Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping – UK statement at the UN Security Council [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

President, as our briefers today have made clear, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda recognises the critical role women play in building sustainable peace. Women’s contributions are integral in all stages of peacekeeping missions, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

I will set out three priorities today: perspective, participation and prevention.
First, perspective. We must integrate a gender perspective into all components of peacekeeping missions, including preventing and responding to Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). Gender-responsive conflict analysis and technical gender expertise are critical to mission effectiveness, including in transition planning.

I am pleased that we have secured strong gender commitments in recent mandate renewals, including on gender-based violence in Haiti and on women’s participation in Colombia.

We call on Member States, UN entities and NGOs to prioritise WPS considerations in all disengagement planning, including the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO.

Second, participation. Women peacekeepers engage with populations and in places less accessible to men, bringing unique insights. This improves awareness of security risks, including CRSV, and builds trust with local communities.

The UK is creating an enabling environment for women peacekeepers. We contributed £1 million to the Elsie Initiative Fund last year, and the British Peace Support Team is training women in driving and weapons handling, improving women’s pass rates in assessments.
Participation of women’s rights organisations is also key. MINUSMA was a strong example of this; their engagement with civil society allowed them to change attitudes towards CRSV and better advocate for survivors.

Lastly, prevention. Transitions and drawdowns expose local communities to heightened risks of CRSV due to security gaps, weakened institutions and increased political tensions. It is therefore vital to ensure prevention remains an ongoing priority through the development of mission-wide, coordinated and survivor-centred approaches for addressing CRSV. This particularly in the context of in live transitions and withdrawal.
Prevention also includes tackling sexual exploitation and abuse. This is why, last year, through the British Peace Support Team, the UK trained 2,208 troops and police on sexual exploitation and abuse.

President, to be truly effective, peace and security mechanisms must understand and address the security needs of all people, including women and girls. Let us commit to ensuring that the WPS agenda plays a central role in all peacekeeping plans, including drawdowns, transitions and withdrawals.

30/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 7 August 2024.

Government unveils AI projects to improve productivity and public services supported by a share of £32 million.
- Government forges ahead with plans to improve the lives of working people with cutting-edge technology, supporting 98 AI projects with a share of £32 million.
- New technology innovations set to improve efficiency of prescription deliveries, reduce train delays and help ensure the UK has a skilled construction workforce.
- Winning projects span the UK, and funding will benefit over 200 businesses and research organisations.
Companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are amongst a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in UK Government funding.

Announced today (7 August), almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off.

A total of 98 projects from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland will receive funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.

Minister for Digital Government and AI Feryal Clark said:

AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.

That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.

We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.

Among the projects is V-Lab Ltd, which has received £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector. Their system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols – helping to ensure the UK has a skilled workforce to deliver the infrastructure the country needs.

As part of the government’s mission to build an NHS which is fit for the future, pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from this new financial support. A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms. This technology will match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients.

In a transformational change to how our railway network is maintained and inspected, Hack Partners will also lead on the development of an entirely autonomous system which can monitor, manage, and identify defects on rail infrastructure across the country. This represents a significant step forward for the British public, boosting the efficiency and safety of our railway network to deliver a better service for rail users.

The funding announced today will specifically support solutions in ‘high growth’ industries, ensuring AI is at the heart of driving forward greater productivity and efficiency across key areas of the economy. Cambridge-based Monumo are part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles – their 3D Generative-AI Tool is set to improve sustainability across sectors spanning commercial transportation, flight and power generation.

Work on bringing these new innovations to life is already underway as the winning teams begin to develop their solutions to deliver the cost-cutting, efficiency boosting benefits across the UK.

In the field of logistics, Robok Limited are setting to work on their SeeGul AI tool, which uses AI to monitor efficiency, improve resourcing, and identify bottlenecks which hamper productivity for businesses operating warehouses and storage facilities. Meanwhile, Kelp Technologies are collaborating with fashion retailers Depop and Selfridges to develop real-time pricing and market trend analysis to address the complexity of pricing second hand apparel. The results of the project will save time and money for retailers and play an important role in growing the second-hand clothing market, reducing waste and greenhouse emissions.

Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner and Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council said:

These projects will drive AI innovation and economic growth in a diverse range of high-growth industry sectors in all nations of the UK.

They complement other investments made through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, which are already helping to boost growth and productivity across the UK by harnessing the power of AI and other transformative technologies.

The support announced today places UK AI innovation at the heart of the government’s plans to spark economic growth through a productivity revolution. The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund to secure the UK’s global leadership in emerging and future AI technologies. The projects are delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI  programme, whose additional support also includes access to training and scientific expertise, expert AI advice and guidance, and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.

It follows the King’s Speech where the government committed to ‘take the brakes off Britain’ through a raft of new Bills, including generating sustainable growth by encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technologies.
30/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Development Minister calls for peace and security in Middle East, announcing new aid for Gaza on first trip to region [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 August 2024.

International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds will pledge new UK aid and meet key Jordanian Ministers in her first official visit to the Middle East.
- Anneliese Dodds calls for peace and security in the Middle East amid escalating tensions, on her first visit to the region in her role
- the International Development Minister also pledges new UK package of food, water, health, education and wellbeing support for Gazans on visit to Jordan
- she will meet key Jordanian Ministers to discuss how their 2 countries can work even more closely together in future
As tensions rise between Israel and Lebanon, the minister will call for calm in the wider Middle East, and continue diplomatic efforts made by the Foreign and Defence Secretaries in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel last week to lead a renewed push for peace.

She will also repeat calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon now, due to rising risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors in Lebanon.

Amid the threat of growing instability in the wider region, Gazans continue to face a devastating humanitarian crisis.

During her visit to Jordan, the minister will announce £6 million in funding for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable families in Gaza.

The £6 million package will help tens of thousands of Gazans access food and water, as well as health, education and wellbeing services.

She will also visit a World Food Programme depot, which plays a key role in the delivery of aid to Gaza.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds said:

Now is the time for calm, if we are to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. It is in no-one’s interests for tensions to escalate and spread across the wider region.

We are seeing the humanitarian impact of conflict on Gazans. This new UK support will provide a lifeline for vulnerable families, giving them access to basic food and water during a desperate time. I am grateful to the Jordanian Government for supporting UK efforts to get aid to those in such desperate need.

But this appalling situation cannot continue. We must see an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unfettered access to lifesaving aid for those in Gaza.

UK funding will support the vaccination and immunisation of over 20,000 children, provide over 8,000 school-aged children with recreational activities to boost their wellbeing and help over 55,000 people in Gaza access clean water and sanitation.

During her visit, the minister will also meet key charity partners, including the World Food Programme to hear about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Jordan.

Separately, the UK is also announcing today it is allocating £14 million to support refugees in Jordan. The funding will be delivered in September this year, with £7 million going to UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and the same amount to the World Food Programme. Jordan is currently home to over 3 million refugees, many of them from neighbouring Syria.

During her visit the minister will meet Jordanian Minister of Finance, Mohamad Al Ississ, and the foreign ministry’s Secretary General, Majid Al-Qatarneh to discuss Jordan’s successful economic performance in a challenging geopolitical environment. The ministers will agree steps for the UK and Jordan to accelerate efforts to boost their economic prosperity, as well as find ways of building resilience to the climate crisis.

Background

British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available
30/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : First investors confirm for the International Investment Summit [August 2024]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 August 2024.

Investors have already confirmed attendance at the government’s first International Investment Summit on 14 October, announced this weekend.

Rachel Reeves meeting with tech and financial services CEOs as part of 3-day trip across US and Canada, making the case that Britain is open for business.
Chancellor sets new ambition for data centres throughout the country to power growth, generate jobs and secure investment.
Rachel Reeves is meeting with the CEOs of BNY Mellon, Blackstone and CyrusOne in New York, with all companies confirming their attendance at the summit later this year as she carries the message that Britain is open for business.

