Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Devon joins call to give councils more time to prepare for social care reforms [October 2022]

The press release issued by Devon County Council on 6 October 2022.

Our lead councillor for adult social care has echoed a call from the County Councils Network (CCN) today (Thursday 6 October), asking the government to delay the introduction of new social care reforms, planned next year.

The government reforms are due to be introduced next October. Their intention is to enable more people to receive financial support for adult social care, but councils are concerned that it will significantly increase costs to deliver services, due to increased demand, at a time when there is already a huge shortfall in the number of care workers.

The CCN call it a ‘perfect storm’. Their research suggest that inflation is driving up the cost of providing social care to unsustainable levels. By next year inflation could add £3.6 billion to the cost of providing social care in county areas.

And in Devon, we are currently forecasting an overspend in adult social care of £5.6 million this financial year, and between £30 million to £40 million over the next 10 years.

The CCN say that loading extra pressure on an already-teetering system to prepare for the introduction of the reforms could worsen services by impacting on the availability and quality of care packages.

They’re calling for the introduction of reforms to be delayed to provide local authorities adequate time to prepare, particularly to recruit the necessary workforce and to review their operations and digital infrastructure to manage increased assessments, at a time of severe backlogs and workforce shortages.

They’ve also said that the delay must be backed by additional funding from government, to address immediate pressures within social care.

Cllr Martin Tett, Adult Social Care Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said,

“Loading these reforms onto a system that is already in crisis could worsen care services by the time these reforms to ‘fix’ social care are introduced. Newly eligible people next October could face substantial waits for care assessment whilst the quality of care for those already provided for could worsen as councils struggle with the extra demand amidst rising costs.

“Councils remain committed to supporting these reforms, but it is imperative councils have the time to mitigate the pressures they will create, recruit a sufficient number of staff, and stabilise services in the short term. If not, these reforms could be unworkable at inception.”

Councillor James McInnes, Cabinet Member responsible for adult social care, said:

“With the shortage of adult social care workers, the national and local challenges in recruiting for those posts, on top of the anticipated increased demand for adult social care arising from these changes, and associated increase in costs to deliver those services, at a time of huge budget pressures….yes, we need more time.

“The government’s aims to enable more people to receive financial support are laudable, but they are unaffordable unless Ministers provide hard-pressed councils with vital additional funds.

“But as I say, it’s not just about the money. The reforms create and exacerbate real workforce challenges that we are already faced with. There are already too many people waiting too long for assessment, and we’ll have the responsibilities for many more people than we are now.”

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President Joseph Biden [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the United States Joseph Biden.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed President Biden about the consequences of the massive missile strikes against civilian infrastructure perpetrated today by the Russian aggressor.

President of Ukraine underscored that recent large-scale damages of critical energy infrastructure pose serious challenges ahead of the upcoming winter and beginning of the heating season.

“Today’s strikes against civilian targets throughout Ukraine are a sign of weakness of the Russian army which is losing on the battlefield. It is pure terror. But we will not succumb to the Russian missile blackmail,” the Head of State underlined.

The two leaders discussed the importance of air defense, and continued U.S. contributions to increase this capability. In this context, they discussed the upcoming extraordinary meeting of the Group of Seven Leaders (G7) dedicated to Ukraine and most pressing measures of support for Ukraine which can be adopted by the international community.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, so it resorts to the greatest terror since World War II – Andriy Yermak [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Ukraine will continue to liberate its territories and approach victory in the war with Russia.

He said this while taking part in The Cipher Brief, an event dedicated to security issues, in a video conference format.

Andriy Yermak noted that the Russian Federation cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, so it resorts to terror unseen since World War II.

“Today, residential buildings were once again damaged throughout Ukraine. People rushing to work in the morning were killed simply on the sidewalks or in their cars. In Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv and many other cities.

One of the rockets destroyed a children’s playground in the capital downtown,” he said.

The Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that these large-scale acts of terrorism have no practical military purpose, and they will not affect the capacity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their goal is to cause a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukrainian cities in order to provoke another wave of migration and psychologically break Ukrainians.

“What they are doing now is a strategy of forcing negotiations on Russian terms. We will not give in, because the existence of Ukraine as a state depends on our victory,” he said.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that peace on Russian terms is unacceptable for Ukraine. He is convinced that Russia must be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, and the democratic community should continue to support Ukraine with weapons, equipment and ammunition.

Also, our state now desperately needs an effective anti-missile defense to close the Ukrainian sky as soon as possible.

