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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Bronte Country to become country’s newest National Nature Reserve [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Bronte Country to become country’s newest National Nature Reserve [May 2025]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 13 May 2025.

    • Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve set to be created in huge boost for countryside access
    • The new reserve is on the doorstep of Bradford – one of the UK’s youngest and most multicultural cities with population over half a million people
    • Habitat for precious species such as Adder, Curlew, and Short-eared owl to benefit from greater protections

    One of Britain’s youngest cities is set to benefit from the creation of a huge new national nature reserve – the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve.

    The new National Nature Reserve – the 7th in the King’s Series – announced and created today (13 May) is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and will provide people with opportunity to enjoy the landscapes that inspired and were celebrated by the Bronte Sisters

    The reserve spans 1,274 hectares – twice the size of Ilkley Moor – and links together eight nature sites within the Bradford & South Pennines area, two of which are internationally important upland habitats, and much-loved places such as Penistone Country Park in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

    The establishment of this reserve will bridge this gap between the city of Bradford and the countryside by highlighting a range of important habitats just a stone’s throw from people’s homes. A National Nature Reserve next to one of the UK’s youngest cities will also help to break down barriers for young people accessing the countryside in one of England’s most nature deprived areas.

    Approximately 90% of the area comprises UK priority habitats, including peat bogs, heathlands, and wetlands. Endangered wildlife such Adders, Curlew, and Golden plover will benefit from greater protections and better-connected habitats. 42% of the reserve will be newly protected, with 738 hectares (58%) designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), contributing to national conservation efforts to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

    Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

    Reversing the historic declines in nature and moving toward ecological recovery requires bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive. The opening of this reserve is an important moment in this journey, marking a significant achievement in our efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.

    By working with local partners providing accessible Nature near to urban areas, we are fostering a deeper connection between communities and nature, promoting wellbeing and inspiring the next generation to support biodiversity recovery.

    Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said:

    We are delighted that Bradford has such an important role in the national roll-out National Nature Reserves across the country, being the first in West Yorkshire.

    Around two thirds of our district is rural, and we boast unique and breath-taking scenery. The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve ensures that these sites are protected and accessible for everyone in our district and beyond.

    Minister for Nature Mary Creagh said:

    The Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve is a landmark moment and will bring huge numbers of people closer to their iconic nature-rich habitats, as part of this governments Plan for Change to halt natures decline.

    Aligning with Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture 2025, the reserve integrates cultural enrichment with conservation efforts. Natural England and Bradford Council will create a public engagement strategy to increase the diversity of visitors and encourage positive action for nature across Bradford in communities rightly proud of their area.

    The launch will also enhance educational and cultural opportunities in the area. In collaboration with local universities and colleges, the reserve will offer opportunities for field studies and research.

    The creation of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR) marks a significant milestone in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. With the support of His Majesty King Charles III, Natural England will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature by creating or extending 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027.

    Together these sites form an ecological network that links two internationally important upland habitats within the South Pennines Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). All sites are owned and managed by Bradford Council

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Overseas Network to Sell Scotland Around the World [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Scotland Office on 13 May 2025.

    Scottish Secretary drives forward Brand Scotland with new campaign fund.

    The UK Government’s drive to sell Brand Scotland around the world will get a boost with the launch of a new fund for overseas campaigns.

    The Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, is offering the UK’s international network grants of up to £20,000 for innovative and creative activities to market Scotland overseas.

    One of Ian Murray’s priorities at the Scotland Office is Brand Scotland – promoting Scottish goods and services overseas and encouraging inward investment in Scotland. This is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

    The US and India free trade agreements signed last week show just how popular Scottish products are overseas. The India deal slashed tariffs for Scotch – great news for our whisky producers who want to expand their overseas markets.

