten.

March 5, 2025