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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government reforms set to spark greater reuse and recycling of electrical goods [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government reforms set to spark greater reuse and recycling of electrical goods [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 28 December 2023.

    Government will make it easier for people and businesses to reuse and recycle their old electrical goods.

    The Government is set to make it easier for households to recycle electrical cords, devices and white goods under new UK-wide plans announced today (28 December).

    Shocking statistics show an estimated 155,000 tonnes of smaller household electricals such as cables, toasters, kettles and power tools are wrongly thrown in the bin each year. UK homes are thought to hoard a further 527 million unwanted electrical items containing valuable materials such as gold, silver and platinum.

    The waste generated during the festive period demonstrates the scale of the problem: 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are discarded every year in the UK.

    To power the transition to a circular economy, government proposals unveiled today will change how we all dispose of electrical equipment, both large and small, ensuring retailers can turn old goods into new wares.

    The move builds on the major steps already taken by the Government this year to clamp down on plastic pollution and clean up our streets.

    A range of measures are proposed within the joint UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive consultation for introduction from 2026, including:

    • UK-wide collections of waste electricals directly from households – saving the public from having to trek to distant electrical disposal points. The collections would be financed by producers of electrical items, not the taxpayer, and not necessarily require any further bins.
    • Large retailers rolling out collection drop points for electrical items in-store, free of charge, without the need to buy a replacement product.
    • Retailers and online sellers taking on responsibility for collecting unwanted or broken large electrical items such as fridges or cookers when delivering a replacement.

    The proposals will mean consumers will be able to recycle their goods during their weekly shop or without even leaving the house.

    The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is set to work closely with manufacturers, major retailers and small and medium enterprises throughout the consultation period to ensure the most efficient and accessible options become a reality.

    Recycling Minister Robbie Moore said:

    Every year millions of household electricals across the UK end up in the bin rather than being correctly recycled or reused. This is a sheer waste of our natural resources and has to stop.

    We all have a drawer of old tech somewhere that we don’t know what to do with and our proposals will ensure these gadgets are easy to dispose of without the need for a trip to your local tip. Our plans will also drive the move to a more circular economy and create new jobs by making all recycling simpler.

    The changes proposed also ensure suppliers of vapes properly finance the cost of their separate collection and treatment when the items become waste.

    Nearly 5 million vapes are now thrown away every week, the equivalent to eight per second and almost four times higher even than last year. Industry estimates the potential yearly cost of collecting and recycling vapes, which have been incorrectly disposed of, at £200 million.

    These measures build on the Prime Minister’s proposals to restrict the sale of disposable vapes, which is part of a separate consultation to create the first smokefree generation and crack down on youth vaping. These products are not only attractive to children but also incredibly harmful to the environment.

    Elsewhere, the consultation proposes extending obligations to contribute to the collection of waste electricals and the financing of their recycling and preparation for reuse to online marketplaces such as Amazon. This would ensure that major international suppliers have to comply with the regulations as well – not just British businesses.

    A recent study on public attitudes and behaviours found that around 86% of people in the UK think it is worth recycling and taking the time to do it properly. It also showed many are unaware of or have difficulty accessing recycling points for waste electricals.

    Around three-quarters of UK adults say they would recycle their electricals at their local supermarket, electrical retailer or charity retailer if it was available to them. More than 77% of householders would view a retailer as more environmentally responsible if they knew they offered an electrical recycling service.

    As such, the Government has today launched a 10-week consultation on the proposed improvements to the industry-funded scheme for waste electricals, as committed to in the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan earlier this year.

    Increasing the collection and recycling of waste electricals has the potential to drive greater investment in the UK’s treatment and re-use sector, helping to create British jobs and deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

    Rob Sant, Managing Director of AO.com’s electrical recycling operations, said:

    We’re the only UK electricals retailer with its own fridge recycling plant, having invested over £20m in our mission to make new appliances out of old ones through our facilities. We recycle a fifth of all the fridges that are thrown away each year and, since we opened it in 2017, we’ve recycled or reused over seven million large appliances.

    Being both a retailer and a recycler gives us a unique perspective to input to this consultation on the practicalities for our industry, driving higher standards and making it easier for customers to recycle more electrical waste.

    Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, said:

    Far too many electronic devices currently end up in the bin, so making it simpler and more convenient for householders to recycle waste electricals at home will undoubtedly play a key role in helping our sector return the valuable and rare materials in these devices back to the circular economy.

    On behalf of those operating recycling centres and kerbside collection services, we welcome the opportunity to contribute through consultation and help create an effective system that delivers on its intended outcomes and works, not just for householders, but for obligated producers and retailers too.

    Waste electricals and particularly vapes increasingly contain powerful batteries and are now responsible for hundreds of serious fires every year when not recycled responsibly, so we hope that offering convenient and widespread household collection services for these devices will also help reverse the growing trend of battery fires blighting the sector.

    The proposed reforms for waste electricals build on the Government’s wider efforts to increase recycling and reduce waste. New restrictions on single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drinks containers came into force on 1 October to help reduce plastic pollution and keep streets clean.

    The Government is also moving forward with the implementation of our deposit return scheme for drinks containers and its extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging to boost recycling and clamp down on plastic pollution and litter.

    A ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products has already been introduced alongside restrictions on the supply of single-use plastic items like straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds and last year’s world-leading Plastic Packaging Tax. Meanwhile, the single-use plastic carrier bag charge has successfully cut sales by more than 97% in the main supermarkets.

    We are taking action to conserve our finite resources, establish a more circular economy and protect the environment and human health from the negative impacts of waste.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to crack down on corruption in the property sector [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to crack down on corruption in the property sector [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 27 December 2023.

    A consultation launched today will ensure greater transparency and tackle corruption in the property sector, by making it clearer who owns land trusts.

    • New proposals to make it clearer who owns trust-owned land.
    • Greater transparency to help target illicit finance and corruption in property sector.
    • Consultation aims to lift the veil of secrecy currently afforded to land-holding trusts.

    As part of decisive action to ensure greater transparency and tackle corruption in the property sector, it will be made clearer who owns land trusts.

    The government has today, 27 December 2023, launched a consultation setting out plans to improve the transparency of trust information.

    Land ownership through a trust means someone legally owns and manages the land on behalf of the true owner and beneficiary. Currently, the identity of the beneficiary is not always recorded or publicly available, potentially leading to secrecy or corruption in the sector.

    The new plans will mean residents, the media and the public will be able to find out more about who owns land and property, who can control it and receives financial benefit from it.

    Housing Secretary Michael Gove said:

    It matters who really owns land and property. It matters for how and where we build our homes, grow our food, and power our country.

    These proposals will lift the veil of secrecy currently afforded to land-holding trusts.

    Transparency about land ownership is crucial if we want to make our housing and land markets fairer. In its absence, injustices, corruption and crime can flourish.

    Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said:

    There’s no place for fraud and other illegal activity in our society, so it’s fantastic so see the launch of this consultation which fulfils a government commitment and ensures more is being done to make the trust information held on the Register for Overseas Entities more transparent.

    The Register for Overseas Entities is imperative in ensuring we weed out kleptocrats and oligarchs buying up British properties under false names and has already helped identify absent landlords so that they can be held to account.

    The changes will make it as easy as possible for people to access all land and property ownership data across the range of different public registers, providing as much free and readily available information as possible.

    Greater transparency will help tackle illicit finance and corruption in the system, with offshore trusts in the UK property sector identified as posing a higher risk of money laundering*.

    The consultation runs for eight weeks and seeks views on widening access to trust information held on the Register of Overseas Entities and on how ownership of land involving trusts can be made more transparent.

    This meets the commitment the government made during the passage of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 to launch a consultation on how we to improve the transparency of trust information before the end of this year. The government intends, subject to this consultation, to bring forward changes as soon as possible thereafter.

    Through this act the government strengthened the Register of Overseas Entities – a list of the true owners of offshore companies that own UK land, while the Trust Registration Service in 2017 created the first register of beneficial ownership of trusts with UK links, clamping down on money laundering and terrorist financing.

    This builds on new transparency powers announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act to demand more information on land and property ownership and look behind the legal ownership of property to find the true ultimate ownership.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Many happy returns from 4,757 festive filers on Christmas Day [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Many happy returns from 4,757 festive filers on Christmas Day [December 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 December 2023.

    Thousands of customers filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day.

