Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary unveils her vision for integrated transport across England [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 28 November 2024.

The Integrated National Transport Strategy will set out a ‘people first approach’ to getting people around the country.
- Transport Secretary reveals new ‘people-first’ approach to transport, in a speech to Metro Mayors, Council leaders and transport bodies in Leeds
- new transport strategy aims to join up transport networks, empower local leaders and drive economic growth
Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has today (28 November 2024) set out her vision for more joined up and locally-led transport across England in a speech to Mayors and transport bosses.

Speaking at Leeds Civic Hall, she outlined her vision for a new Integrated National Transport Strategy, the first in a quarter of a century – which will set out a ‘people first approach’ to getting people around the country. Recognising that different passengers have different needs, and the quality of transport varies across the country, it will set out how government can support local areas to make all forms of transport work together better.

The strategy will set out a clear vision for how transport across England can evolve over the next 10 years so that more places offer better, more seamless journeys door-to-door – like those facilitated by the successful Bee Network in Greater Manchester and Transport for London. The Bee Network brings together bus, metro and active travel under one name, meaning transport works together better for people.

The Transport Secretary has looked to Dijon for inspiration, having visited it earlier this year to see how a city roughly the size of York, or Chester, is running buses every five minutes in rush hour, the tram every three and has a dial-a-ride service to the outlying villages. Dijon has also created a single app that brings together every mode of transport – from bus to tram, car hire to bike hire, planning journeys to paying for parking.

The department is also reforming its appraisal system, so that projects deliver good value for money as well as the right outcomes – such as more jobs, improved access to education and healthier communities. These reforms include giving sufficient weight to transport projects that enhance access to jobs, boost productivity, and help businesses grow, particularly in less affluent areas.

To support this, an internal panel of experts are also reviewing the department’s capital spend portfolio, to drive better economic outcomes in our transport system.

The Transport Secretary said:

Integrated transport in this country is lagging behind our European counterparts, and for too long our fragmented transport networks have stunted economic growth and made it harder for people to get around.

Today, I’m launching a new national vision of transport that seamlessly joins all modes of transport together, and puts people at the heart of our transport system.

I want everyone to be able to contribute to this vision and have launched a call for ideas on how the strategy can best deliver greater opportunity, healthier communities and better lives.

Regional roadshows will be hosted around the country to hear more from local leaders, transport operators and passenger bodies, as well as taking feedback from the public, to hear how to best deliver integrated transport.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

A better integrated public transport system is vital to growing our economy.

In West Yorkshire, I have big plans for a world-leading mass transit system that will be fully integrated with railways and a publicly controlled bus network, helping people to access new jobs and opportunities across the region.

The Secretary of State’s new Integrated National Transport Strategy will support me and other mayors to deliver on our ambition for better-connected and faster growing regions.

The Transport Secretary also emphasised the importance of using data in rural areas, where driving is a more practical choice, to manage traffic flows and help drivers easily find, and pay for, parking spaces. She also outlined her intention to promote cycling and walking as the best choice for shorter journeys, and prioritise pavement repairs, safe crossing and cycle infrastructure where they are needed most.

It is hoped that joining up all forms of transport will particularly benefit people in those areas that haven’t seen the links they need to get to jobs and services, thereby enhancing opportunities and driving national economic growth.

To oversee this new vision, the department will be recruiting a new Integrated Transport Commissioner to help deliver real change.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 28 November 2024.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new statistics today [Thursday 28 November] on the amount of Pension Credit applications, as well as applications processed and those claims that were successful.

Tens of thousands more pensioners now in receipt of Pension Credit
- Since July, an extra 42,500 pensioners are now in receipt of Pension Credit and will receive the Winter Fuel Payment
- Average number of Pension Credit claims a week have more than doubled since July
- Comes as government continues to urge pensioners to check their eligibility and apply for pension credit
New figures released today show an extra 42,500 households are now in receipt of Pension Credit, and therefore the Winter Fuel Payment, since the government launched its pension credit awareness campaign.

The average weekly number of Pension Credit applications have more than doubled since the Chancellor’s announcement, with 150,000 more Pension Credit applications since July.

