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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile launch on 22 April – FCDO statement [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : North Korea ballistic missile launch on 22 April – FCDO statement [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

    Following North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on Monday 22 April, an FCDO spokesperson gave a statement.

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on 22 April is another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

    The UK strongly urges North Korea to stop such provocations, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is a long-standing supporter of Kosovo’s sovereignty and independence: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is a long-standing supporter of Kosovo’s sovereignty and independence: UK statement at the UN Security Council [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

    Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

    Let me say at the outset that the UK welcomes the clear commitments to peace and dialogue that we heard today from both Serbia and Kosovo. Despite the differences, we believe that is the only approach that can bring stability and prosperity to the region.

    President, the UK is a long-standing supporter of Kosovo’s sovereignty and independence. We commend the government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and welcome the implementation of the 2016 Constitutional Court ruling on the Decani Monastery’s property.

    This commitment to reform brought Kosovo a step closer to realising its aspiration to join the Council of Europe. This will bring tangible benefits for all of Kosovo’s citizens. The UK looks forward to working with Kosovo on the next steps towards a positive decision by the Committee of Ministers.

    Yet the absence of a comprehensive and conclusive normalisation agreement between Kosovo and Serbia continues to have negative implications across the region.

    While we welcome the progress in December on the energy roadmap and licence plates, fundamental issues remain unresolved. We encourage both sides to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue, delivering on their respective obligations, including establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

    This needs to be accompanied by a commitment to build a conducive environment for further progress on the Dialogue.

    In our view, three factors are particularly important:

    First, this means Kosovo should exercise its sovereign powers in a way which reflects its multiethnic population, demonstrating sufficient regard for Kosovo’s non-majority communities. We urge the parties to work with EUSR to identify technical solutions to ongoing challenges around the implementation of the new regulation on foreign currencies.

    Second, it means Srpska Lista and other Kosovo-Serb political actors should not stand in the way of Kosovo-Serbs exercising their democratic rights and having their voices heard. We believe that the boycott of the mayoral recall votes in the four northern municipalities yesterday has only left us further away from restoring the representative democracy that the local population deserves.

    And finally, it means justice for any, and all, violence. Serbia should ensure that the perpetrators of the shocking events in Banjska last September, and the attacks on NATO KFOR personnel last May, are held to account.

    And in that context, as a long-standing supporter of international action and accountability for victims of conflict-related sexual violence, let me on behalf of the UK salute the immense courage of all those who speak out about their own personal experiences.

    In closing, I’d like to express the UK’s gratitude to the Special Representative and all Mission staff who have contributed to UNMIK’s work over the last 25 years.

    With conditions on the ground now unrecognisable from 1999, we believe it is a good moment for the Council to review UNMIK’s role and responsibilities. This will ensure it can continue to effectively support security, stability and human rights in Kosovo, in a way that reflects the world of 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Post Office Offences Bill to be extended to Northern Ireland [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Post Office Offences Bill to be extended to Northern Ireland [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 April 2024.

    • Legislation introduced to automatically quash convictions relating to the Horizon scandal to be extended to Northern Ireland.
    • Affected postmasters across the UK will have the option of accepting a fixed sum offer of £600,000 after their conviction is quashed.
    • Comes as £190 million paid to over 2,800 victims so far.

    The Government has today [Monday 22 April] tabled amendments to expand the territorial extent of the Post Office Offences Bill. Convictions resulting from the Post Office Horizon scandal in Northern Ireland will now be within scope.

    This blanket exoneration will automatically quash convictions brought about by the scandal, including 26 in Northern Ireland, clearing the names of many people who have had their lives ruined.

    As in England and Wales, convictions in Northern Ireland will need to meet a set of criteria before they are quashed, including:

    • Prosecutions brought about by the state prosecutor or the police.
    • Offences carried out in connection with Post Office business between 1996 and 2018.
    • Were for relevant offences such as theft, fraud and false accounting.
    • Were against sub-postmasters, their employees, officers, family members or direct employees of the Post Office working in a Post Office that used the Horizon system software.

    Postal Affairs Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    We always carefully consider the territorial extent of each piece of legislation and are rigorous in our commitment to devolution. However, it has become apparent that the Northern Ireland Executive does not have the ability to rapidly address the 26 convictions known to be within its purview.

