UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Home Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Hillsborough – independent forensic pathology review established [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Hillsborough – independent forensic pathology review established [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 5 October 2022.

    The review will consider what went wrong with the original pathological report and ensure similar mistakes are not made in the future.

    The review reflects recommendations made in Right Reverend James Jones’ report. The patronising disposition of unaccountable power, a report to ensure the pain and suffering of the Hillsborough families is not repeated, which identified failings in the pathological reporting of the deaths at Hillsborough Stadium on 15 April 1989.

    The review will be chaired by forensic science expert Mr Glenn Taylor.

    The review began on 1 July 2022, following the conclusion of the final criminal trials relating to the Hillsborough disaster.

    Mr Taylor is expected to report his findings to the Home Secretary next summer.

    It will consider what went wrong with the original pathological report from the disaster to ensure that similar mistakes will not be made in the future.

    As set out in the Terms of Reference published today, the review will:

    • recognise the failures in pathology following the Hillsborough disaster
    • make an assessment as to whether there is risk of similar failings being made again in the event of a similar mass fatality
    • assess the adequacy of safeguards currently in place in terms of clinical governance and pathology provision in England and Wales
    • look at accountability of practitioners and how it has changed since the original inquests
    • consider if there are lessons learnt from the Hillsborough disaster which can built into the development of Home Office register forensic pathologists and wider provision of pathology services

    Mr Taylor is a retired forensic scientist who was in charge of a local authority laboratory. He has extensive experience in major incident planning and oversight of coronial services on behalf of local authorities.

    The review has been commissioned by the Pathology Delivery Board (PDB) and is overseen by the Home Office. The PDB is responsible for the provision of forensic pathology services to police and coroners for suspicious death and homicide cases in England and Wales.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prisoners start as apprentices at big name employers [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prisoners start as apprentices at big name employers [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 4 October 2022.

    Prisoners in England have begun high-quality apprenticeships this week in a bid to cut crime following a change in the law.

    For the first time ever, those behind bars will embark on dedicated on-the-job learning programmes that have a direct route into work with leading employers on release that will keep offenders on the straight and narrow.

    Big employers have already pledged their commitment including Greene King, Timpson’s and Kier, with a wide range of job roles available to offenders, including highway maintenance, hospitality and cheffing.

    As announced in the Prisons Strategy White Paper last year, the Government is exploring all avenues to boost the employability of ex-offenders when they leave prison – a key contributor to cutting crime and making our streets safer.

    As Ministry of Justice data shows, the proportion of ex-offenders in work six weeks after release increased by more than half between April 2021 and March 2022.

    Skills Minister Andrea Jenkyns said:

    This vital change to the law will not only help us to rehabilitate offenders, but it’s also plugging the skills gap for the future.

    Apprenticeships give employers dedicated new workers in sectors like construction and hospitality and it’s great to have such high-profile companies sign up to help prisoners turn their life around through work and training.

    Prisons Minister, Rob Butler MP, said:

    Getting prison leavers into work is absolutely crucial – it provides them a second chance to lead a more positive life and cuts crime.

    Apprenticeships are a direct route into gold-standard training in vital industries – encouraging ex-prisoners to stay on the straight and narrow while supporting businesses of all sizes and contributing to economic growth.

    Most apprenticeships take place under an apprenticeship agreement which is classed as an employment contract in law. The Government has now changed the law so prisoners will be able to undertake apprenticeships without the need for such an agreement.

    An apprentice starting work at Kier said:

    This opportunity means a lot to me and I was over the moon when I found out I had been successful. It gives me the chance to prove to myself, my friends, family and the wider community that I am worthy and capable of being successful. I am appreciative to Kier and the team I have worked with during this process, it has been made clear to me that my convictions aren’t a barrier to my success or progression.

    I look forward to gaining as much experience as I can during my apprenticeship and in the future I would like to stay with Kier, work my way up and hopefully gain further qualifications.

