Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : People on low incomes urged to check if they can get £150 energy bill discount [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 17 January 2024.

Eligible low income households urged to make sure they get £150 in Warm Home Discount before 29 February.
- Low income households who qualify for the Warm Home Discount are urged to make sure they get the £150 discount
- most of the 3 million households who qualify will automatically receive this energy bill support
- households who need to confirm their details must do so by the end of February
People on low incomes could benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills – and are being urged to act now where they need to, so they can get the support before this year’s scheme closes.

The help is available to over 3 million households across Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline so they can check their eligibility and get the rebate.

To mark Big Energy Saving Week, Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway is today urging any of these households who need to provide more information to call the helpline by 29 February and get the support they are entitled to.

The scheme forms part of measures to keep costs down for families and put more money in their pockets. It targets support to protect those most at risk of fuel poverty this winter, following a significant drop in energy prices since their peak last year and the government delivering on its pledge to halve inflation – which is now at a 2-year low of 3.9%.

Tax cuts announced at the start of the year will also support 27 million people across the UK, meaning a household with 2 average earners will save nearly £1,000 a year.

Minister for Affordability and Skills Amanda Solloway said:

We will always act to support the most vulnerable – and this means making sure those most in need are getting the right support.

Today, I am urging people on low incomes who have been notified about the Warm Home Discount to make sure they act now to get £150 off their energy bill.

Please check your letter and call our helpline before the end of February if you need to provide more information.

The government’s Warm Home Discount offers targeted energy bill support for those most in need. This includes low income pensioners and households in England and Wales with high energy costs.

These customers received a letter at the end of last year explaining the discount and instructions on any action they may need to take.

For the vast majority of these customers, the discount is automatically applied to bills between October 2023 and March 2024, or is available as a top-up voucher for those with a prepayment meter.

However, some people in England and Wales who received a letter and could qualify for the support have been asked ring the government helpline number provided in their letter to confirm their details. Customers can also find out more on the government’s Warm Home Discount gov.uk page and use the online eligibility checker to see if they qualify, or call the general Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322.

In Scotland, customers on low incomes who have not received a letter may still be eligible and should apply via a different route, by contacting their energy supplier as soon as possible.

The support comes on top of wider action to protect vulnerable households, including a £900 payment for those on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioner households and an extra £150 available for those on disability benefits.

The government has also invested over £2 billion into the Household Support Fund over the last 2 years, increased the Local Housing Allowance Rate so £1.6 million private renters on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit gain an average of nearly £800 a year and £600 in tax-free cash for pensioner households to help with energy bills through Winter Fuel Payments.

Cold Weather Payments have also been triggered to help households receiving certain benefits to stay warm this winter. The scheme – which runs until March 2024 – provides low-income households with an automatic payment of £25 following periods of cold weather.

Anyone can access advice on how to reduce energy costs and heat their home for less via the government’s Help for Households website. This includes energy saving tips as part of the It All Adds Up campaign, which helped British households an estimated £120 million on their energy bills last winter.
January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New First Senior Treasury Counsel confirmed [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 17 January 2024.

Tom Little KC has been appointed as First Senior Treasury Counsel to the Crown, the Attorney General has today announced.

Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, has announced the appointment which will come into effect on 1 April 2024.

Senior Treasury Counsel, who operate from the Central Criminal Court, prosecute some of the most complex cases in the country, advising and appearing on behalf of the Law Officers, other government departments, and principal prosecuting authorities.

Treasury Counsel are appointed by the Attorney General in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Tom Little KC takes over from Oliver Glasgow KC, who was appointed as First Senior Treasury Counsel in 2021.

The Attorney General Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP said:

I am delighted to announce that Tom Little KC will become First Senior Treasury Counsel to the Crown at the Central Criminal Court. Tom’s years of legal experience on some of the country’s most significant cases make him the ideal candidate to take on this crucial role.

He follows in the footsteps of Oliver Glasgow KC who I would like to thank for his valuable years of service in this important role.

Tom Little KC was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel in 2012, and Senior Treasury Counsel in 2017. He was Junior Counsel to the Crown between 2014 and 2018.

The title ‘Treasury Counsel’ derives from the days when all Crown Counsel at the Central Criminal Court were instructed by the Treasury Solicitor. That procedure was changed in 1908, and since then the Director of Public Prosecutions has instructed the permanent counsel there.

