Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Defence accommodation set to improve through new strategy [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 October 2022.

Serving personnel and their families will be better supported through the Defence Accommodation Strategy that will prioritise needs over military ranks.

New strategy introduces minimum standards to Single Living Accommodation

Long-term relationships treated equal to marriage and civil partnerships

Housing allocation based on family needs rather than military rank

This holistic approach prioritises the needs and personal circumstances of individuals, and ensures the most suitable accommodation is allocated.

The Government is also extending the eligibility requirements of the Service Families Accommodation to make sure the same level of support is offered to those in long term relationships. As a result of this change, the Ministry of Defence will be able to offer more service people access to a larger variety of housing leading to the reduction in excess housing.

During a visit to Combermere Barracks, Windsor, Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Sarah Atherton also confirmed that the Ministry of Defence will raise the standards of Single Living Accommodation through a number of measures set out in the Defence Accommodation Strategy, delivering on a wider commitment to ensure the needs of serving personnel are met.

Setting out a clear vision to improve accommodation for those serving in the Armed Forces and their families, the strategy promotes the fair allocation of accommodation, seeks to improve the quality of accommodation, and ensure better value for money whilst promoting environmental sustainability.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Sarah Atherton said:

“Our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to our nation and deserve a decent standard of accommodation. The changes I have announced today will ensure we maximise the support we provide.

Serving personnel and their families make significant sacrifices to adapt to the various demands of service life. We must do all we can to give them the right accommodation that meets their needs, now and into the future.”

The strategy focuses on:

The introduction of a minimum standard for Single Living Accommodation which will raise the baseline quality across the entire defence estate, which all SLA accommodation must adhere to. This is in addition to mandatory safety and legal compliance measures that SLA must offer individuals including appropriately private, quiet, secure, dry, appropriately ventilated and heated space with access to hot water.
Adapting the allocation of accommodation to take into account individual needs rather than basing decision on rank.

Recognising long-term relationships as equal to marriage or civil partnerships, allowing serving personnel to apply for accommodation in the same manner as those who are married and in civil partnerships.

Chief of Defence People Lieutenant General James Smith said:

“The world has changed dramatically over the past few decades and the accommodation needs of our Service people and their families have changed with it.

This strategy makes a commitment that in the future accommodation need will be based on the individual family and that all established long term relationships are treated equally. A modern offer for a modern military providing access to high quality, affordable accommodation for those who help protect the nation.”

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Office for Veterans’ Affairs launches new group to step up veteran employment [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 October 2022.

Businesses across the country have come together today to support veterans in employment and help veterans enter employment after leaving the Armed Forces.

The new Veteran Employers Group (VEG), established by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and chaired by the Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans, James Heappey, met today.

The group heard how businesses, including Jaguar Land Rover, Barclays and Amazon, have benefited from the skills former members of the Armed Forces can bring to civilian jobs and what more can be done to help veterans into employment.

Members of the group also discussed how firms have saved thousands of pounds through the government’s National Insurance Contributions relief for employers who hire veterans for their first role post-service. This included praise from the Federation of Small Businesses, who highlighted how Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have benefitted from the scheme.

Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs James Heappey said:

Employment is the most important factor in people making a success of civilian life.

It was fantastic to hear today from businesses on the incredible impact that veterans can bring to any organisation.

The government is supporting veterans into employment, including with tax cuts for businesses who hire veterans.

Craig Beaumont, Chief of External Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses said:

FSB is delighted to support and play its part in the Veteran Employers Group, meeting for the first time today. We have campaigned on the benefits of employing service leavers, promoting the benefits of taking on someone with the values and skills that they have gained while serving our country.

Alongside X-Forces Enterprise, we made the case for a National Insurance reduction for those who take on veterans. This is now in place and boosting employment of this key group just at the time the economy really needs them.

The Veteran Employers Group was committed to in the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan earlier this year. The aim of the group is to identify best practice in veteran employability and identify potential barriers to employment that the government can address.