    Up to 300 prisoners, who are eligible for day release and nearing the end of their time in prison are expected to be recruited by 2025.

    James Timpson, Chief Executive of the Timpson Group, said:

    At the Timpson Group, we have a track record of championing ex-offenders and providing them with employment opportunities that enable them to break the cycle of reoffending, reintegrate into society and make positive contributions to the economy.

    Key to this mission is ensuring that offenders have as many opportunities as possible to gain skills and training while completing their sentence. As such, we are delighted to be providing one of the first-ever work placements for the prisoner apprenticeship scheme at The Partridge pub, and are looking forward to working with Novus and Total People to ensure this opportunity can be offered to other prisoners who could benefit from an apprenticeship.

    Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said:

    We are proud to have now supported 135 prison leavers into employment through our Releasing Potential programme, but our ambition doesn’t stop there.  We have an important role to play in supporting social mobility and the change in law means those in prison can learn new skills to enable them to build a career once they leave prison, which is key to successful rehabilitation.  We’re really pleased that we’ll now be able to offer our award-winning apprenticeship programme to prisoners and hope that more people will be able to join us at Greene King upon release.

    Helen Redfern, chief people officer at Kier, said:

    At Kier, we’re committed to having a more diverse workforce, with colleagues who have skills from a range of backgrounds; reflecting the wider community. This pioneering scheme allows us to diversify our workforce further, whilst benefitting prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentence, as well as reducing the likelihood of reoffending, benefitting communities across the country.

    Being one of the first employers to take part in the scheme builds on the work we have already done through Making Ground, our prison engagement and employment programme, which is designed to support serving prisoners and prison leavers into sustainable employment in the construction industry.

    Over the coming months, more and more employers covering all sectors of the economy will come on board to offer apprenticeship opportunities to prisoners, including Sheffield City Council, Co-op and Premier Foods.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Offenders to face mandatory testing to cut drug-fuelled crime [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Offenders to face mandatory testing to cut drug-fuelled crime [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 3 October 2022.

    • new enhanced tests will detect more drugs to tackle substance abuse and cut crime
    • offenders who fail tests face being recalled to prison

    Thousands of offenders will face compulsory drug testing after release from prison to help keep them clean and cut drug-fuelled crime.

    From today (3 October 2022), offenders supervised in probation hostels, known as Approved Premises, will be randomly tested for 14 different types of drugs as part of a £1.2 million initiative to reduce reoffending.

    Offenders whose drug habits are directly linked to their crimes, such as heroin addicts, will be legally required to take a urine test up to once a week to prevent their addiction from spiralling into further crimes. All other offenders will be tested at least twice whilst being supervised in Approved Premises.

    New enhanced tests will also make it easier to spot a range of drugs including heroin, cocaine and synthetic substances like Spice, with around 30,000 tests being carried out each year.

    Those who test positive will be required to undergo intensive drug treatment or face being recalled to prison.

    These changes were first introduced as a Private Members Bill by Rob Butler MP, who recently became Prisons and Probation Minister.

    Rob Butler, Prisons and Probation Minister, said:

    I’ve seen first-hand how drug addiction is too often at the heart of criminal activity and I have campaigned to change that.

    This mandatory testing will act as a deterrent to anyone tempted to abuse drugs again, help cut crime and make our communities safer.

    Illegal drug use costs the taxpayer nearly £22 billion each year, including NHS, prison and police costs. Clamping down on drug use will help break the cycle of crime which addiction causes.

    This type of testing has been successfully rolled out in dozens of Approved Premises in England and will now be expanded across the whole estate by spring 2023.

    ‘Ian’, an offender currently housed in an Approved Premise, said:

    Before I got clean from drugs, my life was chaotic, and I would do anything to get my next hit.

    Regular testing in Approved Premises will reduce drug deaths and give people something to focus on and work towards.