Having taken early difficult decisions to address an inherited £22 billion black hole in the public finances, the Chancellor made the case she has wasted no time in prioritising economic stability and instigating growth-led reforms of the UK economy, once again making it an investment destination for global businesses.

Reeves championed the UK’s strengths during her meetings, including its globally recognised higher education system with four of the world’s top ten universities, its fourth place ranking for innovation in the Global Innovation Index, and its $1 trillion tech sector – the largest in Europe.

As part of her 3-day trip to the US and Canada, Rachel Reeves is also meeting with CoreWeave where she will set out for the first time a new government commitment to encouraging the building of data centres throughout the UK, to boost growth and create jobs.

The Deputy Prime Minister is already reviewing two appealed planning applications for data centres in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire as part of the government’s commitment to make the economic benefit of development a central consideration when intervening in the planning system – changes made by the Chancellor in her first speech just four weeks ago.

Data centres are central to the digital economy, housing the data that modern life is built on, and will continue to play a vital role in supporting the increasing use of cloud-based applications and storage by businesses and consumers, and the rollout of 5G.

It is estimated the sector employs around 17,000 people, with data centre operators generating an estimated £4.6 billion of annual revenue a year.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

The message is clear: Britain is open for business. And as more investors sign up for our International Investment Summit, it shows they believe it too.

They recognise we have taken some difficult decisions to fix the foundations of our economy and set us on a path to sustained economic growth as government’s number one mission – it is only by doing so that we can capitalise on Britain’s immense investment potential.

By rebuilding Britain we can make every part of the country better off. Aiming to have datacentres across the country is part of that. We are already reviewing two planning applications in the South East, but I’m determined to see new digital investments up and down the UK.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Investment is vital for creating jobs and bringing economic growth to every part of the country. Seeing global investors back the UK is a vote of confidence in our economy, and shows we are an investment destination of choice.

This summit is an important opportunity to show Britain is back on the world stage and build long-term relationships that will boost investment across the UK in the months and years ahead.

During her visit to Toronto on Wednesday, Reeves will meet with Mark Carney to discuss the development of the National Wealth Fund (NWF) ahead of the International Investment Summit.

The Chancellor convened a meeting of the National Wealth Fund Taskforce – of which Mr Carney is a member – to launch the NWF just days after taking office, as an immediate commitment to the government’s new partnership with business and to support a new Industrial Strategy.

Backed by £7.3 billion of public investment to focus on priority sectors, the NWF stands to catalyse billions in private investment into our world-leading green and growth industries, with its aligning of key institutions creating a more compelling and certain offer for investors. The Chancellor and Mr Carney are expected to discuss the importance of rapid progress on the NWF as a key tenet of Britain’s pitch at the International Investment Summit.

30/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Our immediate action after Southport attacks [August 2024]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 6 August 2024.

Government action taken following the attacks in Southport on 29 July 2024.

The Prime Minister has taken immediate action following the far-right thuggery we have seen take place after the devastating events in Southport last week.

He has promised that those taking part in this disorder – whether it be directly or online – will face the full force of the law.

The police will continue to make arrests, individuals will be held on remand, and charges and convictions will follow.

Ramp up criminal justice

Police chiefs have made clear that public order reserves will be on standby in strategic locations throughout the week, with thousands of extra officers available for rapid deployment wherever and whenever disorder arises.

There have already been hundreds of arrests, including for online offences. Some have already appeared in court this morning. We will ensure those responsible will feel the full force of the law.

We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities. The full force of the law will be visited on all those who are identified as having taken part in these activities.

Mosques to be offered new emergency security

Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed.

The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance.

This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.

Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible.

National Violent Disorder Programme

The Prime Minister has announced the immediate creation of a programme to stop criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets.

The programme is bringing together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them.

Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.

It will also consider how we can deploy facial recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.

