Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Government pledges to protect more women from violence [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 March 2025.

This International Women’s Day, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

This International Women’s Day, as statistics show that a woman is killed on average every 3 days in the UK, the government has reiterated its commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade.

For the past 10 years, Jess Phillips has read the names of women suspected of being killed by men on International Women’s Day, provided by the Femicide Census. But today she read out the names for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office Minister, and reiterated that ensuring our streets and homes are safer for women is now a top government priority.

This comes as the data shows that 1 in 5 homicides are domestic homicides and that over the last decade there were:
- 898 female victims of domestic homicides
- of these, 698 victims (78%) were killed by a partner or ex-partner
- and over 9 in 10 female homicide victims were killed by a man (92%)
These are numbers that the government has committed to change.

Following the toxic influence we have seen on and offline from misogynistic figures, Minister Phillips also pledged that the government’s milestone violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy, expected to be published in the summer, will include actions specifically addressing the root causes of abuse – including underlying behaviours held by some men and boys.

Under the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, the government has already set out a number of initiatives to tackle these appalling numbers and the scourge of abuse suffered by women and girls in this country.

Work is already under way to improve the policing and criminal justice system response, relentlessly pursue dangerous perpetrators and provide enhanced support for victims, and includes:
- a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG: to deliver transformational change and ensure efforts remain coordinated and effective, we are spearheading a cross-government approach to tackling VAWG through the Safer Streets Mission Board
- Raneem’s Law: last month, domestic abuse specialists were embedded in 999 control rooms in the first five police forces under ‘Raneem’s Law’, to help improve the police response to domestic abuse – these specialists are advising on risk assessments, working with officers on the ground and ensuring that victims are referred to appropriate support services swiftly
- measures to tackle spiking: in November, the Prime Minister announced a raft of measures to tackle spiking including a new criminal offence for spiking and new spiking training for up to 10,000 staff in the night-time economy to ensure they have the skills to support victims and prevent incidents
- new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: in November, we launched these orders in select police forces and courts and in the short time since they have launched, we have seen them being used to protect victims, including those experiencing coercive and controlling behaviour – we are going even further and onboarding an additional two sites over the next two months
- measures to protect stalking victims: in December, we announced a package of new measures to protect victims of stalking, including helping ensure victims have the right to know the identity of online stalkers and widening the use of Stalking Protection Orders which can ban stalkers from going within a certain distance of victims or force them to attend behaviour programmes
Today, the Home Office lit up in the colours of green, purple and white to mark International Women’s Day across four estates in the UK in a symbol of how crucial this priority is for Keir Starmer’s government.

For the first time, each of the 95 women’s names provided by the Femicide Census were displayed in the Home Office’s headquarters in London for staff to view.

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

Today, for the first time from the front benches as a Home Office minister, I have performed the heavy task of reading out the names of women suspected of being killed by a man over the last year, provided by the Femicide Census. The statistics show that a woman is killed in the UK on average every 3 days – a number that is unacceptably high.

Each had more of their life to live and was unfairly torn away from their loved ones, and each deserves to be recognised.

The government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade is not an abstract goal – it is a top priority. From embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to launching new domestic abuse protection orders, we are taking action. But the names on today’s list remind us we must do more, and we must do it faster.

Julie Devey, Killed Women Trustee, said:

Each and every year too many women are murdered by violent men. That has to stop and we welcome the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade and the action it is taking to stem this devastating tide.

The reading out of the names of killed women has become a sombre but important tradition – and we are pleased to see that duty move to the government front benches where it belongs. We know ministers are focussed on protecting the women we are here to fight for, and delivering justice for those whose loved ones have been cruelly snatched away.

But this must be just the beginning – we hope government will deliver urgent action to address hidden homicides so that the lives of all women are recognised in the future. We look forward to working with ministers as they work to deliver justice.
24/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : NHS patients receive first home-grown blood plasma treatments [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 6 March 2025.

The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life-saving plasma from the blood of UK donors.
- Treatments will help save 17,000 NHS patients’ lives every year
- Move will deliver government’s Plan for Change by building domestic medical supply chains, reducing reliance on imports and with savings between £5 million to £10 million a year
The first NHS patients in a generation have started to receive life-saving plasma from the blood of UK donors, thanks to a partnership between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and NHS England.

