Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

    Nick Dyer has been appointed the new Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Permanent Under-Secretary, with the approval of the Prime Minister, has today announced that Nick Dyer has been appointed as the new Second Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO.

    Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO said:

    I am delighted Nick has been appointed as the Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO. He has an outstanding track record, and I look forward to working closely with him to deliver for the UK internationally through our continued diplomatic and development efforts.

    Commenting on his appointment, Nick said:

    Helping to deliver the UK’s international and development ambitions, as Second Permanent Under-Secretary in the FCDO alongside Philip Barton is a real honour. The FCDO is full of the most passionate, committed and brilliant people across the world, and I look forward to working with all our teams.

    Nick is expected to take up post on 3 July.

    Notes

    Nick Dyer is currently Director General, Humanitarian and Development at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

    Nick previously served as the UK’s first Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, and before that as the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Department for International Development (DFID), where he worked for 23 years, since its creation in 1997.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to promote the full, active and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work – Minister Pursglove statement at the General Assembly [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK will continue to promote the full, active and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work – Minister Pursglove statement at the General Assembly [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by Minister Pursglove at the UN General Assembly Debate on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP16).

    The UK is fully committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    We are developing a UK Disability Action Plan outlining speedy actions the Government will take in 2023/2024 to transform disabled people’s lives.

    Ensuring the voices of disabled people are properly heard is a priority for the UK Government. That is why we will run a full public consultation and engagement on the draft Plan this summer.

    This will build on our recently published “Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper” – an ambitious reform package that will transform the health and disability benefits system.

    Last year, we enacted two landmark pieces of disability legislation – the British Sign Language Act and the Down Syndrome Act.

    We have also expanded our Disability and Access Ambassadors programme to drive accessibility improvements across different sectors in the business world.

    The global context of numerous humanitarian and economic crises, plus the continuing impact of the pandemic, means disability inclusion risks falling further down the agenda.

    The UK remains committed to championing disability rights and inclusion globally.

    Following the launch of our international Disability Inclusion and Rights Strategy last year, the UK is focussed on embedding its principles across our huge diplomatic and development network.

    Promoting the full, active, and meaningful participation of disabled people in our work is a key element of this.

    Our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has published guidance for all its staff on engaging disabled people in the development of our international policies, programmes, and responses. Ensuring the UK’s global output reaches all of those in need and leaves no one behind.

    Furthermore, earlier this year we published our international Women and Girls Strategy, in which we committed to use the full weight of our diplomatic and development offer to put women and girls, in all their diversity, at the heart of everything we do.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must integrate climate reduction efforts into our early warning responses – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must integrate climate reduction efforts into our early warning responses – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on climate change.

    Thank you, President. We are grateful to the United Arab Emirates for focusing the Council on this subject today. I also thank USG Lacroix, Former President Santos and Ms Kadry for their important briefings.

    There has been some progress since the UK first brought climate security to the Council in 2007. The implications of climate change are increasingly integrated into our work on conflict, peace and security.

    Still, the physical impacts and cascading risks of climate change are being felt across the world, and are exacerbating pre-existing fragilities. The link to international peace and security is clear, and has been set out by ministers from Africa and the Middle East today – regions that form the majority of our work in this Council

    Urgent, coordinated global action is needed now to address threats. We see the following as priorities:

    First, is the need to increase and improve access to finance for countries most affected by climate change, as highlighted so powerfully by Secretary Kerry just now. We are working to reform the international financial system and to scale up public and private finance for climate resilience and sustainable peace, including for countries on this Council’s agenda. Regional risk pools founded by the UK have transferred $1 billion of risk from Africa, with Somalia receiving a first payout from drought insurance this year. In July, we will convene events on climate finance in the UK and New York including for countries with humanitarian needs to contribute to this theme at COP28.

    Second, we need to ensure drivers of conflict are considered within climate interventions. Conflict-sensitive climate adaptation needs to be part of the solution for destabilised countries. And women, girls and local actors need to be meaningfully included in formal systems and negotiations.

    Finally, climate and conflict risk reduction and early responses should be integrated into humanitarian, peacebuilding and development programmes, in line with the Sendai Framework and the UN Secretary General’s Early Warning for All initiative. Reducing risk and impact of disasters is critical to ensuring continued progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals – especially SDG13 for climate and SDG16 for conflict.

