Tag: Cabinet Office

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 16 July 2025.

• The upcoming UK/EU SPS deal will slash red tape and eliminate costly routine checks for fruit, vegetable, flower and plant traders across the country.
• The deal will boost the vital £38 billion UK environmental horticulture industry alone, supporting an estimated 722,000 jobs.
• Agreement will reverse the hit to trade since Brexit, forging strategic new trade links with our largest agri-food market.

Today (16 July 2025), EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds met with traders at New Covent Garden Market in London—the UK’s largest wholesale market for fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants—to talk about the issues they have faced getting their produce in and out of the country since 2020.

Home to over 137 businesses generating a combined annual turnover of £944 million and supporting over 2,500 jobs, the historic 37-acre market site in Nine Elms supplies up to 40% of all fresh produce consumed outside the home in London and supplies 75% of all London florists.

Following the inaugural UK-EU Summit in May, Britain’s florists, greengrocers, plant traders and garden centres are now set to benefit from a food and plant deal with the EU, which will remove barriers to trading flowers, fruit, and vegetables. It will add more than £5 billion a year to the UK economy and increase UK agricultural exports by around 16%.

Since leaving the EU, UK agri-food exports to the bloc are down 21% and imports down 7% (2018-2024). Many businesses in the horticulture sector have scaled back or stopped trading altogether due to increased costs, paperwork and delays at borders. Some products, like fresh burgers and sausages, cannot be traded at all, while others are subject to burdensome checks.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas Symonds said:

This Government is working to make the UK safer, more secure and more prosperous. That’s why we have negotiated a new partnership with the EU.

Day in and day out, I hear more stories from businesses – all over the country – about how the current arrangements simply don’t work. Our agreement with the EU will get food and flowers into and out of the country faster, saving businesses precious time and money.

Britain will once again take pride in being a nation of shopkeepers, well-stocked, open for business and ready to trade across Europe.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive, at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said:

The Minister’s visit, to hear first-hand from HTA members and businesses on the challenges they face on a daily basis as a result of border friction, is both welcome and timely. The 19 May commitment to deliver an ambitious and comprehensive new UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, inclusive of plants, could not be more welcome, nor come soon enough.

We urge both sides to work with us and quickly, to get the detail settled and to deliver real change for growers, gardeners, and garden centres across the country. The current border regime has and continues to cause uncertainty and huge cost on our members’ businesses.

We are optimistic about what can be achieved through a new SPS agreement and want to work proactively and in partnership to ensure our sector has a strong voice in shaping an outcome that safeguards biosecurity, restores business confidence, and supports long-term competitiveness for us here and for our supply-chains.

At the first UK/EU Summit in May, the UK and the EU agreed to slash costs and red tape for businesses that trade food and plant products with the EU. As part of a deal, phytosanitary certificates will be scrapped, saving firms around £25 per certificate, as will routine border checks on goods. It will also cut paperwork and save businesses time on admin.

The UK imported £748.2 million of plants and plant material last year; 99% of these imports came from EU countries.

This agreement will have no time limit, giving vital certainty to businesses. It will also bring significant benefits to goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which will see fewer checks at the border.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 10 July 2025.

Debarment investigations into seven organisations criticised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have been paused to prevent any impact on criminal investigations.

Debarment investigations into seven organisations criticised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, relating to their eligibility for public contracts, have been paused to prevent any impact on criminal investigations.

The Metropolitan Police launched a criminal investigation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy on 14 June 2017, with a dedicated team of 180 officers and staff working to identify any offences and those responsible.  The Government fully supports the Metropolitan Police in its investigation.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report laid bare an appalling catalogue of failures leading up to the fire, and the Prime Minister has made clear that there must be full accountability – including through the criminal justice process.

The Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service informed the Cabinet Office that continuing the debarment investigations could unintentionally prejudice the criminal investigation and any future criminal proceedings.