How to show your support

Charity regulators have said there are many ways to show support for those affected by the tragedy, and that making a donation to a registered, regulated charity offers donors assurance that their funds will be effectively overseen and accounted for.

The Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside has launched an appeal to help relieve financial hardship for victims, survivors and their families.

The Southport Strong Together Appeal will also help other charities and community organisations delivering projects and services in the Southport area to support emotional wellbeing, mental health and bereavement support as well as community cohesion and violence prevention initiatives.

Package of support for Southport

The Prime Minister set out a package of support for Southport last week, to make sure the right support is in place for victims.

It will equip local leaders and agencies to make sure the needs of bereaved families are at the heart of the response, and to drive longer term efforts to bring the community together.

This comes alongside extensive care delivered by the NHS including specialist psychological and bereavement support services, and access to 24/7 crisis support.

To support the long-term recovery of the area, government will work with local partners on new ways to equip local leaders to help bolster community cohesion and build local resilience.

This will include setting up a programme of local community events and activities to help bring people together and create long-lasting support networks drawing from local schools, businesses, faith groups, sports clubs and other key partners.

30/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Norway to join UK Navy deployment to Indo-Pacific next year [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 August 2024.

Key NATO partner joins UK Carrier Strike Group global deployment in 2025.

Norway will join the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region in 2025, Defence Secretary John Healey has announced today.

It comes as the Defence Secretary welcomed his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram to London today, where the Ministers discussed the maritime deployment, industrial collaboration, support to Ukraine and the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East.

The Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers, and accompanied by her escorts and aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Norway is a long-standing NATO ally, and part of the Joint Expeditionary Force and Northern Group, whilst also being a strong trade partner with the UK. Their involvement will bolster the Strike Group with two ships, including one frigate, demonstrating that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific is indivisible.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

This Government is determined to strengthen our partnerships with European allies to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

As a close strategic partner, we are delighted to have the Norwegian Navy join the Royal Navy on this historic deployment.

It’s an exciting demonstration of the strength of our nations’ maritime partnership and the deepening of our relationship in the months and years to come.

Norwegian Defence Secretary, Bjørn Arild Gram, said:

The UK is Norway’s closest and most important European Ally. We have a long-standing and very close defence relationship. With this joint deployment we are developing this cooperation even further. The Indo-Pacific is an area of growing importance for global security and stability, also for Europe.

During this deployment we will be able to operate with NATO and other important partners in this part of the world. Finally, during this deployment our Armed Forces will develop skills and proficiency from taking part in allied carrier operations. This is critically important for our national defence.

The Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s determination to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar.

The deployment will last for around seven months and bring a range of military, security and prosperity benefits for the UK and participating nations. It will reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security, anchored on the NATO Alliance, but also build partnerships with those who share our world view around the globe.

A Carrier Strike Group is a versatile and lethal resource that few countries possess. Always led by an aircraft carrier embarked with F-35B Lightning jets, the rest of the UK formation can be made up of submarines, warships and support vessels, including from other allied navies.

The Carrier Strike Group offers cutting-edge air, surface and underwater defence, but it is also a focal point for delivering wider strategic objectives.

27/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Public services “back on track” as Strikes Act to be repealed [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 6 August 2024.

The government has today announced it will repeal the Strikes Act 2023 to get public services back on track and strengthen the rights of working people.
- Minimum Service Levels will be repealed through the Employment Rights Bill, which will be introduced within the first 100 days of the new Government
- Measures which have not resolved a single strike, unduly restrict workers’ rights and undermine good industrial relations to be binned
- Government is committed to getting public services back on track and laying the foundations for a modern economy that Makes Work Pay.
The government has today [Tuesday 6 August] announced it will repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 to get public services back on track and strengthen the rights of working people.

Industrial action in the NHS alone cost the taxpayer £1.7bn last year with many other sectors also seeing costs and impacts to public services. This is why strong but fair negotiation is key to tackling issues between workers and employers, from low pay to inequality and discrimination.

