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Tag: Cabinet Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major new grants now available to fund specialist care for homeless veterans [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major new grants now available to fund specialist care for homeless veterans [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 April 2023.

    Up to £8m of funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is now available to tackle veterans’ homelessness head on.

    • Up to £8m of funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is now available to tackle veterans’ homelessness head on.
    • Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to provide wraparound support services for issues such as mental health.
    • Funding will address the complex issues faced by some homeless veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation.

    The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) is delighted to announce the launch of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, which will award major grants to help veterans experiencing homelessness.

    Under this new programme, the Trust will award grants on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) to projects that will provide specialist care in veterans’ accommodation.

    The funding being announced today is expected to provide services for over 900 supported housing places across the UK, supporting veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

    Organisations are able to bid for up to £1.5 million, over 2 years, to fund wraparound support for issues such as mental health and employment.

    By providing specialised support services, we can help address the complex issues faced by some veterans while making sure they have access to accommodation, and give them a greater chance of leading a stable, healthy life so that they don’t return to being homeless in future.

    Who’s it for?

    The Trust is encouraging charities, housing associations and registered social housing providers to apply for a 2-year grant. We will award a small number of significant grants under this programme. To be successful in your application, you’ll need to be able to clearly demonstrate:

    • that you have considerable experience in providing support to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
    • that your project is adaptable to the needs of veterans, including veterans with high, medium and low-level support needs
    • that your project will deliver sustainable outcomes for the veterans accessing them, so that they don’t return to being homeless in future.

    It is also vital that projects are collaborative – working with others to meet the needs of veterans. Finally, you will need to show how you would work with Op FORTITUDE – the Government’s new central referral pathway for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, said:

    No one, not least those who have served this country, should be homeless. That’s why we’re providing up to £8m to fund tailored support for our veterans in hundreds of housing places across the country.

    Only by helping to address the complex issues faced by some veterans, can we end veterans’ homelessness.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government emissions slashed to deliver millions to public purse [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government emissions slashed to deliver millions to public purse [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 April 2023.

    The annual State of the Estate report has been published.

    • Overall emissions from the government down 35% since 2017
    • £122 million saved through reductions in energy consumption of government buildings

    A major efficiency drive has seen emissions from the government fall by 35% in less than five years.

    New figures, released today in the government’s annual State of the Estate Report, show that overall emissions from the government have fallen by 35% compared to 2017-18 levels, with emissions from buildings down by 10%.

    The fall in energy consumption is estimated to have saved the taxpayer £122 million.

    Other efficiency savings released today include:

    • Water consumption is down by 10% compared to 2017-18, saving the taxpayer £7.2 million
    • Departments sent fewer than 1% of waste to landfill in 2021-22, easily surpassing the target of 5%. Overall 92% of waste within government is recycled, exceeding the 70% target
    • Government has reduced its paper consumption by 61%

    Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said:

    We want to make government more efficient in all areas, and today’s report shows that the public estate is playing its part.

    We are greening our estate more and have reduced carbon emissions by 35% as we head towards net zero by 2050.

    The government has committed to halve carbon emissions from the public sector by 2032, with a 75% reduction target by 2037. Today’s ‘State of the Estate 2021-2022’ report shows the government is on course to meet that target with overall emissions down 35% since 2017, and emissions from government buildings by 10%.

    For example, the new Birmingham Government Hub is saving more than £2 million per year for the taxpayer by consolidating staff from 21 departments under one roof. Its location promotes green travel through local public transport networks and is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and sustainable while providing a range of places for different uses.

    Figures in the report also reveal over £600 million in sales receipts for the taxpayer from government property – such as offices and NHS buildings – sold in the last 12 months, reducing the number of expensive London office spaces which are no longer needed, such as Custom House in the City of London and Windsor House in Westminster.

    This is in addition to savings of £2bn which will be achieved over the next three years through the Government Property Strategy.