    This new fund will complement an extensive programme of overseas visits planned for Scotland Office ministers over the year, following on from Ian Murray’s recent successful trips to Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Washington and New York.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    “Brand Scotland is a fantastic opportunity to promote all that is great about Scotland around the world, and show investors the opportunities of Scotland. Through the Foreign, Development and Commonwealth Office, the UK has an extensive overseas network, which works day in day out to promote our country. This exciting new fund will boost the overseas network’s ability to promote Scotland and all it has to offer in many key markets. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    “The UK-India free trade deal slashing whisky export tariffs is a prime example of how the UK Government is unlocking growth opportunities to deliver for people in every corner of the country, as part of our Plan for Change.

    “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is looking forward to showcasing Brand Scotland around the world as part of our mission to turbo charge the economy and put more money back in people’s pockets.

    “Kickstarting economic growth is in this government’s DNA so my diplomats will be working tirelessly to shout about everything Scotland has to offer, not least its world-beating food and drink.”

    Brand Scotland leverages Scotland’s unique cultural assets and the UK’s soft power. The UK Government’s overseas network will have the opportunity to bid for funds. Projects will support Scotland-focused trade missions and trade events. We expect bids to be creative and go beyond ‘business as usual’.

    Bids will be assessed on their ability to deliver measurable outcomes and foster long-term relationships with stakeholders in host countries. Bids will be reviewed by officials from the Scotland Office, FCDO, and the Department for Business and Trade – with the Scotland Office giving final sign-off.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Weimar+ Joint Statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Weimar+ Joint Statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 May 2025.

    Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom plus the EU High Representative, following their meeting in London.

    We met in London on 12 May to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.

    On Ukraine, we reiterated our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, our sympathy for the victims of recent attacks by Russia, and our full support for Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

    We welcomed US-led peace efforts and the prospect of further talks this week.  So far, Russia has not shown any serious intent to make progress.  It must do so without delay.  We joined Ukraine in calling for an immediate, full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

    Any peace will only last if it is based on international law including the UN Charter and Ukraine is able to deter and defend against any future Russian attack.

    We discussed how we would further step up European efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing defence against Russia’s war of aggression.  Ukraine should be confident in its ability to continue to resist successfully Russian aggression with our support.

    Strong Ukrainian armed forces will be vital.  We agreed to work with Ukraine on initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, restock munitions and equipment, and further enhance industrial capacity.

    We are committed to robust security guarantees for Ukraine.  This includes exploring the creation of a coalition of air, land and maritime reassurance forces that could help create confidence in any future peace and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces.  And we will work on new reconstruction and recovery commitments, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on 10-11 July, to ensure that Ukraine’s future security is underpinned by a vibrant economy.

    We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy.  We will keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilised until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused.

    On Euro-Atlantic security, we reaffirmed that NATO is the bedrock of our security and prosperity.  The Alliance has secured peace for over 75 years.  A strong, united NATO, based on a strong transatlantic bond, an ironclad commitment to defend each other, and fair burden-sharing, is essential to maintain this.

    European countries must play a still greater role in assuring our own security.  We will further strengthen NATO and the contribution of European Allies by stepping up security and defence expenditure to meet the requirement to deter and defend across all domains in the Euro-Atlantic area.

    We will use all feasible levers to strengthen our collective defence capability and production and reinforce Europe’s technological and industrial base. To that end, we will build on work in NATO, the EU and likeminded groups to achieve these goals.

    An enhanced security and defence relationship between the UK and EU is key to improving the lives of our people and making our continent more safe and secure, as will enhanced cooperation between NATO and the EU on the basis of the three Joint Declarations, and greater co-operation with Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with Prime Minister Carney of Canada [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 May 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, this evening.

    The Prime Minister began by congratulating Prime Minister Carney on his fantastic election win.

    The leaders reflected on the opportunities to deepen the friendship between the two countries, including through economic cooperation and technology ties to deliver for working people in both the UK and Canada.