Answering the questions of the former commander of the United States Central Command and ex-director of the CIA, General David Petraeus, the Head of the Office of the President emphasized that the goal for Ukraine is the full restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty, the return of all Ukrainian territories and all people. And the victory of Ukraine will be the victory of the entire democratic world, in particular the United States of America.

“It was repeated many times that Russia should not win the war. It’s time to edit this sentence. Ukraine must win the war. Any other option will encourage Russia to repeat it,” summed up Andriy Yermak.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced new Governor of the National Bank Andriy Pyshnyy to the team [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented new Governor of the National Bank Andriy Pyshnyy to the staff of the Bank.

The Head of State thanked the previous Governor of the National Bank, Kyrylo Shevchenko, and the entire team of the National Bank of Ukraine for their painstaking work on maintaining macro-financial stability in the country since the first day of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the new Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine is an experienced person in the financial and banking spheres.

“It is very important for the NBU to have an atmosphere of stability and confidence,” he emphasized.

The President noted that he counts on the productive work of a united team of the government and the National Bank, on maintaining and strengthening the current level of relations with international financial institutions.

“I expect the new Governor of the NBU, together with the government, to bring closer the signing of a new program with the International Monetary Fund,” he said.

For his part, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal emphasized that the stability of the financial front is no less important than the military front.

The head of the government reminded that Ukraine expects to receive the allocated 1.3 billion dollars in additional support in the near future. Our state is also waiting for the IMF mission and a special program for the country at war.

According to him, revitalization of the economy and activation of lending to the real sector are also important.

Andriy Pishnyy noted that his appointment to the position of the Governor of the National Bank took place in an extremely turbulent time, full of challenges and threats for our state. He thanked the President, the Parliament and the Ukrainian society for the trust and the opportunity to lead such a powerful institution as the NBU.

Among his priorities, Andriy Pyshnyy named macro-financial stability in the country, the effectiveness of macro-economic policy, constructive negotiations with international partners, and maintaining the stability of the banking system.

“Next year will not be easy. $38 billion is the total financing requirement. Its attraction is a joint matter for all government agencies. We will work on it,” he noted.

According to the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, it is extremely important to continue meaningful and constructive negotiations with international partners in order to obtain the resources that Ukraine needs today in order to endure, prevail and start a recovery program.

“The National Bank, under my lead, will implement those systemic large-scale reforms that Ukraine needs for accelerated integration into the European community. I can assure you: as soon as we see the slightest possibility of restoring this reform course, within which the National Bank has always worked, we will continue it,” added Andriy Pyshnyy.

The Governor of the NBU also emphasized that the institutionally strong and independent National Bank is an achievement and a resource of the state, which is a guarantee of Ukraine’s financial stability.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : G7 leaders to meet following Putin’s Kyiv bombardment [October 2022]
The press release issued by Downing Street on 11 October 2022.
Prime Minister Liz Truss will join a virtual gathering of G7 leaders and President Zelenskyy today (Tuesday 11 October).

Meeting comes in the wake of Putin’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian territories and a brutal assault on Ukrainian civilians in Kyiv and elsewhere.

The Prime Minister will ask countries to maintain biting sanctions and call for a full meeting of NATO leaders in the coming days.

G7 leaders will meet today (Tuesday 11 October) to reiterate the unity of opposition to Putin’s continued brutality in Ukraine.

In the last 24 hours Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, killing civilians and cutting off electricity and communications. This follows Putin’s orchestration of sham referendums in an attempt to annex four Ukrainian regions.

Today’s video call, which will also be attended by President Zelenskyy, is the first gathering of all G7 leaders since Ukraine’s counter-offensive started to take hold in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will use the call to urge fellow leaders to stay the course. She will point out that Ukraine’s military advances have been made possible thanks to the international support they are receiving – not just in terms of military aid, but also humanitarian assistance and the impact of western sanctions against Russia.

The Prime Minister is also calling for an urgent meeting of NATO leaders, ensuring allies remain united and resolute in their opposition to Putin’s behaviour.

Addressing fellow G7 leaders, the Prime Minister is expected to say:

The overwhelming international support for Ukraine’s struggle stands in stark opposition to the isolation of Russia on the international stage.

Their bravery in the face of the most brutal acts of violence has earned the people of Ukraine global admiration.

Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine. And for our part, we must not waver one iota in our resolve to help them win it.