    Disposals of sites are only considered after their potential use for wider public objectives, such as supporting local services, have been fully considered.

    Since the programme was launched in 2018, the number of core buildings in Central London have reduced from 67 to 43, or by around a third.

    While reducing the size of its estate, the government is also driving an agenda to make the civil service less London-centric. A number of Government Hubs have already opened or are under development, with civil servants from different departments co-locating outside central London.

    To date, more than 11,000 government roles have been relocated out of London and across the UK under the Places for Growth programme. The north-west has seen the most roles created, with around 2,100 jobs previously based in London now operating from cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, generating millions in economic benefits to local areas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches new cyber security measures to tackle ever growing threats [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches new cyber security measures to tackle ever growing threats [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 20 April 2023.

    New and enhanced cyber security measures will better protect the UK government’s IT systems, which run key services for the public, from growing cyber threats.

    • All government departments and a select number of arm’s length bodies to have their cyber security reviewed under new, more stringent measures.
    • The new cyber security regime, known as GovAssure, will be run by the Government Security Group, part of the Cabinet Office.
    • GovAssure delivers on a key part of the Government Cyber Security Strategy by improving cyber resilience and help government organisations protect themselves from growing hostile cyber threats.

    New cyber security measures will increase the UK’s cyber resilience and protect the UK government’s essential IT functions from ever growing threats. Under the new rules, all central government departments will have their cyber health reviewed annually through new, more robust criteria.

    Known as GovAssure, the new cyber security scheme will be run by the Cabinet Office’s Government Security Group (GSG), with input from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

    GovAssure was announced by Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, at a speech to CyberUK in Belfast.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden said:

    Cyber threats are growing, which is why we are committed to overhauling our defences to better protect government from attacks. Today’s stepped up cyber assurance will strengthen government systems, which run vital services for the public, from attacks. It will also improve the country’s resilience; a key part of our recent Integrated Review Refresh.

    GovAssure introduces a number of changes in the way government protects itself from cyber threats. These include:

    • Using NCSC’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) to review the assurance measures all government departments have. The framework includes measures such as setting out indicators of good practice for managing security risk and protecting against a cyber attack and was designed for making critical national services resilient to attack.
    • Departments will also be assessed by third parties to increase standardisation and validate results.
    • Centralised cyber security policy and guidance to help government organisations identify best practice.

    In January 2022, the UK government launched the first ever Government Cyber Security Strategy (GCSS) which laid out the significant challenges facing government security and a clear vision for improving resilience. Today’s announcement delivers on a key part of the aim of the strategy of significantly hardening government systems from  cyber attack.

    Government Chief Security Officer, Vincent Devine said:

    This is a transformative change in government cyber security. GovAssure will give us far greater visibility of the common cyber security challenges facing government. It will set clear expectations for departments, empower hard-working cyber security professionals to strengthen the case for security change and investment, and will be a powerful tool for security advocacy.

    Lindy Cameron, CEO, National Cyber Security Centre said:

    We are committed to ensuring the UK continues to be a leading global cyber nation, which is why we have supported the development of the Cyber Assessment Framework to improve the security of our most critical information systems.

    The government’s adoption of the Cyber Assessment Framework through GovAssure will significantly improve resilience.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Inclusive Britain actions delivered to tackle racial disparities and level up communities [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Inclusive Britain actions delivered to tackle racial disparities and level up communities [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 17 April 2023.

    Kemi Badenoch MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, has announced that 32 of the Inclusive Britain action plan measures have been completed one year after the strategy was published.

    • Minister Kemi Badenoch sets out a year of action to deliver on mission to tackle unfair disparities
    • Update report announces that 32 of 74 actions have been delivered
    • New ethnicity pay gap guidance and advice for employers published today

    The government has funded a national recruitment campaign to find more adoptive parents, including those from an ethnic minority background, to improve adoption rates for ethnic minority children. The latest data shows that the number of ethnic minority approved adopters has increased from 450 at March 2020 to 670 at March 2022.