Paula Molyneux, Programme Manager, Barclays Military and Veteran Outreach said:

At Barclays, we understand the need for all businesses to help Service Leavers and Veterans into civilian employment. As one of the UK’s leading employers of the Veterans and Reservists we recognise and have seen first-hand the huge value these colleagues bring to our business, and the contribution they make to the wider economy and society. Barclays is delighted to be part of the Veterans’ Employers Group to maximise employment opportunities for Serving Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, Reservists and the wider military family.

TechVets said:

We have a significant issue with underemployment in the Forces community, with many leaving the Military into employment that does not make use of the in-demand skills they have developed during Service. Digital and tech is critical for the UKs future prosperity, and we are in need of fantastic talented people to support the growth of the tech sector. I understand first-hand the challenges that the Forces community faces, but these individuals provide a diversity of thought yet to be capitalised upon in many tech teams and come with incredible professional skills and experience – as well as a ferocious appetite to learn new technical skills quickly. Careers in tech can also give veterans a great sense of purpose as they embark on a journey to help build the future for society.

Our mission at TechVets is to create a bridge into information technology careers for the Forces community, and this cannot be achieved alone. Collaboration is critical and I’m extremely excited to support the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to bring together great companies that are delivering successful employment programmes for the Forces community, so we can shape the future of employment for all our veterans and their families.

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Putin stands alone on the international stage – UK statement to the OSCE [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2022.

Ambassador Bush says the world will not stand by as Russia tramples on obligations enshrined in the UN Charter, and as it disregards OSCE principles and commitments.

Thank you Mr Chair. Russia’s actions in Ukraine in recent weeks have dropped to new lows. The increased tempo of long-range strikes, including the use of Shahed-136 drones, against Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure have resulted in further tragic loss of life. And extensive areas of Ukraine have been left without power supply ahead of winter. Mr Chair, this cruelty has no excuse. It only reflects one man’s desperation – Vladmir Putin – desperate as he is losing the war and desperate as he wishes to distract from what is happening on the battlefield. And – as a result – civilians are paying the highest price.

Since this Council last met, the Belarusian regime announced that 70,000 Belarusian troops would be part of a regional “group of forces” created under the false guise of “protecting” its border from external threats. This regional military grouping, which includes thousands of Russian troops, is a further attempt at distraction and misdirection – misjudged actions which only serve to strengthen the international community’s opposition to Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and further isolate Russia and Belarus.

Mr Chair – I want to focus this week’s intervention on the recent vote at the UN General Assembly, the UN Charter and OSCE principles and commitments.

The strength of the international community’s resolve was recently demonstrated at the United Nations General Assembly on 12 October when, in the face of President Putin’s unprovoked aggression, 143 nations across the globe came together in defence of the UN Charter and in solidarity with Ukraine. The UN General Assembly vote is a powerful demonstration of condemnation of Russia’s outrageous and illegal attempts to annex the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

The vote was an important show of international unity against an aggressor that seeks to destabilise the international norms that protect us all. It is indisputable evidence of what we have known for some time – Putin stands alone on the international stage and his actions are driving his country further into self-inflicted isolation. It also demonstrates that the world will not stand by as Russia tramples on the obligations enshrined in the UN Charter, including that no threat or use of force shall be made against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Yesterday, President Putin made another announcement – this time declaring martial law in those areas under temporary Russia control within Ukraine. Martial law will mean further ruthless attempts to enforce control in territory to which Russia has no right, and over people who have already suffered heavily at the hands of Russian forces. Despite what the Kremlin tells us, these moves highlight Russia’s increasing desperation in the midst of its failing invasion. On Kherson, Russia’s plans to forcibly deport Ukrainian civilians are deeply concerning. We remind Russia that any danger posed to civilians is a direct result of its illegal invasion.

On OSCE principles and commitments – we must not allow Russia to disregard what we have all signed up to in this Forum. Putin has contravened the principles and commitments made by all OSCE participating States in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act time and time again. To name but a few – (i) sovereign equality and respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty; (ii) refraining from the threat or use of force; (iii) the inviolability of frontiers; (iv) territorial integrity of states; (v) respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms – the list goes on.

The real-world repercussions for Ukraine of such blatant disregard for OSCE principles can be seen in the recent reports by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):

Over seven and a half million Ukrainian refugees across Europe;

Seven million displaced people within Ukraine;

6,306 civilian deaths, including 397 children; and
9,602 civilian injuries, including 723 children.