    There were 4,757 customers who filed their Self Assessment tax return on Christmas Day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

    A day traditionally dominated by eating, drinking, and exchanging gifts saw a perhaps surprising number of customers also find time to go online and complete the essential job of filing their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, ahead of the 31 January 2024 deadline.

    Over the three-day festive period, 25,769 customers submitted their tax return, an increase compared to the same period last year, with 8,876 filing on Christmas Eve and 12,136 on Boxing Day. The peak time was between 12:00 and 12:59 on Boxing Day, when 1,121 returns were received by HMRC.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    Our Christmas Day filers proved that there is no time like the present to get started on Self Assessment, and with our online tool it can be a simple task that’s easy to fit around other festive commitments. There’s no need to delay, getting it done ahead of the 31 January deadline means less stress and longer to work out payment options. Get started today by searching ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK.

    Customers can submit their tax return online, but they do not have to pay until 31 January 2024. However, those who file before 30 December may have the option of paying any tax owed through their PAYE tax code.

    HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return.

    They can pay through the free and secure HMRC app. For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.

    If customers cannot pay in full by the deadline, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online if the amount owed is less than £30,000. There is a new affordability assessment for customers to enter their income and spending to calculate disposable income and set up an affordable payment plan.

    Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone – even a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

    Further information

    More information about Self Assessment.

    The breakdown of figures for those who opted to file during the festive period are:

    • Christmas Eve: 8,876 tax returns were filed – the peak time for filing was between 12:00 and 12:59, when 850 returns were received
    • Christmas Day: 4,757 tax returns were filed – the peak time for filing was between 12:00 and 12:59, when 402 returns were received
    • Boxing Day: 12,136 tax returns were filed – the peak time for filing was between 12:00 and 12:59, when 1,121 returns were received

    During December and January, the HMRC helpline is supporting customers who have queries about Self Assessment payments, refunds and who need help completing their tax return.  For all other queries go online where you’ll find guidance, videos and tools that will help you. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’.

    HMRC has lots of information and support available online which includes:

    The small minority of customers who require extra support or struggle to engage with us digitally can still speak to an adviser.

    Customers are reminded to include their bank account details on their tax return so they can get any repayment due quickly and securely.

    It is important that customers let HMRC know of any changes to their circumstances. Customers can use the HMRC app to update their details including a new address or name. Customers also need to let us know if they’ve stopped being self-employed or need to change their business details. This can be done online at GOV.UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Spring Budget 2024 date confirmed [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Spring Budget 2024 date confirmed [December 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 27 December 2023.

    The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has commissioned the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be presented to Parliament alongside his Spring Budget on 6 March 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Pints’ of wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Pints’ of wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever [December 2023]

    The press release issued by Department for Business and Trade on 27 December 2023.

    ‘Pint’ size wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever thanks to new freedoms from leaving the European Union

    • ‘Pint’ size wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever thanks to new freedoms from leaving the European Union
    • Still and sparkling wine to be sold in 200ml, 500ml and 568ml ‘pint’ sizes in 2024
    • 900 British vineyards set to benefit across the country from new freedoms

    Brits will soon be able to purchase ‘pint’ sized bottles of still and sparkling wine, as a new 568ml size is introduced to Britain’s supermarket shelves, pubs, clubs and restaurants, the Department for Business and Trade has announced today (27th December). The move to introduce the 568ml size would sit alongside the 200ml and 500ml measures already available, offering more flexibility and choice for customers.

    The UK’s wine sector is set for the boost as part of the Government’s smarter regulation programme to ensure regulations are up to date and agile,. The move comes following engagement with the industry, with businesses now being able to sell prepacked still and sparkling wine in 500ml and 200ml sizes as well as a new 568ml ‘pint’ quantity.

    900 vineyards are set to benefit from the new freedoms, boosting production and supporting British businesses, which currently produce around 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine a year*.

    These optional reforms from Government are thanks to our new Brexit freedoms via the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and are wholeheartedly backed by industry wanting to reduce burdensome regulations. The changes will help to boost innovation, increase business freedoms and improve choice for consumers.

    Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said:

    Innovation, freedom and choice – that’s what today’s announcement gives to producers and consumers alike.

    Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our great British wineries and further growing the economy.

    Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB said:

    We welcome the chance to be able to harmonise still and sparkling bottle sizes and we are happy to raise a glass to the greater choice that allows UK producers for domestic sales.