Treasury Counsel are appointed by the Attorney General. They are divided into two groups: Senior Treasury Counsel and Junior Treasury Counsel.

Tom Little KC, the next First Senior Treasury Counsel said:

I am honoured to be the appointed the next First Senior Treasury Counsel. Treasury Counsel play a vital role prosecuting the country’s highest profile cases. I look forward to building on Oliver Glasgow KC’s excellent work and along with all of the Treasury Counsel team representing the Law Officers, government departments, and principal prosecuting authorities.

January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary at Davos to reiterate support for Ukraine and call for security and stability in the Middle East [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2024.

Lord Cameron will meet world leaders to mobilise international support and cooperation on the world’s biggest challenges at World Economic Forum.

The Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, will call for greater action from world leaders at this year’s World Economic Forum in a bid to mobilise international support and cooperation on the world’s biggest challenges.

As part of a 2-day programme, the Foreign Secretary will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Bill Gates, and others to discuss the need for continued collaboration and fresh thinking, including to tackle ongoing conflicts.

The Foreign Secretary will reiterate his support for Ukraine in a discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, which will focus on the need for unity to lay the foundations for Ukraine’s long-term future and to win the war.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said:

The world has changed significantly since I first entered government, and we live in very unstable, uncertain and dangerous times. The global impact of conflicts, diseases and climate change is sadly growing. But as the challenges increase, so too must our efforts.

In my discussion with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, I will make clear the UK will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, so it not only wins the war, but emerges from it as a strong, sovereign, and free country.

Ukraine is standing up for the rules that keep us all safe. This is why the UK has provided almost £12 billion in support to Ukraine. We will stand with them for as long as it takes to achieve victory.

The meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister comes as the UK’s Development Finance Institution, British International Investment (BII), launches its first investment in Ukraine, committing $25 million to ensure Ukraine remains connected to a global economy.

This previously announced investment to the International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s Global Trade Finance Programme, alongside investments from the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, will open access to financing for $1 billion of Ukrainian imports and exports, including vital food supplies.

Russia’s aggression has disrupted Ukraine’s cross-border trade and hit its economy. The commitment of $25 million through British International Investment comes ahead of the investment of £250 million of new capital for BII which the Prime Minister announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2023.

It also follows the announcement that the UK will increase military funding for Ukraine in the next financial year to £2.5 billion, an increase of £200 million on the previous 2 years. The funding will help leverage the best of UK military expertise and defence production to ensure Ukraine’s victory on the battlefield, including in critical areas like long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security.

While at Davos, the Foreign Secretary will also emphasise the need for security and stability in the Middle East and reiterate the 4 things that must happen for a peaceful solution to the Israel-Hamas war: a Palestinian-led government in Gaza and the West Bank, a concrete plan to help reform and support the Palestinian Authority, a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, and a political horizon towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary will also have meetings covering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, multilateral development banks, and greater international cooperation to tackle global threats – such as diseases and climate change.

January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New government funding to boost jobs and hydrogen transport in the North East [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 January 2024.

Green hydrogen refuelling station to be built near Middlesbrough, helping to increase economic growth in the area and decarbonise the transport network.
- £7 million to decarbonise deliveries in the Tees Valley, with a new hydrogen refuelling station for HGVs
- hydrogen hub will support hundreds of UK jobs and the North East economy
- Tees Valley Combined Authority will launch new competition to help local colleges run hydrogen skills training
Groceries are going green in the Tees Valley thanks to £7 million government funding announced today (17 January 2024) for hydrogen projects that will grow the economy and support skilled jobs in the North East.

The funding has been awarded to fuel distributer Exolum to build a publicly accessible green hydrogen refuelling station near Middlesbrough, initially serving at least 25 new zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) making deliveries. This will mean thousands of goods being sustainably delivered in the area, from supermarket groceries to new clothes.

The government-funded Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub is the first of its kind in the country, showing how green hydrogen, which does not produce any harmful emissions when used in a fuel cell, can be utilised in transport. The move will not only improve air quality for residents in the Tees Valley but support hundreds of skilled UK jobs and upskilling opportunities for workers.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, said:

It’s fantastic to see the Tees Valley continue to be a trailblazer in this vital technology to decarbonise heavier vehicles – leading the way for the wider rollout of green hydrogen.