The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have today [Tuesday 6 August] written to the Government departments with sectors most impacted by strikes Education, Health, Transport, the Home Office, Energy, as well as Welsh and Scottish governments, to give a clear message that this government does not support Minimum Service Levels and intends to repeal the legislation.

They have also written to all 12 metro mayors across the country to start engaging with local employers on this upcoming change, being important partners in resetting relations with these vital sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Attempting to clamp down on the fundamental freedom of working people has got us nowhere and this was targeted at sectors who dedicate their lives to serving us all.

That’s why we’re scrapping this pointless law and creating a new partnership between business, trade unions and working people through our New Deal.

Repealing this legislation is the first part of our plan to reset industrial relations so they are fit for a modern economy.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

We need to get Britain’s economy moving again, deliver growth and the public services which taxpayers deserve.

The Strikes Act has not worked- unbelievably the UK has lost more days due to strike action than France, costing the taxpayer billions of pounds, and these divisive laws haven’t resolved a single strike since they were introduced.

By removing minimum service levels, we will reset industrial relations, so they are based on good faith negotiation and bargaining, ending the chaos and restoring trust in public services. This is about restoring politics as public service ensuring government acts to fix problems not cause them.”

The formal repeal of the previous government’s legislation will form part of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill which will be introduced within the first 100 days of the new Government.

No employer has used minimum service levels, and they have not resolved any strikes- and only inflamed tensions. Companies should continue to look for alternative mechanisms to solve disputes through negotiation.

Relevant ministers in the Department for Health and Social Care, Home Office, Department for Education, Department for Transport and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have been asked to engage with their relevant employers to inform them that we strongly encourage them to engage in discussion with trade unions, instead of using minimum service levels.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

This Act failed to resolve devastating strikes which led to cancelled operations and cost the NHS billions.

But this Government engaged meaningfully with the BMA Junior Doctors’ Committee from day one, and agreed an offer in just over three weeks – paving the way to end strikes.

Scrapping minimum service levels marks another significant step in resetting relationships with staff, as we fix the broken health service.”

This comes as the Home Office are writing to the four Border Force trade unions. This letter will confirm the government’s intention to repeal Minimum Service Level legislation and that we will no longer be using border security MSL.
22/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Statement on bus shelters contract with Valo Smart City [August 2024]

The press release issued by Croydon Council on 12 October 2023.

Croydon Council is taking steps to terminate its contract with Valo Smart City to deliver bus shelters in the borough.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon said: “This is an incredibly frustrating and unacceptable situation which has arisen through the procurement of the contract for the supply of new bus shelters with digital advertising screens in 2020.

“The council awarded this contract in 2021, to Valo Smart City which had no track record of delivering a contract like this in the UK and has failed to deliver a single bus shelter in our borough.

“The worst of it is that all the existing bus shelters were removed leaving residents without shelter and facing a third winter out in the cold.

“Since I was elected in May 2022, many attempts have been made to arrange a working plan that would deliver the shelters; timelines have been shifted, negotiations have taken place, and none of this has resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Our residents have waited long enough.

“Bus shelters and street furniture are an important part of the transport network and street scene, and I am determined that we must restore them for the benefit of commuters, residents, and businesses. The council is taking immediate steps to terminate the contract with Valo Smart City and we have informed them of our intent to pursue damages. Meanwhile council officers are reviewing our options to get bus shelters back on our streets as soon as possible.”

22/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : Lord Chancellor orders urgent action to improve HMP Wandsworth [August 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 6 August 2024.

Additional staff and extra funding are being deployed at one of the most troubled prisons in the country following a damning inspection report which highlighted significant concerns.
- Lord Chancellor redirects £100 million over next 5 years to improve HMP Wandsworth
- Violence, self-harm and drug-taking reach unacceptable levels
- 80 per cent of prisoners in overcrowded conditions
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) issued an Urgent Notification in May after finding that HMP Wandsworth had alarmingly high rates of self-harm, dangerous levels of violence and nearly 50 per cent of prisoners taking drugs.