    The Windsor Framework also means that newly packaged wine will be able to be sold by bars, restaurants and retailers in Northern Ireland – with products able to move in what is known as the retail “Green Lane”, under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.

    In addition to announcing the deregulatory measure on wine, the Government has published a response to the consultation Choice on units of measurement: markings and sales. Following the extensive consultation, the Government has decided not to introduce any new legislation in this area. But new guidance has been issued to promote awareness and use of imperial measurements.

    The Government will continue to keep this legislative framework under consideration, as part of a wider review of metrology EU derived legislation.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New funding for farmers feeding the world [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New funding for farmers feeding the world [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 December 2023.

    UK support to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will boost food security, protect the planet, and reduce poverty.

    • UK support to IFAD will boost food security, protect the planet, and reduce poverty
    • it will help promote agricultural growth that is environmentally friendly
    • this funding will be focused on helping poor rural farmers and producers

    The UK is boosting support to poor rural farmers around the world to boost food security for the future.

    Nearly half of the world’s population lives in the rural areas of developing countries and rely on small farms for their livelihoods.

    These small farms are critical to feeding the world, producing up to 70% of food eaten in low- and middle-income countries.

    To protect these livelihoods and global food security, the UK is pledging £66.7 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN agency dedicated to supporting those living in extreme poverty rural areas.

    Since 2021, the number of people facing a serious lack of food has increased by 34%. In Africa, about 20% of the population faces hunger. Progress against the UN Global Goal on ending hunger and malnutrition is in reverse and current projections indicate that 670 million will still be facing hunger in 2030.

    This work is more urgent now than ever. While global food systems are struggling in the face of conflict and economic turmoil and climate change, rural people and small-scale farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks, instability and forced migration.

    The UK is leading efforts to find solutions. Last month the UK hosted the Global Food Security Summit which brought together partner countries, organisations and world-renowned experts – including IFAD – to explore ways of ending hunger and malnutrition.

    The UK is a founding member of IFAD, whose programmes improve food security and nutrition, empower women and girls and help protect the planet. IFAD-supported projects help farmers to increase yields through enhanced soil and pest management, fertilizer use and access to better quality seeds. They also help rural women grow more food, connect to markets, increase their incomes, and become more literate and financially skilled.

    It aims to support more than 100 million poor rural people from its latest replenishment round.

    Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell said:

    Christmas is a good moment to reflect that the world is in the throes of a serious food security crisis. Feeding the world may sound like a cliché at this time of year, but hunger and malnutrition are a scourge, putting lives and livelihoods under grave threat. The tragic irony is that we live in a world of plenty. It is scandalous that anyone should go to bed hungry for reasons that we have the power to fix.

    That is why the UK is investing £66.7 million in IFAD’s work for the next 3 years. Simple steps like better land management and smarter farming practices can help produce more crops and reduce waste. Renewable technology will help farmers rise to the climate challenge in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and protects the natural environment.

    We must act before the food crisis reached unconscionable proportions. In less than 30 years’ time there will be 2 billion more mouths to feed in the world than there are today. We urgently need to increase food production and make food systems sustainable.

    President of IFAD, Alvaro Lario said:

    We are grateful to the United Kingdom for their generous contribution to IFAD’s 13th Replenishment, which confirms their unwavering commitment to eradicating rural poverty and hunger.

    This contribution will further strengthen our long-standing partnership, a relationship that has played a vital role in transforming the livelihoods of millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable rural people. The UK’s pioneering investments in small-scale agriculture climate adaptation have been instrumental in empowering smallholder farmers and building resilient food systems in the face of climate change.

    The UK has been the driving force behind IFAD’s Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP), which channels climate finance to smallholder farmers to build their resilience, increasing yields and enhancing biodiversity.

    For each dollar invested in ASAP, IFAD was able to leverage $6.5 from other governments and organisations to help build climate work into all IFAD agricultural projects, supporting an additional 3.2 million people to cope with the impacts of climate change.

    Further information

    • the UK has been a core contributor to IFAD since it was founded in 1978
    • this replenishment covers the 3-year period from 2025 to 2027
  • PRESS RELEASE : Charities providing food, shelter and warmth given support [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Charities providing food, shelter and warmth given support [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 26 December 2023.

    Over 800 charities and community organisations struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package.