    At first, I was worried about being tested for fear of being recalled to prison but it was an incentive for me to stay clean, rebuild broken trust with family and loved ones and start applying for jobs so I can look for my own place.

    The initiative represents one of the largest expansions of drug testing in the Probation Service and supports the government’s wider 10-year Drugs Strategy which is backed by £900 million of extra investment.

    As part of this, the government is investing £120 million to roll out three pilot substance misuse problem-solving courts in the community to make offenders face their addictions. The investment will help establish 18 new drug recovery wings ensuring prisoners tackle their addiction head-on or face tough consequences – including further time in jail where necessary.

    Approved Premises are used by the Probation Service to closely supervise and support offenders after their release from prison.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 500 criminals and immigration offenders removed [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 500 criminals and immigration offenders removed [September 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 30 September 2022.

    More than 500 foreign criminals and immigration offenders have been removed from the UK by the Home Office during September.

    In total, 533 people were returned, including 105 to Albania on 3 dedicated charter flights and scheduled flights this month.

    The Home Office also returned 26 Romanian nationals and 9 individuals to Zimbabwe on separate charter flights.

    The foreign national offenders removed had received combined prison sentences of more than 337 years and were convicted of crimes including sexual and violent offences, supplying Class A drugs and facilitating illegal entry to the UK.

    More than 300 people who had no right to remain in the UK, including 3 Albanian nationals who entered the UK illegally – 1 via small boat and 2 through other clandestine means – have also been removed.

    Home Secretary, Suella Braverman said:

    We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who comes to the UK and breaks our laws.

    Returning such a high number of dangerous criminals sends a clear message that they are not welcome here.

    We are also clamping down on those who come here illegally, and I am exploring every avenue to accelerate their removal.

    Since signing our returns agreement with Albania in 2021, we have removed over 1,000 Albanian criminals and immigration offenders, including some who crossed the Channel illegally to come to the UK.

    To date this year, the UK has removed 8,175 people via enforced, voluntary and other return types, including 2,250 foreign national offenders.

    The Nationality and Borders Act will further deter illegal entry into the UK, breaking the business model of people-smuggling networks and speeding up the removal of those with no right to be in the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New support for victims of county lines exploitation [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New support for victims of county lines exploitation [September 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 September 2022.

    Hundreds of victims of county lines exploitation will be helped to escape drug gangs following the expansion of support services in four priority locations – London, West Midlands, Merseyside and Greater Manchester – where young people are often targeted.

    The Home Office has today (24 September) allocated up to £5 million to better support young people and their families for the next three years, and help free them from the grasp of vicious county lines gangs.

    A one-to-one specialist support service for young people under 25, delivered by not-for-profit organisation Catch22, will safely make contact with young people who have been referred by safeguarding partners, such as the police and children’s services, and work with them to exit their involvement in county lines activity.

    If under 25s are identified outside of their hometowns, a rescue service will be deployed to bring them home safely, offering a pivotal moment for them to engage with caseworkers and protect their futures.

    The service will also offer mental health support and counselling to the young people and their families, to help deal with the trauma of their experiences.

    They will operate across the four largest exporting areas for county lines activity, aligning with the police forces that are part of the government’s county lines programme.

    Home Office Minister, Jeremy Quin, said:

    I want victims of exploitation to know that we are on their side – and that there is a way out, a brighter future available.

    Since 2019, the government’s county lines programme has shut down 2,400 lines, made over 8,000 arrests and engaged more than 9,500 individuals through safeguarding interventions.

    These services will be relentless in their focus to carve out safe routes home for young people in danger and tear them away from the grip of these merciless county lines gangs, opening up their futures once more.

    As part of the package of support, funding will also be allocated to continue the delivery of the national confidential and anonymous helpline ‘SafeCall’, delivered across England and Wales by Missing People – including bespoke support for parents and carers. Since it was established in late 2017, the helpline has supported 480 young victims of county lines exploitation and their families.