The true numbers are thought to be much higher and they are rising. According to the UN, most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects, including shelling from heavy artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, missiles and air strikes. Russia’s barbaric and callous tactics are a throwback to a history which should have been learned from and never repeated again.

Russia should end this war. It should cease its assault on Ukraine and it should withdraw its forces from the entire territory of Ukraine. The targeting of civilians and of civilian infrastructure may cause blackouts, but – as we are seeing – Russia’s assaults are not breaking the steadfast resolve of the people of Ukraine, nor the UK, nor the international community’s absolute and unwavering support of them. We will continue to defend what is right. We will continue to champion democracy. We will continue to uphold Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, independence and freedom. Until and after Ukraine prevails.

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New Welsh Language Commissioner announced [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 20 October 2022.

The First Minister has announced the appointment of Efa Gruffudd Jones as Welsh Language Commissioner.

She will take up the position in January 2023, taking over the role from the late Aled Roberts.

The Commissioner has an important role to play in increasing the provision of services in Welsh and the use of the language and upholding the rights of Welsh speakers.

Efa Gruffudd Jones is currently the chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The centre is responsible for all aspects of learning Welsh from the curriculum and course development to resources for tutors, research, marketing and digital learning.

An independent selection panel recommended that Efa has the skills, experiences, and credibility to be appointed Welsh Language Commissioner. This view was endorsed by the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh language, Sport and International Relations Committee.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

I congratulate Efa on her appointment as the Welsh Language Commissioner. The language has been central to Efa’s career – both as chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh and as chief executive of the Urdd.

She comes to the post with years of experience of working for the benefit of the Welsh language and of working with Welsh speakers and learners across Wales.

Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said:

I am delighted to welcome Efa to her new role as Welsh Language Commissioner. We have ambitious aims to increase not only the number of Welsh speakers but also the everyday use of Welsh.

The Commissioner’s role in working to increase the use of Welsh and Welsh language services is an important part of us achieving this target, and I look forward to working closely with Efa on this.

Efa Gruffudd Jones said:

It will be a privilege to be the Welsh Language Commissioner, and an honour to follow in Aled Roberts’ footsteps. I want to see a Wales where people can enjoy using Welsh every day. I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that the Welsh language, our national treasure, belongs to all.

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : £65 million support for drugs services in Scotland [20 October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 20 October 2022.

Frontline and third sector organisations invited to apply.

Drug support services are benefitting from a £65 million boost to drive down the number of drug deaths each year.

Life-saving organisations which help people who use drugs turn their lives around and offer support to their families are invited to apply for this Government funding which will help people on their road to recovery.

The cash will go to initiatives like Aberdeen Alcohol and Drugs Action which was given almost half a million pounds earlier this year to deliver a “Sharp Response Service” to people in their homes, ensuring they were given immediate access to advice and support to help them get back on track.

The money, from the additional £250 million national mission funding, is being channelled through the Local Support Fund which is open all year round and two further funding pots, which are reopening today (20 October) – the Improvement Fund for organisations delivering residential rehabilitation and associated services and the Children and Families Fund which gives financial help to those working with the loved ones of those affected. All funds are administered through the CORRA Foundation, a charity which aims to make grants available to projects which make a difference to people and communities.

Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said:

“The number of lives lost to drugs is still too high in Scotland and these funds are vital for those services working on the frontline to help those affected and their families.

“These organisations save lives and we want to support them so they can extend as far into their communities as possible and offer people the support they need when and where they need it.

“£65 million of the additional £250 million set aside for the national mission on drug deaths over the course of this Parliament will go directly to these funds and we are determined to make every penny count.”

Aberdeen Alcohol and Drugs Action Service Manager Simon Pringle said:

“The Drug Improvement Fund has allowed ADA to offer a more flexible service to clients who find accessing mainstream or statutory services – including treatment – difficult.

“Since receiving the funding we have offered help to over 150 individuals helping them access support, engage with NHS Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), re-engage with services and receive sterile injecting equipment.

“We have been able to target those most at risk and see them quickly – usually the same day – therefore reducing the risks of overdose or other harms. Without the fund we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this.”