    Alongside this the government is backing the trial of an automatic ‘opt-in’ for young people to receive independent legal advice in police custody, and has published the ambitious schools’ white paper, which sets out how the government will raise standards and improve grades in reading, writing and maths, benefiting the ethnic minority groups who are overrepresented amongst pupils not meeting expected literacy and numeracy standards in schools.

    Last spring the government set out the ground-breaking, measurable and deliverable Inclusive Britain action plan, in response to the report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities.

    It set out 74 ambitious, cross-government steps to tackle unjust disparities, promote fairness, build trust, and level up communities.

    Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, said:

    The concrete actions we have delivered over the last year are improving people’s day-to-day lives, but I know that we need to do more to tackle disparities and build people’s trust in our great institutions.

    The groundbreaking Inclusive Britain Action Plan was an excellent first step, and we will continue to deliver on its promises, tackling the complex causes behind racial disparities with data-driven action.

    We must all work together to ensure no-one is held back by their race, social or ethnic background.

    Other measures covered in today’s report include:

    • New guidance for employers on the ethnicity pay gap – published today. It sets out a voluntary system to measure, report on and address any unfair ethnicity pay gaps within their workforce to offer support for businesses. The government’s approach provides assistance to businesses and employers in this area, while adding no additional burdens to those generating jobs and prosperity for the whole country.
    • Improving the stop and search process through new public and personal safety training for police officers which includes developed de-escalation and communication skills to boost the quality of policing across the country;
    • Appointing an expert panel to develop a new exemplar history curriculum to widen children’s knowledge and foster cohesion.
    • Highlighting stop and search disparities by publishing new data and analysis, including disparity analysis by force (allowing comparisons to be made) and by reason for search, and analysis of the relationship between stop and search and economic deprivation.

    There is more work to be done to tackle disparities and to build trust in institutions. The government will continue its work to deliver the remaining actions in Inclusive Britain over the next 12 months. Action will tie in to major landmarks this year, including the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, in order to further promote and celebrate the UK’s diversity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : One week to go until UK Emergency Alerts test [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : One week to go until UK Emergency Alerts test [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 16 April 2023.

    With one week to go until the UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system, the text of the alert has today been released.

    • Text of the UK-wide test alert has now been released
    • The test alert will take place at 3pm Sunday 23 April
    • Will be received on mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds

    The test alert, which will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April, will see people receive a message on the home screen of their mobile phone, along with a sound and vibration for up to ten seconds. The message will say:

    This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

    In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

    Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.

    This is a test. You do not need to take any action.

    For the test, the public does not need to take any action – the sound and vibration will stop automatically after ten seconds. All people need to do is swipe away the message or click ‘OK’ on their phone’s home screen – just like for a ‘low battery’ warning or notification – and continue to use their phone as normal.

    Best practice of Emergency Alerts in other countries have shown that they work more effectively when there is a real emergency if people have previously received a test, so they know what an alert looks and sounds like.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

    At 3pm next Sunday we’ll be doing a nationwide test of our new Emergency Alerts system.

    Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.  It could be the sound that saves your life.

    Emergency Alerts have already been used successfully in a number of other countries, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, where it has been widely credited with saving lives, for example, during severe weather events. In the UK, alerts could be used to tell residents of villages being encroached by wildfires, or of severe flooding.

    Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman, Lead for Local Resilience Forums at the National Fire Chiefs Council, commented:

    We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part – and the new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this. For 10 seconds, the national test may be inconvenient for some, but it’s important, because the next time you hear it – your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it.

    The Government has worked together with the emergency services and partners, including the Football Association and London Marathon, to make sure the national test has minimum impact on major events taking place on the day.

    At every stage, the Government has worked with organisations and charities who represent vulnerable groups to make sure they are not adversely affected. Women and girls who are subject to domestic abuse and have concealed phones can opt-out of the national test either by turning off Emergency Alerts in their phone settings or by switching their phone off.