    Chief Executive Officer at Catch22, Naomi Hulston, said:

    For children and young people who are victims of county lines activity, the impact on their lives – and the lives of those around them – is devastating. We know that grooming techniques are becoming more advanced and that escaping the clutches of these perpetrators can be incredibly difficult. That’s why as part of this service we’ll not only be bringing young people home safely, we’ll be supporting them to make sure they can process their experiences and are protected from any future harm.

    Director of Policy and Development at Missing People, Susannah Drury, said:

    SafeCall provides confidential, anonymous support to young victims of county lines exploitation and their families – helping them get safe, stay safe and deal with the challenges they face. Our expert team is available 9am to 11pm, 7 days a week to provide support via our free helpline – text or call 116000. Missing People is proud to be providing the SafeCall service across England and Wales to help young victims and their families through crisis and trauma.

    County lines activity refers to drug trafficking operations which often sees children or vulnerable adults groomed to run drugs from one city to other parts of the country, usually coupled with extreme violence and coercive behaviour.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New crackdown on fraud and money laundering to protect UK economy [September 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New crackdown on fraud and money laundering to protect UK economy [September 2022]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 September 2022.

    The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will strengthen the UK’s reputation as a place where legitimate businesses can thrive while driving dirty money out of the UK. Through the reforms, anyone who registers a company in the UK will need to verify their identity, tackling the use of companies as a front for crime or foreign kleptocrats.

    The reforms to Companies House – its biggest upgrade in 170 years – will also see the organisation armed with new powers to check, challenge and decline incorrect or fraudulent information, making it a more active gatekeeper over company creation. The investigation and enforcement powers of Companies House will also be upgraded, enabling the organisation to cross check data with public and private partners, as well as reporting suspicious activity to security agencies and law enforcement.

    The Bill will also help prevent the abuse of limited partnerships – including those registered in Scotland, for money laundering and other nefarious purposes – by tightening registration and transparency requirements for these entities.

    Law-abiding businesses and investors across the UK will benefit from simplified filing requirements and a more reliable companies register to inform business and lending decisions. The reforms will ensure that small business owners, consumers and the public are better protected from fraudulent use of their identities and addresses.

    Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said:

    We want the UK to be the best place in the world to invest and start a business, but we must not allow this openness to be exploited by fraudsters misusing the identities of innocent people, or corrupt elites attempting to disguise their dodgy dealings.

    This historic Bill will equip Companies House and law enforcement with the tools they need to root out criminals attempting to hide their activities without burdening law-abiding companies with unnecessary bureaucracy. Above all, via strict enforcement measures, we are telling investors that the UK is open for legitimate business only.

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    The UK is no home for dirty money. The government has taken unprecedented action to prevent kleptocrats and organised criminals from abusing our open economy, and this Bill will go even further.

    Through this Bill we are giving our law enforcement agencies greater powers and intelligence capabilities to stay one step ahead of the criminals intent on keeping their corrupt assets out of reach.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    As the former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I commended the government on the swift legislative action it took on dirty money following the invasion of Ukraine, but I implored them to go even further.

    I am delighted that today we are introducing reforms that will make it much harder for kleptocrats to shield their ill-gotten gains and treat the UK as their safe deposit box. As Security Minister, I am committed to delivering this vital piece of legislation to strengthen our fight against economic crime.

    Law enforcement will also benefit from greater powers to compel businesses to hand over information which could be related to money laundering or terrorist financing. Red tape around confidentiality liability will be eased to enable businesses to share information to more proactively prevent and detect economic crime including fraud and sanctions evasion.

    The new law will make it easier and quicker for law enforcement agencies such as the National Crime Agency to seize, freeze and recover cryptoassets – the digital currency increasingly used by organised criminals to launder profits from fraud, drugs and cybercrime.

    The use of this digital currency has significantly increased in recent years, with the Metropolitan Police reporting a big rise in cryptocurrency seizures last year. Strengthening powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act will modernise the legislation to ensure agencies can keep pace with the rapid technological change and prevent assets from funding further criminality.