    The UN system is well-positioned to coordinate climate, development, peacebuilding and security efforts, including through existing CPS Advisers in UN Missions. This Council should support this by helping to drive a more coherent and integrated response to stabilisation, peacebuilding and climate-resilient development across UN activities.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism continues to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner – UK Statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The International Residual Mechanism continues to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner – UK Statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Statement by UK Legal Adviser Chanaka Wickremasinghe on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

    Thank you Madam President,

    I would like to begin by acknowledging the sudden and tragic passing of Judge Ibanda-Nahamya and remembering her vital contribution to international justice. In particular in this respect I would point to her exemplary work on the Mladić and Kabuga cases. I also take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of Judge Mugambe and wish her the best in her new role.

    Turning to today’s briefing, let me thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their reports and their statements today.

    Under their guidance, over the past 6 months, the Mechanism has continued to implement its mandate in a timely and effective manner. Two very recent successes reflect this.

    First, the final convictions of Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović, which conclude the major ICTY cases and are landmarks in international justice. Their convictions, while many years after their offences, are of great importance in demonstrating the international community’s continued fight against impunity for the most serious crimes.

    The ICTY and IRMCT’s judgments form part of the record of the suffering inflicted on civilians during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. We remember the victims and survivors and recognise the bravery of all those who have cooperated and supported the judicial processes.

    Second, the recent arrest of Fulgence Kayishema. Having recently marked the Twenty-Ninth Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Mr Kayishema’s arrest is a salient reminder of the Mechanism’s ongoing commitment to securing justice. The United Kingdom would like to commend the Mechanism’s Fugitive Tracking Team and the South African authorities for their success in this matter, and also to thank Eswatini and Mozambique for their important contributions to this success.

    We also note the recent news that the Trial Chamber has decided Félicien Kabuga is no longer fit to stand trial and that it will deal with his case by way of an alternative finding procedure. We look forward to future updates on his case and underline our commitment to holding the perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi to account. As such, we are concerned by reports of ongoing denial of the Genocide. This is unacceptable, both in its impact on the victims and in hampering the international community’s efforts to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators and to deter future atrocities.

    While the international trial and appeal processes for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are coming to an end, processes at the domestic level are ongoing. We call on all countries to cooperate and to support these national processes in order to ensure justice for all. In this regard, continued reports from the Mechanism of some States blocking cooperation in the Western Balkans remain deeply concerning. It is also high time that Serbia arrest and transfer Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism following years of requests.

    Looking to the future, we note that the Mechanism continues to have much work to do even though the trial phase is very nearly over. There are 47 individuals serving sentences which need to be supervised, many witnesses who continue to need protection and domestic proceedings in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda that need the Mechanism’s support. It is nevertheless important that this remaining work is done as efficiently as possible, and so we welcome the President’s focus on the future strategy of the Mechanism, as it transitions to becoming a fully residual institution. We commend the detailed work being done in this respect, and look forward to the Mechanism’s proposals.

    Finally, Madam President, I must say a few words in response to Russia’s unfounded allegations against the UK authorities in relation to Karadzic. The UK is proud of its assistance to the IRMCT in the enforcement of sentence and encourages other States to do likewise.

    Karadzic is not being mistreated in any way. He has exactly the same treatment as any other prisoner. He has been subject to some, time limited, proportionate, and lawful restrictions on his contacts externally, but this followed his misuse of these privileges to publish articles that push political messages, genocide denial, and glorification of war crimes. He has been informed of this. Underpinning all of this, is Karadzic’s own failure and that of his supporters to recognise that he has been convicted of some of the most heinous crimes witnessed in Europe, including the Srebrenica genocide.

    Thank you Madam President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the University of Essex Agree New Chevening Pathway for Pakistani Scholars [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the University of Essex Agree New Chevening Pathway for Pakistani Scholars [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    Both of the available fields: Climate Change/Sustainability and Heritage/Museum studies are highly relevant to Pakistan given last year’s devastating floods, linked to climate change, which left 10% of the country submerged, affecting 33 million people. The floods also adversely affected the country’s rich cultural heritage, with damage inflicted on the UNESCO heritage site of Moenjodaro, the Amri site museum and the Sehwan folk and craft museum amongst others. As the UK supports Pakistan in its flood reconstruction efforts, this new scholarship pathway will offer long term capacity building support.

    At the signing ceremony, Development Director at the British High Commission Islamabad, Jo Moir, said:

    Congratulations to the Chevening Scholarships programme and the University of Essex for signing the Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership is a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals working on Climate Change and Sustainability, and Heritage and Museum Studies, to pursue their master’s degrees at Essex University. Chevening represents the very best of the UK-Pakistan partnership. It is a transformative experience, not just for the individual, but also for Pakistan, as scholars return and use the benefit of their UK experience to make a positive difference in their chosen field.