To ensure the Metropolitan Police’s criminal investigation and any future proceedings remain the priority, the Cabinet Office has paused its separate, non-criminal debarment investigations at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police. This decision has been made to safeguard the integrity of the Metropolitan Police’s criminal investigation.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, told Parliament of the need to maintain the integrity of criminal proceedings in the pursuit of justice for the Grenfell community. The Deputy Prime Minister is writing to the bereaved, survivors and residents in the immediate community to share this decision and reaffirm the government’s commitment to holding organisations to account.

Investigations into the seven organisations, under new powers of the Procurement Act 2023, were announced immediately after the Act came into force in February.

The Act allows the government to investigate suppliers and, if certain grounds are met, add them to a published debarment list. Public sector organisations covered by the Act must have regard to this list when carrying out new procurements that are covered by the Act’s remit, and can rely on this list to exclude a supplier where appropriate.

When a supplier is added to the debarment list on a mandatory ground, they must be excluded from all procurement activity within scope of the Act, except in very limited circumstances. If an organisation is convicted of a criminal offence that is a mandatory exclusion ground under the Act, this would potentially enable the government to take stronger action.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 4 July 2025.

106 police officers, firefighters, overseas workers and other public servants who died in service have been recognised with the Elizabeth Emblem.

The Elizabeth Emblem recognises the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

Established last year, it is only the second ever list of Elizabeth Emblem recipients to be published. The next of kin are awarded the national form of recognition.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, said:

We owe an enduring debt to the public servants who give their lives to protect others.

The Elizabeth Emblem is a reminder not just of the ultimate price their loved ones have paid in service of our communities, it is a lasting symbol of our national gratitude for their incredible sacrifice.

The list includes:

Gwen Mayor, a school teacher who was killed in 1996 while protecting her pupils at Dunblane Primary School in 1996 as a result of a mass shooting. She died aged 45 alongside 15 pupils.

Police Constable Nina Mackay, who died aged 25 when confronted with a violent and mentally unstable man while searching a property in East London. The man stabbed her once in the abdomen, and she died from her injuries.

Firefighter John Liptrot, who in 1968 was part of a fire crew called to attempt to rescue three children who had entered a disused mineshaft. He was overcome by blackdamp (a combination of gases with insufficient oxygen to support human life) and could not be revived.

Police Constable Dennis Cowell, who died in 1965 whilst on duty as a River Policeman. He died in the river Thames after a police launch on which he was a crew member, capsized after a collision between three boats. PC Cowell was in the cabin at the time of the incident and drowned.

Six people who contracted COVID-19 while working in healthcare are recognised in the list. These include Dr Poornima Nair Balupuri, a General Practitioner Partner living in Bishop Auckland. She died in 2020 doing frontline essential work.

33 people on the list were police officers and firefighters based in Northern Ireland. They include:

Reserve Constable Wallace Allen, who was serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary when he was shot by the IRA while driving a lorry to collect milk from farms in South Armagh. His body was recovered in 1980.

Constable Cyril Wilson, who was shot by the IRA in an ambush in 1974. His patrol was responding to answer a call when it came under fire from a house in the Rathmore estate. Constable Wilson was rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital but died the next day.

Reserve Constable Robert Struthers, who died in 1978 while serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary. He was shot by two members of the Provisional IRA while working in his office.

The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.

Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem via gov.uk.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 1 July 2025.

Sir Brian Leveson appointed for a third term as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner.

The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of Sir Brian Leveson as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPC) for a third three-year term, with effect from 20th October 2025.

Sir Brian was appointed as the second IPC in October 2019, succeeding Sir Adrian Fulford. Before retiring as a senior judge in 2019, he was President of the Queen’s Bench Division and Head of Criminal Justice for England and Wales.

The IPC is responsible for the independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers, ensuring they are used in accordance with the law and in the public interest. He is supported by a number of Judicial Commissioners, the Technology Advisory Panel and the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO).

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 June 2025.

The UK government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 16th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

The 16th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 24 June 2025 in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government. Representatives from EU Member States were also in attendance.