    It has become clear that postmasters in Northern Ireland could have their convictions quashed significantly later than those who were convicted in England and Wales, which would be unacceptable.

    This follows the decision to introduce landmark legislation – which is making its way through parliament – to quash the convictions of hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal. This will speed up the financial redress process – where we are offering a £600,000 fixed sum which can be administered quickly for those who accept it.

    Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:

    I am pleased that the Post Office Horizon legislation will be amended to include Northern Ireland. I’ve been speaking to Minister Hollinrake, the Northern Ireland First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Justice Minister about this important issue regularly.

    It’s clear that, in the context of a recently restored Executive and Assembly, adding Northern Ireland to this Bill is the best way to deliver justice for the victims as quickly as possible.

    That is alongside plans to enhance the financial redress for postmasters who were not convicted, or part of legal action against the Post Office, but who still suffered considerably due to Horizon failures. These individuals, also known as the Horizon Shortfall Scheme cohort, will have the option to receive a fixed sum payment of £75,000.

    Scotland has an historically separate legal jurisdiction to England and Wales, and the Lord Advocate and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service had a unique role in respect of prosecutions in Scotland. Additionally, the Scottish Government do not have the same kind of obligations to consult on new legislation as in Northern Ireland or challenges resulting from the NI Assembly not sitting for nearly two years.

    The Scottish Government has already indicated that they are bringing forward legislation and the UK Government will continue to support them in developing their proposals to overturn all convictions relating to the Horizon scandal.

    Regardless of the UK jurisdiction in which convictions are quashed, claimants will be entitled to financial redress which will be delivered on a UK-wide basis by the Department for Business and Trade.

    Notes to Editors

    • The Post Office Offences Bill continues its passage through Parliament, with Committee in the House of Commons scheduled for Monday 29 April. It is expected to receive Royal Assent as soon as possible before Summer recess, when all convictions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will automatically be quashed.
    • In total, the Government has paid out £190 million to over 2,800 Post Office victims.
    • This includes:
    • £39 million paid out to members of the GLO scheme.
    • £111 million offered to those in the HSS scheme.
    • £41 million paid out to those in the Overturned Convictions scheme, with 103 convictions now overturned.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches fund to help farmers manage water resources [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches fund to help farmers manage water resources [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 April 2024.

    Fund will help groups of farmers investigate how they can better manage water for use in time of drought, helping to safeguard food security.

    Groups of farmers will be offered support to work together to store water and protect against the impact of drought through a new fund launched by the government today (Monday 22 April).

    The £1.6 million fund will be used by farmers to investigate different methods to manage water in their area. Projects could include multi-farm reservoirs, treated waste-water recycling systems, water trading and sharing schemes.

    The fund will support around 20 studies and will also investigate water demand and availability in the most water-stressed agricultural areas over the next 25-year period.

    It delivers on the Prime Minister’s commitment at last year’s Farm to Fork Summit to support farmers to identify local water resource schemes which will help to build resilience into the water supply, support food production and safeguard food security.

    Applications open today with groups of two or more neighbouring farms eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 June.

    Water Minister Robbie Moore said:

    Water is our most valuable resource, and we want to support farmers to come together to manage it efficiently on their land.

    By storing water when it’s wet, they’ll have more to use when it’s dry – helping to support food production and boost the resilience of farm businesses across the country.

    Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said:

    Climate change, increased demand, and the need to protect the environment mean that up to 5bn extra litres of water will be needed in England every day by 2050.

    By working together, farmers can make a huge positive impact in improving our use of water resources, making sure they have water to use in times of drought and safeguarding our food security.

    The fund will help to identify opportunities to build on the success of existing projects, including:

    • Felixstowe Hydrocycle – a multi-farm project currently repurposing more than 0.5 million tonnes of excess land drainage water per year – the equivalent of more than 225 Olympic swimming pools which would otherwise be lost to sea, for agricultural irrigation on six farms.
    • Lincoln Water Transfer – a member organisation where 19 farms share a single abstraction licence to take water from Fossdyke Navigation to irrigate 4,600 hectares of land – using a pool system to allocate water which creates greater flexibility in land and water use.

