Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : At home early medical abortions made permanent in England and Wales

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 23 August 2022.

– National safeguarding guidance to be published by Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health for under-18s accessing early medical abortions.

– Additional data on use of remote abortions to be gathered to better understand use of remote abortion services.

Women in England and Wales will be able to permanently access early medical abortions at home from 30 August.

New legislation will allow women to access pills for early medical abortion via a teleconsultation, and for both pills to be taken at home for gestation of up to nine weeks and six days.

The update comes as all independent sector abortion clinics in England have been reapproved ensuring abortion services continue to be available to women across the country. All current approvals are valid until 31 July 2026.

Minister for Public Health, Maggie Throup, said:

“The wellbeing and safety of women requiring access to abortion services is paramount.

With these measures women will have more choice in how and where they access abortion services, while ensuring robust data is collected to ensure their continued safety.”

To ensure the continued safety of children and young people, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health will publish safeguarding guidance for under-18s accessing early medical abortion services.

The guidance, which will be published shortly, reinforces the principles that every young person should have access to early medical abortions in a timely manner and that their holistic and safeguarding needs must be addressed by providers.

To effectively monitor the impact and use of at home early medical abortions, doctors will be required to include information on place of termination, place of consultation as well as whether the consultation was fully remote on abortion notification forms. This data will allow for analysis of trends in abortion provision as well as monitoring pathways for home-use abortions.

Doctors will also be required to certify in “good faith” that the gestation period is below 10 weeks for abortion pills prescribed from home and if one or both pills are taken at a woman’s home.

The amendments to the notification forms and certification requirement are set out in the Abortion (Amendment) Regulations 2022. These changes follow a free vote by Members of Parliament in March 2022.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government seeks views on reducing livestock methane production

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 August 2022.

The UK Government has today launched a UK-wide call for evidence asking agricultural industry, scientists and the wider public for information on the use of new types of animal feed products that can reduce methane emissions from livestock.

Ruminant livestock – cows and sheep – are the leading cause of farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, feed products with methane inhibiting properties have shown potential in reducing reduce GHG emissions, especially from housed cattle. These products may include ingredients like methane production inhibitors, seaweeds, essential oils, organic acids, probiotics, and antimicrobials.

The consultation has been launched in agreement with the Devolved Administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The governments are seeking to find out how farmers and agri-businesses can increase adoption of this technology to support more sustainable protein production. It will consider the current role of feed additives within our farming systems, and the potential barriers that could prevent the introduction of methane suppressing feed products in both the near and long-term future.

In 2019, agriculture accounted for 10% of total UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with methane accounting for approximately 54% of agricultural emissions. The UK Government has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across the whole UK economy by 2050. To meet this target all sectors must reduce their GHG emissions.

Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 16% since 1990 (as of 2020) thanks to innovation and advances in technology, with many farms using more efficient agricultural practices. Government emissions and production statistics suggest that since 1990 we are producing a litre of milk with 21% less GHG emissions. Efficiency gains in dairy farming mean that we are now producing 11% more milk than we were in 2000 with 24% fewer cows.

Farming Minister, Victoria Prentis said:

“We’ve set out ambitious targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and it’s right to consider how we can help farmers produce food sustainably and reduce emissions from agriculture further.

“Well managed livestock can provide various environmental benefits and meat and dairy can both be an important part of a balanced diet. Through this call for evidence we’ll better understand the promising role emerging feed additive technologies for cattle could play and how government can help drive its development.”

Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said:

“We need to develop a resilient and prosperous agriculture sector which reduces its carbon emissions and greenhouse gases through a range of approaches including the possibility of adoption of important technologies. We want to work with our farmers and industry to achieve this and I encourage everyone involved in the industry in Wales to respond to the call for evidence.”

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, said:

“The Scottish Government has ambitious climate change targets and, to meet them, agriculture in Scotland needs to reduce its emissions by 31% from 2019 levels by 2032. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and therefore methane reducing feed additives have the potential to be a crucial part of the solutions that the agriculture sector needs to deploy towards achieving our climate ambitions.

“That is why I welcome this four nations effort to improve our understanding of the use of this innovative new technology in the sector, which will inform each government’s approach to future policy-making in this area. I would encourage the Scottish farming community to respond to the call for evidence and make their views known.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA said:

“Following my consultation on future agricultural policy for Northern Ireland earlier this year, I announced that the use of feed additives to reduce enteric methane emissions, nitrogen and phosphorus outputs would be progressed by collaborative industry research. This UK wide call for evidence will provide further guidance to guide us along the path to reduced methane emissions from our livestock industry.”

While food choices can have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions, well managed livestock also provide environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity, protecting the character of the countryside and generating important income for rural communities.