    Discussing the Coalition of the Willing call in Kyiv on Saturday, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Carney for joining, and leaders underlined the need to increase pressure on President Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

    Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said he was looking forward to travelling to Canada for the G7 Summit next month, which would be another important moment to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

    The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Kristersson of Sweden [May 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 May 2025.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson to Downing Street this afternoon.

    Following the successful Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Oslo last week and the Coalition of the Willing call in Kyiv on Saturday, the leaders underlined that now more than ever it is vital to be united on defence and security.

    They agreed to continue support for Ukraine and put the pressure on Putin to accept the ceasefire deal on the table – without conditions. The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Kristersson for Sweden’s contribution to Operation Interflex – the training programme for Ukrainians in the UK.

    On trade, defence and civil nuclear, the leaders agreed to closer working.

    They both looked forward to discussing migration, security and defence at the European Political Community meeting later this week.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Vital support for victims in £20 million funding boost [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Vital support for victims in £20 million funding boost [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 May 2025.

    Thousands more victims to access life-saving support through a £19.9 million investment in specialist services.

    Thousands more victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse and stalking will have access to specialist support services thanks to a boost of nearly £20 million announced by the Safeguarding Minister today.

    Part of this funding will go towards backing helplines which can offer potentially life-saving support for survivors of abuse. Victims can find these experiences incredibly hard to talk about and contacting helplines for advice is often the first critical step in their journey to escape abuse, access vital support and eventually seek justice.

    To help more victims access support at the most vulnerable moments in their lives, a range of helplines supporting victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse and stalking will benefit from £6 million in investment this year – an increase of around a fifth compared to the previous year.

    This investment is designed to reach as many different communities as possible and will bolster a range of vital specialist services in England and Wales supporting victims and survivors who face unique and challenging circumstances.

    Nine helplines across 8 charities, including: Refuge who run the National Domestic Abuse helpline; Hourglass, a charity supporting older victims; SignHealth who support victims who are Deaf; Galop; The Suzy Lamplugh Trust; Karma Nirvana; and Respect will receive funding to continue providing vital helpline services to victims, recruit more staff and support more victims escaping abuse.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    No victim should ever feel abandoned when trying to escape abuse. But the harsh reality is that too many do – especially those from marginalised communities who face significant additional hurdles.

    Last week, I met survivors who felt the system wasn’t built for people like them. I hope this funding will change that. It’s about smashing down barriers and making sure every single person facing abuse has somewhere to turn when they make the brave decision to seek help.

    The funding package announced today also includes £5.3 million for services supporting children affected by domestic abuse, who are often the hidden victims of this devastating crime, to support them through one-to-one and group counselling, classroom-based assistance and help for their non-abusive parents across 8 specialist services nationwide.

    Charity Southall Black Sisters will receive £2.4 million to support migrant victims of abuse who are not able to access public funds.

    And to give victims direct access to financial support to escape abusive relationships, a wide range of specialist domestic abuse services will receive around £2 million through the Women’s Aid Flexible Fund. Through the fund, organisations across England and Wales, including Welsh Women’s Aid, will give payments of up to £500 to help victims secure safety and one-off payments of up to £2,500 for deposits for rental accommodation to help secure sustainable and independent futures.

    This is underscored by £2.5 million for projects to help prevent and improve the response to violence and abuse against women and girls, raise awareness of these issues and protect victims who are at risk.

    The government was elected on a mission to make our streets safer for everyone as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s announcement marks a vital step in our pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, ensuring victims of these appalling crimes have somewhere to turn and the support they need to recover from abuse.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said:

    Whether fearing for their lives or growing up in a home filled with stress and anxiety, victims should feel confident that support will be there to help them recover, but sadly too often this isn’t the case.

    This funding for struggling specialist domestic abuse services, especially those supporting children, will bring much needed relief to survivors and services, who have been doing all they can to ensure help is there for people during one of their most vulnerable moments in life.