    The package of measures will build upon the earlier Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act, brought in following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The act has made it much quicker to impose tough sanctions on Putin’s cronies – freezing their UK assets and cutting off funds to the Kremlin’s war machine – as well as establishing the recently launched Register of Overseas Entities to root out corrupt oligarchs attempting to hide ill-gotten gains through UK property.

    Director General of the National Crime Agency Graeme Biggar said:

    Domestic and international criminals have for years laundered the proceeds of their crime and corruption by abusing UK company structures, and are increasingly using cryptocurrencies. These reforms – long awaited and much welcomed – will help us crack down on both.

    Companies House Chief Executive Louise Smyth said:

    We welcome the measures outlined in this Bill, which represent the most significant and far-reaching changes to the UK’s company register in over 170 years of history and will enable us to play a much stronger role in making the UK a great place to do business.

    If agreed, these changes will allow us to actively improve and maintain the integrity of the register like never before; inspire greater trust in our data, crack down on economic crime and further drive confidence in the UK economy.

    While the scale and scope of these changes should not be underestimated, the work already done through our wide-ranging and ongoing transformation programme puts us in a strong position to implement them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Independent panel appointed to oversee partnership with Rwanda

    PRESS RELEASE : Independent panel appointed to oversee partnership with Rwanda

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 September 2022.

    New monitoring committee will provide independent assurance of the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership.

    The UK and the Government of Rwanda have today (Friday 2nd September), announced the appointment of a new panel consisting of eight experts, who will provide independent oversight of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between the UK and Rwanda.

    The Independent Monitoring Committee is made up of members with a diverse range of expertise, including within the human rights, migration, asylum, international law and business sectors. They will be responsible for reviewing and reporting on the delivery of the partnership, including monitoring the end-to-end operations from the UK to Rwanda.

    This will include reviewing and reporting on the implementation of the commitments made in the arrangement between the two governments, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding.

    Home Secretary, Priti Patel said:

    Our world-first migration partnership will help to stop dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys being made to the UK, while giving people the opportunity to claim asylum in Rwanda and rebuild their lives.

    I am proud to be working with the Rwandan government on this world-leading policy, and our new Monitoring Committee will play a key role in holding both governments to account so we can deliver on our commitments to the British public and save lives.

    Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, said:

    Rwanda looks forward to working with the UK to implement the innovative Migration and Economic Development Partnership, which will offer a safe, secure home for people seeking protection, as well as a chance for migrants to live, work and develop alongside Rwandans.

    The members of the Monitoring Committee are experienced and highly committed individuals who will ensure that the programme is delivered to high standards and becomes a sustainable solution to the global imbalance in human capital opportunities, a major factor that is driving irregular and dangerous migration.

    The Monitoring Committee will highlight any areas of concern immediately to the co-chairs of the Joint Committee, a panel of senior officials from both governments.

    It includes experts from around the world, who have a wealth of experience across migration policy, international law and academia.

    Members appointed by the UK Government

    Harish Salve QC

    Harish Salve is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading legal counsels, who formerly served as Solicitor General of India and is a senior advocate at the Indian Bar. He is an experienced and senior immigration lawyer whose practice includes public international law and human rights. A highly experienced senior lawyer; he has built a global reputation for international commercial arbitration and litigation. His practice also encompasses public international law and human rights.

    Karina Kielbinska

    Karina Kielbinska is an international business management and marketing expert with a wealth of experience across the private and public sector. Most recently she served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre, which plays a crucial role in giving independent oversight of prisons and places of immigration detention, to ensure the conditions and humane treatment of people in detention. Previously she has worked as a global marketing director for GlaxoSmithKline and held marketing director roles at Cadbury both in the UK and Australia.