The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement, under the overall objective of ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the Agreement. The meeting allowed both sides to take stock of progress made and identify outstanding issues that must be urgently resolved to ensure that all beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement can fully enjoy their rights now and in the future.

On the true and extra cohort issue, the co-chairs reiterated the warm welcome by the co-chairs of the Joint Committee at its meeting on 29 April 2025 of the legislative step taken by the UK Government relating to legal clarity for EU citizens with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and look forward to its practical application.

The EU noted the work by the UK to automate the process of upgrading Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries from pre-settled status to settled status. In this context, the EU stressed, among others, that the UK measures to curtail residence rights on grounds of absences must be compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement. The EU also raised other issues of concern, such as travel incidents affecting EU citizens who are Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries and NHS charges for those who submit a residence application after the June 2021 deadline, which affects in particular newborn children.

The UK highlighted that large numbers of UK national Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries would soon transition from temporary to permanent status. In that context, they raised the importance of adequate administrative preparation by the EU’s Member States, as well as clear guidance to beneficiaries. The UK also asked for updates on several implementation issues in certain Member States, including ensuring a proper process is in place to accept late applications, discrepancies in awarding temporary or permanent status and multiple immigration status.

The EU and the UK also discussed the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), as well as the EU’s European Travel Information and Authorisation Systems (ETIAS) and the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA), from the perspective of their implications on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries. Both sides called on Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries concerned to take in good time all necessary measures to facilitate their future travel, recognising the importance of timely communications to beneficiaries by national authorities.

Representatives from civil society organisations, representing EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU, attended the meeting and asked questions about the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement in the UK and the EU, in conformity with the rules of procedure of the Specialised Committee.

The UK and the EU underlined their ongoing commitment to the full implementation of Part Two (Citizens’ Rights) of the Withdrawal Agreement, welcoming the progress made and agreeing to strengthen their ongoing cooperation on all issues. The co-chairs agreed to meet again in autumn.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 24 June 2025.

Foster + Partners is the winner out of five finalists in a competition to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’ Park.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 27 May 2025.

We offer our sympathy to all those who have been affected by this horrific incident.

Victims injured in this incident can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for compensation.

Compensation is payable to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.

You do not need a paid representative, such as a solicitor or claims management company, to apply for compensation. Free independent advice may be available from the Victim and Witness Information website or other charitable organisations.

If you have been directly affected by this incident you can find out more about the Scheme and apply online.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 May 2025.

John Fallon has been appointed as the new Cabinet Office Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM) for a period of three years, concluding in April 2028.

John is an executive and academic currently holding positions as a Professor of Practice and senior adviser at Northeastern University, an Executive Fellow at London Business School, and Chair of WarChild UK and Blackpool Pride of Place. He served as CEO from 2013 to 2020 at Pearson Plc. John has also held senior roles at PowerGen plc, Centro, and the House of Commons.

The Cabinet Office Board provides strategic leadership for the department, comprising Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government. Its purpose is to advise on strategy, monitor performance, and assess significant risks.

The role of the Cabinet Office Lead NEBM is to provide strategic oversight and leadership for the department’s team of Non-Executives. The Lead NEBM supports ministers and officials by providing expert advice and challenge on delivery and performance. As well as their formal role on the Board and its sub-committees, the Lead NEBM also maintains close working relationships with the Permanent Secretary and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to support the delivery of their priorities.

The Lead NEBM works with the department to ensure the NEBMs are assigned to work on issues where they will have the most impact and can best support the delivery of the department’s strategic priorities.

Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office, Cat Little said:

Lead Non-Executive Board Members provide vital scrutiny and challenge to departmental boards, guiding our work and helping us deliver for people across the country.

John Fallon will bring a wealth of experience in systems and transformation leadership within complex organisations. I look forward to working with him to deliver the Cabinet Office’s priorities.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 May 2025.

Lisa Tremble has been appointed as a Cabinet Office Non-Executive Board Member for a period of three years, concluding in April 2028.