    Tackling domestic abuse requires drive, ambition and political will. I look forward to seeing how the government’s forthcoming violence against women and girls’ strategy builds on this investment by ensuring every victim and survivor gets what they need – exactly when they need it – so they can recover from abuse.

    Last week, the Minister for Safeguarding visited Refuge’s headquarters to meet with charity leaders and victims and discuss the unique challenges facing vulnerable individuals and harder to reach communities when they seek help. She also saw the National Domestic Abuse helpline in action and spoke to call handlers about the vital work they do.

    CEO of Refuge, Gemma Sherrington said:

    The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, operated by Refuge, offers a lifeline for thousands of survivors every year. Open 7 days a week and 365 days a year, the support given by the helpline often represents the first step towards a life free from abuse and fear.

    We are incredibly grateful for this much-needed funding boost, which will sustain this vital service for the coming year. Rather than covering the running costs of the helpline, our fundraised resources can now be directed towards supporting survivors, while bringing us one step closer to a world where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

    The funding will also allow us to extend our live chat hours and make accessibility improvements to the helpline website, meaning we can reach more survivors than ever before.

    Esther*, a survivor of domestic abuse supported by Refuge, said:

    Funding for domestic abuse services is not only vital but absolutely necessary. Domestic abuse, in all its shapes, is still very much a problem and I’m hearing more and more tragic stories than ever before. Funding is needed for not only the aftercare for victims/survivors but also for the services that provide advice and support for people that are fleeing abuse.

    The transition from deciding to leave and actually leaving is one of the scariest experiences and it’s important that support and guidance is on hand. I know for certain that without help from these services, my story would have ended very differently, and I would not be here to talk at all. They gave me the courage and opportunity to live and smile again. I will always be forever grateful.

    Alongside Raneem’s Law, with domestic abuse specialists embedded in the first 999 control rooms across the country, this £19.9 million investment will help ensure that wherever victims of these crimes reach out for help – whether to police or charities – they will receive a specialist response tailored to their needs.

    This announcement follows a £13.1 million investment in a new policing centre to tackle violence against women and girls and enable police to better target these crimes, an uplift of nearly £2 million.

    Nikita Kanda, broadcaster and Refuge ambassador, said:

    I welcome today’s announcement of almost £20 million in funding for a range of vital and specialist services including Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse helpline. With this investment we will be able to strengthen our commitment to support all communities and empower those enduring domestic violence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Renewable energy company, Renugen Limited, which failed to deliver customer orders is shut down [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Renewable energy company, Renugen Limited, which failed to deliver customer orders is shut down [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Insolvency Service on 12 May 2025.

    Renugen Limited, based in Kent, was subject to a winding up order following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

    • Renugen Limited sold renewable energy products including solar panels and wind turbines
    • An Insolvency Service investigation found orders had not been delivered and some customers had yet to receive refunds
    • The company was subject to a winding up order at the High Court in London on 8 May 2025

    A renewable energy company, based in Kent, has been shut down after an Insolvency Service investigation found it had failed to deliver orders and not refunded some customers for undelivered products.

    Renugen Limited, last registered in Canterbury, sold renewable energy products online – from £50 batteries to £350,000 wind turbines.

    The Insolvency Service identified 34 customers who had paid £74,570 for products that were not delivered. Investigators found only £15,265 has been refunded to the customers.

    Some customers were unable to contact the company and had taken legal action through the county courts to claim refunds.

    The company was subject to a winding up order, following a trial from 7 to 8 May 2025 in the High Court, London.

    Mark George, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    There was clear evidence in this case that Renugen Limited was not acting as a reputable business.

    We saw a pattern of undelivered products and a lack of refunds to customers, as well as little or no communication with online buyers and evidence of recent trading.

    As such, we believe it was in the best interest of the public to shut down this company and ensure any future potential customers don’t suffer the same outcome.

    Renugen Limited filed accounts suggesting that there had been no trading between 2021 and 2023.

