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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Beverley [12 October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Beverley [12 October 2022]

    The press release issued by Downing Street on 12 October 2022.

    Her Late Majesty The Queen approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Stephen Race, Incumbent of the Benefice of Central Barnsley and Area Dean of Barnsley, in the Diocese of Leeds, to the Suffragan See of Beverley, in the Diocese of York, in succession to The Right Reverend Glyn Webster following his retirement.

    Background

    Stephen was educated at St Hild and St Bede College, Durham. He trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, and was ordained Priest in 2003.

    Stephen served his title at St Mary’s Wigton, in the Diocese of Carlisle, and in 2005 he was appointed Vicar of St John the Baptist, Dodworth, in the Diocese of Wakefield. He was additionally appointed Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO) in 2008 for the Diocese of Wakefield (and subsequently the Diocese of Leeds), having served as Assistant DDO from 2005.

    Stephen was appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s Barnsley in 2014, and additionally Priest-in-Charge of St Edward the Confessor Barnsley and St Thomas Gawber in 2017. Following this, he was licensed as Priest in Charge of St George’s Barnsley in 2018 and with the pastoral reorganisations completed, he was licensed as Incumbent of the Benefice of Central Barnsley in 2019. Stephen has served as Area Dean of Barnsley since 2009 and has been an Honorary Canon of Wakefield Cathedral since 2011.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Air and water quality advice now available to all farmers in England [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Air and water quality advice now available to all farmers in England [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 October 2022.

    Farmers across England are now able to benefit from the advice of Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) advisers following the expansion of the programme.

    Local Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers provide confidential on-farm support and advice across the farming community to encourage uptake of new and existing agricultural schemes and help farmers comply with regulation to deliver environmental gains.

    Since 2006, 24,000 farms have benefited from CSF advice, helping farmers take more than 80,000 positive actions to reduce pollution. Reductions in agricultural pollutants include nitrogen levels, which are down 4%, phosphorus levels, which have decreased by 8%, and a 12% reduction in sediment.

    Jen Almond, Director of National Operations at Natural England, said:

    We are rolling out Catchment Sensitive Farming advice to all farmers in England to help them produce food in a way that protects our water, air and soil whilst minimising losses and maximising efficiencies.

    Our advisers provide valuable advice on agricultural transition schemes and grants, natural flood management, and how sustainable farming practices can deliver the greatest environmental gains across the whole country.

    CSF is led by Natural England, in partnership with Defra and the Environment Agency. Advisers offer a range of support including signposting to relevant sources of advice, offering one-to-one tailored advice, including a visit from an agricultural specialist, or running group training and on-farm events.

    Advice on rainwater harvesting is just one of the ways CSF advisers are supporting farmers. They can provide information on the grants available, potential cost savings and benefits to crop yields.

    A survey of farmers who had contact with a CSF adviser early this year found that 83% of farmers who had contact with their CSF Adviser agreed they were a person whose advice they could trust.

    CSF also works in partnership with a range of organisations including water companies, local authorities, trade bodies and environmental organisations. Their work has included part-funding advisers and tools to reach more farmers, enabling them to increase the resilience of their farm businesses whilst achieving the greatest environmental gains.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New National Science and Technology Council established [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : New National Science and Technology Council established [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 October 2022.

    A new National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has been established with responsibility for driving an ambitious UK science and technology strategy.

    The NSTC will double down its efforts to create a UK science and technology system that will be a sustained engine for future economic growth, prosperity and security.

    The NSTC will be chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster as deputy chair. It will deliver a plan to harness science and technology to support economic growth and the UK’s position on the geopolitical stage, sending a clear signal to the sector about the government’s priorities in this area.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bank of England widens gilt purchase operations to include index-linked gilts [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bank of England widens gilt purchase operations to include index-linked gilts [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Bank of England on 11 October 2022.

    The Bank continues to monitor developments in financial markets very closely in light of the significant asset repricing of recent weeks. It has also been working with the UK authorities to address risks to the resilience of Liability Driven Investment (LDI) funds arising from volatility in the long-dated government bond (gilt) market.

    On 28 September, the Bank announced that, in line with its financial stability objective, it would make temporary and targeted purchases of gilts to help restore market functioning and reduce any risks from contagion to credit conditions for UK households and businesses.

    As previously announced, the Bank plans to end these operations and cease all gilt purchases on Friday 14 October.

    On 10 October, the Bank announced additional measures to support market functioning and an orderly end to its gilt purchase scheme. These included the launch of a Temporary Expanded Collateral Repo Facility (TECRF) through which banks would be able to help to ease liquidity pressures facing their client LDI funds through liquidity insurance operations, and the expansion of the scale of its remaining gilt purchase auctions.