Since a longstanding ban on UK plasma was lifted in 2021, the UK has been building its own supply of plasma medicines amid a global shortage. This will reduce reliance on imports, saving the NHS between £5 million and £10 million per year and strengthening the UK as a powerhouse for life sciences under the government’s Plan for Change.

Around 17,000 NHS patients with immune deficiencies and rare diseases rely on vital human-donated plasma to save or improve their lives. It is also used in emergency medicine for childbirth and trauma care.

Health Minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, said:

This is a significant milestone for the NHS as we take a step towards UK self-sufficiency in these vital medicines.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are improving access to life-saving treatments for thousands of NHS patients and strengthening healthcare security.

By sourcing our own medicine, we are building a more resilient and domestic medical supply chain and boosting economic growth.

Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said:

This landmark moment ensures patients relying on crucial plasma-derived medicines will always have access to the treatment they need.

Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products, owned from start to finish by the UK, will reduce our reliance on imported stock and boost the fortitude of hospital supplies.

Thousands of people with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiencies and neurological conditions rely on these products, and strengthening the supply chain of plasma-derived treatments through UK donations will help NHS clinicians ensure these vital medicines are available for all who need them.

Jill Jones made history by becoming the first patient to be given UK-sourced plasma at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She has received treatments every 3 weeks following a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 20 years ago, and described the infusions as “life-changing”.

The initiative will also build UK capacity in the global plasma medicines industry, which was valued at over $30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2027. It will help establish the NHS as an engine of economic growth to drive investment in public services and raise living standards for everyone.

NHSBT has collected 250,000 litres of plasma from donors in England since 2021. From this, 2 vital medicines are being produced: immunoglobulins, which treat autoimmune conditions, and albumin, which is essential for surgery and treating liver conditions.

The NHS plans to reach 25% self-sufficiency in immunoglobulin by the end of 2025, rising to 30 to 35% in 2031, and 80% self-sufficiency in albumin by next year.

Global medical supply issues worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2024, a national patient safety alert was issued due to critically low blood stocks, demonstrating the importance of building self-sufficiency in the UK.

Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving life-saving medicines made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation.

Plasma makes up 55% of our blood and contains antibodies which strengthen or stabilise the immune system. It is used to save lives during childbirth and trauma and is used to treat thousands of patients with life-limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies.

These lifesaving medicines can only be made from our blood. We need more donors to help save more lives. Please go to Give Blood to become a donor.

Jill Jones from Oxford, the first patient to receive UK-sourced plasma medicine, said:

Coming to the immunology ward is like catching up with friends. The staff are delightful and you get to know staff and patients really well. You have a cup of coffee and chat. Today I was talking about knitting and kittens as I was being transfused!

Infusions have been life-changing for me in keeping me well. Before I started on them, I was regularly in hospital with infections – which just doesn’t happen now. It’s made a huge and positive difference to my life and my family’s life.

I felt really privileged today to be the first patient in the UK to be receiving immunoglobin that was made from UK plasma for the first time in a very long time.

Previously, the NHS relied solely on imported plasma medicines due to a long-standing ban on using UK plasma.

The ban was introduced in 1998 as a precautionary measure against Variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease (vCJD), linked to mad cow disease.

In 2021 following rigorous scientific reviews, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed that plasma from UK donors is safe, supported by robust safety measures.

Decades of rigorous research showed no confirmed cases of vCJD transmission through plasma-derived medicines.

Plasma comes from blood donations. The plasma in blood contains antibodies that strengthen or stabilise the immune system. The antibodies are separated out and made into immunoglobin medicines that treat people with life-limiting conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, as well as severe burns.

Where to donate

Donors can book an appointment at a dedicated plasma donor centre in Birmingham, Reading or Twickenham.

Blood donations can be given at one of 27 donor centres across the country. Visit Give Blood to find out how you can become a donor today.

Background information

First UK-sourced plasma medicines will come from English donations, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow.

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that carries vital proteins, antibodies and clotting factors. It is essential for creating plasma-derived medicines, which treat life-threatening conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders and severe burns. Plasma donation saves thousands of lives each year and is a critical part of modern healthcare.

