Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak to become new Prime Minister – CCN response [October 2022]

The press release issued by the County Councils Network on 24 October 2022.

Today Rishi Sunak has been announced as the next leader of the Conservative party, and will become the new Prime Minister.

Below, the County Councils Network responds to this afternoon’s announcement.

Cllr Tim Oliver, Chairman of the County Councils Network, said:

“On behalf of the County Councils Network’s (CCN) member councils, I would like to congratulate Rishi Sunak on becoming Prime Minister. As a former local government minister, the new Prime Minister knows the vital role county authorities play in delivering economic growth, protecting the vulnerable, and delivering vital day-to-day services that the country relies on.

“We worked closely with the new Prime Minister when he was Chancellor during the pandemic, showing how successful local and central government can be when working as one for local residents and businesses. CCN and its member councils will do all they can to continue this track record of delivery. In particular, we know Mr Sunak is a strong supporter of devolution and recognises the transformational impact devolving powers to local areas could have in boosting growth and in levelling-up. Over the coming weeks, we urge his administration to renew its commitments to the Levelling Up Whitepaper and turbocharge devolution, with at least two-thirds of CCN member councils beginning negotiations on a deal for their areas by the end of this Parliament.

“While empowering counties through devolved powers can do much to achieve the economic ambitions of this government, we recognise this administration’s immediate priority will be taking steps to set out a new fiscal mandate in the statement on October 31st.

“The CCN has been clear about the acute financial challenges facing local authorities at present, driven by soaring inflation and increases in demand for services. With a cost-of-living crisis and the need to grow the economy, it is vital that councils have access to the necessary funding to provide excellent services to residents and support local businesses to drive economic growth and productivity. That is why it is critical that any spending cuts do not fall on local government, with the government at the very least maintaining all the funding commitments made at the time of the Spending Review last year.

“However, the government will need to go further to support councils to cope with rising inflationary costs and prevent reductions to services. CCN recognises that tough decisions will need to be taken to prioritise public spending, and that is why one of the first decisions the Prime Minister and his new Chancellor should make is to delay the forthcoming charging reforms to adult social care services. By delaying the reforms but retaining and reinvesting funding earmarked for these proposals in local government, it would help ease the inflationary and workforce pressures facing social care authorities. We also urge the government to retain a commitment by the previous administration to rebalance funding between health and social care, allocating more of the £13bn committed to tackling the NHS backlog towards councils to help reduce pressure on social care services and the wider health system.”

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Review of government counter-terror strategy to tackle threats [October 2022]

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

The government will carry out a wholesale refresh of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, to protect its citizens from new, emerging and persistent threats.

In the UK and overseas, there has been a shift towards self-initiated terrorists operating independently from organised groups with increasingly personal ideologies, warped views used to justify violence.

The tactics and methodologies used by terrorists are diversifying and becoming increasingly fragmented.

To meet those threats, the counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) will be updated to reflect these new challenges. This will involve seeking a diverse range of views and engaging security experts from across the UK and overseas, so that CONTEST continues to robustly protect the British public from terrorist threats.

Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:

Terrorists seek to divide us and sow hatred. We will not let them. Our commitment to the values we cherish is too strong.

But as the nature of terrorism continues to evolve and endure, so must we.

We will ensure that our response to the terror threat continues to be world-leading and ensure we have a strategy that allows people to go about their lives freely and with confidence.

The update will take into account a series of important reviews, including the second volume of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, set to be published next week.

In addition, the findings from the Independent Review of Prevent, led by William Shawcross, will strengthen the government’s ability to stop individuals being drawn into terrorism in the first place.

The government will do everything possible to strengthen the UK’s protection against terrorist attacks.

This includes a renewed commitment to introduce the Protect Duty, which will enhance the safety of public venues while avoiding placing additional burden on small businesses.

The UK counter-terror system already encompasses the efforts of more than 20 government departments and agencies.

Since 2017 alone, more than 200 recommendations have been implemented in response to terrorist attacks, including the creation of the world’s first multi-organisational Counter Terrorism Operations Centre, in London in June 2021.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes said:

Since its launch in 2003, CONTEST has proved to be an enduring and effective strategic framework for the UK’s counter terrorism response, but it shouldn’t stand still.