A robust approval process is adopted for these products and takes into consideration the health and welfare of the animals, food safety and implications for human health and the wider environmental impact of these products.

On 27 June 2019, the UK became the first major economy in the world to set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from across the whole UK economy by 2050. The UK was also amongst the first signatories of the Global Methane Pledge launched at COP26, aiming to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, against 2020 levels.

As part of the effort to achieve our net zero ambitions, the UK Government and the Devolved Governments are considering a wide range of measures to reduce emissions from our agricultural sectors. The use of feed additives and other animal feed with methane suppressing properties have been shown to potentially reduce methane emissions, especially from dairy and beef cattle, and is one such measure being explored.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government to take no further action under National Security and Investment Act on BT share acquisition

The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 23 August 2022.

The acquisition by Altice of 5.9% shares in BT was called in for a full national security assessment by Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng on Thursday 26 May.

The government has powers under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 to scrutinise and, if necessary, intervene in qualifying acquisitions on national security grounds.

Following careful consideration, the government will take no further action on the acquisition of 5.9% shares by Altice in BT and the Final Notification has been issued to parties.

The government will always act to protect the UK’s critical national telecoms infrastructure if we judge action is necessary. Under the National Security and Investment Act, acquisitions are assessed on a case by case basis, so any future transaction could be subject to a separate assessment under the Act.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK announces nearly £40 million to provide vital food and water to West Africa

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 August 2022.

£37.65 million of urgent UK humanitarian funding will deliver life-saving assistance across Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Niger

20 million people are projected to be in need of urgent aid across the region by the end of 2022

the money will help fund 2 projects for the next year focused on the most vulnerable, including malnourished women and children

The UK will support around 1 million of the most vulnerable people across the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin with food, water and sanitation.

Growing instability and violent extremism across the region and the war on Ukraine have exacerbated existing issues with food insecurity and malnutrition. As things stand, there will be close to 20 million people across the region in need of humanitarian aid by the end of the year.

And the Sahel faces further vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme weather shocks, putting unimaginable stress on communities, meaning urgent intervention by the international community is now a necessity.

The UK is providing £37.65 million in urgent humanitarian assistance, focused on these areas where conflict, climate change and extreme hunger is causing the most suffering.

Minister for Africa Vicky Ford said:

“Millions of people across the Sahel and West Africa are unimaginably suffering with hunger and malnutrition.

That’s why the UK will step up with an urgent £38 million of humanitarian funding, reaching those most vulnerable and saving lives across the region.

The number of people facing starvation are at their worst for a decade. Whilst this UK funding is a necessity, it has to be part of a bigger international effort. We’re calling on international partners to enhance our collective support and scale-up intervention to halt this humanitarian catastrophe.”

£19.9 million will support The Sahel Humanitarian Assistance and Protection Programme (SHAPP), a programme which has been responding to the most acute needs, including those of displaced and malnourished women and children, and enables safer access for humanitarian aid workers to reach them.

The funding ensures delivery partners including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the INGO-run Sahel Regional Fund can continue their heroic, life-saving work in the region. The funding also supports the work of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) and the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO).

Their work between 2019 to 2022 under the Sahel Humanitarian Emergency Response Programme (SHERP) supported 2.7 million people with food assistance, provided treatment to nearly 900,000 severely malnourished children and ensured over 1.5 million mothers could detect malnutrition among their children, enabling early intervention.

In addition, £15 million of emergency humanitarian funding has been made available for North-East Nigeria over the next few months, when food is most scarce and humanitarian needs are highest. Violence, displacement, poverty and climate shocks are just some of the many reasons why 8.4 million people need life-saving humanitarian assistance there. This emergency funding supports the UK’s work alongside the Nigerian government to build security in the face of growing instability in the north of the country.

In North-East Nigeria, the UK is proud to be supporting the work of our delivery partners – the World Food Programme and UNICEF – whose aid workers put themselves at great risk in order to reach those suffering most.

This food assistance funding is part of the UK’s wider commitment to prioritise life-saving humanitarian aid to communities around the world who are most vulnerable due to the ongoing combination of crises.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : 6 million disabled people to get Cost of Living payment from 20 September 2022

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 23 August 2022.

£150 disability Cost of Living payments to be made from 20 September 2022
6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will benefit

Automatic support part of wider package of help with the rising Cost of Living, including other cost of living payments totalling £650
Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October.

The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.

For those disabled people on low-incomes, this payment comes on top of other Cost of Living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said:

“We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.

We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.”

The Cost of Living payments from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.

The government has also expanded support for the Household Support Fund in England – which helps people with food and energy bills – with an extra £421 million – for October 2022 to March 2023, and topped up funding by £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion.

This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said:

“We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.

Today’s announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.