    • Food banks, warm hubs and safe spaces amongst the first 800 charities to benefit from support for frontline charities and community organisations meeting increased demand for critical services
    • Up to £38 million already allocated to support organisations carrying out vital work helping the most vulnerable
    • Additional package of support to improve the energy efficiency of community organisations now open for applications

    Over 800 charities and community organisations struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package to help vulnerable people.

    Projects tackling food poverty, homelessness charities and services offering financial advice are amongst those to benefit from funding, providing a much needed funding boost for those  meeting increased demand for their critical services.

    The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will continue to make awards from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund  throughout December and January.

    Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew said:

    Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase.

    Over 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.

    This funding comes at a critical time as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals. Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

    David Knott, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

    We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living. From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.

    Examples of organisations that will be supported include:

    • Springwell Village Community Venue, Sunderland: Funding of £45,000 is supporting the project to focus on its food supply of hot meals and food parcels, and the provision of toiletry packs for disadvantaged young people and older people in the community. It will also provide a safe and warm space over the winter months to support those struggling with the rising cost of utility bills.
    • Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Merseyside: In the past 12 months BYCC have adapted their support offer to provide additional food, clothes and essential items due to significant surge in need. Funding of £39,500 will support the project to deliver these services and expand the offering to more beneficiaries, as well as increasing access to their warm space.
    • Muslim Women’s Council, Bradford: The Curry Circle project provides hot meals in a warm environment to anyone facing food poverty. Funding of over £50,000 is supporting  it to revive a number of services including increased number of hot takeaways, doorstep delivery of food parcels and survival packs with sanitary products. They also aim to provide weekly access to debt advice at the venue where the meals are served.
    • SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets, London: SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets is a community-based charity providing services including after school clubs, holiday provision, youth services, employment support, women’s services, health and fitness programmes and older peoples’ services for disadvantaged residents in the borough.  Funding of over £28,000 will support the continuation of these services, including a food bank, youth safe hub, a warm hub for those aged 50+ and clothing recycling programme.
    • The Centre Project Limited, Leicester: This community hub has been awarded over £40,000 to expand and continue its range of services, which includes a foodbank, warm space, hot meals, social activities, youth club and advice services. They support people who may be vulnerable due to loneliness, isolation, poor housing, unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues or in crisis.
    • Housing Matters, Bristol: Housing Matters offers an advice, support and advocacy service for people in housing and financial crisis in and around Bristol, advising clients on disputes with landlords, rent arrears, disrepair and overcrowding amongst other issues. Funding of nearly £40,000 is supporting it to pay for the running costs of its housing advice service including telephone, email and face to face support offered at community centres.
    • SHAPE Birmingham, Birmingham: SHAPE offers shelter for homeless young women. SHAPE is currently facing an increase in demand for its services due to a rise in the cost of living, alongside a rise in running costs of the hostel. Funding of over £35,000 is supporting them to hire a part time worker, enabling them to support more young women.
    • Christian Action and Resource Enterprise, Grimsby: Christian Action and Resource Enterprise Ltd (CARE) is an established charity running various projects including housing, food, furniture and emergency supplies, warmth, a safe space, and financial and housing advice in North East Lincolnshire. Funding of £75,000 will pay for extra staff hours and the cost of additional IT infrastructure, allowing it to continue its work assessing residents for food and utility vouchers; giving advice and help with finances; support for those struggling with domestic abuse; and providing housing for vulnerable people.

    As part of the £100 million package of support allocated during the Spring Budget, it was also announced that £25.5 million will be used to pay for measures to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.

    Funding will help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050. Via independent energy assessments, organisations will be able to identify how to reduce bills through measures such as improving or installing new energy features in the building. The fund will also support the installation of new energy measures, such as insulation, heating and lighting systems, where applicants are eligible.

    Applications for the £25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, administered by community charity Groundwork, are now open. Eligible organisations are able to apply for funding via the Groundwork website.

    This funding follows a support package of £750 million dedicated to help charities adapt and maintain essential services during the pandemic as part of the government’s unprecedented £400 billion COVID support package.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 fighter jets after completing basic training in the UK [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ukrainian pilots learn to fly F-16 fighter jets after completing basic training in the UK [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 26 December 2023.

    The UK has been providing basic training to Ukraine’s combat air pilots as a contribution to the international Air Force Capability Coalition for Ukraine.

