Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UK Defence cyber skills to be boosted through industry partnership [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 November 2022.
Defence personnel to be upskilled in tackling cyber threats

Industry collaboration to increase UK’s cyber resilience

Work follows National Audit Office praise for the department’s approach to conflict digitisation

The Ministry of Defence will collaborate with Immersive Labs, an industry leader in cyber resilience, to support the department’s new Digital Skills for Defence programme to build stronger digital skills, and follows a successful trial by the British Army.

Tested against industry benchmarks, the collaboration will see personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Strategic Command and Civil Service engaged, with access to 1,600 realistic simulations and hands-on cybersecurity labs to evaluate individual and teams in decision-making against the latest threats.

As the recent National Audit Office (NAO) report on the MOD’s Digital Strategy noted, the Department is showing good practice when it comes to the challenge of modern conflict rapidly digitising, affecting Defence work and how the Armed Forces operate in the battlefield.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk said:

The NAO has rightly highlighted our focus on remaining at the forefront of digital capability, which is crucial as the shape of the modern battlefield continues to change at unprecedented speed.

Utilising the best technology and brightest minds in industry will only serve to bolster the rank of cyber experts focused on protecting the UK.

Exploiting digital capabilities and data is fundamental to our success in modern military operations and to the effective running of Defence. Building on the feedback from the NAO report, the department is striving to build a workforce with the digital skills it needs to deliver the digital transformation of defence.

The report acknowledged positive progress being made by the department on bringing together and aligning such digital practitioners across Defence. However, with a shortfall of homegrown talent and a very competitive market across the public and private sectors, the collaboration with Immersive Labs will also help identify cybersecurity talent to fill open roles and bolster the ranks of UK cyber experts.

Director of Functional Integration, Claire Fry said:

The Digital Skills for Defence programme is crucial in our drive to provide the right digital skills and capabilities across Defence to take advantage of the opportunity brought about by the ever-increasing pace of technological change.

Immersive Labs is one of a number of organisations we are working with to deliver training that will upskill our workforce. This will enable us to champion our One Defence Mindset and create an environment where our digital skills can flourish in a unified, connected and digitally integrated way.

MOD established the Digital Skills for Defence programme to deliver critical digital skills for Defence Leaders, Digital Professionals, and the whole Military and Civilian workforce. The programme is fundamental in building and retaining operational and business advantage. MOD’s ambition goes beyond education, seeking to transform to a learning culture where teams work collaboratively across the organisation.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Human rights in Belarus – Joint statement to the OSCE [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 November 2022.

Canadian Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear stresses that the Belarusian authorities have intensified the brutal and unprecedented repression of the Belarusian people.

Mr. Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United States, and my own country Canada.

Two years ago, on 5 November 2020, Professor Wolfgang Benedek presented the independent report on the human rights situation in Belarus under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism to the Permanent Council. The conclusions were clear: The 9 August presidential election was neither free nor fair, and “massive and systematic” violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms had been committed by the Belarusian security forces.

One year ago, on 4 November 2021, as a response to the deteriorating human rights situation and the Belarusian authorities’ failure to respond satisfactorily to the recommendations addressed to them in the Moscow Mechanism report, a group of 35 OSCE participating States invoked the Vienna (Human Dimension) Mechanism requesting information on a number of serious concerns. Unfortunately, one year later, we today note with regret that the recommendations for Belarusian authorities in the Moscow Mechanism report remain unaddressed, and our concerns for the human rights situation in Belarus are more dire than ever.

Over the past two years, the authorities in Belarus have continued their brutal and unprecedented crackdown on defenders of democracy in Belarus, including civil society and independent voices. The exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, is severely repressed, and those attempting to act on those rights and freedoms are systematically detained, abused, and subjected to other forms of intimidation and only harassment. According to credible reports, the number of political prisoners is now more than 1,350. This includes many ordinary Belarusians who simply protested in 2020; journalists, media actors, opposition figures, and human rights defenders, sentenced in some cases to well over a decade simply for exercising their fundamental rights. As a consequence, tens of thousands of Belarusians have been, and continue to be, forced to flee the country, to leave their homes and in some cases loved ones behind due to the untenable situation.