    However, the company had continued trading during this time including having an active website. Recent complaints from customers about their orders on Trustpilot were also discovered by investigators.

    Additionally, investigators found that the company had six business accounts, and at least two had been closed due to what the banks stated were complaints of scams relating to undelivered products.

    The Insolvency Service also found that the company made 38 crypto asset transactions – unrelated to renewable energy products – from their business accounts, totalling more than £48,000 for which no explanation was provided during the investigation.

    Renugen Limited had registered a number of addresses for the company since its incorporation in 2010. The last registered address was in Canterbury. The investigation found they had previously been registered in Herne Bay, Kent but had failed to inform Companies House of any change of registered office after the facility was closed. The registered office address was only updated at Companies House after the issue of the Secretary of State’s petition.

    The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of Renugen Limited.

    All enquiries concerning the affairs of the company should be made to the Official Receiver of Public Interest Unit: PO Box 16664, Birmingham, B2 2JQ. piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.

    Further information

  • PRESS RELEASE : England’s peatlands mapped for first time in major step towards their recovery [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : England’s peatlands mapped for first time in major step towards their recovery [May 2025]

    The press release issued by Natural England on 12 May 2025.

    England’s most in-depth peatland map shows the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands.

    • Scientific first made possible due to satellite imagery, AI and in-depth data analysis showing the extent, depth and condition of our peatlands
    • Data reveals that around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, but targeted mapping will now help aid their recovery
    • Restoring 55% of peatland would have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions alongside benefits for water storage and purification

    Scientists have mapped England’s peatlands to a level of extraordinary detail never achieved before – revealing their worrying, degraded state and need for recovery.

    The England Peat Map launched today (Saturday 10th May) is the most complete map of England’s peatlands and peaty soils to date and one’s of the world’s most comprehensive peat maps in existence. Our peatlands are a critical natural resource providing essential public goods such as carbon sequestration , water purification and storage – helping protect communities from flooding.

    The map models the extent, depth, and important aspects of the condition of our peat, including vegetation, and even shows gullies and man-made and natural drainage channels and has been produced using cutting edge techniques.

    Researchers used AI, satellite data from the European Space Agency, individual data sets from field surveys and modelled to identify the likelihood of peaty soils, and marks a step change in our ability to make decisions about land use and target conservation activities where they’re most needed.

    The map, published alongside key research, shows:

    • Peaty soil covers roughly 8.5% of England’s surface
    • Around 80% of England’s peatlands are in dry and degraded states, making this an area in need of urgent action
    • Around three quarters of our peat is covered by plants and land use types associated with dryer conditions such as heather, while only 1% is covered by important peat forming plants such as sphagnum moss
    • The most extensive peatland habitat is to be found across the Pennines, North York Moors, parts of the Lake District, and in the uplands of the South West.

    The findings present a worrying picture of widely degraded peat from the blanket bog most associated with our northern uplands to the lowland deep peat found most commonly in the fens of the East England.

    Degraded peat also emits carbon, meaning that our peatlands are releasing carbon into the atmosphere and helping drive global heating. Understanding how much peat we have is the first step to calculating how much carbon it holds and how much it’s releasing – vital information as we work together to combat climate change.

    The open source map available today on gov.uk will empower land managers and key decision makers to better understand and restore the nation’s peatland– for example, blocking drainage channels to re-wet the land and support better informed decisions on how to effectively balance biodiversity and carbon storage with food security in some of England’s most fertile farmland.

    Restoring peatland will bring benefits for nature, communities, and the wider economy. Estimates suggest restoring 55% of peatland to near-natural condition will have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions, while their value as a source of drinking water and recreation space is worth many hundreds of millions of pounds.

    Natural England’s Chief Scientist Dr Sallie Bailey said:

    Trying to map something that’s largely underground, changes in volume depending whether it’s rained recently, and tries to swallow you up every time you set foot in it comes with its challenges, which makes this map extraordinary in its accomplishment and something of a global first.