    Morten Lisborg

    Morten Lisborg is a Danish independent migration and policy advisor with over 20 years’ experience across the sector in various roles. He has worked with migration and refugee issues for numerous agencies and organizations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and in Europe. Morten has published several reports and articles on challenges related to the current European asylum system and provides policy advice to Danish political parties. In 2020 Morten was appointed as a member of the Danish Council for Development Policy.

    Alexander Downer

    Alexander Downer is an immigration expert currently serving as Executive Chair at the International School for Government, King’s College London. He was appointed in February 2022 to lead a wide-ranging, independent review of Border Force to assess its structure, powers, funding and priorities to ensure it can keep pace with rapidly evolving threats and continue to protect the border.

    Members appointed by the Rwandan Government

    Diko Mukete

    Diko Mukete is the Vice Chair of the Board of Rwanda Finance Limited. He is on the Management Board of the African Legal Support Facility in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He is an experienced economist and lawyer with a 25 year career at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he led several successful economic and financial policy dialogues with governments across Africa. He is a Barrister-at-Law of Gray’s Inn, London, and a member of the Cameroon Bar Association.

    Julien Kavaruganda

    Julien Kavaruganda is founder and senior partner of K-Solutions & Partners, a corporate law firm in Kigali in Rwanda, and an experienced lawyer who has held various leadership posts in regional bar associations. He practiced at the Brussels Bar Association in Belgium, before joining the Rwanda Bar Association where he is the immediate past president. He is also Vice Chairman of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre, and on the Board of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

    John P Sendanyoye

    John P Sendanyoye is a retired senior official of the International Labour Organization (ILO), where he headed the Service Sectors Team and previously served as Regional Programming Officer for Africa and Asia and the Pacific in Cote d’Ivoire and Thailand respectively. He has vast experienced in international labour activities including global dialogue on the impact of financial crisis on workers, and has published numerous papers and articles related to his work in ILO.

    Marie Sylvie Kawera

    Marie Sylvie Kawera has been a commissioner of Rwanda’s National Commission for Human Rights since 2017, where she is actively involved in the monitoring, evaluation and investigation of diverse human rights issues. Previously, she has been a lawyer and adviser to civil society organizations and political parties.

    The candidates were chosen following a rigorous selection process led by the Joint Committee. Appointments were jointly agreed by the co-chairs of the Joint Committee.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign criminals and illegal entrants to the UK removed to Albania

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign criminals and illegal entrants to the UK removed to Albania

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 September 2022.

    Yesterday (Thursday 1 September) the UK government removed a total of 32 foreign criminals and immigration offenders on a charter flight to Albania.

    Five individuals who entered the UK illegally were removed on yesterday’s flight, including one person who was removed in 24 days after arriving via small boat in August.

    Other individuals included a person who was removed 19 days after being caught by immigration officers working in a restaurant having overstayed as a visitor, and another who arrived hidden in a lorry from May.

    The 27 foreign national offenders removed had received combined prison sentences of more than 87 years and were convicted of crimes including the supply of Class A drugs, facilitating illegal entry and sexual offences.

    Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

    This flight sends a clear message to those who flout our laws and immigration rules that you will be swiftly removed. Anyone who comes to our country in a small boat or other dangerous, illegal means should not expect to stay in the UK for long.

    We are working closely with the Albanian government to tackle illegal immigration and have this week agreed our joint operational plans to expedite the removal of Albanians who enter the UK illegally via small boats.

    Alongside measures in our Nationality and Borders Act, this will help end the cycle of last-minute claims and appeals that can delay removals. We will stop at nothing to remove those with no right to be here as the public rightly expects.

    Foreign offenders returned on yesterday’s flight to Albania include:

    an individual sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for intent to supply Class A drugs
    an individual sentenced to over four years’ imprisonment for facilitating illegal entry
    an individual sentenced to over seven years’ imprisonment for intent to supply Class A drugs
    Yesterday’s flight is the 45th operated by the Home Office this year as the government tackles illegal migration and abuse of the asylum system.