In addition, several credible, international reports have documented the continued pervasive use of torture and other ill-treatment. The Belarusian authorities have further increased harassment and intimidation efforts by widening of the scope of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempted terrorist activities”. This is an alarming step, the real objective of which is to further increase repression against defenders of democracy. Mr. Chair, In the initial letter invoking the Vienna Mechanism on 4 November 2021, we asked for information from the Belarusian authorities on a number of concerns, including on the credible reports on continuing unjust arrests and detentions, as well as the targeting of opposition figures. The Belarusian Delegation’s reply did not acknowledge our legitimate concerns on any of these issues; for example, the Belarusian Delegation simply took exception to the term ‘political prisoner’.

The inadequate responses we have continued to receive from the Belarusian authorities, combined with the deteriorating developments we have witnessed over the past year, clearly demonstrate there is no change in approach by the Belarusian authorities.

On the contrary, in recent months, the Belarusian authorities have intensified the brutal and unprecedented repression of the Belarusian people, and has on top of that been facilitating Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in violation of international law.

Mr. Chair,

Even as the human rights situation in Belarus has continued to deteriorate, the Belarusian Delegation has often claimed to seek dialogue on these issues here in the Permanent Council. The Vienna Mechanism is a tool for such dialogue, but it requires the Belarusian authorities to engage substantially, realistically and honestly on the subject. It requires the Belarusian authorities to recognise our legitimate continuing concerns, which mirrors those of civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders.

Against this backdrop, we repeat our questions raised under the OSCE Vienna Mechanism in the Permanent Council. We encourage the Belarusian authorities to consider these questions carefully and to provide genuine answers to this Council, including a detailed explanation of their reactions to the recommendations contained in the 5 November 2020 report under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.

Finally, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus. We urge the Belarusian authorities to fully implement their international obligations and OSCE commitments, and to make use of the OSCE’s tools and mechanisms to help resolve the continuing human rights crisis.

Thank you.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Global agreement in green tech will open doors for UK PLC [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 11 November 2022.

The UK is today leading a global agreement to make green technologies cheaper and more accessible around the world, while also creating green jobs for generations both at home and abroad, Grant Shapps said today (11 November).

Speaking at the COP27 negotiations in Egypt, the Business Secretary announced over £65 million investment to help speed up the development of new green technologies – backed by the talent and expertise of British business.

This builds on the legacy of COP26 in Glasgow, where the UK founded a coalition of countries to scale and speed up the development and deployment of clean technologies and drive down costs this decade, known as the Breakthrough Agenda.

Mr Shapps said it will be the efforts of entrepreneurs, innovators and the international community that will help cut global emissions in the coming decade and achieve net zero by 2050 – something today’s investments will help achieve.

These measures will help expand a whole global market in clean energy technologies, making them accessible and affordable to developing countries – and enabling UK companies to share their talent and expertise in this vital and growing industry.

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

Green means growth, and with our existing talents in clean technologies, UK businesses could be world leaders in an industry that will only expand, creating jobs for generations to come while also protecting our precious planet.

At COP27 we are leading international efforts to ensure these new innovations can be more accessible and affordable to heavy, energy-intensive industries in some of the world’s poorest countries.

These agreements are a key part of us achieving our net zero targets and our global efforts to cut emissions – but I am also proud that they will mean more countries will benefit from the knowledge and expertise we have nurtured here on UK shores.

The UK is already a world leader in the latest green technologies, ranging from the development of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, to the manufacture of electric vehicles.

Today’s announcements not only highlight the UK’s leading position on tackling climate change, they also show how this country is influencing international markets to go greener, in a way that gives the UK an advantage over other countries in delivering jobs, growth and investment in the UK.