Today’s threat is dominated by increasingly fragmented ideologies, self-initiated terrorism, and the reach of hateful online ideologies into the lives of the young people.

It is vital that any future strategy reflects these learnings and also looks forward to the collaborations we will need in the future to keep people safe.

Counter Terrorism Policing, uniquely, has made an evolving contribution to all four pillars of the CONTEST strategy and will continue to be at the heart of our preparedness for the terrible moments when attacks happen.

The government expects to publish an updated and enhanced version of CONTEST next year. In the meantime, it will continue to deliver a counter-terror strategy to keep the public safe.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK government approves agreement between Bulb and Octopus Energy, providing certainty to 1.5 million customers [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 29 October 2022.
- UK government approves deal between the special administrators of Bulb and Octopus Energy to acquire Bulb’s 1.5 million customers
- following an extensive and competitive sale process, the move provides a stable new home for Bulb’s customers and 650 employees
- Bulb customers do not need to do anything and won’t experience any disruption as organisations work together to deliver a smooth, market-led exit from its special administration
An agreement was reached overnight between special administrators of Bulb and Octopus Energy, the UK government confirms today, in a move that will protect consumers and taxpayers.

Bulb’s special administrators have been running a competitive and extensive sale process within the market for Bulb in recent months and have now reached a final agreement which will see Bulb’s 1.5 million customers transferred to Octopus Energy.

The sale will be completed following a statutory process called an Energy Transfer Scheme (ETS), which will transfer the relevant assets of Bulb into a new separate entity that will protect consumers during the transfer process. The process is subject to approval by the Business and Energy Secretary and will take effect at a time ordered by the High Court, expected by the end of November.

Bulb customers will not experience any change or disruption to their energy supplies as part of this transfer. There is no change to either Bulb or Octopus customers’ supply arrangements, and credit balances are protected. This means customers do not need to take any action and all direct debits will automatically be transferred.

The government will work closely with Ofgem and Bulb’s special administrators to ensure the exit from special administration and transfer of customers to Octopus achieves the best outcome practicable for Bulb customers, taxpayers, and the industry. Last night’s deal comes alongside ongoing steps that the UK government and independent regulator, Ofgem, are taking to boost the financial resilience of the sector.

Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

This government’s overriding priority is to protect consumers and last night’s sale will bring vital reassurance and energy security to consumers across the country at a time when they need it most.

This is a fresh start and means Bulb’s 1.5 million customers can rest easy, knowing they have a new energy home in Octopus.

Moving forward, I intend to do everything in my power to ensure our energy system provides secure and affordable energy for all.

Octopus will continue to use Bulb’s technology and brand for a transitionary period so that there is a smooth transfer for Bulb’s customers. In addition, customers will continue to benefit from Ofgem’s supply licence protections, such as ensuring energy suppliers provide advice for vulnerable customers through existing financial support schemes.

Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy Group, comments:

We take our responsibilities very seriously. We will work unbelievably hard to deliver value for taxpayers and to look after Bulb’s staff and customers.

We started off as rivals but shared the same mission – driving a greener, cheaper energy system with people at the heart. We know how important this is to Bulb’s loyal customers and dedicated staff, and are determined that Octopus can provide them with a stable home for the future.

Matthew Cowlishaw, Senior Managing Director at Teneo and Special Administrator to Bulb Energy Ltd, said:

When the energy administrators were appointed in November 2021, our primary objectives were to enable Bulb to trade as usual while minimising the cost to the taxpayer. Following a thorough and extensive process over the course of almost a year, we examined all options and in conjunction with BEIS came to the conclusion that this transaction would provide the most value to the taxpayer.

We are pleased that we have achieved the objectives of the special administration, especially against the backdrop of wider energy market disruption, and that the transition of employees and customers will provide certainty for both going forward.

The government will provide the remaining funding necessary to ensure that the special administration is wound up in a way that protects customers’ supply. The government can recoup these costs at a later date, ensuring that we get the best outcome for Bulb’s customers and the British taxpayer.