These 3 winning projects will not only support jobs and economic growth in the Tees Valley but will also help decarbonise our transport network.

To further support the sector, Tees Valley Combined Authority will use £300,000 of government funding to run a competition for Tees Valley colleges and training institutions to purchase hydrogen training equipment to upskill the local workforce.

Today’s funding follows the announcement of the first 2 winning projects, led by ULEMCo and Element 2, which will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicles and create new hydrogen refuelling stations.

Together, the 3 winning projects will innovate hydrogen-powered transport in the Tees Valley, creating jobs and apprenticeships. The hydrogen transport hub is already creating significant levels of industry interest, with a number of developers having announced their intentions to build large-scale green hydrogen production in the area, with demand from transport a key factor.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said:

Our area is leading the way in developing the cleaner, healthier and safer transport of the future. This is another great example of how we are creating innovative solutions, such as greener deliveries to our supermarkets. As the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub, we are in a fantastic position to take advantage of projects such as this, which will deliver further jobs and investment needed to drive our local economy forward.

As more of these major projects are confirmed, it’s also essential that we develop skills in our workforce, so this funding is vital to ensure local people can take advantage of the well-paid jobs this new technology is bringing.

Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, Lord Callanan, said:

Giving a whole new meaning to green groceries, I am thrilled that delivery drivers in Tees Valley are set to make their rounds using clean, green hydrogen.

We are building a world-leading hydrogen industry, recently committing £2 billion for 11 green hydrogen production projects – including the Tees Green hydrogen project developed by EDF – to provide cleaner fuel for UK businesses.

Today’s third winner being announced completes the second round of government competition funding for the Tees Valley hydrogen transport hub following the first round, which awarded over £2.6 million to deploy 21 hydrogen-powered vehicles. The second competition invited ideas on how to overcome some of the challenges of scaling up hydrogen technology, making the region’s supply chain greener with hydrogen-fuelled vans and HGVs.

Government investment in the Tees Valley hub will position the region at the forefront of the hydrogen transport sector, bringing skills, jobs, exports and growth. It will also provide evidence and experience to support future policy, strategy and investment decisions over the coming years.

Exolum Clean Energies Lead, Andres Suarez, said:

At Exolum, we want to be a relevant player in green hydrogen technology, which is positioning itself as an efficient energy vector to help decarbonise sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy-duty mobility.

This project in the UK comes in addition to others we have under development and others already fully implemented, such as the first hydrogen plant for mobility in Madrid, Spain. Thanks to joint collaboration with other pioneering companies, we will be able to offer this new technology to the market to drive the energy transition.
January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Digital defence transformation boosted by £150 million UK contract [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 January 2024.

Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a £150 million contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter.
- UK-based technology services provider Computacenter awarded four-year contract.
- Contract expected to reduce current costs by around 64% (£84m).
- Covering over 220,000 devices in use by MOD personnel worldwide.
Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a £150 million contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter.

The four-year contract will support tens of thousands of laptops and desktop computers used by MOD personnel worldwide, from head office to the front line, as well as creating additional jobs at Computacenter’s Hatfield and Nottingham sites.

Reducing operating costs by around £84 million, the new services will provide a high-quality, secure and sustainable service to defence personnel, enabling defence to more rapidly respond to changing needs and market conditions.

The contract represents a wider MOD move away from large, aggregated contracts to smaller, more measurable contracts that will improve organisational flexibility.

Defence Digital’s improvement programme is a priority for the MOD, and we are investing over £4 billion annually in our digital transformation, to streamline the MOD’s processes and increase our operational capability.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

Delivering on our digital transformation will ensure high-quality, rapidly accessible global data, which is a critical component of our fighting power. Bolstered technology can strengthen our deterrence, our resilience, and our national prosperity.

The service will improve performance standards and speed of access across 220,000 devices including laptops, desktops, peripherals and software applications.

MOD Chief Information Officer, Charles Forte, said:

This new relationship is a significant component in our ongoing progress to bring new business into the team and ensures we are modernising and innovating in support of our internal customers to deliver greater value for money.
January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Health Secretary announces new women’s health priorities for 2024 [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 17 January 2024.