    Whilst Professor David O’Mahony, Dean for Partnerships at the University of Essex, said:

    The University of Essex has a long history of welcoming talented students from Pakistan to study, research, and grow within the vibrant international community at our University. We also have a long and proud tradition of welcoming talented students from around the world through the Chevening Scholarship scheme, and therefore the University of Essex is delighted to be the first UK University to offer Chevening Partnership Scholarships for Pakistan.

    To coincide with the signing of the Chevening-Essex MOU, we are inviting applications for postgraduate Master’s scholarships covering one of two fields: Heritage & Museums Studies or Climate Change/Sustainability.

    We have an international reputation in these areas and have just been ranked 56th in the world in the Times Higher Education Global Impact Rankings which highlight the leading universities for promoting the UN Sustainability Development Goals”.

  • PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Pride Month [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British High Commission in New Delhi celebrates Pride Month [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 June 2023.

    The British High Commission and British Council hosted a special event in Delhi on 11 June to mark Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT+ community around the world.

    The evening’s celebration at the British Council Delhi included grassroots champions in India, such as InsideOut Delhi and the Humsafar Trust, members of the LGBT+ community in the city, and supporters from all walks of life. The event featured an art exhibition by celebrated British queer artist Howard Hodgkin, who worked with renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to design the iconic black and white mural that adorns the front of the British Council building.

    Similar events are being organised across the UK in India network in the month of June including receptions planned at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Jodhpur. The UK is committed to championing LGBT+ rights around the world and to ensuring everyone, everywhere is protected against discrimination.

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    I feel extremely proud to join so many likeminded people from across this wonderful city in celebrating the LGBT+ community. The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination. Today, we celebrate love and pay tribute to everyone working to ensure full, equal, meaningful participation for all, across all walks of life.

    Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director, British Council India, said:

    The British Council believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our celebration of Pride Month and through our work in English, education, and the arts. We are committed to creating empowering platforms for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves authentically and stand together in support of love and equality.

    Background

    • the UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement
    • the UK has engaged in long-standing international collaborations on LGBT+ rights, including as co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) in 2019
    • the British High Commission New Delhi is proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Humsafar Trust in India. The UK also works to create links between British and Indian institutions and legislators to share best-practices, including improving workplace inclusion for LGBT+ employees
    • in 2020, we flew the Pride Flag in Delhi for the first time and will continue to fly it each year to mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) as we did on 17 May this year
  • PRESS RELEASE : Climate and Tech investment to supercharge UK-India development partnership ahead of G20 meeting [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Climate and Tech investment to supercharge UK-India development partnership ahead of G20 meeting [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 June 2023.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell is in India for the G20 and to announce new climate and tech partnerships.

    • announcement of new climate and tech partnerships to benefit all by tackling global challenges, as Development Minister Andrew Mitchell attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in Varanasi today (Monday)
    • he will join India and G20 partners in calling for reinvigorated efforts to to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
    • the new UK support includes funding for a tech start-up focussed on sustainable agriculture, including through growing vegetables in an environmentally-friendly way

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell is in India for the G20 starting today (Monday) – and to boost UK-India cooperation on development including through climate and tech partnerships.

    He will reinforce at the gathering in Varanasi how the UK’s partnerships and investments are having a multiplier effect in tackling the biggest shared challenges of today – including climate change, poverty and food insecurity.

    The G20 Development Ministerial meeting in Varanasi is laying the groundwork to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the G20 Leader’s Summit in New Delhi this September.

    At the G20, the UK emphasised the need to redouble global efforts to tackle the climate crisis and shocks facing the most vulnerable countries demonstrating our position as a development leader set out earlier this year.

    New UK programmes announced in India include an investment of £10 million in Avaana Fund, a women-led climate-tech fund which supports innovative businesses to develop solutions to climate change and create jobs for women in sectors such as clean energy, energy storage and agriculture.

    An investment of £12 million from the UK government-supported Neev II fund will go to Nutrifresh, an Agri-Tech start-up enterprise focused on making agriculture more sustainable by growing vegetables in an environmentally friendly way.

    Yesterday (Sunday), Minister Mitchell visited the Chakr Innovation research lab in Delhi, which is developing cutting-edge tech to tackle climate challenges.