The Business Secretary today announced:
- that the UK has built a coalition of governments, representing more than half of global GDP, who will take forward actions to speed up the development of new alternatives to fossil fuels for the carbon-intensive sectors, so that by 2030 they use the cheapest and most attractive options available to businesses in emerging and developing economies
- a UK pledge of £65 million towards the world’s first large scale Industry Transition Programme, by the Climate Investment Funds, to support energy-intensive industries in developing economies including India and Indonesia to go green
- UK government’s support, alongside Germany, for a new funding window for projects developing innovative and transformational clean technologies. Set to open in 2023, this funding from the Mitigation Action Facility will go to key priority sectors – energy, transport and industry – identified in the Breakthrough Agenda at COP27. This will support developing countries to achieve their goals for tackling climate change and reducing emissions
This comes on top of the Prime Minister’s announcement of a further £65.5 million for the Clean Energy Innovation Facility, which provides grants to researchers and scientists to accelerate the development of innovative clean energy technologies in developing countries. Since the UK-led fund was launched in 2019 it has so far supported 76 projects, including the creation of biomass-powered refrigeration in India, prototype lithium-ion batteries in Nigeria and clean hydrogen-based fuels for steel production in Morocco, among other innovations. Its beneficiaries have praised the programme for its ability to identify business and community needs as it unlocks innovation opportunities.

CEO of the Climate Investment Funds, Mafalda Duarte said:

Emissions from hard-to-abate industries are concentrated in developing countries and set to rise.

With support from the United Kingdom and Sweden, the first-of-its-kind CIF Industry Decarbonisation program will support developing countries, manage transition risks, and seize emerging economic opportunities.

This investment platform will bring to bear concessional finance, technical assistance, and partnerships to ignite transformation across industries like steel, cement, and aluminium.
11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Levelling up investment unlocks £300 million Blackpool regeneration [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, on 11 November 2022.

A significant regeneration project that will deliver new leisure facilities, create jobs, boost tourism, and help level up Blackpool has been announced by Michael Gove today in his first major intervention since being reappointed as Secretary of State for Levelling Up.

The ambitious Blackpool Central project had stalled because there was no funding to move the Magistrates and County Courts currently situated within the proposed site, and this risked scuppering the entire £300 million private sector-led regeneration scheme.

But the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today committed £40 million to relocate the courts to a new state-of-the-art complex in the Blackpool town centre, with the specific location to be announced in due course.

This will enable the Blackpool Central regeneration scheme to go ahead as planned, creating an estimated 1,000 jobs. It will also attract 600,000 more visitors to the seaside town each year in a massive boost to the local economy.

This is the latest intervention by government, which has been working with partners, including the local authority, to help turn the tide on deprivation in Blackpool and provide greater opportunities for people who live in the town. Previous work includes cracking down on rogue landlords, finding new opportunities for regeneration, and delivering new homes and jobs for the community.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

Blackpool is a town full of life, energy, and immense potential but for too long it has been overlooked and its communities undervalued. Our £40 million Levelling Up investment will revitalise this great town by delivering much-needed homes, more jobs and new opportunities for local people.

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab, said:

The new Magistrates’ and County Court will be modern, efficient, and help deliver effective justice for local residents. It will be fitted with the latest courtroom technology to ensure that we can continue delivering justice in the North West and provide victims with a better experience.

This wider investment will provide a real boost to the town and its economy, kickstarting the regeneration that local people have long been waiting for.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:

We are delighted by the support to enable our exciting scheme to go ahead. This is a real example of joined-up Government at its very best with the objectives of the government, Ministry of Justice, Department for Levelling Up, Blackpool Council and the developer Nikal all being met as a result of this welcome action by the Secretary of State.

The funding will enable this huge development in the heart of Blackpool to bring jobs, investment and visitors to our town. When finished, the scheme will be an amazing future-proofed attraction for all to enjoy for many years to come.