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : General Secretary Mick Lynch has written to Transport Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan [October 2022]

The press release issued by the RMT on 7 October 2022.

General Secretary Mick Lynch has written to Transport Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan, urging the government to unshackle the railway companies and allow a negotiated settlement to be reached.

Over 40,000 railway workers will take an eighth day of strike action in an on-going national rail dispute with Network Rail and 14 train operating companies.

In the letter, Mr Lynch acknowledged the comments made by the Transport Secretary at the Tory conference that there was a “deal to be done.”

But said that it was a major problem for the government to be paying over £100m to train operators to cover the costs of the dispute.

Mr Lynch wrote:

“I am writing following your comments at the Conservative Party Conference last weekend in which you said that there is a ‘deal to be done’ between the rail unions and train companies in relation to the ongoing industrial disputes.

“I am also hopeful that a negotiated settlement between the RMT and the employers can be reached. However, for this to be achieved, your Government must unshackle the train operators who currently take their mandate directly from yourself.

“Furthermore, your Government continues to pay the Train Operating Companies, covering the cost of the dispute at taxpayers’ expense on condition that the train operators hand over control of the dispute and your Department agrees their ‘dispute handling plans’. This means there is essentially no imperative on the train companies to reach a meaningful settlement with RMT.

“We estimate that the cost of this policy to the taxpayer is now in the region of £170 million.

“Rather than using taxpayers’ money to cover the cost of this dispute, it would be far better if you were to unshackle the train operators and give them the remit to negotiate a settlement with the RMT that meets our members’ aspirations around job security, pay and working conditions.”

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Announces the introduction of the Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 October 2022.

The government is today (20 October 2022) introducing the Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. This meets the Prime Minister’s commitment to introduce this bill within her first 30 days of Parliament sitting and delivers on a commitment in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto.

The bill paves the way for the introduction of minimum levels of service on transport services, like those already seen in other countries including France and Spain. The bill will ensure that specified transport services – which could include, for example, rail, tubes and buses – will not completely shut down when unions impose strikes.

This bill will balance the right to strike with ensuring commuters can get to their place of work and people can continue to make vital journeys to access education and healthcare during strikes. The bill sets out the legal framework for establishing minimum service levels. It will allow relevant employers and trade unions to negotiate and reach agreement between themselves on minimum service levels referred to as minimum service agreements (MSAs), provide for circumstances in which the MSA can be changed and include enforcement arrangements to ensure parties follow due process in their negotiations.

The bill also provides for an independent determination process should employers and unions fail to reach agreement on an appropriate minimum service level after 3 months, whereby if an agreement has not been reached the Central Arbitration Committee will determine the minimum service level.

The bill also includes a power for the Secretary of State to set interim minimum service levels by regulations which will apply where neither an MSA has been agreed nor an independent determination reached. These regulations will also be consulted upon and will need to be agreed by both Houses of Parliament before they are made.

Under the bill there will also have to be a minimum 3-month gap between these regulations being made and their coming into force. The specific details of how minimum service levels would apply to transport services will be set out in secondary legislation following appropriate consultation. A minimum service level would only be applied to an individual transport service once that secondary legislation has been agreed by Parliament.

The provisions of the bill extend and apply to England, Wales and Scotland. The bill’s provisions relate to the reserved matter of employment rights and duties and industrial relations, and the subject matter of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, and do not engage the legislative consent process.

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : DOH, NHSC collaborate on standards development for Philippine CDC [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2022.

Gearing towards the establishment of the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health (DOH), the British Embassy Manila and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service Consortium for Global Health (NHSC) – represented by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – met and discussed collaborative efforts on October 18-19, 2022 on the development of policies, programs, standards, guidelines, and monitoring and evaluation systems on the forecasting, prevention, and control of diseases, injuries, and disabilities of national and international concern. This is the first of the multiple learning exchanges in collaboration with the UK and the NHS Consortium this year, focusing on health systems strengthening and health policy development.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revived the call for the creation of a Center for Disease Control and a Virology Institute in the country. Towards this, the DOH is working with several national and international partners, to facilitate the development of better strategies for improved evidence-based policy making once the measure is enacted into law.