    The UK-supported lab is now developing innovative batteries for e-vehicles which do not need charging infrastructure and are fully recyclable, providing a cleaner and safer alternative to older lithium tech. The lab has previously developed devices that capture pollution-causing emissions and convert it to pigment for black inks and paints.

    Targeted investments like these play a central role in tackling climate change and supporting sustainable development. They improve access to clean energy, create jobs and boost economic growth, all of which are vital to ending poverty.

    UK Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell said:

    We commend India for putting development and the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable at the heart of its G20 Presidency. The UK is committed to working with G20 partners to tackle the climate crisis and reduce poverty.

    The UK’s new investments in India will deepen our collaboration, underlining the UK’s focus on mutually beneficial partnerships. Make no mistake: these investments benefit the British taxpayer while delivering world-changing solutions. I am proud that the UK is supporting such visionary and innovative endeavours that are needed to achieve development progress across the globe.

    The investments will strengthen the UK’s trading relationship in the region and help drive growth – one of the government’s five priorities

    Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

    The investments highlight the UK’s commitment to delivering the 2030 Roadmap – a partnership that delivers for both our countries.

    As set out in the UK’s International Development Strategy, we are focused on delivering clean and green infrastructure and creating opportunities for women and girls.

    Further Information

    • Minister Andrew Mitchell’s 2-day (11 to 12 June) visit to India will include engagements in Delhi and Varanasi
    • the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations was launched in 2021. Since then, significant progress has been made, including on health collaboration, advancing the transition to clean energy, cyber-security cooperation and the expansion of our defence and security partnership
    • the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor British International Investment helps to solve the biggest global development challenges by investing flexible capital to support private sector growth and innovation.  British Investment Partnership work with India towards green transition, investing in sustainable agriculture, reducing the pressure on natural resources and creating new jobs
    • The Neev II fund invests in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that focus on limiting and increasing resilience to climate and environmental changes and are aiding India in meeting its carbon emissions reduction targets by 2030
  • PRESS RELEASE : British Embassy Tripoli King’s Birthday Party 2023 – UK ambassador’s speech [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Embassy Tripoli King’s Birthday Party 2023 – UK ambassador’s speech [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 June 2023.

    His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya Caroline Hurndall gave a speech at The King’s Birthday Party in Tripoli, Libya, on 11 June 2023.

    Your Excellencies, distinguished guests and colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

    Thank you all for attending our King’s Birthday Party this evening – the first we have held to mark the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. And a special thank you to our sponsors: The Al-Sahl Holding Group, Gazelle Express Services, The Libya Cons tech group, and the British Arab Commercial Bank. Whose kind sponsorship has made this event possible.

    We are gathered today to celebrate an historic occasion. On the 6th of May 2023, His Majesty the King was crowned, the first British monarch to be crowned in 70 years.

    I was delighted that His Excellency Dr Almnefi represented Libya at the Coronation in a demonstration of the friendship between our 2 countries.

    Something you may not know is that the King has visited Libyan shores! In 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth made her second-ever state visit, to Tobruk. His Majesty the King, along with his sister Princess Anne, came to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on board the Royal Yacht Britannia at Tobruk!

    Throughout his life, His Majesty has supported a wide variety of causes relating to the environment, rural communities, the arts, healthcare and education.

    His Coronation ceremony celebrated the issues most important to him: youth, community, diversity, and sustainability.

    I am pleased to do the same here tonight, with a display of artwork by Libyan artists. The pictures celebrate Libya’s beautiful landscape and rich diversity and communities. Do take a moment to have a look at them this evening.

    Indeed, as I reflect on nearly 2 years as the British Ambassador to Libya, one of the things I have most enjoyed is meeting Libyans from different communities around the country.

    I have been privileged to visit many different areas, from Tripoli to Misrata, to Sirte, to Benghazi, to Tobruk. And to see the rich jewels of Libya’s history, including Leptis Magna and Cyrene.

    I am proud that, since we formally re-opened the embassy 1 year ago, the UK and Libya have continued to strengthen our cooperation, touching the lives of Libyans across the whole country. This includes:

    • UK-Libyan bilateral trade in goods and services has reached £1.5 billion. We welcomed the first business delegation since 2014, as well as the launch of the first UK Trade Organisation to be based in Libya
    • UK-funded projects have cleared 8000 explosive remnants of war across Libya since 2021
    • 175 English teachers benefited from British Council programmes to train teachers of English, reaching approximately 18,000 students across Libya
    • 17 Libyan scholars studied in the UK last year, with their studies fully funded by the Chevening scholarship
    • the UK provided £12 million for Libya through the Education Cannot Wait programme, working with UNICEF, to support children impacted by conflict and instability to access basic education
    • and we welcomed the British ship HMS Albion, strengthening cooperation with the Libyan Navy and Military Medical Corps

    I am excited by the possibilities for the relationship between UK and Libya to strengthen and grow.