It comes as the Department continues to urge pensioners to check their eligibility and apply for pension credit, with DWP deploying 500 extra staff to process applications as quickly as possible.

It only takes 16 minutes on average to apply, and anyone who makes a successful claim for Pension Credit before 21 December will receive both backdated Pension Credit and a Winter Fuel Payment.

Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP said:

We’re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible.

With the 21 December approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit acts as gateway benefit, so not only is it worth £3,900 per year on average, it means that people who are eligible may also qualify for help with housing costs such as rent and council tax as well as energy bills.

The government will continue to stand behind vulnerable households this winter, including through the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and by extending the Household Support Fund with £1 billion to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families.

Millions of pensioners are also set to benefit from an increase of up to £470 to the state pension in April and up to £1,900 more over the next five years.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New UK investment to unlock billions to tackle root causes of irregular migration, climate change and growth crises [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 November 2024.

UK announces contribution to International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries.
- UK’s boost to World Bank signals “new partnership” between the UK and the Global South and will mobilise billions of dollars in private finance.
- Boost will provide growth and stability around the world in our shared interest, as the UK Government announces pledge and calls on other countries to step up.
- Grants and low-interest loans will tackle root causes of issues facing the UK such as the climate crisis and irregular migration.
The world’s lowest-income countries will receive access to billions of dollars in transformative grants and low-interest loans as a result of a new UK investment announced today.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds today announced that the UK will provide £1.98 billion over three years to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries, to go towards projects promoting economic growth, tackling poverty and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Through a unique funding mechanism, the UK contribution will help to unlock billions of dollars through other sources of finance, including from private markets: for every $1 a country pledges, up to $4 can be spent. This will be funded from the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

IDA is the largest source of grants and low interest loans for low-income and vulnerable countries and the UK’s contribution will help the World Bank support more than 1.9 billion people across the globe.

The World Bank’s model has seen it provide $93 billion in finance to 75 countries, 39 in Africa, over the last 3 years. In that time, IDA has supported more than 86.5 million children with a better education and 75 million people with new or improved access to electricity, lifting individuals out of poverty and boosting economic growth in recipient countries.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Growth and stability in lower income countries is firmly in the UK’s interest. If we are to grow our economy, tackle the climate crisis and reduce irregular migration, we need to work in partnership with these countries.

IDA’s track record shows that it is one of the best ways to do this. I urge other donors to step up at next week’s conference.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

Britain is back with a voice on the world stage. When we said we would take a new approach to development, built on genuine partnerships and based on respect, we meant it.

Leaders of low-income countries around the world called for stronger IDA contributions and we listened.

We listened because we understand that more growth in IDA countries means stronger global growth, which benefits all of us. This funding will unlock billions to support vital economic growth, changing and saving lives.

Today’s announcement is the latest example of the UK’s updated and modern approach to development, based on respect, partnership and common interests.

The UK is a strong support of IDA due to its strong track record of working in partnership with recipient countries and delivering sustainable growth. Since 1960, 36 countries have ‘graduated’ from IDA.

For example, South Korea, formerly a low-income country supported by IDA loans, is today one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and will be hosting the IDA donor conference next week.

Anneliese Dodds set out the government’s “new approach to development” at a major speech to Chatham House in October. She outlined four key “shifts” needed to modernise the UK’s approach to development and restore its world-leading status: partnership, multilateral reform, harnessing UK expertise and growing opportunity for all.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government launches Tree Planting Taskforce to oversee planting of millions of trees across our four nations [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 28 November 2024.

The Taskforce will strengthen collaborative working across the UK to improve tree planting and ensure the long-term survival of woodland.
- Forestry Minister Mary Creagh hosts new Tree Planting Taskforce to oversee tree-planting across the UK.
- Taskforce brings together ministers from across the four UK nations, key forestry delivery partners and arm’s-length bodies.
- Forestry leaders to provide oversight, share best practice and identify shared blockers and barriers to tree-planting.
A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched today to oversee the planting of millions of trees across the UK (Thursday 28 November).

The Taskforce, chaired by the forestry ministers from the four nations, brought together representatives from key arm’s-length bodies and delivery partners from across the UK.