The Universal Health Care Law set the stage for the CDC by mandating the DOH to ensure the quality of health services through the development of evidence-based public health and clinical care standards. The DOH established the National Practice Guidelines Program (NPGP) to oversee and manage the development, adoption, and dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, which will guide rational prioritization, service delivery, and financing of standards of care, which contribute to the overall vision of a Healthy Pilipinas.

“As the DOH continues to strengthen our National Practice Guidelines Program, we understand the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange with international partners such as NICE, which has already established itself as a world leader in evidence-based healthcare. Hence, we welcome this timely opportunity to gain a better understanding of the best practices for guideline development, implementation, and evaluation, and to foster a lasting relationship that will continue to empower evidence-informed standard setting and policy-making across the entire health sector, especially towards planning for the Philippine CDC,” said Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

“Chief among the lessons that the COVID-9 pandemic has taught us is the value of a prepared healthcare system that is guided by evidence-based interventions and strengthened by global relationships. With this, the DOH will continuously work with our international and national partners to strengthen the country’s public health emergency preparedness and response and expand health security capacity,” added the OIC.

Ambassador Laure Beaufils shares, “Strengthening health systems is an important part of the UK’s work here in the Philippines. We are delighted to be able to share our expertise and experience in public health. The collaboration between the Department of Health in the Philippines and NHS Consortium for Global Health, and in particular with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports the Philippines’ priorities in health policy development. It demonstrates the shared commitment of the UK and the Philippines to continue our collaboration in delivering stronger, universal healthcare.”

Since 2012, NICE has been collaborating and sharing technical resources with the Department of Health on methods and process guidelines for Health Technology Assessment development. Through the UK’s Better Health Programme in the Philippines from 2019 to 2022, the NHS Consortium for Global Health has enabled further system-to-system collaboration with NICE to support health systems and health policy development, broadening UK-Philippines collaboration in Health.

Hugh McGuire, senior scientific adviser, NICE International, adds, “It has been an invaluable opportunity to build on our already strong relationships between the Philippines Department of Health and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Better Health Programme, the NHS Consortium for Global health and the British Embassy in Manila.”

Judith Richardson, director of health and social care, NICE, adds, “The last 2 days have been a fantastic opportunity for peer to peer interaction where both the UK and Philippines are learning from each other’s experiences in HTA and guidelines development.”

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Graves of Six Great War Soldiers Rededicated [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 October 2022.

The final resting place of six soldiers killed in World War One have been identified and now been honoured in Services of Rededication at their graves around Ypres in Belgium on 18 and 19 October.

The services were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, and were held at various Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemeteries. The services were conducted by The Reverend Andy Nicolls, CF and attended by representatives from the current day equivalents of these casualties’ regiments (Royal Fusiliers, the Mercian Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps and the Royal Regiment of Scotland).

Details of the six soldiers who have been identified:

Name Place of Birth Regiment Age at time of death
Second Lieutenant Frank Wood Royton, Oldham, Lancashire 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers 19
Private Thomas Parry Tyldesley, Leigh, Lancashire Kings Own Scottish Borderers 19
Private David Christie Graham Angus, Scotland 8th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 20
Second Lieutenant Herbert Ernest Martin Peterborough, Cambridgeshire 16th (attached 1st/8th) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 22
Corporal Gilbert (Bert) Willcocks Taunton, Somerset Army Service Corps 24
Corporal Herbert Pearce Kent 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment 26
Louise Dorr, MOD JCCC case worker said:

“Our thanks go to several of our regular researchers, who have investigated these six graves and been able to prove who is buried in each of them. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to confirm their findings and return these soldiers’ names to them.

“I’m so honoured to have been able to be here to rededicate their final resting places.”

Although some of soldiers’ families live overseas or have been unable to attend, family members for Second Lieutenant Wood and Private Parry were in attendance. Each of these soldiers has also been well represented by their military family on behalf of a grateful nation.

The headstones over their graves will be replaced by CWGC as part of the rededication.