    The Environment Agency will also use the fund to work with stakeholders such as farmers, landowners and Water Abstractor Groups to safeguard a healthy farming sector in future and highlight the needs of agriculture in Regional Water Resources Plans.

    The funding builds on existing support from government to help farmers make efficient use of water resources – such as the Water Management Grant – as well as setting strict targets for water companies to deliver a 50% reduction in leakage from 2017/18 levels by 2050.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions to take home more cash as new guidance on Tipping is published [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions to take home more cash as new guidance on Tipping is published [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 22 April 2024.

    The government’s Tipping Act is a step closer to coming into force, as today the Code of Practice is published and laid before Parliament. The new Code of Practice will protect the tips of more than 2 million workers giving them a fair share of the tips received by a company.

    • Tipping Act is a step closer to coming into force as Code of Practice is published and laid before Parliament.
    • New Code of Practice will protect the tips of more than 2 million workers giving them a fair share of the tips received by a company.
    • Workers will be able to view an employer’s tipping policy, their tipping records and will be able to use the Code as evidence in an employment tribunal.

    Millions of UK workers are set to take home an estimated £200 million more of their hard-earned cash, as landmark legislation on tipping took a step towards coming into force.

    Today, Government introduced the Code of Practice on the fair and transparent distribution of tips that will have legal effect under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023.

    The updated Code of Practice will be statutory and have legal effect, meaning it can be introduced as evidence in an employment tribunal.

    The Act and secondary legislation make it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive all of the tips they have earned. The measures are expected to come into force on 1st October 2024, once they have been approved by Parliament.

    Alongside the updated Code of Practice, we have also published the formal Government response to the public consultation which sets out the feedback received during the consultation, the Government’s response and next steps.

    Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service charges from customers to their staff.

    This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors helping to ease cost of living pressures and give them peace of mind that they will keep their hard-earned money.

    Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    It is not right for employers to withhold tips from their hard-working employees.

    Whether you are cutting hair or pulling a pint, this government’s legislation which will protect the tips of workers and give consumers confidence that when they leave a tip, it goes to the hardworking members of staff.

    The secondary legislation laid today reinforces our commitment to legally protecting our low paid workers and ensuring a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

    CEO of Tipjar, Ben Thomas said:

    Hospitality and service industries are part of the fabric of our culture and a cornerstone of our economy.

    We are honoured to have consulted with the Department of Business and Trade as they have developed this important Code of Practice clarifying employers’ responsibilities as they pass tips to their hard-working teams.

    As a business that exists to help employers distribute tips on the same principles of fairness and transparency, we are confident that this Act will support millions of tipped workers across the UK, and level the playing field for businesses across these sectors. We’re excited to support employers in leveraging the opportunities this will present, as we build a more fair and transparent future.

    These measures follow a series of wins for workers after a record National Minimum Wage uplift and boosts to employment protections for parents and unpaid carers, as well as giving all employees easier access to flexible working.

    Notes to Editors

    • The Code and Practice and consultation response can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/distributing-tips-fairly-draft-statutory-code-of-practice
    • The Government strongly believes that tips, gratuities and service charges should go to workers, rather than employers. Tips are intended to reward staff for hard work and good service, and they should be distributed fairly and transparently. The Government has made this clear since announcing its intention to legislate on this and confirming its support of this Private Members’ Bill.
    • The new measures on tipping are expected to come into force on 01 October, once parliamentary approval has been secured. The Government has delayed this implementation due to extenuating circumstances. We remain committed to protecting workers’ rights, and we also wish to ensure employers have enough time to prepare.
    • We encourage all businesses to follow the new requirements immediately, before they come into legal effect.
    • If someone is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage, they should speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122,
    • These new measures will apply to England, Scotland and Wales. Employment policy is devolved to Northern Ireland.
    • These new measures apply to all industries.
    • Tips cannot be used to count towards minimum wage pay – this has been the case since 2009.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK and Saudi Arabia to host major trade expo [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK and Saudi Arabia to host major trade expo [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 22 April 2024.

    The Deputy Prime Minister will lead a 300+ strong delegation to the Saudi GREAT FUTURES flagship event in Riyadh on 14 and 15 May 2024.