    Emma Pickering, Senior Operations Tech Abuse Manager at Refuge, said:

    Next week, the Government plans to send a test alert to all devices including tablets as well as phones. These alerts will come through as a loud siren even if devices are on silent, and could alert an abuser to a concealed device. Refuge’s Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team have put together two videos on how to turn these alerts off, both on Android phones and on iPhones for anyone that is concerned that these alerts will put their safety at risk.

    We want to ensure as many survivors as possible know how to ensure these alerts are turned off on their hidden devices. We have more information on securing your devices – for example your location settings or privacy settings – on refugetechsafety.org.

    The Government has also worked with the transport sector and organisations such as Highways England to make sure drivers are aware of the alert and they follow the normal rules as when receiving any phone call or message; that they do not look or touch their phone until it is safe to do so.

    Emergency Alerts will transform the UK’s warning and informing capability; by working with mobile broadcasting technology it will provide a means to get urgent messages quickly to nearly 90 percent of mobile phones in a defined area when there is a risk to life, and provide clear instructions about how best to respond.

    The system will be used very rarely – only being sent where there is an immediate risk to people’s lives – so people may not receive an alert for months or years.

  • PRESS RELEASE : People who will play historic roles at the heart of the Coronation Service announced [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : People who will play historic roles at the heart of the Coronation Service announced [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 9 April 2023.

    Details of individuals with historic claims to take part in the Coronation have been revealed.

    • Participants announced refer to the 13 roles that are subject to historic claims for the Coronation Service
    • People chosen because they have successfully proved their historic claim to take part
    • Recipients of honours from all walks of life invited to attend Westminster Abbey on the day

    The names of 13 individuals and organisations who will play important historic ceremonial roles in the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort on May 6 have been announced.

    All claims were considered by the Coronation Claims Office, within the Cabinet Office, which took advice from senior legal, ceremonial and ecclesiastical experts.

    Those chosen showed evidence that their claim related to a historic customary service performed at previous Coronations.

    In addition, those chosen to take on the roles proved that they are the established office holders or the holders of the relevant title or land to perform the task.

    Those who will have roles in the Coronation Service are as follows:

    • The Earl of Erroll
    • Barons of the Cinque Ports
    • Clerk of the Crown in Chancery (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice)
    • The Lord Great Chamberlain
    • Lord Hastings
    • The Earl of Loudoun
    • The Bishop of Durham
    • The Bishop of Bath and Wells
    • The Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of St Peter
    • The Lord Mayor of London
    • The Earl of Dundee
    • The Lord Lyon King of Arms & Heralds and Pursuivants of Scotland
    • The Walker Trust (Anglican Archbishop of Edinburgh)

    The news comes after it has been announced that people from all walks of life who have been awarded British Empire Medals for their service to the community have been invited to attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey.

    In addition, 400 young people representing charitable organisations, nominated by The King and The Queen Consort and the UK Government, will have the opportunity to watch the Coronation Service and Procession from St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster.

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said:

    These roles are steeped in history – in some cases dating back 800 years – so it will be wonderful to see these centuries-old traditions played out on Coronation Day.

    Those given Coronation roles will be at the heart of this historic ceremony, but of course the entire nation will have its part to play in events up and down the country, in what promises to be a weekend to remember.

    The historic roles in the Coronation ceremony include:

    The Lord Great Chamberlain – One of the Officers of State, the Lord Great Chamberlain had traditionally played a major role in Coronations. For the Coronation in May, the Lord Great Chamberlain will take part in the investing of The King with the regalia – the Crown Jewels.

    The Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of St Peter will hold the ceremony and instruct the monarch in the forms, rites and ceremonies.

    The Earl of Erroll will also bear a silver baton or staff as Lord High Constable of Scotland, while the Bishop of Durham and Bishop of Bath and Wells will be Bishop Assistant to The King, the Earl of Dundee will carry the Quartering of the Standard (Scotland) in Procession, The Lord Lyon King of Arms & Heralds and Pursuivants of Scotland will be part of The King’s procession and the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, will record the proceedings.