Top of the agenda at the meeting was how to drive forward the UK’s tree planting in order to meet our collective net zero targets, as part of the Government’s critical mission to make the UK a clean and green energy superpower.

The UK has less tree cover than almost anywhere in Europe and more work is needed to close this gap. Our nation’s woodlands and trees are the heart of communities around the UK, essential to supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life, alongside providing sustainable timber and being home to some of our most important species.

The Taskforce is designed to strengthen collaborative working across the UK, identifying opportunities to work together, to improve tree planting and ensure the long-term survival of woodland, safeguarding their benefits for future generations.

Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said: 

This Government was elected on a mandate to protect and restore nature.

That is why today I am proud to fulfil our promise to set up a Tree Planting Taskforce that will oversee the planting of millions of trees across our four nations.

Trees deliver huge social, environmental and economic benefits – from absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling our cities, improving wellbeing and helping reduce NHS costs, while a thriving forestry sector supports green jobs and drives economic growth.

Richard Stanford, Chair of the Forestry Commission said:

There has never been a more crucial time to take action to increase and improve the number of trees, woods and forests growing across the UK for future years. It is vital that our four nations unite and work in partnership on this mission.

This new Tree Planting Taskforce, is committed to delivering the shared aims of forestry across the four nations so we can continue to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.

Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

I welcome the formation of this Taskforce as we all have a collective interest in increasing woodland cover and obtaining the multiple benefits this will bring, especially for climate change and addressing biodiversity loss.

Currently Scotland has delivered around 75% of all new woodlands in the UK. In 23/24 we created 15,000 ha of new woodland and this accounted for over 50% of the UK target. Whilst this is a substantial contribution, we know there is potential for us all to do more.

The new Taskforce will be a great opportunity for all the countries to share valuable insights and ideas to expand our woodlands and create resilient forests for the future.

Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said:

I welcome the establishment of a Tree Planting Task Force across the UK and believe that the Taskforce represents a powerful vehicle to facilitate collaborative working to achieve our challenging tree planting targets.

The work of this taskforce will be pivotal to finding ways to encourage a greater level of tree planting to deliver on climate change goals, enhance our biodiversity and underpin the sustainability of forests and woodlands for successive generations.

Deputy First Minister for Wales with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies said:

Wales was one of the first nations in the world to declare a climate emergency and we welcome the opportunity to be members of the UK Tree Planting Task Force.

Forestry is a devolved matter, but we all face some common challenges and there are clear benefits to sharing good practice between nations. We want to continue to make it easier for landowners in Wales to plant trees in ways which both add value to their businesses and help us tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

Creating green jobs and growth in our rural communities is a key priority for us, and a prosperous trees and forestry sector alongside a thriving agricultural sector is crucial to this. That’s why I’m delighted that we’ll be publishing a consultation on a Timber Industrial Strategy for Wales in the new year. I’m looking forward to the task force helping us deliver on our commitments for Wales.

The announcement today comes after a commitment in the Budget to provide up to £400 million in England across the next two years (2024/5 and 2025/6) for tree planting and peatland restoration.

This Government is delivering its promise to protect and restore nature. It has launched a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to ensure we meet our legal targets, including the Environment Act target of 16.5% tree cover by 2050.

It has also pledged to restore our place as an international leader on nature and climate – recently announcing the next steps towards meeting the international target of 30% of our land and seas protected for nature by 2030 and appointing the first ever Special Representative for Nature.

Notes to editors: 

List of attendees:
- Defra Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh
- Deputy First Minister (DFM) for Wales and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies
- Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir
- Representatives from Forestry Commission, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Forestry, Northern Ireland Forest Service
- Representatives from England’s Community Forests, Community Forest Trust, National Forest Company, Woodland Trust, Confor
- Government officials
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh Secretary’s Economic Advisory Group to bring ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’ [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Wales Office on 28 November 2024.