    The purpose of these operations is to enable LDI funds to address risks to their resilience from volatility in the long-dated gilt market. LDI funds have made substantial progress in doing so over the past week. However, the beginning of this week has seen a further significant repricing of UK government debt, particularly index-linked gilts. Dysfunction in this market, and the prospect of self-reinforcing ‘fire sale’ dynamics pose a material risk to UK financial stability.

    Therefore the Bank is announcing today that it will widen the scope of its daily gilt purchase operations also to include purchases of index-linked gilts. This enhancement to our operations will be in effect from 11 October 2022 until 14 October 2022 alongside the Bank’s existing daily conventional gilt purchase auctions.

    These additional operations will act as a further backstop to restore orderly market conditions by temporarily absorbing selling of index-linked gilts in excess of market intermediation capacity. As with the conventional gilt purchase operations, these additional index-linked gilt purchases will be time-limited and fully indemnified by HM Treasury. The Bank has also consulted with the Debt Management Office.

    As announced on 10 October, the Bank stands ready to purchase up to £10bn of gilts each day, of which up to £5bn will be allocated to long-dated conventional gilts and up to £5bn to index-linked gilts. The pricing of this additional operation will reflect its nature as a backstop and that this is not a monetary policy instrument. The total size of these auctions will be kept under review. All purchases will be unwound in a smooth and orderly fashion once risks to market functioning are judged to have subsided.

    The Bank will temporarily pause its CBPS sales operations this week. Confirmation of these restarting will be included as part of the Bank’s regular operational announcements.

    The Bank will publish a Market Notice confirming operational details of the Bank’s index-linked gilt purchases.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Creating a military ethos in academies and free schools [November 2012]

    PRESS RELEASE : Creating a military ethos in academies and free schools [November 2012]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 15 November 2012.

    There are a variety of ways in which an academy or free school can promote a military ethos including:

    We are also looking for parties interested in opening a new school with a military ethos. For help and advice about completing a free school application visit the New Schools Network website.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Green, not grey’ – National Trust calls on Government to put environment at root of growth plans [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Green, not grey’ – National Trust calls on Government to put environment at root of growth plans [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the National Trust on 9 October 2022.

    The National Trust has today called on the Government to commit to a “green, not grey” growth agenda, as concerns continue to rise over proposals to rip up critical nature protections, remove planning regulations in so-called “investment zones” and review environmental farming subsidies.

    On Wednesday, the Prime Minister set out her plans for growing the economy, and said that, despite changes to come, “everyone will benefit from the result”.

    But the conservation charity is warning that for true, long-term benefit, economic growth and shared prosperity must not come at ‘wholesale’ cost to the environment. Instead, the Trust says, it should be rooted in green jobs, sustainable food production, clean energy and protected nature, heritage, and outdoor space.

    The Trust also said that while simplifying regulations was welcome, there was a difference between ‘red tape’ and crucial protections that safeguard the wildlife, landscapes and buildings that matter to people.

    It has set out a series of seven ‘red lines’ that it says cannot afford to be lost in upcoming Government policies:

    1. The government should prioritise green growth (including the 440,000 green jobs promised in the Net Zero Strategy)
    2. Any changes to existing laws must not water down critical protections for the environment and heritage
    3. New investment zones must not create grey zones devoid of nature or historic character in which people have no say about the development that impacts them
    4. New farm payments must keep the same level of commitment to reward farmers for public goods, from cleaner rivers to healthier soils and protecting our cultural heritage
    5. Government should listen and collaborate with the public, as well as conservation charities, farming groups, businesses and others who can inform decision making on what they propose
    6. Any changes to Government and its agencies must not adversely affect their ability to deliver on manifesto commitments, such as protecting 30% of the UK’s land for nature by 2030
    7. The Government must stay true to its net zero legal obligation and strategy – but fracking is not the answer

    Harry Bowell, Director of Land and Nature at the National Trust, said: “It is a myth that we can’t grow the economy and the environment together. Far from it. Healthy soils and clean water underpin sustainable food production, keeping food on our plates and providing for our next generations. These natural assets are also fundamental tools in making places more resilient to the shocks of climate change and in locking away carbon. And better, more plentiful green space boosts people’s health and wellbeing and lessens the burden on our already stretched NHS.

    “Not forgetting the significant amounts of money generated by the tourism industry because visitors come to see our amazing heritage, nature and landscapes.”

    “What we cannot have is growth at any cost. If we tarmac over green space, if we allow a planning free-for-all in our towns and cities, if we don’t invest in nature – then we put economies, livelihoods and wellbeing in danger. People need green space, they need local heritage and character, and they need a say in shaping the places where they live. We need to pursue growth with deeper roots.”

    The Trust cited its recent investment in The Roundhouse in Birmingham as an example of why nature and historical character is good for growth, not in opposition. Working jointly with the Canal and River Trust, the charity has revamped the historic Roundhouse building, making the most of its historic character and access to nature via the canal. Its rental units have proved attractive to local businesses, who want quality of life, not just grey development.