The current increase in wholesale energy prices is driven by a number of factors including Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, as well as the global recovery from the COVID pandemic. Recent volatile global gas prices have emphasised the need to ensure greater energy independence to protect households in the long-term through clean power generated in the country.

The Energy Price Guarantee remains in place and will continue at the same level this winter, saving the typical household around £700 this winter, based on what energy prices would have been under the current price cap – reducing bills by roughly a third. This is on top of the £400 energy bills discount for each household and additional targeted support that continues to be rolled out for the most vulnerable, including £1,200 in direct payments this year.
October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls on global community to fight terrorism [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 October 2022.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will address the UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee during a visit to India this week
- He will use his speech in New Delhi today (Saturday) to call for like-minded partners to come together behind a mission to cut terrorist resources and prevent future attacks like that seen in Mumbai in 2008
- The Foreign Secretary started his first visit to India in his role in Mumbai yesterday (Friday) before travelling on to New Delhi today
The international community must work together to “starve terrorists of the finance and emerging technologies” that will cause destruction around the world, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will set out today (Saturday 29 October).

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee in New Delhi, he will call on countries to work together to fight online terrorism – including global terror recruitment campaigns and live streaming of attacks.

It comes after he paid his respects yesterday at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, to those who lost their lives in the city’s 2008 terror attack, including three British nationals.

The Foreign Secretary is due to say:

Within the space of two decades, terrorists have gone from circulating crackly voice recordings from the depths of Tora Bora, to global online recruitment and incitement campaigns, to live-streaming attacks.

Online incitement has radicalised vulnerable people in far off countries, who have gone on to use rental vans as weapons of terror.

So we must continue to work together to fight terrorist ideologies online.

He will conclude we must “starve terrorists of the finance and emerging technologies that will cause death and destruction around the world”.

The UK’s Counter Daesh Communication Cell, in partnership with the US and UAE Governments, works to challenge Daesh propaganda. The UK is also working to stop terrorists exploiting online platforms and to push tech companies to crack down harder on extremist online content through the G7 and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism.

Around the world unmanned aerial systems are being used to inflict terror. The UK is funding new technology to tackle these drones and stop terrorists from misusing them.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary announced further collaboration between the UK and India through British International Investment. This included £11 million of UK funding invested in Kinara Capital, a woman-led fintech company. British International Investment is designed to strengthen trade ties with our partners and generate economic growth, benefitting the UK and creating jobs at home.

He also announced a £22 million investment by the UK-backed Neev II Fund into Hygenco which will help India’s green energy transition by pioneering green hydrogen.

The Foreign Secretary is due to meet India’s Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar today to discuss the latest on the 2030 Roadmap, the landmark commitment to boost cooperation between the UK and India over the next decade.
October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces new support for cholera outbreak in Syria [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

The UK will provide £2 million to UNICEF in response to the cholera outbreak in Syria, which continues to spread across the country and risks overwhelming fragile health systems.

As the international community scales up its response to the outbreak, which has now spread to Lebanon, this funding will contribute to UNICEF’s cholera response, including establishing cholera treatment centres, giving people access to cholera kits and training the public on how to prevent the spread of cholera.

Minister of State and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad said:

We are deeply concerned by the cholera outbreak across Syria, the first in more than ten years. With humanitarian needs the highest they have ever been, there is a significant risk that malnutrition, lack of access to clean water and chronic conditions, will see the situation deteriorate even further.

This funding to UNICEF will provide vital lifesaving assistance to those in affected areas. The UK has not forgotten Syria and we will continue to work with international partners to ensure there is a coordinated response on the ground.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : The urgent need to avoid further escalation in the West Bank [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

Statement from Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Thank you Mr President,

As we have heard from UN Special Coordinator Wennesland, we are seeing an increasingly worrying deterioration of the security situation in the West Bank. It is crucial that all parties take urgent steps to reduce tensions, condemn incitement and avoid further escalation in violence.