The Economic Advisory Group will be the first time that representatives from Welsh business, education and industry groups will shape cross-government UK policy
- Welsh Secretary announces new Economic Advisory Group to drive growth, shape UK industrial strategy, and make Britain a clean energy superpower.
- First time that representatives from Welsh business, education and industry groups will shape cross-government UK policy
- Body will help boost prosperity and put more money in people’s pockets
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has announced the formation of a new economic advisory group to drive growth, shape UK industrial strategy and make Britain a clean energy superpower.

For the first time under the new government, leaders from Welsh government, business, industry, universities, and unions will be convened to help shape UK government efforts to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.

Announcing the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group at the annual CBI Wales dinner in Cardiff, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said it would “harness Wales’s best talent, ambition and creativity”, allowing a full range of Welsh industries to contribute to the UK Government’s economic growth and clean energy missions.

The group will also work with the Welsh Secretary to inform the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy to boost key Welsh industries, and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending Review, both expected during spring 2025.

Chaired by the Welsh Secretary, the new group will meet for the first time in Cardiff next week (2 December).

Ahead of the first meeting of the group, Ms Stevens visited Cardiff’s Wolf Studios Wales today (28 November) where she met leading organisations from the creative industries, one of Wales’s growth sectors, including Bad Wolf, Cloth Cat animation, Ffilm Cymru and Creative Wales.

Economic growth is the UK government’s number one priority. Since July more than £1bn and hundreds of jobs have been delivered for North Wales, Welsh Growth Deals and Investment Zones have been confirmed, a better steel deal has been announced which secures the future of the industry in Wales, and a record Budget settlement has been provided to the Welsh Government to spend on public services.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

My new Economic Advisory Group will harness Welsh talent, ambition and creativity to usher in a new era of prosperity and growth for our nation.

We are forging a new partnership with businesses, workers and unions to drive growth and put more money in people’s pockets. This is about jobs for you, investment in where you live, opportunities for your children.

Working alongside the Welsh Government and our industry leaders we will rekindle Wales’s proud industrial roots with the jobs and industries of the future.”

The Economic Growth Advisory Group will begin with a series of meetings over the next six months, as UK Government priorities on economic growth and clean energy are developed.

Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales, said:

I welcome the opportunity to share our members’ insights on the actions needed to unlock and drive sustainable economic growth and build prosperity in communities across Wales.

From regional investments and green growth projects, such as the freeports, to semi-conductor clusters, manufacturing and technology, service sector employers to a skilled workforce, Welsh businesses of all sizes and sectors are represented by the CBI and can play an essential role in enabling the government to deliver on its growth mission.

Shavanah Taj, TUC Cymru General Secretary, said:

We welcome the opportunity to participate in this advisory group to shape the vision for economic growth, industrial strategy and clean energy. Many parts of Wales have been scarred by deindustrialisation and underinvestment, which must be addressed.

These plans will shape workers’ futures throughout Wales, and we will be championing investment in manufacturing, decent work and a transition to net zero that leaves no community behind.

Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Head of Airbus Group UK Public Affairs

I am very pleased to join the Welsh Economic Advisory Growth Group at a time when unlocking the potential of the Nations and Regions sits at the heart of the government’s mission to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7.

I look forward to providing strong advocacy on the drivers for economic growth and how Wales can capitalise on its sectoral strengths whilst taking advantage of the industries of the future.

Dr Jenifer Baxter, CEO at Industry Wales, said:

Industry Wales looks forward to collaborating on shaping an industrial strategy that harnesses Wales’ strengths in high value manufacturing, clean energy, medical technologies and transport systems to drive innovation, digital connectivity and economic growth across Wales and The UK.

Sir Derek Jones, Independent Adviser at Cardiff University and Chair of Keolis UK, said:

There is now a clear consensus that economic growth must be the top priority for the UK, and that is certainly true for Wales. So I welcome the Secretary of State’s initiative in establishing the Group and look forward to making my own contribution to this vitally important work.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

The Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group’s initial membership includes:
- Alison Orrells, Chair, CBI Wales
- Dr Jenifer Baxter, Industry Wales
- Ben Francis, Wales Policy Chair, FSB
- Shavanah (Shav) Taj, Wales TUC General Secretary
- John-Paul (JP) Barker – Lead for West and Wales at PWC
- Jessica Hooper, Director, Renewables UK Cymru
- Kevin Crofton, Chair of Creo Medical
- Oriel Petry, Senior Vice President, Airbus
- Professor Paul Boyle, Universities Wales
- Sarah Williams-Gardner, Chair of Fintech Wales
- Sir Derek Jones, an independent adviser at Cardiff University and on the board of the King’s Trust in Wales, Keolis UK and IQE.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State commits to first ever men’s health strategy [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 28 November 2024.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced plans at a Men’s Health Summit with Movember and the Premier League.
- Secretary of State Wes Streeting confirms plans for a men’s health strategy at Men’s Health Summit with Movember and Premier League
- Strategy will address biggest issues affecting men of all ages that are costing lives
- This could include heart disease and strokes, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has announced plans for a men’s health strategy at a Men’s Health Summit held in partnership with Movember, hosted by Arsenal and the Premier League.

The strategy will consider how to prevent and tackle the biggest health problems affecting men of all ages, which could include cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention. It will form a key part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to fix the NHS.

A call for evidence on the strategy will seek views on what is working and what more needs to be done to close the life expectancy gap between men and women.

Speaking at Arsenal Football Club, Wes Streeting spoke to campaigners, including the UK Men’s Sheds Association, Prostate Cancer UK and the African Advocacy Foundation, to hear directly about the obstacles currently facing men’s health.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

It can be hard to be a young man in today’s society, particularly for boys from backgrounds like mine.

We’re seeing mental ill health on the rise, and the shocking fact that suicide is the biggest killer for men under the age of 50. Preventable killers like heart disease and prostate cancer are being caught far too late.

Just as we are determined to end the injustices women face in healthcare, we won’t shy away from the need to focus on men’s health too. This government will publish a men’s health strategy to tackle these problems head on.

I am pleased to have brought together leading campaigners, experts, and the Premier League to gather ideas and inform our strategy and our 10 year plan.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in England; significantly more men die early from cardiovascular disease compared to women. On average, men die nearly 4 years earlier than women and are disproportionally affected by a number of health conditions, including some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Men tend to seek help for their mental health less than women. They are also more likely to die by suicide, with men accounting for 3 of 4 suicides. There are also significant health inequalities across the country, with those in the most deprived areas in England expected to live almost 10 years less than those in the least deprived.

As well as the call for evidence, all men are encouraged to go to the Change NHS online portal to give their views on how to build an NHS fit for the future through our 10 Year Health Plan. The UK National Screening Committee is actively looking at all the evidence for prostate cancer screening programmes, including targeted approaches for those at higher risk such as people with a family history. This will include looking at the appropriate ages for any screening programme, and ensuring that any programme is evidence led.

The strategy will be unveiled next year and the call for evidence will be launched in due course.

Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, said:

Today is a significant step forward in transforming the face of men’s health. We are delighted that the UK government has committed to a men’s health strategy.

When we improve men’s health, we know that the benefits can ripple through families, communities, societies and the economy. This will transform the lives of men, but also their wives, mothers, sisters, partners, mates, neighbours, children, teachers and doctors.

We stand ready to work with other leaders in men’s health and the Secretary of State to make the men’s health strategy a reality that brings real change to lives up and down the country.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [November 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 28 November 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this morning.

The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine. The leaders discussed the egregious Russian missile strike in the early hours of this morning, which had deprived more than a million people of heat, light and electricity.

Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector was depraved, the Prime Minister said.

Both leaders underlined the importance of putting Ukraine in the best possible position ahead of another challenging winter of conflict.

The leaders also discussed Ukraine’s long-term future, and how investment in the country’s security today would support Europe’s broader security for generations to come.

They looked forward to speaking again soon.

December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New measures to protect victims of domestic abuse [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 November 2024.

Domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims and face tougher restrictions with the launch of new protective orders today.
- Stronger protections for victims of all domestic abuse under new orders
- New powers to police and courts to deliver toughest restrictions yet
- Family courts able to impose tagging for the first time
Providing vital protection to victims, for the first time all types of domestic abuse will be covered – including physical, psychological, stalking, and coercive control. The new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders will also be handed out by all courts (family, civil, and criminal), meaning more perpetrators will be forced to live under restrictions.