Yesterday the Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy to condemn the recent attacks on Kyiv and the annexation of Ukrainian territories, and to reiterate the UK’s support.

This year the UK has committed £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, which has enabled the provision of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, hundreds of rockets, thousands of rounds of ammunition, crucial defence vehicles and five air defence systems including Starstreak.

As the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a difficult winter, the UK is also providing critical cold weather gear and other forms of non-lethal support to bolster their resilience.

Later this week, all UN members will vote on Russia’s breach of the UN Charter with its annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. 141 UN member states voted to condemn Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in March, and earlier this month the majority of UN Security Council members voted against the recent annexations.

In their call today, G7 leaders are also expected to discuss the global energy crisis precipitated by Putin’s actions. The group is currently working to finalise and implement an international cap on the price of Russian oil, which will further damage Putin’s revenue stream.

The Prime Minister will point to this action as evidence of what the G7 can do both to constrain Putin and act as an economic NATO, defending our countries’ interests.

The Prime Minister is working with fellow leaders to increase our energy independence and end the global reliance on malign states, such as Russia, in our critical resources.
October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Secretary commits to sustainable horticulture growth [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 October 2022.

Plans to boost home grown fruit and vegetable production and drive the growth of high-tech horticulture have been set out today by Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena, as part of HM Government’s work to unleash the potential of British farming.

Glasshouse growing, a form of Controlled Environment Horticulture, has multiple economic, food security and sustainability benefits, but the sector currently represents only 10% of English horticultural businesses. It means the United Kingdom only grows 25% of the cucumbers and 17% of the tomatoes supplied domestically, however businesses operating with this model are already reaping benefits – from extended growing seasons, efficient water usage and higher yields per square metre.

To kickstart efforts to grow the horticulture sector and boost domestic production, the Environment Secretary today committed a further £12.5m investment in automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme on top of more than £70 million spent so far on industry-led research and development.

The fund opens in January with ‘UK Research and Innovation’ (UKRI) and will match-fund projects that will drive economic growth, food security and deliver on environmental commitments. Previous funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said:

We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment.

Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further. We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production, which is why I am bringing in expert advice and match-funding robotics and automation projects.

Technology offers huge opportunities to make farming greener and more productive, so we should harness it to help grow the economy, create jobs and improve food security too.

Last week, the Environment Secretary visited the Netherlands to learn more about high-tech greenhouse and vertical growing approaches, touring a robotics institute and a glasshouse business which uses artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and water neutral systems to grow produce.

He also announced he will appoint an industry expert to work with him and colleagues across the edible and ornamental sectors to build a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities in Controlled Environment Horticulture. They will provide a set of recommendations and policy interventions that the government can implement both immediately and longer term.

Furthermore, the Environment Secretary has written to a number of major Controlled Environment Horticulture growers to seek the industry’s views on how HM Government can best support its expansion and ensure government policies best reflect industry needs.

To create a positive investment environment for the horticulture sector, HM Government has already signalled its commitment to including industrial horticulture in decisions on industrial energy policy and reviewing the planning permission process to support new developments. Plans to incentivise the sector to make use of surplus heat and CO2 from industrial processes, and renewable sources of energy are also being considered.

As set out in the Growth Plan, HM Government will be looking at the frameworks for regulation, innovation and investment that impact farmers and land managers to make sure that policies are best placed to both boost food production and protect the environment. Later this year, the Environment Secretary will put forward details of plans on how we will increase food security whilst strengthening the resilience and role of farmers as stewards of the British countryside.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : We urge UN member states to condemn the largest forcible annexation attempt since the Second World War – UK at UN General Assembly [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 October 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine.

Mr President, Excellencies,

In February, the General Assembly met in an Emergency Special Session to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

And today, we meet again to condemn Russia’s sham referenda and attempted illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Kherson, Zaporizhyzhya, Luhansk and Donetsk: the largest forcible annexation attempt since the Second World War.

Putin is trying to take Ukraine’s land, its resources, its identity. In so doing, he is overturning the most sacred principle in the international system: that borders cannot be redrawn by force.

Over seven months into the war, the whole world understands the terrible cost of Russia’s invasion.

In Ukraine, families count that cost in the bodies exhumed from mass graves, in the rubble of flattened towns and the lost education for millions of innocent children, and in the growing list of friends and relatives detained or forcibly deported through Russia’s filtration process. Even this morning, millions across Ukraine awoke to the sound of air raid sirens as Russia carried out one of the largest bombardments of civilian areas and infrastructure of the war.