    Mapping peat to this level of detail will help us maximise the benefits of peat and massively advances our understanding the role our peatlands are playing in a changing climate.

    Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said:

    The benefits of healthy peatlands are well documented – they are our biggest natural carbon stores, essential to the water cycle, and refuge to some of our rarest plants and wildlife, such as the carnivorous sundew plant, marsh violet, and charismatic birds like golden plover and curlew.

    The England Peat Map will allow us to make far better and more informed decisions when it comes to managing peatlands – targeting restoration efforts to the most degraded peat and identifying the best opportunities for nature recovery.

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest and in desperate need of restoration and protection, as this mapping and research work starkly demonstrates.

    That is why we have announced up to £400m for nature restoration, including of our peatlands, and are consulting on new plans to extend the ban on burning deep peat. This government, as part of our Plan for Change,  are committed to expanding nature-rich habitats and turning the tide on nature’s decline after years of neglect.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Immigration white paper to reduce migration and strengthen border [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Immigration white paper to reduce migration and strengthen border [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 May 2025.

    Radical reforms to Britain’s immigration system, restoring control to our borders and reducing record-high levels of net migration have been set out.

    Measures unveiled in the immigration white paper published today (Monday 12 May) will reshape our immigration system towards those who contribute most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers.

    New requirements on employers to boost domestic training will end the reliance on international recruitment, restoring order to a failed system that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023.

    Key policies in the 82 page blueprint, titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, include the following:

    • reversing the long-term trend of increasing international recruitment at the expense of skills and training
    • the labour market evidence group will be established, drawing on the best data available in order to make informed decisions about the state of the labour market and the role that different policies should play, rather than always relying on migration
    • departments across government will engage sector bodies as part of this approach

    Raising Skilled Worker threshold – skilled must mean skilled

    Lifting the level for skilled workers back to RQF 6 (Graduate level) and above. Salary thresholds will rise.

    The immigration salary list, which gives people discounts from salary thresholds, will be abolished.

    Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to occupations where there have been long term shortages, on a time limited basis, where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised it is justified, where there is a workforce strategy in place, and where employers seeking to recruit from abroad are committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce.

    Adult social care

    End overseas recruitment for social care visas. In line with our wider reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new applications from abroad.

    For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, we will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review.

    Study

    We will strengthen the requirements that all sponsoring institutions must meet in order to recruit international students.

    We will introduce new interventions for sponsors who are close to failing their sponsor duties, including placing them on an action plan designed to improve their compliance, and imposing limits on the number of new international students they can recruit while they are subject to those plans.

    We will reduce the ability for graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months.

    Family

    We will tackle the over complex family and private life immigration arrangements, where too many cases are treated as ‘exceptional’ rather than having a clear framework.

    Legislation will be brought forward to make clear it is the government and Parliament that decides who should have the right to remain in the UK. This will address cases where Article 8 right to family life legal arguments are being used to frustrate deportation where removal is clearly in the public interest.

    Growth

    We will go further in ensuring that the very highly skilled have opportunities to come to the UK and access our targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent.

    This includes increasing the number of people arriving on our very high talent routes, alongside faster routes for bringing people to the UK who have the right skills and experience to supercharge UK growth in strategic industries.

    This includes increasing places to our scheme for research interns, making it easier for top scientific and design talent to use our Global Talent visa, and reviewing our Innovator Founder visa and High Potential Individual route to maximise their benefit to the UK economy.

    Tackling abuse

    New policies will apply to individuals who claim asylum where conditions in their home country have not materially changed, particularly where they have claimed asylum after arrival.

    Tighter visa controls, restrictions, requirements or scrutiny will be applied where we have evidence of abuse, based on a clear assessment of the risks.

    Measures to ensure that other governments play their part in supporting the integrity of the UK immigration system – particularly where there are currently barriers in the way of us returning their nationals.