Problem periods, women’s health research and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims are among the government’s priorities.
- Top priorities to be tackled under the Women’s Health Strategy in 2024 include menstrual problems and menopause, maternity care and birth trauma support
- Support for domestic and sexual abuse victims and women in the criminal justice system will also be improved
- Health Secretary addresses women’s health champions at major London event to outline plans for coming year and celebrate successes of strategy’s first year
- Successes since the launch include reducing the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the rollout of women’s health hubs
- £50 million for research to tackle maternity disparities
The Health and Social Care Secretary has named problem periods, women’s health research and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims among the government’s priorities for women’s health in 2024.

Speaking at the Women’s Health Summit in central London to mark the second year of the landmark Women’s Health Strategy for England, Victoria Atkins said it would also prioritise improving maternity care and support for mothers who suffer birth trauma.

This follows a raft of successes over the strategy’s first 12 months, including reducing the cost of HRT for nearly half a million women, and the rollout of specialist women’s health hubs in every local health area. The strategy also championed the creation of a new dedicated women’s health section of the NHS website, providing updated information, advice and practical resources for women’s health across the life course.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said:

We’re breaking historical barriers that prevent women getting the care they need, building greater understanding of women’s healthcare issues and ensuring their voices and choices are listened to.

We’ve made huge progress – enabling almost half a million women access to cheaper HRT, supporting women through the agony of pregnancy loss and opening new women’s health hubs – but I absolutely recognise there is more to do.

We’re ensuring these changes benefit all women, regardless of socioeconomic background or ethnicity, because our Women’s Health Strategy is only a success if it works for all women.

The 2024 priorities were developed from responses to the government’s call for evidence from over 100,000 healthcare professionals, women’s health champions, members of the public and other stakeholders across the health sector. They are:
- better care for menstrual and gynaecological conditions - by rolling out women’s health hubs, producing new guidance for healthcare professionals, continuing to improve information and support for women suffering from painful heavy periods and endometriosis, and promoting easier access to contraception – which often plays a vital role in managing menstrual problems. The Office for National Statistics will investigate the impact of period problems and endometriosis on women’s participation and progress at work, improving our understanding to achieve reductions in diagnosis times
- expanding women’s health hubs – by delivering through our £25 million investment, the hubs will improve women’s access to care, improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. We are working towards the aim of establishing one fully functioning hub in every local area this year, enabling better access and quality of care in services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care and more
- tackling disparities and improving support for vulnerable women including victims of sexual abuse and violence by ensuring training and support systems are working collaboratively and efficiently. This will include creating new models within the NHS to protect its staff. We will focus on improving the health of women in the justice system, by implementing the recommendations set out in the National Women’s Prison Health and Social Care Review
- bolstering maternity care, before during and after pregnancy – by continuing to deliver on NHS England’s 3-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services and ensuring women understand the care they can expect from the NHS during pregnancy and after giving birth. We will also be supporting women who suffer with birth trauma and ensure both mental and physical health are prioritised. A greater focus will be placed on preconception and postnatal care for women, raising awareness of pregnancy sickness and actioning the recommendations set out in the Pregnancy Loss Review. Through the first ever National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) ‘challenge’, backed by £50 million, researchers, policymakers and women will be tasked with finding new ways to tackle maternity disparities
- more research - a vital component to levelling up the playing field for women’s health. In addition to the NIHR challenge, we are building on the £53 million invested via the NIHR programmes and will continue to improve how women are represented in medical research through the NIHR research inclusion strategy
Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield, said:

Helping women and girls who suffer from bad periods can make a huge difference to their lives, education and careers. And any woman who has experienced trauma after giving birth – either mentally or physically – will know the impact it can have on all aspects of her life.

These are issues that impact women but they should not be seen as ‘women’s problems’ – it is an everyone problem. We are doing more to put these issues on the agenda and keep them there, to close the gender health gap once and for all.

We’ve made enormous strides in the first year of the strategy and I’m excited to see what 2024 will bring.

As well as announcing its new priorities, the government announced the reappointment of Professor Dame Lesley Regan as Women’s Health Ambassador for England for a further 2 years, to December 2025.

Professor Dame Lesley was appointed as the Women’s Health Ambassador in 2022 and brings a raft of expertise spanning a 44-year career in women’s health as a practising clinician. She has specialised in core areas including miscarriage, period problems, gynaecological surgery and menopause.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador, said:

Our Women’s Health Strategy is ambitious. It was created to ensure our healthcare system places women’s health on an equal footing to men.