    The first cohort of Ukrainian pilots to receive training from the Royal Air Force are now learning to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark, having completed a basic programme of training in the UK.

    The RAF began delivering flying and English language training in August as part of the UK contribution to the international Air Force Capability Coalition for Ukraine, which sees allies and partners working together to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities.

    The group was formed of six experienced Ukrainian combat fighter pilots who received aviation-specific English language training to increase their ability to engage with coalition training and support.

    A further ten Ukrainian trainee pilots took part in the language training and remain in the UK to continue with practical basic flight training, as well as to learn important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    I am proud of the support the Royal Air Force is providing to the next generation of Ukraine’s combat air pilots and ground crew, who will be the first line of defence in protecting Ukraine’s skies.

    The UK has been instrumental in building Ukraine’s air defences since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, providing hundreds of missiles and munitions, as well as radar and weapons systems.

    While Ukraine was highly vulnerable to attack from Russian aircraft, drones, and missiles in the early months of the invasion – with support from the UK and our allies, its Armed Forces are now able to intercept and destroy the overwhelming majority of incoming ordnance – protecting their civilian population and vital infrastructure.

    Together we’re now going further by ensuring Ukraine has a modern air force in the future, formed around the highly capable fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet. Combined with training from the world-leading RAF, this is a significant step forward from Ukraine’s current Soviet-era capabilities.

    The programme is designed to give trainee pilots the skills required to advance to the next phase of training on fighter jets with partner nations and bring future Ukrainian pilots closer to a NATO standard approach to flying.

    Pilots undergoing the basic flight training scheme are conducting practical lessons in Grob Tutor aircraft with experienced RAF instructors, learning general handling procedures, instrument flying, medium and low-level navigation, and formation flying.

    Alongside the pilot training, dozens of Ukrainian aircraft technicians are also receiving English language training, geared towards engineering.

    Defence Minister of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, said:

    Ukraine highly values the pilot training that the UK and other partners are providing, to help us prepare for operating F-16s in Ukraine.

    It is a rapid and effective programme to equip Ukrainian pilots with the skills they need in the war against Russia.

    Once they have completed their training with the RAF, pilots will be trained by another European nation on advanced flying training. This will prepare them for training on the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, overseen by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States, which lead the Air Force Capability Coalition.

    The Prime Minister confirmed the UK’s intent to support the Air Force Capability Coalition earlier this year with basic training, as the UK does not operate the F-16 aircraft Ukraine has selected to develop its future air force around.

    The UK will continue this support to Ukrainian pilots and ground crew in 2024.

    The trainees join more than 53,000 Ukrainians who have received training in the UK since Putin first ordered the invasion of Crimea in 2014. Last month, the Defence Secretary announced the UK will aim to train a further 10,000 Ukrainian recruits in the first half of 2024 as part of Operation Interflex.

    Beyond providing a broad range of training programmes, the UK continues to support Ukraine to push back Russian forces. As part of the £4.6bn worth of UK military support, we have provided long range missiles, western main battle tanks, and logistical support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Children around the world enjoy British-made gifts this Christmas [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Children around the world enjoy British-made gifts this Christmas [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 24 December 2023.

    Latest figures show toy and bike exports are worth £640 million, with CPTPP membership to make it even easier for British businesses to export children’s presents to the region next Christmas.

    British toy and bike manufacturers are currently making gifts to load on Santa’s sleigh for delivery all round the world, in part thanks to the UK’s new free trade agreements (FTAs).

    The UK is a major manufacturing nation, making us one of “Santa’s biggest workshops”. The toy sector is part of that success story – exports of toys and bikes were worth £640 million in the year ending October 2023.

    Australia, New Zealand and Japan are just some of the countries snapping up British-made products, with around £36 million of toys exported to these countries in 2022. Thanks to our FTAs it’s even easier for people in those countries to buy world-class British products.

    The UK also recently signed a deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific. Joining CPTPP means that over 99% of current UK goods exports, including toys and bikes, to CPTPP members will be eligible for tariff-free trade.

    Minister for International Trade Greg Hands said:

    The UK is world-renowned for its high-quality products and manufacturing prowess, so it’s no surprise the UK is one of Santa’s biggest workshops, with British-made presents flying off the shelves to fill stockings around the world.