As the inspectorate recognised, the level of chaos at HMP Wandsworth was typical of a prison system crippled by the overcrowding crisis with over 80 per cent of offenders at the jail sharing cells designed to hold one person.

The report also revealed how crumbling infrastructure, inadequate security measures and consistent staffing pressures had contributed to the prison’s unacceptable rating.

The government is immediately addressing the inspectorate’s concerns by deploying extra specialist staff to help turn the jail around and redirecting £100 million from across the Prison Service that will be spent over 5 years to deliver urgent improvements. This includes cell windows being repaired, shower refurbishments and investment in fire safety measures.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

This is the reality of a prison system in crisis. Cells are overcrowded, infrastructure is crumbling and our hard-working prison staff are at risk of violence and harm.

Our staff deserve better and we are taking immediate action at HMP Wandsworth to do what is necessary to protect the public, lock up dangerous offenders and make prisons safe for the brave staff who work there.

Other measures to bolster prison security and safety at HMP Wandsworth include:
- the deployment of specialist security and drug staff and introduction of new leadership
- regular beefed-up drug searches from specialist drug detection teams
- advanced violent reduction training sessions available to prison staff
- improved access to rehabilitative services, such as education and employment workshops for prisoners
The inspection of HMP Wandsworth was the sixth since May 2022 that resulted in an Urgent Notification – the worst possible result under HMIP’s current inspection framework – and is why the Lord Chancellor has today published an urgent action plan to address the prison’s failings.

The Lord Chancellor took immediate action in her first week to avoid a breakdown of law and order due to the overcrowding crisis in prisons that risked a breakdown of law and order with police unable to make arrests.

This includes being able to stop the End of Custody Supervised Licence Scheme and giving probation staff more time to plan for an offender’s release by temporarily reducing the release point of some standard determinate sentences from 50 to 40 per cent with important safeguards and exemptions to keep the public safe.

Sentences for serious violent offences of four years or more, as well as sex offences, will be automatically excluded, and, in an important distinction from the End of Custody Supervised Licence scheme, the early release of offenders in prison for domestic-abuse connected crimes will also be excluded.

The Urgent Notification process was introduced in 2017 to ensure immediate, urgent action was taken when necessary to address serious concerns identified by inspectors.
22/08/2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK donates security equipment to Ecuador on new Minister’s first visit [August 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 August 2024.

The UK will donate essential security equipment for Ecuador’s fight against organised crime as part of the new British Minister for Latin America’s first official overseas visit.

Baroness Chapman met senior members of the Ecuadorean Cabinet to discuss how the UK and Ecuador can deepen security co-operation.

They also signed a double-taxation agreement between the UK and Ecuador – removing tax barriers to doing business in both countries, boosting growth, trade and investment.

The Minister will later meet National Police officers at an anti-narcotics base to learn about the challenges they face.

On behalf of the UK, she will donate four vehicles and other equipment. The items will make police officers safer and bolster capability in combating criminal gangs.

Ecuador is the first country the Minister is visiting in Latin America since being appointed last month.

Baroness Chapman, Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, said:

The new UK Government is committed to renewing our partnership with Latin America – co-operating closely on shared priorities including climate change, security and economic prosperity.

I’m making my first visit, as Minister, to Ecuador – a country with which we share democratic values – to offer my unequivocal backing in your fight against organised crime.

Which is why the UK is donating essential security equipment to brave police officers putting their lives on the line daily to protect the Ecuadorean people.

Violence must never be allowed to prevail over democracy and the rule of law.

Baroness Chapman’s programme – which will also include travel to the Amazon and meeting indigenous leaders – reflects the growing environmental, trade and security ties between the UK and Ecuador.

The UK manages over $200 million of projects in the Ecuadorean Amazon – including $34 million in direct funding to communities – to enable sustainable use of land and reduce deforestation.

Trade is also increasing between the two countries. In 2023, it grew by 10 per cent to total £329 million per year.

22/08/2024