They will initially launch in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs and with the British Transport Police. They will also be used in Cleveland and North Wales from early 2025 ahead of a national rollout.

The Domestic Abuse Protection Notices can be issued by the police immediately following any incident of abuse, providing protection straight away and giving police time to apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order to secure longer term protection for the victim.

Unlike some existing protections, which can only be enforced for 28 days, the new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will have no time restrictions, meaning victims are protected for as long as needed to stay safe. Breaching the order will be a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison, making sure perpetrators who flout the rules are punished.

Friends and family of victims will also be able to apply for the new orders on behalf of the victim, as well as victims themselves and the police. This will reduce victim engagement with the criminal justice system, if necessary – process which can be daunting for some survivors.

As well as imposing exclusion zones, the orders can mandate positive requirements such as attendance at a behaviour change programme.

For the first time, family courts able to impose tagging in the most serious cases, a power previously reserved for the police and criminal courts only.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

It takes tremendous courage for victims of domestic abuse to seek help. Our role in government is to make this as straightforward as possible. These new orders reduce the pressure on victims by allowing third parties to make an application on their behalf, while ensuring the powers available to the courts are more stringent than ever before. This government will continue to do all it can to end violence against women and girls.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner said:

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders were designed to bring together the most effective features of existing orders to provide flexible and long-term protection to victims of domestic abuse.

The DAPO pilot should evidence what is needed to sufficiently resource participating agencies and sector partners alike, so that it can be fully funded for a national rollout.

I look forward to closely following the pilot’s progress and see how DAPOs can improve the safety of domestic abuse victims and hold perpetrators to account across England and Wales.

Victims and VAWG Minister Alex Davies-Jones will visit Croydon Court and Minister for Victims and Safeguarding Jess Phillips will visit the Metropolitan Police today to mark the launch, as they raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign.

Today’s announcement is the next step in the government’s unpreceded pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

Background information
- The DAPO is a joint policy shared between the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office and was legislated for in Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- Tagging can only be imposed for 12 months at a time.
December 29, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK/Iraq border security pact to target smuggling gangs [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 28 November 2024.

Home Secretary signs landmark joint statement with Iraq to tackle people smuggling and organised crime networks operating across the region and in Europe.

A world-first security agreement has been reached between Iraq and the UK government to target people smuggling gangs and strengthen border security co-operation.

The UK will also support Iraq law enforcement to tackle other serious organised crime, including countering narcotics.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) this week to seal a series of co-operation deals, to tackle shared threats and boost the security of its citizens.

The Home Secretary is the first UK government Secretary of State to visit the country since 2021. She was accompanied by the UK government’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt.

During the 3-day official visit, the Home Secretary spoke to ministers from the Federal Government of Iraq and met ministers in the Kurdistan Regional Government.

As part of the programme the Home Secretary:
- signed a joint statement on border security: a first-of-its-kind agreement with Iraq, which sets out the commitments of both countries to work more closely in tackling people smuggling and bolster border security
- committed to providing up to £300,000 for Iraq law enforcement training in border security – the training will focus on organised immigration crime and narcotics, and will increase the capacity and capability of Iraq’s law enforcement at the border
- announced support for further border security projects: the UK government has pledged £200,000 to support projects in the KRI which will enhance capabilities concerning irregular migration and border security, including a new taskforce
- signed a declaration of intent on serious organised crime: pledges from both the UK and Iraq to build on operational and bilateral co-operation on serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime, narcotics, modern slavery and human trafficking, and illicit finance
- support to tackle wider crime: £300,000 will also be allocated to capacity building in Iraq to disrupt serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime and illicit drug flows
- agreed to launch communications campaigns in both Iraq and the KRI to counter the misinformation and myths that people smugglers post online
- signed a joint statement on migration: this includes further work on the returns of people who have no right to be in the UK, where returns are currently very slow, and the continued provision of reintegration programmes to support returnees
Central to the statements agreed today is a commitment from the UK, Iraq and KRI to international and humanitarian law and commitments to international human rights standards.