Blackpool Central will be the largest single investment in Blackpool for over a century. It will see the area transformed into a year-round leisure destination, home to new entertainment centres, hotels, restaurants and a new public square and Heritage Quarter.

This announcement comes as the UK government is set to host the 38th British-Irish Council Summit in Blackpool today, inviting representatives from the Irish Government, devolved administrations and crown dependencies to discuss matters of shared importance.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Welcoming a holistic, integrated approach to tackling terrorism and protecting those at risk [November 2022]

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council debate on counter-terrorism in Africa.

Thank you President, and thank you for convening us today, consistent with your personal leadership on security, including the creation of the Accra Initiative, and with ECOWAS’ robust defence of democratic values in the region.

Moreover Excellency, you’ve joined us this morning from COP27, a reminder that climate is a threat multiplier, and another challenge to peace and security in Africa and around the world. I join others in thanking the Deputy Secretary-General, and our briefers today, and I’d like to make three points to contribute to today’s discussion.

First, we welcome and endorse calls we’ve heard today for a holistic response to terrorism; an integrated approach to tackling the conditions that give rise to terrorism, while protecting those at most risk. We welcome the Accra Initiative’s work to address the security situation and to strengthen regional security and intelligence cooperation.

As the UK, we are working with the Ghanian government to consider how best to support the Accra Initiative.

We’re also working with journalists to promote moderate voices as well as limit the spread of violence, including terrorism. We’re also supporting communities to manage land more effectively and withstand the challenges of climate shocks in regions threatened by violent extremist groups.

And President, we cannot ignore the destabilising role the Wagner Group is playing in the region. They are a driver of conflict and exploit natural resources where they operate.

Whatever the question, Wagner is not the answer.

Second, in the fight against terrorism, it is counter-productive to violate human rights and international law.

This Council has consistently stressed that the fight against terrorism needs to conform with international human rights and humanitarian law.

In our experience, placing respect for human rights at the centre of counter-terrorism campaigns, and in close cooperation with civil society, will bolster their effectiveness, counter-radicalization, and build resilient communities. And this fight will be successful only with the meaningful participation of women who are in many cases disproportionately affected by terrorism.

Third, terrorism and violent extremism are transnational problems that require a coordinated international response.

We’ve heard a lot this morning about the important role of the Accra Initiative, ECOWAS, the AU, and many other regional organisations. I join others in emphasising too the importance of the UN system. Not just the Office of Counter-Terrorism, but also implementing the mandates that are agreed by this Council, including the provisions on UN human rights monitoring.

President, like others we look forward to the new agenda for peace as an important contribution to addressing the triple challenge terrorism poses to peace, security and development. And I thank you.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin [November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 November 2022.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to Blackpool as the host venue for the partners of the 38th British-Irish Council.

He expressed his commitment to working closely on matters of shared interest, and to deepen UK-Irish ties, particularly in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the associated energy crisis.

The Prime Minister set out the UK government’s decision to introduce legislation to provide a short extension to the period for Executive formation and reiterated his firm commitment to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its dimensions.

On the Northern Ireland protocol, the Prime Minister stressed that the UK’s strong preference is for a negotiated solution with the EU. He reiterated that any deal must solve the full range of issues caused by the protocol but hoped for flexibility and pragmatism.

11/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Support for veteran medal replacements [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Scheme launched as Veterans Secretary visits Falkland Islands for Remembrance.

A new fund has been launched for veterans to reclaim the cost of replacing permanently destroyed or stolen service medals.

Veterans Secretary Keith Brown announced the new scheme during a Parliamentary debate on Remembrance and support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community.

Veterans’ resident in Scotland will now be able to claim for the cost of replacement medals where they can show that it has been stolen or destroyed through an event such as a fire or flood. Previously veterans have had to pay the cost for replacement medals themselves.