Two types of medicines are being made – immunoglobulins (used to treat autoimmune conditions and weak immune systems) and albumin (used in surgery and to treat burns and liver conditions). This puts the NHS on track to supply 25% of its immunoglobulin needs by the end of 2025, with plans to increase this to 30 to 35% by 2031 and 80% of albumin by next year.

In 1998, the UK imposed a ban on using domestically collected plasma for fractionation, the process of separating plasma into its components. This followed concerns about a potentially increased risk of plasma recipients acquiring the brain disease variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) due to UK plasma donors being exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, sometimes referred as mad cow disease) prions from infected cattle.

As a result, the UK relied solely on plasma imports, primarily from the United States which increased dependence on international supply chains for plasma-derived medicines.

Rising demand for plasma globally placed additional pressure on supply.

In February 2021, the UK government lifted the ban on using UK-donated plasma for fractionation. This decision followed scientific reviews confirming the safety of plasma collection and manufacturing processes.

Advanced donor screening, pathogen testing and fractionation techniques now ensure the highest safety standards.
21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : There will be no let-up in the UK’s support to Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

The UK sets out plan agreed with leaders in London on 2 March to work with Ukraine and the United States on a strong, just and durable peace.

Thank you, Mr Chair. On Sunday 2 March, the UK hosted in London leaders from various European countries and Canada, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the EU Commission and the EU Council to discuss our support for Ukraine.

Together we reaffirmed our determination to work for a permanent peace in Ukraine, in partnership with the United States.

The UK Prime Minister made clear that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past when weak deals allowed President Putin to invade again. The UK, France and our international partners will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting. And we will work directly with the United States on a strong, just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

The plan agreed with leaders in London has four clear principles.

First, we must keep military aid flowing and keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. To that end, we are doubling down on military aid. At the weekend the UK agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security – and that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future.

Third, in the event of a peace deal, we would continue boosting Ukraine’s own defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion.

And lastly, we will develop a “coalition of the willing” to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee the peace. Those willing to contribute will intensify planning now.

Mr Chair, Ukraine has been clear that it wants to reach a durable peace as soon as possible. This can happen only if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. There will be no let-up in the UK’s support, which we will continue for as long as it is necessary.

21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 March 2025.

France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA.

Chair,

On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Once again, we commend the Agency’s professional, independent and impartial work and their objective reporting on Iran’s nuclear programme. Unfortunately, the Agency’s findings are gravely concerning. The IAEA’s latest report confirms that Iran continues to undertake activities in blatant violation of the JCPoA and that there has been no improvement in its cooperation with the IAEA. The extent of Iran’s enrichment activities is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons, and have no credible civilian justification. The IAEA is currently unable to verify that Iran’s escalating nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. This taken together with the recent statements by high-ranking Iranian officials calling for a change in Iran’s so-called nuclear doctrine, poses a serious threat to international security, and the non-proliferation regime.

Chair,

In the reporting period Iran has further expanded its enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment capacity. Iran has increased its stockpile of high enriched uranium by an alarming 50% since the last reporting period. Iran now has six significant quantities of high enriched uranium, which the Agency defines as six times the approximate amount of nuclear material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded. Iran’s overall stockpile of enriched uranium is now approximately 40 times the limit Iran committed to in the JCPoA.

Iran has increased the rate of production of high enriched uranium at the underground Fordow facility by seven times compared to the previous reporting period. And overall, Iran is now producing roughly one significant quantity of highly enriched uranium every six weeks. In addition, Iran has substantially expanded its enriched uranium production capacity by installing and operating new advanced centrifuges. In the reporting period, it has begun operating 5 new cascades in Fordow and 13 cascades in Natanz. It remains particularly concerning that enrichment continues to take place at Fordow, which we recall is a former undeclared enrichment facility.

As a result of Iran’s continued non-cooperation and lack of transparency, the DG’s latest report restates that the Agency has lost and will not be able to restore continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate.

Iran refuses to re-designate several experienced Agency inspectors. This is a politically motivated decision which seriously affects the IAEA’s ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at its enrichment facilities. We deeply regret that Iran has not accepted the designation of the four additional experienced inspectors after pledging to consider it ahead of the November 2024 Board of Governors meeting.