    Since signing our returns agreement with Albania in 2021, we have removed nearly 1,000 Albanian foreign national offenders, including some who crossed the Channel illegally to come to the UK.

    The UK has removed 7,638 people via enforced, voluntary and other return types since January 1, including 1,995 foreign national offenders. In August 2022 alone, 220 criminals were removed from the UK on both charter and scheduled flights.

    The Nationality and Borders Act will further deter illegal entry into the UK, breaking the business model of people-smuggling networks and speed up the removal of those with no right to be in the UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Independent review on departure of Metropolitan Police Commissioner published

    PRESS RELEASE : Independent review on departure of Metropolitan Police Commissioner published

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 September 2022.

    The Home Office has today (2 September 2022) published Sir Tom Winsor’s review of the circumstances surrounding the departure of Dame Cressida Dick, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

    The Home Secretary asked Sir Tom Winsor, the former Chief Inspector of Constabulary, to assess the facts of what happened, whether the correct procedures had been followed and to make recommendations as to how the processes for the accountability of the commissioner could be improved.

    Sir Tom presented his report to the Home Office on 24 August 2022 and given the public interest in the matter, the Home Secretary decided to publish the report in full on gov.uk.

    Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

    In thanking Sir Tom for his report, I hope now that those responsible for delivering policing in London – as well as those responsible for holding the Met to account – will concentrate their efforts on delivering safer streets for the capital and restoring integrity in policing.

    Public confidence in the Met has been dented by a series of appalling incidents and it is vital that failings are addressed and professional standards restored to the level that Londoners deserve.

    The police need to ensure that they get the basics right, which should include a relentless focus on cutting neighbourhood crime and the serious violence that has blighted too many communities.

    In the report, Sir Tom states that he believes due process was not followed by the Mayor of London and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in the actions they took which led, on 10 February 2022, to Dame Cressida Dick stepping aside as commissioner. It also notes that the mayor’s actions were not in accordance with the relevant legislation.

    A number of recommendations for how accountability arrangements in London can be improved were also given. The government is already taking steps to strengthen the accountability and transparency of police governance through the delivery of recommendations from the Police and Crime Commissioner review.

    The Home Office will consider all of the findings Sir Tom has laid out and will bring forward any further changes we deem necessary once the findings and recommendations have been fully considered.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft visits Fiji

    PRESS RELEASE : Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft visits Fiji

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 September 2022.

    During the two-day visit, the Permanent Secretary met government officials and partners including the Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney General and Minister for Economy, Justice, Civil Service, Communications, Housing and Community Development; The Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Defence, National Security, Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna.

    PS Rycroft reiterated the UK’s long-term commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific and set out his desire to work closely with the Government on shared challenges including climate security and transnational crime. He:

    • highlighted the UK’s commitment at COP26 to provide a new £274million Climate Action for a Resilience Asia (CARA) programme to support the Pacific
    • announced that the UK is providing £15 million for the Pacific region through its Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) programme, which works in partnership with Pacific Island Countries to strengthen law and justice, maritime security, reduce conflict and corruption and promote open and inclusive societies
    • highlighted the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessels forward-deployed in the region, HMS Spey and Tamar, supporting Fiji to tackle Illegal Fishing and other maritime threats, alongside diverse engagement including sport, conservation and women’s empowerment

    Mr Matthew Rycroft said:

    I am pleased to be visiting Fiji and working to champion the issues which matter most to Pacific partners. We share history, values, and a determination to tackle global challenges. We have thousands of Fijian diaspora living in the UK, which is at the heart of the relationship between the two countries. It is these people-to-people ties that makes Fiji a particularly important partner for the UK.

    British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr Brian Jones, said:

    On top of his National Security focus, PS Rycroft met USP students to discuss the growing Pacific impact of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. He also met senior Fiji police officers about to head to the UK to study and train with Greater Manchester Constabulary. This further strengthens our cooperation preserving and protecting international peace and the rule of law.