Lisa is currently the Chief People, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, and a Member of the Management Committee at British Airways. Prior to that, she was a Group Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Direct Line Group Plc and the Director of External Affairs at Mishcon de Reya LLP.

The Cabinet Office Board provides strategic leadership for the department, comprising Cabinet Office ministers, senior executives, and non-executives from outside government. Its purpose is to advise on strategy, monitor performance, and assess significant risks.

The Non-Executive Board Members are responsible for providing support and challenge to the department’s ministers and senior officials on the delivery of key policies and programmes.

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 May 2025.

Bolstering the nation’s resilience to flooding, including in Merseyside, was top of the agenda as the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce convened in Aintree today (Wednesday 21 May).

The meeting was chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy and hosted by Mersey Fire and Rescue Service at their National Resilience Centre of Excellence, one of the UK’s most advanced emergency service training facilities, used to co-ordinate national responses to large scale incidents and provide firefighters with the necessary training and skills to respond to events such as severe flooding.

The Government inherited the nation’s flood defences in their worst condition on record. To ensure the country is protected from the devastating impacts of flooding, more than 1,000 flood defences will be built or repaired through the Plan for Change as part of a record £2.65 billion two-year investment.

Today’s Taskforce meeting brought together partners including Defra, Cabinet Office, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders, the National Farmers Union, and environmental interest groups.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

The role of any government is to protect its citizens. Having inherited flood defences in disrepair, we are bringing together valued partners through our Floods Resilience Taskforce here in Aintree as we look to speed up and co-ordinate flood preparation and resilience.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re investing a record £2.65 billion to repair and build more than 1,000 flood defences across the country, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses including on Merseyside.

The group discussed plans to modernise the UK’s system for flood warnings further, stressing the need for users to understand better how it works for effective decision-making, planning and response. The development of a common warnings framework across the UK will enhance the service and support actions to reduce risks to people, property and livelihoods.

The Taskforce also confirmed plans to improve the way the government identifies individuals vulnerable to flooding. This includes using the risk vulnerability tool, unveiled last month by the Cabinet Office, which will enable thousands of officials to see how vulnerable particular areas are to risks by mapping real time crisis data such as live weather warnings, alongside demographic statistics.

The meeting touched upon the flood recovery framework, which through local authorities in England provides government support in the aftermath of flooding in exceptional circumstances. There was also discussion of the Bellwin scheme, which is used to reimburse local authorities in England for the costs of the actions they take in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster that endangers life or property. It was agreed that further work is required to improve public understanding of flood resilience.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is one of our top priorities as climate change brings more extreme weather.

By participating in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we’re ensuring we share information and co-ordinate our approach to bolster protection for thousands of homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding, preventing billions of pounds worth of damages.

Minister Oppong-Asare, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

The Flood Resilience Taskforce sits at the heart of our work to protect communities from extreme weather and flooding.

Today’s meeting highlighted how digital tools can strengthen our flood response to identify and support those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of flooding.

Through the taskforce, we’re continuing to work closely with key partners to keep people, homes, and businesses safe.

Met Office Services Director Simon Brown said:

Our observations show that the UK is getting wetter, we are seeing more days with over 50mm rainfall in autumn months. A warmer, moister atmosphere increases the capacity for deluges of rain, which can result in serious flooding. A recent study looking at the storms through autumn and winter in 2023/24 found climate change increased the amount of rainfall from these storms, making them about 20% more intense.

A number of recent Met Office attribution studies have shown that some recent heavy rainfall events in the UK associated with flooding can be linked to human-caused climate change. Since 1998 the UK has seen six of the 10 wettest years on record. Events such as the wettest February on record in 2020, are expected to become more frequent by 2100 due to climate change.

The Government’s record investment in flood defences includes around £2.5 million in funding for Merseyside across 2024/25 and 2025/26, including £1 million for a flood alleviation scheme to protect communities near the Pool watercourse at Churchtown in Southport.