    Likewise, just outside, the Trust is working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support Birmingham’s parks and green spaces as part of its Future Parks programme. Research carried out as part of this work shows that for every pound spent on green spaces, the local economy benefits many times over, as the area becomes healthier and more attractive for investment.

    The charity also said vital protections were too easily dismissed as ‘red tape’.

    Harry said: “Too often the protections that keep our magnificent ancient trees standing, our seas and rivers clean, and our wildlife from dying out completely are dismissed as red tape. But once these natural assets are gone, we cannot get them back. Instead, we need should see these laws as safeguards, that protect the things people care about – and that means there’s more for our children, and our children’s children, to enjoy.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Short-term ‘Winter Plan’ cold comfort for frontline healthcare workers – David Cullinane TD [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Short-term ‘Winter Plan’ cold comfort for frontline healthcare workers – David Cullinane TD [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 11 October 2022.

    Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has criticised the Minister for Health’s Winter Plan, saying that it has come too late to make a difference this winter.

    He said that the time to plan for this winter was last year’s budget, and the time to plan for next winter was the budget just gone.

    Teachta Cullinane said that last year’s winter plan has not yet been fully implemented, and that additional beds announced in February are not even planned for delivery this year.

    The Waterford TD criticised the government’s reactive approach to managing the health service, saying that the many long-term problems cannot be solved by throwing short term one-year plans at them.

    Teachta Cullinane said:

    “The winter plan announced today will be cold comfort for healthcare workers on the frontline, who are bracing for another horrendous winter. They know that October is far too late to start planning for winter.

    “The time to plan for this winter was last year’s budget, and now is the time to plan for next winter. The winter plan also fails to recognise that our hospitals are in crisis year-round, not only during winter.

    “There is no additional funding for this plan, and there is no lead-in time to get new measures up and running. The many long-term problems cannot be solved by throwing short term one-year plans at them.

    “The 72 beds announced in the HSE’s service plan in February haven’t even been delivered yet and are not even due to be delivered this year.

    “Sinn Féin set out a clear multi-annual plan for the health service in our alternative budget this year, which would be funded over a 10-year period to cut long waits.

    “This government’s reactive, crisis management approach to healthcare is part of the problem. The Health Service cannot open new beds at the drop of a hat.

    “Waiting lists are up more than 30,000 already this year, and emergency department waits are on average 12 hours for admitted patients. The Minister’s short-term waiting list plan is, as predicted, 65,000 appointments behind target.

    “There are almost 1,000 consultant posts which are either vacant or filled on a temporary basis, we still don’t have a new consultant contract, and the Minister has yet to resolve the dispute with junior doctors.

    “This plan, as we saw as well in the Budget for 2023, relies far too heavily on outsourcing to the private sector instead of increased investment in the public service.

    “It will also do nothing for the tens of thousands of children with disabilities or mental health challenges who are languishing on months-long waiting lists for access to services.

    “It is a short-term plan for acute hospitals which pales in comparison to the investments and reforms necessary across acute, community, and primary care which are needed to reduce pressure on the health service during the winter and year-round.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Senator Ó Donnghaile welcomes Minister’s interest in all-island Defence Forces recruitment campaign [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Senator Ó Donnghaile welcomes Minister’s interest in all-island Defence Forces recruitment campaign [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 11 October 2022.

    Sinn Féin’s leader in the Seanad, Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, has welcomed the Defence Minister’s acceptance of his suggestion of national advertising of Defence Forces positions.

    Speaking at the Oireachtas Defence Committee last week, Senator Ó Donnghaile had urged Minister Coveney to end the current approach of only advertising positions within the 26 counties.

    Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

    “Last week I urged Minister Coveney to ensure that the recruitment campaign for joining the Defence Forces is rolled out on a 32 county basis. Currently, the recruitment campaign only targets potential recruits in the 26 counties.

    “The Be More campaign is prominent in media outlets across the south, outlining how a career in the Defence Forces can be an attractive opportunity for new recruits. However, it is not shown on northern media outlets nor do the Defence Forces have a presence at jobs fairs at Ulster University or Queen’s University Belfast.

    “This current approach has been a missed opportunity which fails to tap into potential recruitment from people living in the six north eastern counties of this island who have an interest in joining the Defence Forces. We know that the Defences Forces face ongoing issues around recruitment and retention of staff and we should do everything possible to ensure that we get the highest number of men and women recruited across the country.

    “Our Defence Forces personnel perform crucial roles representing Ireland at home and overseas, providing humanitarian assistance and advocating for peace at times of international conflict. They serve our country with distinction in often challenging circumstances. Many of these members are from the north and have had long careers of service.