This payment is in addition to further help households can expect over the coming months – including a second cost of living payment of £324 for households on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners this winter and £400 discount on energy bills for every household. This is all part of our significant £37 billion support package.”

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : The international system that keeps us all safe starts with the UN Charter as the guarantor of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 August 2022.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on promoting common security through dialogue and cooperation

Thank you, Mr President.

I thank the Secretary-General and Ambassador Zlauvinen for their important briefings today.

Mr President, dialogue and cooperation are essential components for settling disputes and building peace and security. In this Council, we have seen some significant positive examples in recent months.

In Yemen, sustained efforts, including Council members and regional actors, have brought us to a fragile truce.

On Somalia, cooperation within the Council and with the African Union have led to the establishment of a new mission, establishing the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

But dialogue can only ensure our collective security if it is matched and underpinned by states upholding the international system that keeps us all safe. This must start with the Charter as the guarantor of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Today, there is no contest for the gravest threat to the system of common security that is enshrined in the United Nations. Russia, a permanent member of this Council, has torn up the Charter and trampled on the rules that underpin international peace and security. This undermines the entire system we are all here to uphold.

To ensure all of our security – and the system we all rely on – we must hold to account states that transgress universally accepted norms, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity. If we accept that a big country can simply invade its smaller neighbour, we return to dark days of human suffering as well as wider international instability and conflict.

This is why we call – again – for the Russian Federation to stop its illegal invasion of Ukraine and withdraw its forces.

Mr President,

With the global system under challenge, we must do everything we can to avoid nuclear escalation. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains a cornerstone of the global security architecture in this era. And the only route to our shared goal of complete nuclear disarmament.

The joint statement on this subject in January from P5 leaders was an important signal of the willingness to work together to reduce risks and build confidence.

And in this context, we thank Mr Zlauvinen for his tireless work as President of the NPT Review Conference. The UK remains unwaveringly committed to its aims, and to working with other states to ensure implementation of the NPT and other treaties.

So we echo the concern of the Secretary General about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in southern Ukraine. He has our support in efforts to deescalate the situation. We also underline the importance of a mission of IAEA experts to address nuclear safety, security and safeguarding concerns, in a manner that respects full Ukrainian sovereignty over its territory and infrastructure.

Mr President,

The UN Charter and the international security architecture that we collectively built are crucial for all of our countries. Let us defend that, together, to ensure a world in which all sovereign states can ensure the safety of their people and the integrity of their territory.

Thank you.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 February 2022.

As part of his participation in the 58th Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a series of meetings with leaders of other states and international institutions.

In particular, the President met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him for a steadfast support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the assistance provided by the British side to strengthen the defense capabilities of our state.

“In these difficult times, it is very important who stands with Ukraine on this path. It is important that there are such real reliable and powerful, not theoretical, but substantive friends as Great Britain,” the President said.

He informed Boris Johnson about the intensification of provocative shelling of Ukrainian positions and a large-scale disinformation campaign by the Russian Federation to justify further escalation and aggression.

“This is a very dangerous moment in our history. If Russia invades Ukraine, it will be a disaster for Europe, for Ukraine and for Russia itself. I believe that everyone at this conference seeks unity, support and solidarity with Ukraine,” said the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The President also informed the British Prime Minister about the latest initiatives of our state to intensify the peace process.

“Our position is clear and unchanging. Resolving the situation through politics and diplomacy remains an absolute priority for us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President also met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov and informed him about the current security situation around our country.

“We are aware of all the risks and are ready for any scenario. But under no circumstances will we give in to provocations,” the President stressed.

The parties discussed the prospects of Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. An important step in the implementation of these tasks was the conclusion of a joint Declaration with Bulgaria in support of Ukraine’s European perspective.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the significant potential for the development of bilateral relations with Bulgaria and noted that Ukraine is very interested in this.

During the talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris, the President of Ukraine thanked the US administration for the constant dialogue and efforts to prevent a new escalation.

The President of Ukraine informed Kamala Harris about the latest events around our country and in the east of the country. The parties discussed the latest steps in the framework of a peaceful settlement and intensification of all negotiation formats.

“We share the vision of the peace process. Namely, it is a political and diplomatic way to restore peace and stability,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stressed the need to introduce a preventive package to deter the Russian Federation and elaborate new, effective security guarantees for the Ukrainian state. During the meeting, special attention was paid to the prospects of further cooperation in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as well as providing security assistance.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the President stressed the importance of providing concrete assistance by allies and partners, in particular in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, given the unprecedented security challenges.

In the context of de-escalation and stabilization of the situation, the President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of introducing a preventive package to deter the Russian Federation.

The leaders paid special attention to the peaceful settlement within the existing negotiation formats, first of all the Normandy one.