I want women everywhere to feel confident that when they seek advice from their healthcare professional, whether it’s for heavy or painful periods or issues following birth, they know they are going to receive world-class treatment. This is the ultimate goal of the strategy, and I am delighted that we have made such positive progress in the first year and generated so much enthusiastic help to succeed.

This coming year offers us the opportunity of taking further steps forward in delivering better healthcare outcomes for every woman in our society.

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May, said:

The NHS is committed to ensuring women’s individual healthcare needs are met, which is why every area of England is being supported to develop a women’s health hub alongside the rollout of a network of Women’s Health Champions, who will use their leadership and experience to drive forward work to improve women’s health.

The NHS is also rolling out dedicated pelvic health clinics, and every local health system now has a specialist community perinatal mental health team and we have also made it easier to access contraception through local pharmacies.

But there is clearly more to do which is why it is brilliant to see the publication of the women’s health priorities for 2024.

CEO of Endometriosis UK, Emma Cox, said:

Women’s health has long been an underfunded and under-researched area. Implementing the aspirations in the Women’s Health Strategy will provide a much needed boost to turning this around, improving treatment and the lives of those suffering from endometriosis and menstrual health conditions.

At Endometriosis UK, we know that many women face an unacceptable delay in securing a diagnosis and appropriate care. With sufficient funding and support, women’s health hubs could offer a real opportunity to drive down diagnosis times and support women to access the support they need.

We’re delighted Professor Dame Lesley Regan has been reappointed and we look forward to continuing to support her vital and much needed work to deliver the key priorities outlined within the Women’s Health Strategy.

Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:

We are pleased to see the government launching their 2024 priorities for the women’s health strategy at our Union Street home, also the location of 15 other women’s health organisations.

The focus on improving care and treatment for women with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids, which are often progressive, and have a huge impact on a woman’s quality of life, is hugely welcome. We have continually called for action to improve waiting lists in gynaecology services and know that women’s health hubs present a real opportunity to improve women’s health outcomes, and reduce inequalities in access and outcomes for women across the country. I am also glad to see that ensuring high quality care following birth trauma, an area of care which has long been a professional and personal passion of mine, has been recognised as a key focus for government.

We also want to congratulate our former president, Professor Dame Lesley Regan, for her excellent leadership of the women’s health agenda at a national level and her well-deserved reappointment as Women’s Health Ambassador. As a dedicated advocate for a life course approach to women’s health, we have every faith she will continue to provide excellent leadership to drive the strategy forward.
January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK takes action to boost supply chain resilience for critical goods and back businesses [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 January 2024.

The Department for Business and Trade launches the Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy, safeguarding UK supplies of critical goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors.
Imports of critical goods for the NHS and UK manufacturing to be protected from global supply chain shocks, safeguarding business and consumers and boosting the economy.

New Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy forms key part of government work to back business and grow the economy, helping UK companies build strong and resilient supply chains for vital goods and avoid dependence on protectionist or coercive states.

Cutting-edge research will be used to map the impacts of shocks on supply chains, such as those caused by the Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine and understand how the UK can secure the goods we need in future.

UK supplies of critical goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors will be safeguarded, thanks to the Government’s new Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy launched today (Wednesday 17 January).

The recent attacks in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most critical waterways, has threatened global trade. In response to increased geopolitical disruption, and the unprecedented challenges of recent years, like the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and environmental disasters, the UK Government and businesses have boosted their ability to manage supply chain shocks. This strategy builds on this and will further equip UK businesses to deal with global supply chain problems and access the imports they need which are essential to the functioning of the UK.

Imported goods are vital to our economy. They ensure lower prices, greater choice, and help businesses to be more productive. They enable innovation, drive growth, and are essential to the UK’s world-leading industries, from aerospace to life sciences.

More than 100 top UK firms, including pharmaceutical and manufacturing leaders like The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and Green Lithium have contributed to the strategy to ensure it helps develop resilient and secure supply chains that protect both their business and the consumers who rely on them.

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani will launch the Strategy today during a visit to Heathrow Airport, the largest import hub in the UK which handled more than £86 billion of UK imports in 2022.

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

There are many unpredictable events that can threaten our access to vital goods, from the pandemic, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the ongoing attacks in the Red Sea. That’s why we’re taking action to ensure crucial imports like medicines can reach consumers, no matter what happens around the world.