The DG’s report also notes that it has been four years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol, depriving the Agency of complementary access to critical sites and locations in Iran. Alongside this we remain alarmed by Iran’s repeated threats to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This poses a serious threat to the non-proliferation system upon which we all rely.

Chair,

The E3 have consistently worked towards a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear programme. In 2022 it was Iran who twice refused a negotiated outcome and instead escalated and expanded its nuclear programme. Let us be clear: Iran has chosen to escalate its nuclear programme, far beyond the limits it committed to in the JCPoA and far beyond any credible civilian use, thereby causing a proliferation crisis.

We therefore urgently call on Iran to change course, and:

(i) Halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding nuclear weapons; (ii) Return to the limits imposed by the JCPoA, in particular those regarding enrichment levels and enriched uranium stockpiles; (iii) Implement the Iran-IAEA March 2023 Joint statement and the commitments it made regarding transparency and cooperation with the IAEA including re-applying all transparency measures that it stopped in February 2021; (iv) Allow the Agency to install surveillance and monitoring equipment where requested; (v) Re-implement and swiftly ratify the Additional Protocol; and (vi) Fully reverse its September 2023 decision to withdraw the designations of experienced inspectors.

Chair,

In light of the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme, there is an urgent need to address these concerns. The international community must remain united and firm in its determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The E3 will continue to work towards a diplomatic solution, and we stand ready to use all diplomatic levers to achieve this goal.

We ask the Director General to keep the Board informed on all relevant activities and developments within Iran’s alarming nuclear programme by regular and, if deemed necessary, extraordinary reporting. We ask for this report to be made public.

Thank you.

21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Deepening UK-US defence relations and peace in Ukraine to top agenda for Defence Secretary’s Washington visit [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

During meetings, the Defence Secretary will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK-US relationship, which bolsters security and supports economic growth.

Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and strengthening bonds between NATO allies will be the focus of discussions during the Defence Secretary’s visit to Washington DC on Wednesday and Thursday – including a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.

John Healey MP will hail the unparalleled depth of the UK’s special relationship with the US – the UK’s closest security ally – as both nations continue to collaborate on military operations, peacekeeping, intelligence gathering, and development of advanced technologies – bolstering security and supporting economic growth.

The Defence Secretary’s arrival in Washington DC comes as the UK receives the last of an order of 50 of the latest generation AH-64E attack helicopters for the British Army, the most advanced attack helicopter in the world. The helicopter was handed over yesterday (4 March) at the Boeing site in Arizona under a programme that supports more than 300 UK jobs, helping to grow the UK economy – underscoring defence as an engine for driving economic growth.

The visit also comes at the conclusion of the 50th occurrence of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a joint exercise with the UK, United States and Australia. The training is designed to test equally matched air forces in a realistic combat scenario and involves more than 3,000 military personnel in high-intensity training, such as dogfighting, air-policing and practicing bombing runs, at Nellis Air Force Base.

At their bilateral meeting tomorrow [Thursday], the two Defence Secretaries are due to discuss the plan for peace in Ukraine being worked on by the US, UK, France, and European allies. It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington last week, where the Prime Minister and the President confirmed both nations will work together on security arrangements to deliver a lasting peace in Ukraine. The discussions follow the Prime Minister’s meeting of international leaders in London last weekend, where allies discussed the need for a lasting peace settlement, with US support.

The latest defence engagement with the new US administration follows a first meeting between the two Defence Secretaries last month, when the UK convened the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates urgent military support for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary will attend a reception to mark the 250th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps, held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington DC.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

Amid a period of growing global instability, the unique and special relationship between the UK and US is as strong as ever – underlined by a shared commitment to freedom and democracy.

It is crucial that the UK and Europe step up further to take more responsibility for our security, and we are doing so. In the face of increasing global threats, we are cementing our ties as NATO allies, bolstering our national security and economic security, too.

The Prime Minister was clear following his meetings over the past week, that we will continue our dialogue with friends and allies to secure a path to a lasting peace in Ukraine. We will advance that work in Washington over the coming days.

Discussions are also expected to cover deepening the UK-US defence relationship. The British and US Armed Forces operate in close alignment around the world, from the long-standing global coalition to combat Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security patrols in the Indo-Pacific.