Today’s announcement represents the biggest operational package to tackle serious organised crime and people smuggling between the 2 countries ever. Smuggling networks operating out of Iraq, including the KRI, and Europe have been responsible for trafficking thousands of people across the globe, including across the Channel to the UK, undermining border security and putting lives at risk.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

These landmark commitments between the UK government and Iraq and the KRI send a clear signal to the criminal smuggling gangs that we are determined to work across the globe to go after them.

There are smuggler gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings whose operations stretch back through northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond. Organised criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too.

The increasingly global nature of organised immigration crime means that even countries that are thousands of miles apart must work more closely together than ever to stop these gangs getting away with it, to strengthen our border security and to stop so many lives being put at risk.

Our new Border Security Command is already building partnerships across the world to tackle this evil trade in human lives.

I want to thank my hosts for their hospitality. This is an important new partnership between the UK government, Iraq and the KRI to build security and keep people safe.

The joint statement on border security, signed with Federal Government of Iraq Interior Minister Abdulameer Al-Shimmeri, will build on operational work already being conducted between UK law enforcement, including the National Crime Agency, and Iraq.

It sets out a blueprint for both countries to tackle of people smuggling and wider border security issues and pave the way for deeper collaboration in the future. It will include new formal processes for regular engagement.

The statement is backed up by a wider declaration of intent to tackle serious organised crime, which incorporates organised immigration crime, as well as other high harm crimes including drug smuggling, modern slavery and illicit finance. The Home Secretary and representatives in the country also reiterated their drive to continue to work together to counter terrorism.

Some £300,000 from the UK Integrated Security Fund will be spent on training at the border to counter organised immigration crime and narcotics.

On returns, the UK and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to enhance co-operation to ensure those who have no right to be in the UK can be returned swiftly, while the UK government will continue to respect international law and protect human rights.

On deterrence communications, the planned campaign will seek to counter disinformation spread by criminal gangs and stop people making the dangerous journey, including telling the real stories of people who have fallen victim to people smuggling gangs.

During the visit, the Home Secretary met with the Federal Government of Iraq Minister of Interior Abdulameer Al-Shimmeri, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudanl, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Chief Justice Faik Zidan.

In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Home Secretary met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and the Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed.

Mr Hewitt met with KRG Director General of the Diwan at the Ministry of Interior, Dr Hemin Mirany.

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:

Enhancing our border security requires international efforts, which is why collaboration with Iraq and the KRI is so important. This work is only going to improve, which means smuggling networks should be on notice that we are coming after you.

As Border Security Commander I will work with law enforcement around the world to break the business model of people smugglers and help save lives.

This international collaboration marks a shift in the UK government’s approach to tackling irregular migration. Through the Border Security Command, the UK are working on a whole system approach to tackling irregular migration, including arming UK law enforcement with the powers it needs, working bilaterally on cross border co-operation and ensuring law enforcement across borders are joined up.

Next month, the UK government will co-host the Calais Group with Germany, in London. The interior ministers of the hosts will be joined by their counterparts from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as law enforcement, including NCA, Europol and Frontex.

Since July, the new government has:
- started recruitment of 100 more specialist intelligence officers to work across Europe and delivered a 50% uplift in UK officers at Europol
- announced an anti-smuggling action plan signed with other G7 nations
- hosted the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace
- announced new agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Kosovo to tackle people smuggling through the Balkan states
- pushed forward a suite of measures to tackle organised immigration crime as part of the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow
- returned 9,400 people since 5 July who have no right to be in the UK, including the 3 biggest returns flights in the UK’s history
December 28, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Warship production milestone supports thousands of British jobs [November 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 28 November 2024.

The construction of HMS Sheffield, an advanced anti-submarine warfare ship for the Royal Navy, officially began today with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow.

Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland. Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply chain, in a boost to the economy.

HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years, serving into the 2060s.

Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS Sheffield.

Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.

HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.

This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.

The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and will be among the world’s most advanced warships, supporting our national security. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.

These versatile ships will also support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work. This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the threats of the future.

Sir Simon Lister, Managing Director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said:

This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.

HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.

I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.

HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.

Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028.

December 28, 2024