With this strategy we’re equipping business so they no longer have to rely on unpredictable partners for supplies of the goods that keep our country going. By making supply chains stronger we’re helping make the UK a truly safe and reliable place to do business.

Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer, Heathrow said:

Heathrow connects the UK to 95% of the world’s economy and facilitates imports of the high value, time-critical goods that British industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and technology rely on. We welcome Government initiatives that make doing business in the UK easier and more efficient, from shoring up supply chains to streamlining cargo processes at the airport, so Heathrow can meet growing demand to import and export across the globe.

The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy will enable government to share vital information and guidance with businesses on the risks to key supply chains and the practical steps they can take to protect themselves from disruption, including regular updates on emerging supply chain risks, such as new export bans on critical everyday goods imposed by other countries.

As part of the strategy, we will set up a new online portal to allow businesses to quickly report red tape or disruption affecting their critical imports. The government will then work to remove these barriers wherever possible, saving business time and money.

We will also pursue further trade deals to help UK importers access the critical goods they need efficiently and affordably. This provides certainty for traders, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and reduce delays at the border, helping drive growth and streamlining costs.

The strategy sets out how we will use cutting edge research to understand the impacts of shocks on supply chains and how we can secure the critical goods we need in future. This will include researching how climate change will impact on our key supply chains, and how to mitigate the impact of environmental disasters.

We will also set up a new Critical Imports Council that will allow businesses and government to work together to identify risks to critical imports and develop a plan of action – ensuring that business have a central voice in shaping government’s work to build supply chain resilience.

Richard Torbett, ABPI Chief Executive said:

The government’s approach to the critical imports for pharmaceuticals will support our industry to maintain resilient supply chains, helping to ensure consistent access to medicines for UK patients. The medicines and vaccines developed by our industry are vital to public health and the economy. Recent global events like the pandemic have shown that our industry can manage and address global supply chain shocks, especially when working collaboratively with government, and this strategy supports our industry in doing so going forward.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said:

With our success powered by complex global supply chains, the automotive industry has been pleased to help shape a new strategy that will support manufacturing agility and responsiveness. As we accelerate production of the cleanest and greenest vehicles, and the batteries they need, such a strategy is essential and we look forward to continuing this vital engagement to boost Britain’s resilience and competitiveness – essential to the continued success of the UK as a top tier investment destination for the automotive sector.

Sean Sargent, Green Lithium Chief Executive said:

Green Lithium is pleased to support the new Critical Imports & Supply Chains Strategy. This strategy will help ensure that Green Lithium can acquire the critical minerals it requires to supply the UK’s first low-carbon lithium refinery, further advancing a UK battery supply chain and electric vehicle production. This endeavour will support the UK economy by creating sustainable employment opportunities and supply chains that are fundamental to the energy transition. In combination with the UK Critical Minerals Strategy and the US-UK Atlantic Declaration, we anticipate that this strategy will attract investment in the UK’s critical mining and refining industries and enhance relationships with key mining countries, including Australia, Canada and Brazil. We are grateful to all those involved in establishing this vital strategy.

The Government will also attract international investment to projects like lithium mining in Cornwall to make us more self-sufficient in critical goods used in industries like electric vehicles production and clean energy.

Through the strategy, we will also identify the support UK business needs to connect with new suppliers in international markets, including through our overseas network in more than 100 countries. At the same time, we will use our expertise to support developing countries build supply chains with new international markets, including the UK.

The strategy also sets out how the UK government will work with our friends and international partners to solve supply chain challenges, through steps like the Atlantic Declaration. This partnership with the US includes negotiation of a new critical minerals agreement that will bolster our vital supply chains and ensure the UK’s access to materials we need for future technologies.
January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government strengthens UK-Japan partnership on cyber [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 17 January 2024.

A new partnership between Japan and the UK will strengthen the UKs strategic approach to cyber.

Today the two countries have agreed to a Memorandum of Cooperation to deepen public-private partnerships in cyber between the UK and Japan.

The Memorandum was signed during the course of a three-day visit to the UK from Japan’s Keidanren Cyber Security Committee, hosted by the National Cyber Advisory Board (NCAB).

Co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minster, Oliver Dowden, and Chief Information Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, Sharon Barber, NCAB was formed in 2022 to bring together leaders from academia and industry. The group aims to present alternative viewpoints and harness networks from across the cyber ecosystem, supporting delivery of the National Cyber Strategy.