Around the world, people and governments are suffering from the unaffordable cost of higher food and energy prices. As a result of Russia’s invasion, everyone’s lives have been made more difficult – and more insecure.
Here in New York, we also see the cost in terms of damage to the UN Charter. The UN Charter enshrines the principle that no threat or use of force shall be made against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

We have no way to resolve disputes or achieve the fundamental goals of the UN if we concede this principle – if any rogue head of state can by force or fiat change the borders of another UN member.

This Assembly’s call on Russia since the start of its illegal invasion has been simple: end this war and withdraw from Ukraine.

For the sake of Ukraine, Russia and the entire UN membership, we reiterate this call today. We call on Russia to end the war and honour the UN Charter.

Colleagues, at the end of this debate, we will have an opportunity to vote on a resolution to condemn Russia’s so-called referenda and illegal annexation. We urge everyone here to vote in support of international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and the UN Charter.

We urge all members to vote “yes” on the resolution.

I thank you.

October 11, 2022
Joan Seccombe – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II (Baroness Seccombe)

The tribute made by Joan Seccombe, Baroness Seccombe, in the House of Lords on 10 September 2022.

My Lords, in wartime, life was grim, with sadness all around. There was no TV, but a radio, which I was told to sit and listen to for the main evening news. I know many parents tussled with whether they should send their children abroad, but many followed the example of the King and Queen and kept the family together here at home in England. I think that this devotion of the King inspired his daughter to understand the suffering of others by being among them.

As this cruel war churned on, I found great enjoyment from watching the two princesses’ activities. I joined the school Sea Rangers, although you could not live further away from the sea then I did. We learned to march, and I love marching. My earliest sight of the Queen was when she stood in an upper window as Princess Elizabeth with her sister beside her as we marched in wonder in front of Buckingham Palace. I watched the Queen as she grew into this lovely young woman we came to know and love.

The declaration that she made on her 21st birthday moved me enormously, as she dedicated her life to us and all the people of the Empire. It was made with such devotion and humility. I have often thought that she must, like any other, have had an off day, but that sense of duty always came through. She carried on and nobody was aware of how she felt.

Many years later, as I followed her ups and downs of family life, I marvelled at her strength. She and other women blazed the trail for women to hold the most senior roles in society in addition to family responsibilities.

In 2004, it was a huge honour for me to be appointed an extra Baroness-in-Waiting—a pinch-my-skin moment as I drove into Buckingham Palace. Having an audience with Her Majesty was such a privilege. She immediately put me at ease as we chatted and, to my amazement, I suddenly said, “Ma’am, may I share a secret with you?”. “Oh, yes please”, she said, “I love secrets.” And there it will remain between us. As the time came to an end, she wished me well and said that she hoped I would not spend too much time waiting for planes to arrive and depart.

I loved every trip I made to airports to welcome and see departing Heads of State on her behalf, and I shall always be grateful for the opportunity I had. Without fail, the visitors said that the time they were to spend or had spent with the Queen would be or had been the highlight of their visit.

These final months without the support of her dear husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, must have been more onerous and lonelier as she continued her busy schedule, having recovered from Covid. She has, throughout my life, been there with her dazzling smile, so much loved and respected throughout the world. She prepared us for her eldest son to become Charles III, and I am sure she would approve of us giving him a hearty welcome. God save the King!

October 10, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : ‘Executive needed now to support mother and babies’ – Flynn [October 2022]

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 10 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has said an Executive must be formed now to secure funding for a specialised unit for mothers and babies.

The West Belfast MLA said:

“I stood with women and families today in support of their campaign for a specialised unit to support mothers and their babies and help those suffering from severe mental illness during or after pregnancy.

“We need to see the establishment of a properly staffed unit that provides support to people in what can often be a very challenging time.

“Our doctors and nurses need immediate support to deal with the challenges facing health and social care.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today to deliver a three-year budget for health and invest an extra £1 billion in health, to tackle waiting lists, to recruit more doctors and nurses, and fund cancer and mental services.”

October 10, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine [October 2022]

The press release issued by the US President on 10 October 2022.

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. He expressed his condemnation of Russia’s missile strikes across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, and conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured in these senseless attacks. President Biden pledged to continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including advanced air defense systems. He also underscored his ongoing engagement with allies and partners to continue imposing costs on Russia, holding Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities, and providing Ukraine with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance.

October 10, 2022