    • This event launches a year-long campaign to drive business engagement between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    • GREAT FUTURES will encourage trade and promote UK business, education and culture to a Saudi Arabian audience of senior Government and business figures.

    In partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Government, the UK Government’s GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign is holding a major business, tourism and cultural expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 14 and 15 May 2024.

    The flagship event will host around 750 delegates for a two-day exposition in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, will spearhead a 300+ strong British delegation which will showcase the best of UK excellence and innovation.

    GREAT FUTURES flagship event is the launch for a 12-month campaign to highlight UK expertise and capability in sectors that support Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’.

    Vision 2030 is the Saudi government’s strategy to diversify the economy, boost productivity, and strengthen competitiveness. Its flagship programme, including five lead ‘giga projects’, will attract $3 trillion investment by 2030 to build the industries of the future, while also serving as a showcase of the nation’s geographical richness, cultural heritage, hospitality, business dynamism, and commitment to social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

    The UK has advanced specialist expertise in these industries and its delegation will include senior business leaders from across the UK which represent key sectors including tourism, education, clean tech, trade, insurance, fashion, architecture, sport and culture.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, commented:

    GREAT FUTURES will be an important opportunity to forge partnerships for the future between the UK’s most creative and innovative companies and their Saudi business and Government counterparts.

    I’m delighted to be leading such a talented delegation to this landmark event. From emerging technologies to academia the UK has an exceptional skill base to share with the world.

    Our two nations work closely on security and energy. We look forward to strengthening those connections in new areas that feed the Vision 2030 agenda.

    The UK and Saudi Arabia have a deep historic relationship, based on a long history of working together diplomatically and strong economic and commercial links.

    The event will focus primarily on two areas of collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia:

    • Innovation in research collaboration, disruptive technologies, emerging clean tech, finance and sustainable construction
    • Quality of Life sectors, encompassing art, fashion, media, education, sport, architecture and tourism

    The government is ensuring that businesses can seize the opportunities of Brexit, which is why we’re doing trade deals around the world. Since the PM has been in office, we’ve joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and since leaving the EU, have secured trade deals with 73 countries plus the EU, accounting for £1.1 trillion of trade in 2022, and 7 US state-level MOUs, with a combined GDP of £3.3 trillion – just under the GDP of Germany.

    Minister of Commerce for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid bin Abdullah Al Kassabi, commented:

    Saudi Arabia is very proud to be hosting this major event and bringing together leading minds in business, academia and entertainment from both of our nations.

    This event heralds the beginning of an extended and productive partnership focused on innovation, technology and our flourishing cultural sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the UK Government and the private sector to realise the ambitions of Vision 2030.

    Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade, Lord Johnson, added:

    The UK has a thriving trade and investment relationship with Saudi Arabia, and this campaign will strengthen those ties further.

    There are huge opportunities for businesses in both countries as we look to work closer together in important sectors such as innovation and creative industries. I look forward to showcasing the best of British innovation and creativity on a global stage.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Minister for the Middle East travels to Bahrain for talks on regional security [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Minister for the Middle East travels to Bahrain for talks on regional security [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

    The Minister for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon visits Bahrain to discuss regional security with partners.

    • Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon arrives in Bahrain today (Sunday 21 April)
    • the Minister will visit the UK’s Naval Support Facility in Bahrain where the UK has supported operations against illegal and dangerous Iran-backed Houthi attacks against international shipping
    • during his visit, he is expected to meet with counterparts to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza, regional security, and the Red Sea

    The UK Minister of State for the Middle East has arrived in Bahrain today (Sunday 21 April) for talks on upholding regional security and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to tackling the dangerous threat posed by Iran-backed proxies and partners.

    Lord Ahmad will visit the UK Maritime Component Command at the Naval Support Facility from where the UK is supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Poseidon Archer alongside international partners.

    The operations have sought to deter Houthi aggression and protect international shipping from the Houthis’ reckless and indiscriminate attacks against commercial and military vessels, including the UK contributions to the international taskforce from Royal Navy ships HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond.

    In meetings with Bahrain’s National Security Advisor, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister, Lord Ahmad will also discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, reiterating the UK’s efforts towards securing an immediate pause in the fighting to get more life-saving aid into Gaza faster and through as many routes as possible.

    Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, said:

    At this critical period, we must do all we can – including working with key partners – to strengthen regional stability and security and push for de-escalation.

    The UK and Bahrain are close partners and they have a crucial role to play in the region and I look forward to discussing our ongoing efforts towards alleviating the dire humanitarian suffering in Gaza by getting more aid in through as many routes as possible and to get hostages out.

    We must also work closely together to address the threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and make progress towards peace and security in the Middle East, most importantly securing an irreversible pathway to delivering a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Stronger protections for stalking and harassment victims [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Stronger protections for stalking and harassment victims [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 April 2024.

    The government has announced measures making it easier for police to apply for stalking protection orders, meaning more victims will be protected earlier.

    It will be easier for police to protect victims and apply for a stalking protection order at the earliest opportunity under new plans announced today (Monday 22 April) by the Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, marking the first day of National Stalking Awareness Week.

    Under updated statutory guidance, published today, police officers are instructed that they will no longer need to meet the high criminal standard of proof threshold in order to apply for a stalking protection order. Instead evidence which meets the lower civil standard will likely be accepted by courts to apply a stalking protection order.

    Stalking protection orders were introduced in January 2020 and protect victims by addressing the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched or become more severe.

    Under the orders, perpetrators can face restrictions such as having to notify the police of their whereabouts or travel. If breached, an individual faces prison time of up to 5 years.

    Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris said:

    Stalking is a complex form of abuse, and it can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families. Sadly, it can end in the most tragic circumstances.

    We must continue to treat stalking with the utmost gravity. Having doubled the maximum sentence and introduced a new civil order to protect victims, we know there is more we must do.

    Lowering the standard of proof that must be met to grant these orders will make a big difference to how easily victims can access protection. I will continue to work closely with the police to improve how they can support victims of this disturbing crime.

    In recognition of the impact of public sexual harassment on victims, especially women, the government backed the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023, which introduces a specific offence for public sexual harassment.

    The new offence, which will see perpetrators face up to 2 years in jail, will come into force from 1 October 2024.

    To mark National Stalking Awareness week, the minister visited the Suzy Lamplugh trust to see the vital support given to stalking victims, including the National Stalking Helpline, which the Home Office funds with over £160,000 annually. This enabled them to answer more than 8,000 calls and emails from or relating to victims of stalking between April 2023 and March 2024.

    In-keeping with the week’s theme of ‘multi-agency working’, the Home Office will work with criminal justice agencies such as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and College of Policing to consider the findings of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s super-complaint into the police’s handling of stalking cases.

    Together with the agencies, the government will formulate a multi-agency response to any recommendations when they are published in the summer.

    Emma Lingley-Clark, Interim CEO of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said:

    We welcome announcements from government that they are updating statutory guidance on Stalking Protection Orders (SPO) to instruct police officers that they will no longer need to meet the higher criminal standard of proof threshold in order to make an application. We know that this requirement can act as a barrier to victims getting immediate protection when they need it the most. However there is an urgent need to increase the use of SPOs across the country and improve understanding amongst police officers given the extremely low uptake and lack of knowledge within police forces currently. Every victim should have the opportunity to access an SPO when they choose to report stalking to the police.

    NPCC’s Lead for Stalking and Harassment, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, said:

    Stalking is a highly impactive crime, which leaves victims fearful of what their stalker may do next. Without appropriate intervention and safeguarding, the potential for the risk to victims to escalate quickly is very real.

    It’s important that within policing, and as a society, we recognise the patterns of stalking and acknowledge the risk that it poses to victims.

    The police service is continuing to work hard to improve and standardise its response to stalking. Over the last number of years we have improved training, rolled out the use of Stalking Protection Orders and launched a new assessment tool to assist officers to identify and better act upon the signs of stalking. In addition, we have introduced embedding dedicated officers in forces to better support and safeguard victims.

    However, we know that there is more to do to improve criminal justice system outcomes for victims in these cases and ensure a consistent response in all cases of stalking. We continue to work with partners, other agencies and charities to bring about these important changes.

    Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Olivia Rose, national lead for stalking at the CPS, said:

    Stalking impacts so much of a victim’s life, and our prosecutors carefully consider this alongside the evidence available when they’re building a robust case.

    We take this offending seriously, identifying relevant protective orders and assessing whether a new offence has been committed if an order is breached. This provides added protection for victims, as it enables the court to consider the totality of offending when sentencing and to issue focused protective orders.

    The CPS remains focused on bringing offenders of stalking to justice and driving improvements in these cases, which often involve violence against women and girls.

    Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Communications, Advocacy and UK Programmes at Plan International UK, says:

    The government’s announcement that the law to tackle public sexual harassment will become legally enforceable from 1 October, alongside new measures to better protect victims of stalking, is a significant milestone towards making the UK’s streets safer for girls and women. It’s thanks to all the girls who have shared their stories and tirelessly campaigned that these stronger protections for harassment survivors are being implemented.

    Public sexual harassment is an everyday reality for girls, that restricts their freedom and impacts their mental health. Girls have a right to feel safe wherever they are, and we hope this new offence will change how public sexual harassment is dealt with by the police, in our courts and in public, giving girls the route to justice they expect and deserve and helping change the attitudes that make too many perpetrators feel they can harass without consequences.

    While there is more to do, this is the latest in a series of actions the government has taken to tackle stalking and harassment and protect victims.

    In 2012, we created two new stalking offences in order to highlight stalking as a specific behaviour. Through the Policing and Crime Act 2017 the maximum sentences for the most serious harassment and stalking were increased from 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment.

    Our landmark Online Safety Act also includes stalking offences in the list of specified ‘priority offences’. Priority offences represent the most serious and prevalent illegal content and activity online, and companies will need to take proactive steps to tackle such content, for example preventing users from encountering it.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK-wide ban on wet wipes containing plastic to be put into law [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK-wide ban on wet wipes containing plastic to be put into law [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 22 April 2024.

    The UK Government will introduce new world-leading legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic.

    • Government announces next steps to ban the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic following overwhelming support during the consultation process
    • World-leading legislation will be introduced this year to help tackle plastic pollution and clean up waterways
    • Transition period set out for businesses to help them adapt

    The UK Government will introduce new world-leading legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic, the Environment Secretary has confirmed today (22 April 2024).

    Defra intend to bring forward the legislation for England ahead of summer recess, with Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales following by the autumn as part of an aligned approach to bring the ban into force.

    Wet wipes containing plastic break down into microplastics over time, which research shows can be harmful to human health and disrupt our ecosystems – with a recent survey showing an average of 20 wet wipes were found per 100 metres of beach surveyed across the UK*.

    Once in our water environment, wet wipes containing plastic can accumulate biological and chemical pollutants, increasing the risk of harm to the animals and humans who encounter them.

    Banning them will reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and reduce the volume of microplastics entering wastewater treatment sites when wrongly flushed – meaning our beaches and waterways will benefit from the ban.

    Responses to the public consultation showed overwhelming support for the proposed ban – which will be introduced via secondary legislation under our Environmental Protection Act 1990 – with 95% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the proposals. The government’s response has been published today alongside the Welsh Government, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive.

    Marking Earth Day 2024, with its theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’, the response sets out next steps to deliver the ban, building on action taken across the UK to tackle plastic pollution.

    Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Wet wipes containing plastic are polluting our waterways and causing microplastics to enter the environment. Defra will introduce legislation before the summer recess to crack down on this unnecessary source of pollution, following our successful single-use carrier bag charge and ban on microbeads in personal care products.

    I have been clear that a step change is needed to protect our waterways from pollution. The ban builds on a raft of actions already taken to protect our waterways and hold water companies accountable – including accelerating investment, putting water company fines back into the environment and quadrupling the number of inspections of water company sites.

    Plastic-free wet wipes are readily available and several retailers have already stopped selling wet wipes containing plastic.

    Steve Ager, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Boots, said:

    Boots removed all wet wipes containing plastic from sale in stores and online last year as part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability and working with suppliers and customers to reduce the use of plastic.

    We are pleased to see the government now taking action as a ban on all wet wipes containing plastic will have a much bigger impact than retailers taking action alone. We all have a collective responsibility to protect the environment and support a healthy planet.

    Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said:

    The removal of plastic from Aldi wet wipes two years ago has been positive for our customers and the environment.

    It has removed an estimated 7,000 tonnes of unnecessary plastic from the system and has been welcomed by Aldi shoppers. We support the introduction of this new legislation and the positive impact it will have for everyone.

    An 18-month transition period will start from when legislation is passed to allow businesses time to prepare. Following consultation with industry, the ban will not include the manufacture of these products, in line with other recent single-use plastic bans.

    However, the government will continue to encourage manufacturers to move to a position where all their wet wipes are plastic free.

    The government response also sets out exemptions to ensure that wet wipes containing plastic remain available where there is no viable alternative – such as for medical disinfectant purposes. The Government will review the need for these exemptions regularly.

    Notes to editors:

    Today’s announcement follows recent measures delivered to improve the water environment, including:

    • A new £11m Water Restoration Fund to reinvest water company fines and penalties back into the water environment.
    • Requiring companies to monitor 100% of storm overflows in England – providing a complete picture of when and where sewage spills happen.
    • Removing the cap on civil penalties for water companies and broadening their scope so swifter action can be taken against those who pollute our waterways.
    • Requiring the largest infrastructure programme in water company history – £60 billion over 25 years – to revamp ageing assets and reduce the number of sewage spills by hundreds of thousands every year.
    • Increasing protections for coastal and estuarine waters by expanding the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, prioritising bathing waters, sites of special scientific interest and shellfish waters.
    • A targeted plan to better preserve and protect the River Wye, including £35m in funding.
    • Speeding up the process of building key water supply infrastructure, including more reservoirs and water transfer schemes.
    • The government also continues to support Water UK’s ‘Bin the Wipe’ campaign to address the environmental and drainage impacts of flushing wet wipes. Advice is clear that only the 3 P’s (Pee, Poo & [toilet] Paper) should ever be flushed down a toilet.

    *For the period 2015 to 2020, an average of 20 wet wipes were found per 100m of beach surveyed across the UK according to Defra Beach Litter Monitoring Data.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary travels to Central Asia and Mongolia in landmark visit to region [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary travels to Central Asia and Mongolia in landmark visit to region [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

    David Cameron will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world.

    • David Cameron will visit Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region
    • Foreign Secretary will promote opportunities for British businesses and announce £50 million of new funding to support the sovereignty and independence of states across the region
    • Foreign Secretary will announce a new initiative by the British Council to promote the English language in Central Asia, with online teaching resources available to English teachers throughout the region, for the first time tailored with local content

    The Foreign Secretary will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world. He will meet leaders across the region to deepen cooperation on shared challenges, from counter-terrorism to climate change.

    He will support global opportunities for young people, by ensuring that English language teachers across the region will have access to tailored British Council English language teaching materials. He will double the amount of funding for Chevening scholarships, so more people can study at Britain’s world-class universities.

    He will support British business to create jobs and growth from Bridgend to Bishkek. He will show that British business provides the sustainable, quality investment that can drive growth without compromising the region’s hard won sovereignty.

    The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said:

    We live in a contested, competitive world. If you want to protect and promote British interests you need to get out there and compete.

    Central Asia is at the epicentre of some of the biggest challenges we face and it’s vital for the UK and the region that we drive forward its future prosperity.

    The Foreign Secretary will anchor top-level relationships between the UK and Central Asian states and Mongolia, solidifying our role as a long-term partner in the region. He will advance discussions on sanctions circumvention, human rights and reform.

    He will use the visit to announce £50 million new development funding for the Central Asia and Eastern Neighbourhood region over the next 3 years. UK funding will not only boost regional growth and economic resilience but build trade and cooperation between our countries, making the region and the UK safer and more prosperous.

    During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will visit an array of important sites including a hydro-electric project in Tajikistan, a canal irrigation site in Kyrgyzstan and a cultural site in Mongolia.

    David Cameron is the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the first to Uzbekistan since 1997. It is also the first visit to Mongolia at this level in over decade. This week’s visit underlines the UK government’s ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region, and is a crucial moment to drive forward British values, build our geopolitical relationship and deliver opportunities for people in the region and the UK.