The cycle of violence continues to take many lives. We are alarmed by the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, by Israeli Security Forces, including six minors this month. Investigations should be transparent and comprehensive. Where there has been excessive use of force, those responsible must be held to account.

We are also concerned by the increase in Palestinian violence, where two IDF soldiers sadly lost their lives this month after being shot by Palestinians. We repeat our call on all parties to take immediate steps to reduce tensions. We also stress the importance of ensuring access for humanitarian and development organisations, including in Palestinian refugee camps, even during periods of instability.

More action also needs to be taken to tackle settler violence, which has affected IDF soldiers, but affects Palestinians on a daily basis across the West Bank, especially during the olive harvest. The Israeli government needs to end the culture of impunity and bring those responsible to justice.

Mr President, as we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the International Day of the Girl this month, we should all be reminded of the vital role that UNRWA plays in the region, including in providing education and health services to women and girls. But while girls in the OPTs outperform boys at school and represent around 60% of Palestinian graduates, the fact that employment rates remain low, with only 13% of women over 25 employed, needs urgent and meaningful attention.

The UK remains a firm supporter of UNRWA and values its importance as a vital humanitarian and stabilising force. We encourage efforts to improve UNRWA’s serious financial situation, which threatens its ability to deliver vital services later this year if action is not taken.

Mr President, the need for the parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborate to address the escalating situation in the West Bank is urgent. We are working closely with the parties to that end and we welcome the efforts of the UN Special Coordinator to support de-escalation and encourage further work to reverse negative trends on the ground.

Thank you.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Reinvigorating Libya’s Political Process [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 October 2022.

Representatives from Egypt, France, Germany, Turkey, the UK and US met at Wilton Park from 26-27 October to discuss the situation in Libya.

Senior officials representing Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States met to discuss the situation in Libya. They underlined the need for unified international support for Libya in overcoming the current political impasse. They welcomed the new UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, and reiterated support for a UN facilitated, Libyan led and owned process that enables Libya to hold credible, transparent, and inclusive presidential and parliamentary elections in the shortest possible time. Participants agreed on the need for Libyan leaders to engage constructively together, avoid actions that would cause divisions in Libya and work with SRSG Bathily to build confidence and re-establish consensus on the path forward as soon as possible. Participants stressed the importance of elections in fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the Libyan people and delivering a future where opportunities and resources are distributed fairly for all.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Conservatives must do patriotic duty and back election [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Liberal Democrats on 20 October 2022.

Boris Johnson failed our country and Liz Truss trashed our economy. The Conservatives have proven time and time again they are not fit to lead our great country.

We do not need another Conservative Prime Minister lurching from crisis to crisis, we need a general election, we need the Conservatives out of power and we need real change.

It is time for Conservative MPs to do their patriotic duty, put the country first and give the people a say.

Boris Johnson

The fact that Conservative MPs are even considering putting Boris Johnson back in Number 10 shows how out of touch they really are. They think there’s one rule for them and another for everyone else.

Boris Johnson was forced to resign in disgrace after countless lies, scandals and failures. He shattered public trust in the government and plunged the UK into a political crisis. He must never be allowed near Downing Street again.

The future of our country should be in the hands of voters, not the Conservative MPs who have caused all this chaos.

Deny Truss the £115k a year taxpayer dividend

Liz Truss will forever be known as the fifty-day Prime Minister. There is no way that she should be permitted to access the same £115k a year for life fund as her recent predecessors – all of whom served for well over two years.

To make matters worse, Truss’s legacy is an economic disaster – for which the Conservatives are making taxpayers foot the bill. For Truss to walk off into the sunset with a potential six figure dividend, while leaving the British public to suffer, would be unconscionable.

This huge potential payout will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of the millions of people struggling with spiralling bills and eye-watering mortgage rate rises thanks to the Conservatives’ economic mismanagement.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mebyon Kernow comment on recent chaos in Westminster [October 2022]

The press release issued by Mebyon Kernow on 28 October 2022.

Article from MK leader Cllr Dick Cole, which was first published in this week’s Cornish Guardian.