Collective security and stability also support both nations’ economies and delivers on our Plan for Change.

The AUKUS programme to develop a fleet of world-class nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines for the UK and Australia, is a perfect example of this work – with a £9 billion contract with Rolls Royce awarded in January as part of the programme, creating more than 1,000 jobs and supporting a further 4,000 roles.

The Apache programme also supports the UK economy, with numerous components manufactured in the UK. This benefits 75 British companies, including 33 SMEs, with jobs being supported at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop in Hampshire and Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk.

21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Swifter justice for victims as courts sit at record level [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 5 March 2025.

Victims will receive swifter justice as the Government announces record funding for the Crown Court. New investment will see the courts sitting at the highest allocation since records began as part of its Plan for Change to make streets safer.
- Highest level allocated ever which means more cases heard to keep our streets safe
- Crown Court judges to oversee 110,000 days’ worth of cases in next financial year
- Funding boost for court maintenance and new court buildings
The Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, confirmed today (Wednesday, 5 March) that Crown Court judges will sit for a collective 110,000 days in the next financial year – 4,000 more than was initially allocated the previous year.

The increase will mean more hearings at the Crown Court in the coming year, helping victims see justice faster than they otherwise would have done, and is part of the Government’s decisive action to repair the justice system it inherited and improve the experience of victims. However, more radical change is needed to stop the backlog of cases continuing to increase.

Sir Brian Leveson is midway through a review commissioned by the Lord Chancellor to consider bold and ambitious reforms to address the ongoing crisis in the courts.  The court backlog has grown significantly since the pandemic and reached a record high of 73,000 in the year ending September 2024.

Only reform to how the criminal courts operate can bring that number down. This is part of the Government’s wider work, including the Independent Sentencing Review, to restore confidence in the justice system and put it on a more sustainable footing after inheriting a prison estate on the point of collapse.

The increase comes as the Government also boosts court maintenance and building funding from £120 million last year to £148.5 million this year. The increase will fund vital repairs across the court and tribunal estate.

The announcement will also boost the number of days the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal will be sitting to near maximum capacity, helping to speed up asylum claims. The builds on the Government’s work to restore order to the immigration system so that every part – border security, case processing, appeals and returns – operates efficiently.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said:

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog, with justice delayed and denied for far too many victims. Bearing down on that backlog is an essential element of our Plan for Change, bringing offenders to justice to keep our streets safe.

Funding a record number of sitting days is a critical first step. But there is more that we must and we will do. I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to consider radical reforms to deliver the swifter justice that victims deserve.

The investment in court maintenance and capital projects will help fund security improvements and fix leaking roofs and out-of-order lifts. Repairs includes the RAAC remedial works at Harrow Crown Court – bringing back into operation an entire court, with eight courtrooms, that has been closed since August 2023.

The boost in capital funding will also help fund the next generation of court buildings across the country. Some of the projects which will receive funding as a result include the new 30-hearing room tribunal centre being built at Newgate Street in London, the 18-hearing rooms at the City of London Courts, and a County and Family Court in Reading.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

The crumbling state of the courtrooms we inherited illustrate why public confidence in our justice system has ebbed away. That is why we’re boosting funding for vital repair work so our courts are, once again, fit for purpose, safe and welcoming places.

This money will also help ensure we maintain and increase court capacity so more trials and tribunals can take place.

At the end of last year, the Government launched a review of potential once-in-a-generation reform of the criminal court system to tackle the backlog. Sir Brian Leveson is conducting a review to identify major reforms which can help bring swifter justice for victims and reduce the backlog.

The plans form part of the Government’s commitment to safer streets by reducing the court backlog, speeding up hearings for victims and defendants, and rebuilding public confidence in the criminal justice system.
21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government partners with young people to help develop new national youth strategy [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 5 March 2025.

Young voices to be at the heart of policymaking as government breaks down barriers to opportunity through Plan for Change.
- Government launches national listening exercise to let young people have their say on support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates
- Through youth engagement charity My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement young people will be able to engage with Government both in-person and online.
Young people across the country will be able to have their say on decisions that affect their lives as the Government launches one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation today.