    Innovative financial measures, penalties or sanctions, including for sponsors of migrant workers or students where there is evidence of abuse. These will incentivise them to act responsibly, with new measures to support compliance with visa conditions by migrants.

    Foreign national offenders (FNOs)

    Reform the deportation system to ensure the Home Office is informed of all foreign nationals convicted of offences – not just those who go to prison.

    Review deportation thresholds to take into account a wider range of factors than just the length of sentence, and start by revising the statutory exceptions criteria to ensure that the deportation test reflects the seriousness of violence against women and girls.

    English language

    Introduce new English language requirements across a broader range of immigration routes, for both main applicants and their dependants, to ensure a better knowledge of English, including an assessment of improvements over time.

    Earned settlement and citizenship

    Double the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years.

    Expand the points-based system to both our settlement and citizenship rules, so they are based on contribution to the UK, with further details to be set out to Parliament by the end of the year.

    The policies outlined, part of the government’s Plan for Change, will be delivered over the course of this Parliament to strengthen the UK’s immigration system, with the first changes set to be introduced in the coming weeks.

    The government will publish further reforms to the asylum system and border security later this summer, building on measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Fake nurse crackdown to boost public safety [May 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Fake nurse crackdown to boost public safety [May 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 12 May 2025.

    New measures to make it a criminal offence for people who are not qualified as a nurse to use the title and mislead the public.

    Anyone misleading the public and describing themselves as a nurse without the relevant qualifications and registration will be committing a crime under new measures announced by the government to protect the title ‘nurse’ in law.

    The move will help to boost protections and safety for both patients and staff, driving up standards and improving patient experience across the NHS through the government’s Plan for Change.

    Currently, anyone – including those struck off by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for serious misconduct or criminal convictions – can call themselves a nurse. This can result in the public thinking they’re getting advice and care from an expert professional like a nurse when they are not.

    Previous reported examples of the job title being misused include someone calling herself a nurse at a large public event after being struck off and another reportedly masquerading as an aesthetic nurse.

    There will be exemptions for relevant professions like veterinary nurse, dental nurse and nursery nurse, where the title ‘nurse’ is legitimately used.

    The government is listening to nurses and recognises they are the backbone of the NHS, and today’s announcement follows campaigning by unions for the government to act on the issue, as well as by Dawn Butler MP who introduced a ten minute rule bill earlier this year to protect the title ‘nurse’.

    Through the Plan for Change, the government is driving forward vital reform to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future. This year, a refreshed workforce plan will also be published to ensure the health service has the right workforce in the right place at the right time.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Nurses carry out lifesaving work every day, and I am determined we do everything we can to support them and safeguard trust in the profession.

    I’ve been appalled to read reports of so-called nurses spreading dangerous misinformation and harming the public.

    This new legislation will help crack down on bogus beauticians and conspiracy theorists masquerading as nurses, and those attempting to mislead patients.

    The British people hold nurses in the highest regard, and we trust them in our most vulnerable moments, so patients need to know they are genuinely being seen by a nurse. Now they will.

    This is part of our Plan for Change to fix the NHS and gets the right staff working in the right place at the right time.

    Only the title ‘registered nurse’ is currently protected in law. The new legislation will change that – ensuring that only those individuals registered with the NMC can legally use the title. Anyone violating this will be committing a criminal offence and could face a hefty fine running into thousands of pounds.

    There have been previous reports of bogus nurses misleadingly using the title. One ran a cosmetic clinic offering Botox and dermal filler treatments for several years despite not being registered with the NMC.

    Another gave a speech at a COVID-19 conspiracy rally that likened NHS nurses and doctors to war criminals – spreading misinformation about vaccines and bringing her former colleagues into disrepute. She continued to call herself a nurse despite being struck off by the NMC.

    A previous freedom of information request showed that across 93% of all NHS trusts, there were more than 8,000 people with the term ‘nurse’ in their job title who had no registered nursing qualifications. Although these people are supervised and providing important care, their job titles can cause confusion. Some, including nursery nurses, will be exempt under this new legislation.

    Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said:

    The trust that people place in registered nurses is based on the rigorous training and education required to be registered as a nurse, which gives us the skills and knowledge to deliver high quality, safe and personalised care.

    Nurses value this trust and protecting the title of nurse can give added confidence and clarity to patients and the public on who is delivering their care and the skills and knowledge they have.

    There are already various safeguards in place to deter people from pretending to be a nurse. The most serious cases would be captured by fraud offences and depending on the case they can also be prosecuted for other more serious offences like causing grievous bodily harm, assault or manslaughter.

    The new legislation – expected to be laid this Parliament – will help to strengthen those existing safeguards.

    Registered nurses go through high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and complete a process called revalidation every 3 years – ensuring they can continually update their skill set. The new measures reflect that.

    Professor Nicola Ranger, Royal College of Nursing General Secretary and Chief Executive, said:

    This is an important moment for our safety-critical profession, after years of campaigning.

    A change in the law will recognise the knowledge, professionalism and clinical expertise that comes with being a registered nurse. It will provide better legal protections for nursing professionals and reassurance to patients.

    Crucially, this is an opportunity to begin the journey to properly valuing nursing as a profession, where respect, reward and investment match the crucial nature of our work.

    Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive at the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, said:

    Nurses and the millions of people they care for will benefit by this proposed change in legislation.

    This is a patient safety issue that the QICN has been campaigning on for some time.

    People need confidence that when the person caring for them is described as a nurse, that person really is a qualified and registered nurse.

    Paul Rees MBE, Interim Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

    The public should always feel confident that anyone using the title ‘nurse’ is a registered professional with all the safeguards that brings.

    We look forward to working with the government and our stakeholders to deliver on it. In the meantime, it is already an offence for somebody to hold themselves out as a registered nurse when they are not.

    Helga Pile, UNISON Head of Health, said:

    Nurses and other NHS workers rightly enjoy a high level of trust because of the brilliant and important work they do.

    Charlatans and conspiracy theorists mustn’t be allowed to harm patients or damage nurses’ reputation and good standing with the public.

    It’s only right that anyone that tries to will now feel the full force of the law.

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive of The Patients Association, said:

    We welcome this commitment to ensuring patients know who is treating them and offering healthcare advice, and that those professionals are properly qualified. With health misinformation increasingly common, it’s more important than ever that patients can trust the expertise of those caring for them.

    Alison Morton, CEO, Institute of Health Visiting, said:

    The Institute of Health Visiting fully supports the campaign to protect the title ‘nurse’ in legislation. This is urgently needed to protect the public and provide assurance that the person providing their care has the qualifications, knowledge, skills, expertise and professionalism to deliver safe and effective care. Nursing is a safety-critical workforce. And, in our view, there is only one clear path forward – the current gap in legislation needs to be closed as a matter of urgency.

    Professor Greta Westwood CBE PhD RN, CEO of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, said:

    We welcome this recognition of the importance of the nursing role. Nurses are skilled and highly trained professionals, playing a key leadership role in the health and social care sectors, particularly around speaking out on patient safety and workforce challenges.

    This International Nurses Day, we are coming together to celebrate the incredible work that nurses do across the UK and globally, and we support the government taking this next step, working with the UK regulator, to protect our nurses and those we serve.

    Background information

    The department will also establish the exemptions where ‘nurse’ can still be used as part of a professional title.

    The title ‘nurse’ is already used across multiple professions (for example, registered nurses, dental nurses, nursery nurses and veterinary nurses).

    We expect the new protection of title offence to be a summary offence. Where a person is found guilty of an offence on summary conviction they will be liable to a fine across the UK.

    These changes, which require legislative change, will be implemented within this Parliament as part of the government’s commitment to reform the regulation of health and care professionals in the UK.