    “I welcome Minister Coveney’s positive response to my suggestion. I look forward to working with the Minister constructively to ensure that this change can be implemented as soon as possible. I have written to the Minister today requesting a timely update on what steps his Department will undertake. I will continue to engage on this issue to ensure that this is enacted without delay.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Derbyshire County Council agree retention payments to boost recruitment of care workers [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Derbyshire County Council agree retention payments to boost recruitment of care workers [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Derbyshire County Council on 10 October 2022.

    Existing council Care Worker Community staff who support people in their own homes will be eligible for up to £1,000 – up to £500 immediately and a further £500 after completing 12 months with us.

    Meanwhile new Care Worker Community employees will be offered up to £500 when they start and a further £500 after a year of employment.

    Payments will be paid on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees based on their contracted hours.

    The plans will also include a ‘recommend a friend’ payment for staff who recommend a friend or family member for a Care Worker Community role.

    They would be paid a flat rate of £100 per recommendation where the application was successful and the applicant remained employed for more than 6 months.

    We have changed our pay policy statement in order to open the door to the awarding of retention payments to staff to help it attract and keep employees in a competitive job market for roles where it faces challenges in recruiting.

    Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Natalie Hoy said:

    “I know the pressures our services are facing coming after the incredible commitment and hard work so many of our key workers selflessly delivered during the pandemic.

    “Their commitment has been extraordinary, and I, councillors and residents across Derbyshire could not be more grateful to them.

    “We need to make sure that we’re giving our services as much support as we can in these hugely pressured times, which is why I have championed these changes.

    “Traditionally we have been unable to respond to changes in the job market and challenges of retention because of long-standing policies, but we have now changed that to reflect the current pressures and ensure we attract and keep the best staff.

    “We can now ensure our frontline adult social care staff are recognised for the work they do and supported through the current situation to continue to deliver vital services for residents.”

    We currently employ around 500 people in Care Worker Community posts and have more than 200 vacant posts.

    We have set aside £270,000 for the new scheme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland visits Iceland to build trade links and discuss climate change goals [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland visits Iceland to build trade links and discuss climate change goals [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 12 October 2022.

    UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord arrives in Iceland today on a two-day visit to speak at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, discuss common climate change goals and build trade links.

    Representing the UK as one of more than 60 countries participating in the largest annual Arctic gathering, Minister Offord will give the UK address at the Assembly.

    He’ll discuss the UK Government’s post-Brexit renewed Arctic Policy Framework, which is due to be published later this year, setting out the UK’s commitment to shared interests in science, environment, climate change and commerce.

    Ahead of his visit, Minister Offord said:

    The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet and this has profound implications for the UK, in terms of our weather, our environment and our security. We must therefore take action domestically. By reducing our own emissions and showing global leadership, we can encourage others around the world to join the effort.

    Scotland and Iceland have strong economic, academic and cultural links, and we greatly value these important ties. In particular, I’m keen to promote Scotland’s vital role within the United Kingdom and globally in terms of trade, energy and innovation.

    Building our relationship with the Nordic countries – including Iceland – will bring direct benefit to Scottish business and to communities right across the UK.

    Minister Offord will meet with other UK delegates from Orkney Islands Council as well as with counterparts from Iceland, Canada, the Faroe Islands, Norway and India, and hold discussions with Icelandic parliamentarians around Scotland’s offshore wind sector and the huge part it plays in the UK Government’s bold 2050 Net Zero targets

    As well as having shared environmental goals, the UK and Iceland are significant commerce partners, with trade between the two countries worth around £1.1 billion in the year to March 2022. Scotland exported goods worth £31m to Iceland in 2021.

    Icelandic companies have a number of high-tech and asset investments in the UK, and the University of Edinburgh offers a popular foundation course in Icelandic. In addition, both Scotland and Iceland have strong fishing and fish processing industries and tourism between the two countries is bolstered by direct Reykjavik-Glasgow flights.

    As well as attending the Assembly, Minister Offord will visit a number of Icelandic businesses to strengthen links in sectors where the UK Government is investing at home, with the focus on growth in Scotland.

    He’ll tour biotech company Orf Genetics and associated plant-based skincare firm BioEffect. There are parallels between Orf’s work in producing barley-based proteins and the research to be undertaken at the International Barley Hub at Dundee’s James Hutton Institute, funded by £20m in UK Government investment and £15m from the Scottish Government through the Tay Cities Deal.

    The minister will also visit Iceland’s biggest gaming company, CCP Games in Reykjavik, who are keen to establish relationships with industry partners in the UK. He’ll discuss potential links in Dundee, regarded as a centre of gaming excellence in Europe due to Abertay University’s renowned game design degree and the 4000-seater Esports area due for completion in 2024/25. The UK Government announced £8million of funding in February this year for the Dundee-based UK Games Fund that will encourage skills in the sector, nurture talent and give increased support to entrepreneurial young developers.