During the conversation with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed her of the current security situation around Ukraine, recent events in the east of our country, as well as Ukraine’s initiatives to intensify the peace process.

The parties reaffirmed their commitment to political and diplomatic efforts to unblock the peace process, restore stability and prevent a possible escalation of Russian aggression.

“Today at the Munich Security Conference there is strong support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty,” said Ursula von der Leyen.

The President thanked for the financial support provided to Ukraine by the European Union. The interlocutors agreed on the allocation of the first tranche of a new macro-financial assistance program worth 600 million euros.

During the meeting with President of the World Bank Group David Malpass, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the successful cooperation of Ukraine with this financial institution, and also thanked for the long-term support of our country. The parties discussed further ways to increase the World Bank’s involvement in ensuring the sustainability of Ukraine’s financial sector.

David Malpass has confirmed the provision of emergency financial support in the amount of $ 350 million for current reforms and important projects. The interest in further reforming and modernizing Ukrzaliznytsia, thermal modernization of residential buildings, and improving the energy efficiency of housing in Ukraine was also confirmed.

In addition, in the evening of February 19, after returning from Germany, the President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders exchanged assessments and positions in the context of security threats along Ukraine’s state border and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed about the intensification of provocative shelling of Ukrainian positions, in particular settlements, by illegal armed groups, which led to losses among our military.

“We regard this as a cynical provocation, but Ukraine does not give in to provocations,” the Ukrainian President said.

Particular emphasis was placed on the provocative shelling of Ukrainian deputies and representatives of foreign media who were visiting the delimitation line in the Donetsk region.

The Presidents discussed the issue of a peaceful settlement, primarily in the light of recent measures within the Normandy format and the refusal of the Russian side to participate in the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group convened at the initiative of Ukraine.

“Russia refused to hold a TCG meeting today and yesterday. We insist on holding it immediately,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed, adding that Ukraine will continue to stand for a complete ceasefire.

The interlocutors agreed on the need for further political and diplomatic efforts of the international community to prevent the escalation of Russian aggression.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President of Ukraine and the First Lady honored the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 20 February 2022.

On the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska honored the memory of activists who died in 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity.

The Head of State and his wife placed icon lamps near the cross at the site of the death of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred on Instytutska Street in the center of Kyiv.

“Today we honor the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred – fellow citizens who gave their lives without hesitation for the freedom our people dream of, for the right to live in an independent state, in the family of European nations. Their feat is a testament to the steadfastness of Ukrainians who continue to fight for their future,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He stressed that the Ukrainian people still demonstrate to the world community their unity and devotion to democratic values, for which both the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred on Maidan and the soldiers in eastern Ukraine sacrificed their lives.

The President and the First Lady struck the Bell of Dignity.

The bell was made pursuant to the instruction of the Head of State to honor the heroes’ feat. The monument bears the inscription “Glory to Ukraine!” Glory to the Heavenly Hundred!”

The bell was installed on the territory of the future National Memorial of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred in the center of the capital.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President held a meeting with the leadership of law enforcement agencies at Boryspil airport

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 February 2022.

After returning from the Munich Security Conference, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the leadership of the security and defense forces, which took place at Boryspil International Airport.

The Head of State heard detailed reports on recent events in the east of Ukraine and the state of combat readiness of troops.

The President received up-to-date information from the intelligence services on the situation on the territory of Russia and Belarus along the Ukrainian border, as well as in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

In addition, the parties discussed urgent humanitarian problems and ways to solve them.

The participants of the meeting discussed possible scenarios of further developments and the necessary steps of Ukraine in case of each scenario.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave instructions on the additional logistical support of the troops.

August 23, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine is well aware of what is happening on our borders and does not react to provocations – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 February 2022.

Ukraine has been in a tense situation for many years, but today the risks have increased due to the significant concentration of Russian troops on our borders. However, the Ukrainian defense forces understand everything and do not react to provocations. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in a panel discussion in the framework of the 58th Munich Security Conference.

“We are quite consistent. We do not respond to any provocations. We understand what to react to and how,” the President said, assuring that there is no panic in Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any accusations against our state of shelling the temporarily occupied territories are provocations and “pure lies”.

“It’s cynicism of such a level that they are exploding something on their territories. This is not the first time they have fired on the temporarily occupied territory they control,” he said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that he had arrived at the Munich Conference to inform the world community about the situation in Ukraine directly on behalf of our state. He called on international partners to increase assistance to our country.

“Strengthen our army, our economy. Invest in our state. If you are afraid – provide us with cheap money. Is there another country in the world with such an army near its borders, which is still making reforms?” the President noted.

The Head of State noted that he could not know about the intentions of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, so he offered him a meeting in any format.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed hope that the Russian people would not support the war against the Ukrainian people.

August 23, 2022