Speaking at a meeting of Mebyon Kernow’s National Executive in July, Deputy Leader Cllr Loveday Jenkin described recent political “goings-on” as “beyond satire.” She was commenting on the turmoil around the end of Boris Johnson’s premiership, following the resignations of over 60 ministers, parliamentary private secretaries and trade envoys. She was also rightly critical of a Conservative Party at war with itself in a truly dysfunctional Westminster political system.

It is difficult to comprehend how the chaos of the last few days has been even more preposterous and, unbelievably, even further past parody!

Obviously, the ill-conceived gamble that was the mini-budget back-fired and did massive and ongoing damage to the UK economy, along with the prospects of millions of households. But then, we had the new Prime Minister sacking the new Chancellor for following her instructions. A few days later, there was the bust-up and sacking of the new Home Secretary, followed by a “confidence vote” in the House of Commons that led to the unedifying spectacle of Tory MPs jostling and rowing in the division lobbies.

It was so bad that the resignation of Liz Truss, after only 45 days in post, did not come as a surprise.

Even the truncated leadership contest to elect Rishi Sunak as the third Prime Minister of 2022 descended into farce, when Boris Johnson jetted home from his Caribbean holiday to launch, and then back out of, a campaign to reclaim the office of PM, from which he had just been ejected by colleagues because of Partygate and related scandals.

It was absurd to see some of the MPs who quit their government roles, only three months ago to force Johnson out, were now clamouring to bring him back. One such MP had resigned because of how the “cumulative effect” of Johnson’s “errors of judgement and domestic actions” had “squandered the goodwill” of the Conservative Party.

Cue yet more “blue-on-blue” bickering and infighting, with a number of MPs stating that they would not continue to serve in the Conservative cause if Johnson returned as PM. Some felt he would “be gone by Christmas” if reinstalled, because of the pending “Privileges Committee” which is tasked to investigate claims that he mislead Parliament, while one prominent MP described their parliamentary party as “completely riven” and “ungovernable.”

As someone who is not a Conservative, it would be easy to fall into the trap of enjoying the shambolic disarray of the Tories, but we must never forget that their failings are having a devastating impact on the lives of the people of the United Kingdom.

October 30, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : The days of men and women being sent to fill jail cells or early graves in this country should be over – Doug Beattie [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 28 October 2022.

Responding to a letter from the Loyalist Communities Council, UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“I read the words in the letter with a sense that a section of unionism is condemned to keep repeating the mistakes of the past. Quite simply it is the words of unionism in retreat, not the confident presentation of our argument which will win out on the Protocol. It is the school of thought which sees unionism return to the table in a weaker position each time.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has been unequivocal in our opposition to the Protocol since it first emerged in Boris Johnson’s proposals to the EU on 2 October 2019. While the DUP were forced to play catch up after realising the folly of these proposals having initially welcomed them as a “serious and sensible way forward”, the Ulster Unionist Party was sounding the alarm that they amounted to “playing Russian roulette with the future of the United Kingdom”. Now those who created this mess by pursuing Brexit without a plan are trying to make others the fall guys for their mistakes.

“We will make no apology for spending the last three years making our case wherever it needed to be heard. We will continue to engage with the United Kingdom Government, the Irish Government, the European Union and the US State Department to make sure they are in no doubt about why the Northern Ireland Protocol is unacceptable to unionists and is a bad deal for Northern Ireland. The evidence of this being the right approach is there for all to see in proposals made by us being adopted by the UK Government in their Command Paper, in the European Union coming back to the negotiating table and in the change in position from Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance who once called for “rigorous implementation” of the Protocol now forced to acknowledge its faults.

“The Ulster Unionist Party totally rejects any notion of moving back to pre-ceasefire days and will resist anyone who seeks to take us back there. The days of men and women being sent to fill jail cells or early graves in this country should be over. Peace and political process are the only way to advance our argument, be in no doubt of that.

“Finally, if the LCC would like to acknowledge who or what is to blame for Sinn Fein holding the post of First Minister then they should look no further than the DUP’s negotiating prowess at St Andrew’s. That unionism should be the majority designation in the Assembly, but not fill the office of First Minister is a failure they have to explain.”

October 30, 2022