Ahead of the landmark National Youth Strategy, those aged 10-21 years old, and up to 25 years old for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will be asked to take part in a survey to hear what support services, facilities and opportunities they need outside the school gates to benefit their lives and futures.

Young people will be able to submit their views on a range of topics including what issues matter to them in their local area, what services they think should be available to young people, and how money should be spent in their area – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to spread opportunity across the country.

Input will be collected by the Government in a range of ways including via an online survey, plus physical events including peer led focus groups known as ‘Democracy Cafes’, and workshop sessions so young people can offer views in their own words. The survey is now open here, and will close on 16 April.

This period of consultation will inform the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, previously announced by the Culture Secretary, designed to prioritise delivering better coordinated youth services and policy at a local, regional and national level. It will make sure decision-making moves away from a one-size-fits all approach, handing power back to young people and their communities, and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. This will help deliver on the government’s missions, spreading opportunities, making our streets safer and taking pressure off health services.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

We are handing power back to young people and their communities, giving them a genuine opportunity to help make the policies that affect their lives.

We want to hear from young people directly through one of the most ambitious listening exercises for a generation – Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation.

We are providing young people with a genuine voice, delivering on our Plan for Change and creating opportunities in every part of the country.

Minister for Civil Society, Stephanie Peacock said:

We are breaking down the barriers to opportunity that young people face and giving them the chance to have their say – on what they want from the Government and how public policies can work for them.

I encourage all young people to fill in the survey and tell us what you think so you can help shape a brighter future for you and your generation.”

To ensure that young people’s voices are at the heart of the process throughout, the Government has appointed 13 young people to form a Youth Advisory Group (YAG). Members span multiple sectors and have experience across key areas including advocacy, violence prevention, social mobility and mental health. They include Jhemar Jones (member of London’s Violence Reduction Unit Young People’s Action Group), Yahye Abdi (Youth Development Coordinator with the Hope Collective) and Zafeera Karim (Member of Youth Parliament).

An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) will sit alongside the YAG to help guide the national conversation with young people, providing expertise and challenging thinking throughout the National Youth’s Strategy development. The group is made up of 14 experts from a variety of sectors including Isa Guha (sports presenter and founder of Cricket charity championing women and girls, Take Her Lead), Alex Holmes OBE (Deputy CEO at The Diana Award), and Paul Lindley OBE (founder of Ella’s Kitchen), among other highly experienced voices.

Young people will also be able to take part in ‘Hackathon’ events, collaborating with others alongside youth engagement experts and professional researchers to try and solve some of the most pressing issues they’re facing. Over the past few weeks, young people have been meeting at peer-led focus groups called ‘Democracy Cafés’ across the country, discussing the issues they want to see addressed.

An expert consortium of partners will facilitate the widespread engagement with young people, comprising market research consultancy Savanta; key leader in youth-led engagement in the UK, My Life My Say (MLMS); and the #iwill Movement, a social movement supporting Youth Social Action with coordination from leading civil society and social action charity Volunteering Matters and UK Youth. They will be working with ten Youth Collaborators, young people recruited to ensure all activities are genuinely co-produced.
21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Humanitarian access in Gaza – E3 foreign ministers’ statement [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

Statement from the foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany (E3) on humanitarian access in Gaza.

Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK (E3):

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom recall our continued support for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

It is vital that the ceasefire is sustained, all the hostages are released, and continued flows of humanitarian aid to Gaza are ensured. We urge all parties to engage constructively in negotiating the subsequent phases of the deal to help ensure its full implementation and a permanent end to hostilities. We welcome Egyptian, Qatari and US efforts in mediating and seeking to agree an extension to the ceasefire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We express our deep concern at the Government of Israel’s announcement on 2 March to halt all entry of goods and supplies into Gaza. We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. This includes supply of items such as medical equipment, shelter items, and water and sanitation equipment, essential to meet humanitarian and early recovery needs in Gaza, but which face restrictions under Israel’s “dual use” list. A halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, such as that announced by the Government of Israel would risk violating International Humanitarian Law. Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool. We reiterate that the civilians of Gaza who have suffered so much must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

All hostages must be unconditionally released and Hamas must end their degrading and humiliating treatment. We reiterate our unwavering solidarity with their families and with the Israeli people in the face of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023.