    Of course, our partnership will flourish best amidst political and economic stability and security. That requires Libya’s leaders to come together to pursue compromise and cooperation and deliver on the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people.

    I would like to take this opportunity to invite Libya’s leaders to be inspired, as I am, by King Charles who on the occasion of his Coronation, rededicated his life to the service of the people of his country. I hope they find themselves able to follow his example, and make the choices and compromises needed to put their people first.

    Finally, thank you again for joining us this evening to celebrate both the King’s coronation, and his official birthday. Please would you join me in raising a glass to His Majesty King Charles III

    Your Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen. The King.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bahamian honoured by the City of London [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bahamian honoured by the City of London [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 June 2023.

    Steven Boon has been made Freeman of the City of London at the Guild Hall — the First Bahamian to ever receive this honour.

    The British High Commission’s Wine and Spirits Advisor, Steven Boon from New Providence, was given a rare honour on Tuesday 6 June, when he was made a Freeman of the City of London. Steven was recognised by his industry peers for making an international contribution to the industry. The ceremony took place in private at the British Residence in Nassau, with the British High Commissioner officiating on behalf of the Guild Hall in London.

    Steve Boon is recognised for his contributions to the Wine and Spirits industry. He is the youngest Bahamian to qualify as a wine and spirits lecturer with WSET, the only Bahamian to be the representative of the Court of Master Sommeliers in The Bahamas, and the only Bahamian to be a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, founded in 1637 (There are only 460 liverymen).

    In 2022 Steven Boon was appointed as the British High Commissioner’s Wine and Spirits Advisor to help the UK with the promotion, distribution, and education surrounding British spirits in The Bahamas. He is working on a number of high profile events for 2023, including at the International Food Festival and involving high quality training of industry staff, and is supporting three Bahamian rum companies wanting to become the first Bahamian rum distributed in the UK.

    British High Commissioner ,Thomas Hartley, said:

    I am incredibly proud of Steven Boon. Ever since he joined my team he has been such a force for good in supporting Bahamian exporters and importers in the wine and spirits industry.

    And this recognition – a rare honour even within the UK – rightly recognises Steven as the most qualified drinker in The Bahamas! Our huge congratulations, and thank you for helping bring Britain and Bahamas closer together.

    Background on the Freedom of the City of London at the Guild Hall

    The ‘Freedom’ dates back to the 13th Century, and is granted as a recognition of the prominence and influence of the individual in their trade. Known as Liverymen or Liverywomen, it has historically been used to recognise those in the private sector who are at the top of their industry and who have freedom from being under the jurisdiction of a feudal Lord.

    In the Middle Ages, this developed into a freedom or right to trade, becoming closely linked to the medieval guilds – the livery companies. In 1835 eligibility for the freedom of the City was extended to anyone who lived in, worked in or had a strong connection to the City. The freedom that citizens enjoy has long associations with privileges in the governance of the City in the past, has given them privileges in London such as the right to drive sheep across Southwark Bridge.

    In modern times, the Lord Mayor of London must be elected from amongst this group of Liverymen. There is a long-standing tradition of the City admitting women to the freedom. Although they are now usually called freemen as well, historically the term was free sisters. The most recent recipient of the honour is England International and Tottenham Hotspur football clubs Harry Kane.

    Background on Steven Boon

    • President, Wine & Spirit Guys , the leading strategic wine and spirit consultancy in the Bahamas ,100% Bahamian owned, Wine & Spirit Adviser to BHC and leading hospitality resorts.
    • Consultant to Bollinger Champagne for over 20 years
    • 40 years in the wine & spirit industry in the Bahamas and internationally
    • Youngest Bahamian to qualify as a wine & spirit lecturer with WSET aged 21
    • 1st/Only Bahamian to be the representative of Court of Master Sommeliers in the Bahamas
    • 1st/Only Bahamian to be a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers , founded in 1637.(There are only 460 liverymen)
    • 1st/Only Bahamian to be made a Freeman of The City of London-in connection with the wine & spirit industry
  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 25,000 long term ill and disabled people supported into work with £58m boost [June 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 June 2023.