    The Barons of the Cinque Ports, a historic group of representatives of 14 coastal towns in South East England, will also attend the ceremony, as will a member of the Walker Trustees – the Anglican Bishop of Edinburgh, who previously performed the role of Usher of the White Rod.

    Those selected through the Coronation Claims process are only a small proportion of the people participating in the Coronation. Other participants will be announced in the coming weeks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Time set for UK Emergency Alerts test [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Time set for UK Emergency Alerts test [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 April 2023.

    National test of Emergency Alerts will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April.

    • Message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds
    • Emergency Alerts enable urgent messages to be broadcast to a defined area when there is an imminent risk to life, such as wildfires or severe flooding
    • Brings UK in line with other countries such as the US and Canada who use the system

    A UK-wide of the life-saving public Emergency Alerts system will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April.

    Following successful pilots in East Suffolk and Reading, the test of the new Emergency Alerts system will see people receive a message on the home screen of their mobile phone, along with a sound and vibration for up to ten seconds.

    For the test, the public does not need to take any action – the sound and vibration will stop automatically after ten seconds. All people need to do is swipe away the message or click ‘OK’ on their phone’s home screen – just like for a ‘low battery’ warning or notification – and continue to use their phone as normal.

    Emergency Alerts have already been used successfully in a number of other countries, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, where it has been widely credited with saving lives, for example, during severe weather events. In the UK, alerts could be used to tell residents of villages being encroached by wildfires, or of severe flooding.

    The Government has worked together with the emergency services and partners, including the Football Association and London Marathon, to make sure the national test has minimum impact on major events taking place on the day.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

    Put the date in your diaries – at 3pm on 23 April, we’ll be testing our new national Emergency Alerts system.

    Getting this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolkit to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.

    Chair of The National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham, said:

    We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part – and the new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this. For 10 seconds, the national test may be inconvenient for some, but please forgive us for the intrusion, because the next time you hear it – your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it.

    National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Civil Contingencies, Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill said:

    Warning and informing the public at speed during times of crises can be vital. We look forward to further developing the use of the Emergency Alerts capability and how it can have real benefits for the public to protect and preserve life, as well as supporting policing’s wider response to critical incidents with partner agencies. Alongside partners, we will continue to listen carefully to public feedback and ensure the use of Emergency Alerts has a positive impact.

    Emergency Alerts will transform the UK’s warning and informing capability; by working with mobile broadcasting technology it will provide a means to get urgent messages quickly to nearly 90 percent of mobile phones in a defined area when there is a risk to life, and provide clear instructions about how best to respond.

    Best practice of Emergency Alerts in other countries have shown that they work more effectively in a real emergency if people have previously received a test, so they know what an alert looks and sounds like.

    The system will be used very rarely – only being sent where there is an immediate risk to people’s lives – so people may not receive an alert for months or years.

    • You can find out further information on Emergency Alerts, including what they look and sound like at gov.uk/alerts
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government publishes draft proposals for new border controls [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government publishes draft proposals for new border controls [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 5 April 2023.

    The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, has published its plan to strengthen our borders against biosecurity threats and illegal imports.

    • Draft Border Target Operating Model sets out proposals for a new world-class border system to provide protection from security and biosecurity threats
    • Government will engage with industry for six weeks before publishing final version later this year
    • Model is backed by over a £1 billion investment in border transformation across this spending review period

    The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, has today (5 April) published its plan to strengthen our borders against biosecurity threats and illegal imports. The draft Border Target Operating Model sets out a plan to realise the ambition of the 2025 Border Strategy to create the most effective border in the world.

    The draft has been devised following extensive engagement with the Border Industry and businesses across the UK. A six week engagement period will now take place, with the final Target Operating Model to be published later this year.