Director for the Central and Southern European Area at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:

“We are privileged to be able to honour these six brave men, who all paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting in the Great War. Thanks to the research and work of many, we are able to renew our commitment to care for these soldiers’ graves, in perpetuity”

October 20, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary pledges new chapter to end child sexual abuse [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 20 October 2022.
- The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse publish their final report
- Home Secretary pays tribute to victims and pledges to learn from mistakes of the past
- He commits to act quicker to put an end to devastating crime
The Home Secretary has today (20 October) responded to the publication of the final report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

The inquiry was established by the government seven years ago to investigate failings of state and non-state organisations over several decades, across England and Wales, to protect and safeguard children from sexual abuse and make recommendations for reform. The report published today makes recommendations for the government and marks the end of the inquiry.

Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse have bravely shared their experiences with the inquiry and shed light on the number of failures by institutions which should have protected them. This afternoon, the Home Secretary extended his personal thanks to everyone who contributed to the inquiry and pledged to make sure that these failings are never repeated.

The Home Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to share their experiences with the inquiry, their bravery will not be forgotten.

I will keep their voices front and centre in everything I do and I will ensure that the findings of the inquiry, and their invaluable testimonies, are acted upon.

To date, we have already taken action to tackle this abhorrent crime and learn from the lessons of the past, but I know there is much more to do. This is the start of a new chapter in our efforts to put an end to this terrible crime.

I want to give assurances – where we can act quicker, we will. I will use all available levers to protect our children, to improve the law enforcement and criminal justice response, provide the support victims and survivors deserve and ensure all institutions and leaders are properly held to account.

Over the last seven years, the government has responded in real time to recommendations from the inquiry to ensure that across government work continues to be driven forward to tackle all forms of child sexual abuse and ensure victims are better supported.

Last January, the government published the Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy, setting the strategic direction for addressing this terrible crime across the whole system, and putting lessons learnt from the inquiry into practice. This has helped to drive initiatives to increase reporting, target offenders, drive up convictions and provide better support for victims.

The work to tackle child sexual abuse doesn’t end with the conclusion of the inquiry. The government is committed to ensuring that the valuable work of the inquiry is translated into action to end this terrible crime.

The government will respond in full to the inquiry’s report within six months, when proper consideration has been given to all of the recommendations, but today the Home Secretary announced a further £4.5 million for organisations supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse at a national level.

This money will go to seven organisations who provide vital support for children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, adult survivors, and parents or carers of victims. This includes telephone and online counselling and support services; support groups; specialist support to LGBT+ victims; and survivor-led interventions.

In addition, the Home Secretary will champion children’s safety at the highest levels and convene ministers from across government to drive action against the inquiry’s recommendations.

Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, Brandon Lewis said:

This inquiry has laid bare the horrors that many children suffered as a result of historical institutional failings that must never be repeated.

That is why we will continue to transform the justice system’s response to these heinous crimes – locking up child abusers for longer to protect the public, making sure predators cannot use sports or religious roles to harm young people, and hugely increasing funding for support services so that no victim is left to suffer alone.

The government will continue to ensure that the voices and perspectives of victims and survivors are placed at the centre of work tackling this horrific crime. Victims must feel confident in being able to seek justice and find support.

The Victims Code and draft Victims Bill have been important steps in setting out clear victims’ rights and the level of the support they can expect throughout the criminal justice process.

We have also increased investment in specialised support services to make sure that victims and survivors can be supported in rebuilding their lives.

Education Secretary, Kit Malthouse said:

The scale of historic abuse and exploitation suffered by these children is horrifying, and their bravery in coming forward will help improve services to protect children.

Over the last seven years we have strengthened the join-up between police, health care professionals, councils and schools, so more children feel protected by the institutions that are supposed to keep them safe, and we will continue to improve children’s social care so every child has a safe and loving childhood.

In the past seven years the government has established the Child Safeguarding Practice Review panel to improve local practice and outcomes for vulnerable children, and across government we are making sure that the services and organisations which have a responsibility for the welfare of children continue to put safeguarding at the top of their agenda.

Our Child Protection Ministerial Group, set up following the Care Review, will also champion children’s safety at the highest levels and provide the leadership to oversee necessary reforms across children social care.

All government responses to recommendations from the inquiry’s previous reports to date have been published and can be found on the The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) or GOV.UK.
October 20, 2022