    MORE than 25,000 people with health conditions will be helped to start and stay in work thanks to over £58m in new government funding.

    • New funding to support over 25,000 people in England with health issues find and stay in work
    • 12 areas across 41 local authorities in England to benefit from additional employment support
    • Funding marks first step in delivery of Universal Support and key part of efforts to reduce economic inactivity and grow the economy

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, today (11 June) confirmed the expansion of a programme which provides employment support to people with mild to moderate mental or physical health conditions who are out of work or need support to stay in work.

    Recognising employment as an important driver of health and wellbeing, participants are referred to the service by healthcare professionals such as GPs and practice nurses, and employment support and advice are integrated with their normal health treatment.

    As well as unlocking people’s potential and supporting them into a fulfilling career, a successful workforce will help deliver on Government’s priorities to halve inflation and grow the economy.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

    “We know that work has a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing and this pioneering programme will help thousands more people reap the benefits of fulfilling employment with the right help.

    “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to invest in employment support for people with health conditions. Through the reforms we set out earlier this year, we will continue to provide even more inclusive employment opportunities across the country as part of our efforts to unlock people’s potential and grow the economy.”

    The first phase of the Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) programme, launched in April 2023, providing on-the-job “place and train” employment support and advice to 12,700 people across South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West London, Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands, at a cost of £27.9 million.

    We are now expanding IPSPC to support up to a further 12,900 people in Enfield, Essex, Newham, Nottingham, Slough and Surrey who are set to benefit from an additional £31 million joint investment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    This is part of the first phase of the DWP’s Universal Support employment programme, announced in the Spring Budget.

    Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said:

    “In our Health and Disability White Paper we highlighted the importance of employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions, so it is absolutely right to expand the proven successful model of supported employment further.

    “I’m delighted that we’re already seeing this approach boost participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.

    “What we learn from supporting people through IPSPC will pave the way to Universal Support, which, when fully rolled out will offer people personalised support to help them flourish in work.”

    Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said:

    “This expanded funding is a vital part of our drive to support disabled people and those with health conditions who deserve to live independently. This also includes our £573 million annual Disabled Facilities Grant, which funds housing modifications such as grab rails and ramps to improve independent living at home.

    “We are also inviting views on how the government can better diagnose and support those with major health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or mental ill-health, which will inform our Major Conditions Strategy later this year.”

    Andrew Beardsall, Associate Director of Primary Care at NHS Bassetlaw Place, Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, said:

    “The expansion of IPSPC is great for patients and for primary care professionals.

    “GPs often report that in trying to deal with patients physical and mental health issues they are often only treating a small part of their patients’ overall problems, which cannot be tackled in isolation.

    “IPSPC offers the chance to break the spiral between ill health, employment and quality of life. It is simply a good idea and warmly welcomed”

    It is estimated the programme will help over 25,000 people secure or retain employment by March 2025 by offering them personalised employment support and advice integrated with their normal health treatment.

    Additional information

    • IPSPC represents the first step in delivery of Universal Support, a supported employment programme which will support at least 50,000 disabled people and people with health conditions per year into sustained work from 2025/26, using the proven “place and train” employment model.
    • Eligible people will be able to opt into Universal Support to receive up to 12 months of support, helping them to move quickly into suitable work and followed with wraparound support to help them to sustain that employment for the longer-term.
    • IPSPC is an extension of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme, another example of supported employment targeting people with more severe health conditions in secondary care settings, such as hospitals.
    • The expansion of IPSPC follows evaluation research into IPS in South Yorkshire and the West Midlands, which found the IPS approach boosted participants’ employment prospects, wellbeing, self-confidence, and motivation to return to work.
    • “Place and train” employment models like IPS and IPSPC see participants receive a job from the outset, learning as they go rather than having to train before being allowed to start employment.
    • The first phase of IPSPC, which launched this year, will support around 12,700 people across six areas and 30 local authorities, South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham), Greater Manchester (Manchester City, Bolton, Bury, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Wigan), the West London Alliance (Ealing, Barnet, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow), Norfolk, Cheshire West and Chester, and West Midlands (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Wolverhampton), at a cost of £27.9m,
    • The expansion will cover a further 12,900 people across six more areas and 11 local authorities, Enfield, Essex, Newham (Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets), Nottingham (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby), Slough and Surrey.
    • The majority of participants found the service boosted their confidence, job search capability, and motivation to return to work.