    The border transformation is backed by over a £1 billion investment across this spending review period, to improve how government systems and technology support the movement of goods and people across the border.

    The proposed new model will prevent delays at the border through a reduction in the need for physical checks for many types of goods, and by ensuring that checks take place away from ports where this is needed to allow traffic to flow freely.

    The proposals in the Target Operating Model apply to imports from all countries. These controls will ensure our environment is protected, deliver food that is safe to eat whilst maintaining security of supply for consumers, and disrupt criminal activity before it can harm our communities.

    Biosecurity is vital in an increasingly uncertain world and the full controls will mean that we can protect ourselves against known and unknown threats. The controls will protect consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole against disease threats such as African Swine Fever and Xylella.

    The proposed Target Operating Model secures Great Britain’s borders against such threats while making it as easy as possible to do business. To limit the burden on businesses, our new proposed risk-based global model will use data and technology to simplify and streamline import trade processes.

    Central to this proposed model is the new Single Trade Window, delivered from 2023 to be fully operational by 2027. This technology will streamline processes for traders, who will only need to submit information once and in one place.

    The government will also test further simplified processes by piloting an ambitious programme of trusted trader assurance schemes.

    Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said:

    The publication of our draft Border Target Operating Model is a huge step forward for the safety, security and efficiency of our borders. Our proposals strike a balance between giving consumers and businesses confidence while reducing the costs and friction for businesses, which in turn will help to grow the economy.

    Biosecurity Minister Lord Benyon said:

    It is vital that we have strong border controls in place. Invasive diseases could cost our farms and businesses billions of pounds, threaten our food safety and break confidence in UK exports around the world. That is why we are working hand in glove with businesses to devise a strong system that works for the nation.

    Amanda Francis, Chief Executive of the Association of International Courier & Express Services, said:

    International express operators support the Government’s plans to improve efficiencies at the border to ease the flow of goods and minimise costs of trade for UK businesses.  We particularly welcome the proportionate risk based approach this draft Target Operating Model adopts and the proposals to reduce the data requirements for safety and security and allow the use of Transit Security Accompanying Documents.  We hope to work with Government to implement these proposals and look at other areas of simplification building on a trusted operator approach.

    Gavin Stedman, Port Health & Public Protection Director at London Port Health Authority said:

    We welcome the publication of the TOM which will provide the basis for consistent risk based checks across EU and non-EU trade. The establishment of a dynamic and flexible system will afford greater efficiency and transparency allowing us to be more responsive to demands, thus balancing biosecurity and trade needs at our borders.

    William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

    The BCC is a big believer in the shift to a digital trade system. If it is done properly then smaller firms will see benefits when it comes to importing goods into Great Britain.

    Providing certainty for business is crucial and the focus must now be on delivering to the timescales set out. This will need a concerted effort to get the physical and digital infrastructure in place.

    It is then vital that companies, here and across the world, involved in sourcing and supply chains, are properly prepared for these changes and the introduction of new trusted trader arrangements.

    We look forward to working closely with the UK Government and businesses over the coming months to make sure this switchover runs as smoothly as possible.

    A spokesperson for the Fresh Produce Consortium said:

    The Fresh Produce Consortium supports the long-awaited publication of the draft Border Target Operating Model. The UK Government is taking its opportunity to implement a world leading, least-cost border solution. We will work with the UK Government to facilitate responsible companies in the fresh produce, flower and plant sector to utilise their expertise to best effect to maximise efficiency, food safety and biosecurity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Portraits of His Majesty The King for UK public authorities [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Portraits of His Majesty The King for UK public authorities [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 1 April 2023.

    New funding has been announced for public organisations to apply for a portrait of His Majesty The King.

    Public authorities throughout the United Kingdom will be able to apply for a free portrait of His Majesty The King, fully funded by the UK Government, as part of a scheme to celebrate the new reign.

    Councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services will be among the public institutions across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to be offered a new official portrait photograph of His Majesty, funded by the UK Government.