Mr Brown also told MSPs that he will be visiting the Falkland Islands from 10 – 15 November to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

The Veterans Secretary said the visit will provide an opportunity to highlight the strong cultural link between Scotland and the Falkland Islands community and recognise the brave efforts that the Armed Forces made to liberate the Islands in 1982.

Mr Brown said:

“I am delighted to announce this support for veterans, whose medals have been lost or stolen through no fault of their own.

“Many of our veterans still bear the physical and mental scars from conflicts and their medals are an important symbol of their courageous service. This scheme is part of a wide range of support provided to show our appreciation and ongoing support for veterans and their families.

He added:

“I am honoured to have been invited by the Falkland Islands Government to visit this month and participate in a series of commemorative events on Remembrance marking the 40^th anniversary of the conflict.

“The visit will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the heroism of those in the Task Force dispatched to free the Islands and hear from veterans of the Falklands War as well as members of the Armed Forces currently serving there. I am very much looking forward to learning more about the modern day Islands and the opportunities to strengthen our links.

“The Remembrance period serves a vital purpose in allowing everyone in Scotland a moment to pause, reflect and be thankful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

10/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Government Planning for net zero [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Developments which reduce carbon emissions to tackle climate change and restore nature would be promoted under finalised proposals for long term planning reform.

The revised draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) sets out sustainable policies against which planning applications would be assessed for the next decade.

It has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament against the backdrop of crucial intergovernmental climate talks at COP27 in Egypt and seeks to deliver a new and bold direction, with a shift in culture and approach to planning in Scotland.

Proposals in NPF4 include:
- enabling more renewable energy generation, outside National Parks and National Scenic Areas, to support the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels
- supporting emerging low-carbon and zero emissions technologies – including hydrogen and carbon capture – and developments on land that unlock the transformative potential of offshore renewable energy, such as expansion of the electricity grid. Waste incineration facilities would be highly unlikely to receive permission
- facilitating creation of cycling or walking routes, low carbon transport, more green spaces and opportunities for play, culture and tourism
- helping rural communities grow by enabling more local homes and encouraging a more diverse rural economy
- regenerating city and town centres to help them adapt to economic change while enabling people to access shops, schools and workplaces within a 20 minute walk or cycle
- adopting a planned and evidence-based approach to delivering good quality and affordable homes that benefit communities.
Planning Minister Tom Arthur said:

“The window of opportunity to act to reduce emissions and adapt to already locked in changes is narrowing. Our statutory and moral obligation to tackle climate change means change is necessary and urgent.

“This final version of the Framework makes clear that we won’t compromise on climate change. It also clarifies what is to be delivered, and how. And it is now clear through the weighting to be applied to different policies, that the climate and nature crises are the priority.

“It is timely that we have tabled final proposals during COP27, as we set out to do when Glasgow hosted COP26 last year. This shows that Scotland’s ambition and commitment to delivering on international calls for action is unwavering.

“There is now a clear expectation of the role that planning must play in delivering the expansion of renewable energy needed to realise the just transition from reliance on fossil fuels.

“This Framework creates the foundation upon which to build the fairer, greener Scotland we want to see for the benefit of future generations.”
10/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : MSPs invited to withhold consent for Retained EU Law Bill [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Ministers outline ongoing concerns in a letter to the UK Government.

The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum recommending that the Scottish Parliament withholds its consent for the UK Government’s Retained EU Law (Reform and Revocation) Bill.

The Bill seeks to revoke over 2,400 pieces of EU legislation that were included in the UK statute book at the end of the Brexit transition period.

In a letter to Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson has set out the Scottish Government’s rationale for recommending Parliament withholds its consent.

The letter reiterates the concern and the fundamental opposition of Scottish Ministers to the legislation and highlights the concerns of some bodies, such as RSPB Scotland and Greener UK, who say the Bill will ‘derail urgent action to tackle the nature and climate crisis’ and ‘rip up our most important nature protections in Scotland’.

The letter can be read in full online.