Signing the Memorandum on behalf of the UK, Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden said,

Cyber is the new frontier. To ensure we remain at the forefront of cyber strategy we must continue to work with democratic partners who share our values”.

Japan is an important friend and ally, sharing our beliefs on areas such as rule of law, climate change and human rights. This latest partnership further strengthens our relationship with Japan following the signing of the Hiroshima Accord and promotes collaboration across the public and private sector, strengthening our economy and demonstrating the UK Government’s commitment to making long-term decisions to secure our future.

The Japanese delegation met with key figures from the public sector alongside industry experts including senior representatives from IBM and Sharon Barber, Chief Information Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, to discuss securing digital supply chains, engaging businesses on cyber resilience and best practice recruitment to increase cyber skills across both countries.

This builds on the UK and Japan’s work together to strengthen our shared values of democracy, rule of law and free and open trade. In May 2023 the UK and Japan signed the Hiroshima Accord committing to an enhanced Global Strategic Partnership on issues such as global security, resilience and climate change.

Signing on behalf of Japan, Dr. Nobuhiro Endo commented,

Based on this MoC, Keidanren is determined to further deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation between our public and private sectors. From the perspective of co-creating a data-driven society, we hope to continue to discuss safe and secure use of digital technologies including AI.

Co-chair of NCAB, Sharon Barber commented,

Close collaboration between government and industry is at the heart of NCAB. The Memorandum of Cooperation between the UK and Japan is a significant further step on our journey and one which will help both nations further mature their private-public partnerships on cyber, and ultimately support the delivery of each nation’s cyber security strategy.

January 21, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : DPRK missile launch on 14 January [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 January 2024.

Following the DPRK’s launch of a solid fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday 14 January, an FCDO spokesperson gave a statement.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

The UK condemns the DPRK’s launch of a solid fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday 14 January. This action is a clear breach of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions.

This repeated cycle of testing is deeply damaging for regional stability and further threatens peace and security in the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges the DPRK to refrain from illegal launches, swiftly return to dialogue and abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

January 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government to support small-scale fishing industry across the UK in latest medical consultation [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 16 January 2024.

The government launches a consultation on medical exemptions for fishers working on vessels 10 metres and under in length.
- Government gives industry a chance to have its say on concessions that would benefit fishers on vessels of 10 metres and under.
- Safety of fishers is paramount and today will make sure that remains the case while ensuring fishers can continue their important work
- Government continues to listen to the views from across the fishing industry
An industry-wide consultation starts today to see how small-scale fishers can fish as safely as possible.

In November 2023, regulations came into effect requiring fishers working on small UK flagged vessels to have a certificate of medical fitness. The government has worked to support those who can still fish but would otherwise be unduly forced ashore. Some grandfather rights have been extended for eyesight, BMI, diabetes and most recently seasonal fishers.

Unlike larger fishing operations, those who operate vessels of 10 metres and under are usually independent and require more support, which is why today the Department for Transport is seeing how to best deliver medical exemptions safely so hard-working, small-scale fishers aren’t unduly forced ashore.

The potential concession is being considered by the Secretary of State for Transport after listening to the concerns of those in the fishing industry as well as MPs representing coastal communities.

Industry is being urged to have its say on the proposals, which are being published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The blanket exemption from holding a valid medical certificate would only apply to those who have already been working on vessels of 10 metres and under for at least 4 weeks between 30 November 2022 and 30 November 2023.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

The safety of those who are working in our fishing industry is paramount and it’s vital that any medical requirements work for them. That’s why we have actively listened to views from the fishing industry and MPs representing coastal communities, already granting concessions for factors such as eyesight, diabetes and BMI.

This consultation shows that we are open to proper solutions that uphold the highest standards of safety.

See the MCA’s GOV.UK pages to read and take part in the Medical exemption – existing fishers on vessels of 10 metres or under consultation.

Notes to editors
- Reviews of medical standards are carried on out a regular basis.
- The Secretary of State for Transport is considering providing an exemption under regulation 14 of The Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2018 so that existing fishers working in fishing vessels of 10 metres and under (registered length as defined by the Fishing Vessels (Codes of Practice) Regulations 2017) in length are exempt from regulations 4 and 5.
January 18, 2024