    The announcement comes ahead of people from across the world coming together to celebrate the Coronation on 6 May.

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

    We have entered a new reign in our history. Now as we unite in preparing for the splendour of The King’s Coronation, these new portraits will serve as a visible reminder in buildings up and down the country of the nation’s ultimate public servant.

    They will help us turn a page in our history together – and pay a fitting tribute to our new sovereign. I am sure they will take pride of place in public buildings across the land.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said:

    This scheme will allow thousands of public institutions across the UK to mark this defining moment in our nation’s history with pride.

    The Coronation of His Majesty the King is an opportunity for the whole country to unite, and these new portraits continue a very British tradition to celebrate this momentous occasion.

    The accession of our Head of State, His Majesty The King, has meant the beginning of a new reign, and the UK Government considers it is right that public authorities, as part of the fabric of our nation, have the opportunity to commemorate this moment, strengthen civic pride, and reflect the new era in our history.

    Official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II are currently on display in many public institutions, and the offering of the new official portrait of King Charles III will enable organisations across the UK to carry on that tradition.

    The scheme will be opened later this year following the Coronation and the release of the official portraits of His Majesty by the Royal Household. Those public authorities who are eligible will be offered the opportunity to request one free framed portrait once it is released. Further details will be provided in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Call for veterans and civilian staff from across the Commonwealth to claim commemorative Nuclear Test Medals [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Call for veterans and civilian staff from across the Commonwealth to claim commemorative Nuclear Test Medals [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 30 March 2023.

    In recognition of their significant contribution to the UK’s nuclear deterrent testing programme, potentially thousands of veterans and civilian staff, and next of kin, across the UK and Commonwealth can now apply for a commemorative medal.

    • Nuclear test programme veterans, civilian staff and their descendants urged to come forward and claim commemorative medals
    • Around 22,000 military personnel and civilian staff from the UK and Commonwealth nations are thought to be eligible
    • Due to be rolled out from late summer, the medal recognises the critical role of veterans and civilian staff contribution to the UK’s nuclear deterrent testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s

    In recognition of their significant contribution to the UK’s nuclear deterrent testing programme, potentially thousands of veterans and civilian staff, and next of kin, across the UK and Commonwealth can now apply for a commemorative medal.

    From late summer, the UK Government will be issuing Nuclear Test Medals to eligible service personnel and civilian staff, including posthumous awards to next of kin.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

    This important step moves us closer to recognising the work of those civilians and veterans who played a critical role in establishing the UK’s nuclear deterrent and contributing to our enduring international security.

    I strongly encourage all eligible veterans and civilian staff to apply for the award, which demonstrates the important role they played in making the UK the third nuclear power, and wear their new medals with pride.

    The medal will be awarded free of charge to individuals who participated in the UK Nuclear Test Programme, including the preparatory and clear-up phases, from 1952 to 1967.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    Nuclear Test Veterans have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and security of the UK and it’s right that we recognise and value their enduring service to our nation.

    The medal also recognises the contribution made by veterans and civilian staff from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati. All service personnel and civilians under UK command, including close partners from the Commonwealth and Pacific region, who participated in, or were present at, the British or American nuclear tests at the Montebello Islands, Christmas Island, Malden Island and Maralinga & Emu Field, South Australia between 1952 and 1967 will be eligible for the medal. This also includes scientists and local employees.

    To further recognise the contribution of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, the government invested £450,000 into projects which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of veterans who were deployed to Australia and the Pacific.

    As part of that funding, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is launching an oral history project to chronicle the voices and experiences of those who supported the UK’s effort to develop a nuclear deterrent.

    Due to start in April 2023, the project will run for two years, giving nuclear test veterans the opportunity to be interviewed, and contribute to an accessible digital archive of testimonies about their time working on the tests.

    A further £200,000 fund was launched in February 2023, to support community projects designed to provide bespoke direct support to Nuclear Test Veterans and their families,   memorialise and raise public awareness of their service.