We need all parties to uphold the ceasefire and ensure it leads to a sustainable peace, the reconstruction of Gaza, and to allow for a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.

21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : Changes to sick pay will help people stay in work and grow economy [March 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 March 2025.

More than one million working people across the UK will see a rise in living standards thanks to improvements to Statutory Sick Pay, ministers have announced today.
- Landmark changes are all part of the government’s number one priority in the Plan for Change to grow the economy and put more money into working people’s pockets
- Announcement comes as the World Bank notes that ‘without improvements in productivity, there is no economic growth’
- The government has pledged to deliver on its promise to Make Work Pay with lower income workers no longer having to choose between their health or their jobs
This comes as the government delivers on the plan to boost workers’ rights and create a healthier, more productive workforce, which will be at the forefront of efforts to grow the economy – the priority of our Plan for Change.

The changes will mean up to 1.3 million people on low wages who find themselves ill will either receive 80% of their average weekly earnings or the rate of Statutory Sick Pay which will be £118.75 per week from April – whichever is lowest.

The move means some of the lowest earners will be up to £100 better off per week, compared to the current system. This safety net will enable people to have the time off they need to recover, so they can get better and remain in work rather than risk quitting altogether.

Under the government’s Plan for Change, this new fairer rate strikes the right balance between providing financial security for employees who fall ill, and the cost to businesses – all while retaining the incentives for people to return to work.

The UK has seen a slow-down in productivity in recent years that has been more severe than other nations, which is not acceptable. The World Bank has been clear that “without improvements in productivity, there is no economic growth”.

Today’s changes will boost productivity in the workforce to help drive growth and usher in a decade of national renewal.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP said:

What we put into our workforce, we get back and more.

That’s why we’re making Statutory Sick Pay a right for every worker for the first time so people can stay in work rather than risk dropping out.

This is a pro-worker, pro-business government in action – boosting productivity, while ensuring people don’t have to choose between health and wealth, helping deliver our Plan for Change.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP said:

For too long, sick workers have had to decide between staying at home and losing a day’s pay or soldiering on at their own risk just to make ends meet.

No one should ever have to choose between their health and earning a living, which is why we are making this landmark change.

The new rate is good for workers and fair on businesses as part our plan to boost rights and Make Work Pay, while delivering our Plan for Change.

The government’s response to its Statutory Sick Pay consultation has also been published today alongside other responses and amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, including on tackling fire and rehire and zero-hour contracts to tackle insecure work.

This latest move follows the commitment to ensure the right to sick pay from the first day of illness, and to make more people eligible by removing the need to earn Lower Earnings Limit.

Over 1,700 responses to a six-week consultation helped inform the decision on the new rate, taking in to account the views of businesses, charities, trade unions and workers.

TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, added:

Nobody should be plunged into hardship when they become ill.

These reforms will stop millions from facing a financial cliff edge if they get sick.

Making statutory sick pay available to all workers – and from day one – shows why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important.

With sick pay rights from the first day of sickness, you will know that your family is protected. And you can take the time you need to recover.

We hope this is the start of a programme of sick pay reform and will continue to make the case for higher future sick pay rates.
21/03/2025
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 58 – UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention [March 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 March 2025.

UK Statement at the Panel on Early Warning and Genocide Prevention. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, Deputy High Commissioner,

The UK thanks the Special Adviser for her presentation.

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, protecting people from atrocities remains vital and necessary.

To highlight one worrying conflict, we continue to see disturbing reports of ethnically motivated attacks and killings in Darfur. The international community must hold perpetrators to account.

As well as protection from and accountability for atrocities, we need earlier action to prevent atrocities from occurring in the first place.

We are concerned by escalating tensions across South Sudan including between parties to the 2018 peace agreement and call on all parties to act urgently to prevent further violence, including against civilians.

The UK supports efforts to improve early warning systems, including leveraging global advances in data analytics and Open-Source Intelligence, allowing the international community to identify and understand the emerging risk of atrocities.

Mr President, Panellists,

How can the 2 Special Advisers ensure that the UN system’s existing foresight and risk analysis processes better incorporate an atrocity prevention lens in all its work and that it is more joined up?

Thank you.

21/03/2025