10/11/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Health Survey 2021 published [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 8 November 2022.

Scotland’s Chief Statistician released The Scottish Health Survey 2021 today. This publication provides information on the health of adults and children in Scotland.

The average level of mental wellbeing amongst adults has declined.  The average Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) score was significantly lower in 2021 than in 2019 (48.6 and 49.8 respectively). This followed a decade in which levels had remained fairly constant. Over one in five adults (22%) had a GHQ-12 score of four or more (indicating a possible psychiatric disorder). This is an increase from between 17% and 19% in the years 2017 to 2019.

Five per cent of adults reported having long COVID. Prevalence was highest amongst those aged 35-64 (6-7%). One per cent of adults reported that long COVID limited their activities a lot.   The most common symptom reported was ‘weakness / tiredness’, with 63% of those with long COVID reporting this. The next most common symptoms were ‘shortness of breath’ (43%), ‘trouble sleeping’ (37%), ‘loss of smell’ (34%), ‘headache’ (31%), ‘difficulty concentrating’ (29%) and ‘worry / anxiety’ (27%).

Three percent of adults reported ever having a problem with drugs.  Twelve per cent of adults reported using drugs in the previous 12 months. Prevalence was highest amongst those aged 16-24 (22%). Mental wellbeing for adults who had used any drug in the last 12 months was significantly lower than for those who had not (WEMWBS mean scores of 45.4 and 49.1 respectively).

Almost one in ten adults (9%) reported having experienced food insecurity

in terms of having worried that they would run out of food due to lack of money or resources during the previous 12 months. This was the same proportion as in 2019. Prevalence of food insecurity was highest for single parents and single adults aged under 65 living alone (34% and 19% respectively in 2019/2021 combined).

Prevalence of smoking amongst adults continued to fall to 11% in 2021, down from 28% in 2003. Rates continued to be much higher in the most deprived areas (24%) compared to the least deprived areas (5%). The proportion of children exposed to second-hand smoke in their home (2%) was significantly lower than in previous years (12% in 2012).

More adults (69%) met the moderate or vigorous physical activity guidelines than in previous years. This continued the general upwards trend since 2012 (62%).

Other key findings from the report show that in 2021:
- Almost half of adults (47%) reported living with a long-term condition, the same proportion as is 2019. Just over a third of adults (34%) said they had a long-term condition which limited their day-to-day activities.
- Sixteen per cent of adults had any cardiovascular condition. Six per cent had doctor diagnosed diabetes, 5% had ischaemic heart disease and 3% had had a stroke.
- Almost two thirds of adults (61%) reported ever attending cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
- Prevalence of hazardous or harmful weekly alcohol consumption has reduced from 34% in 2003 to 23% in 2021. Nine per cent of adults reported ever having had a problem with alcohol, with 1% saying they still had a problem.
- Five per cent of adults were current e-cigarette users, a reduction from 7% each year between 2015 and 2019.
- Thirty per cent of adults were living with obesity. This was similar to or marginally higher than rates in each year since 2008 (ranging from 27% to 29%).
- Around one in five of all adults consumed five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day (22%). This was similar to levels since 2003 (21% in 2003).
- One in five children (20%) aged 2 to 15 met the five-a-day recommendation for consumption of fruit and vegetables. This was significantly higher than in the years 2008 to 2019.
- Almost half of all adults (48%) met the Scottish Dietary goal to reduce total fat intake to no more than 35% of food energy. Around one in five adults (22%) met the Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars intake to not exceed 5% of total energy.
- Almost six in ten adults (58%) undertook any gambling This has decreased significantly since 2012 (70%). Prevalence of adult gambling activity excluding the National Lottery has changed to a lesser extent (43% in 2021 compared to 45% in 2012). Online gambling participation has doubled since 2012 (from 7% to 14%).
- The proportion of adults who reported having at least one accident in the previous 12 months has not changed since 2015 (10%).
The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.
10/11/2022