    I’m delighted our post-Brexit trade agreements are making it easier for British companies to help Santa check off Christmas lists in Australia and New Zealand this year.

    Welsh-based Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubbles, who manufacture and sell sustainable bubbles, has seen a huge increase in sales, with exports now at £30,000 a year and set to grow next year.

    There has been a huge demand for Dr Zigs products in Australia, so much so that they will soon be sold on Amazon Australia. This was made possible by the UK-Australia FTA which helped them to access a new distributor. Dr Zigs’ next shipment of products will be going out to Australia just in time for Christmas.

    Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubbles CEO and Export Champion Paola Dyboski said:

    We’re proud to be exporting our UK made toys across the world. We’re very busy working on Santa’s orders and making sure that our toys are in stores for Spring/Summer ‘24, including new inventions.

    Wherever possible we make full use of existing trade agreements, specifically with Australia. This simplified system really helps financially and in terms of bureaucracy. We hope to see the same benefits for the CPTPP countries we export to.

    We’ve just come back from the New York Toy Fair and are now preparing to exhibit at the world-famous Spielwarenmesse, one of the biggest toy fairs in the world! The funding we receive from DBT is a huge enabler for small UK companies to be visible on a global stage.

    Traditional soft toys aren’t being left behind either. Over the last year, this sector has seen large increases in exports to FTA countries including Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Mexico.

    This is great news for Merrythought, a Shropshire-based company making and selling teddy bears to countries around the world including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

    Following the introduction of the UK-Australia trade deal earlier this year, import duties on goods like stuffed toys have been cut from 4% to 0%, which will help Merrythought build on their already huge 600% increase in sales over the last four years.

    Merrythought Managing Director Sarah Holmes said:

    As a traditional manufacturer of the finest teddy bears – the only one of our kind in the UK – we are pleased to have access to free trade within the CPTPP bloc, and with the support of DBT, we hope to continue increasing our sales, particularly in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

    Ascot-based Frog Bikes, who design and manufacture lightweight children’s bikes in Wales, are just one of the many UK companies exporting to CPTPP countries including Singapore, where bicycle exports from the UK have increased by a whopping 255% (almost £4 million in current prices) over the last five years.

    Exports make up 45% of Frog Bikes sales, and they have plans to go even further. With over 50 countries already on their exporting list, they plan to expand sales to CPTPP countries ahead of the deal coming into force.

    Frog Bikes Chief Frog and Export Champion Jerry Lawson said:

    Our journey at Frog Bikes has been one of constant evolution and expansion. We envision expanded exports to countries like Singapore and Canada, anticipating the benefits of CPTPP.

    The support from DBT and the Welsh Government has been invaluable, solidifying our presence in Norway and facilitating our US launch in 2016.

    As we continue to leverage these opportunities and collaborations, Frog Bikes remains committed to fostering fair trade agreements, protecting local manufacturing, and ensuring sustainable practices within the cycling industry.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Home Office funds activities to support Windrush community [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Home Office funds activities to support Windrush community [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 23 December 2023.

    Charities, grassroots organisations and other community groups have been awarded a share of over £150,000 from the Home Office’s Community Engagement Fund.

    Charities, grassroots organisations and other community groups have been awarded a share of over £150,000 from the Home Office’s Community Engagement Fund, to go towards raising awareness of the Windrush Status and Windrush Compensation Schemes.

    The fund is providing financial support to 16 diverse groups and organisations, who applied for grants of between £5,000 and £10,000, to assist their engagement with individuals and communities about the Windrush Schemes.

    This will bolster efforts to reach as many people as possible who may be eligible to apply for documentation to confirm their status or for compensation. As of the end of September 2023, the Windrush Scheme has provided documentation confirming status or citizenship to over 16,700 individuals. Over £73 million had been paid in compensation, across 2,009 claims, by the end of October 2023.

    The Community Engagement funding will support activities and events to provide people with information about eligibility criteria, guidance on the application process, and to address any misunderstandings about what the schemes cover.

    The successful bidders have demonstrated how they will reach communities and individuals within and beyond the Caribbean community, including those with roots in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana and India. This follows feedback from Wendy Williams’ progress update that said more needed to be done to identify and reach out to wider affected groups.

    The experience of organisations helped through the fund will help the Home Office understand more about why some people might not have yet come forward to apply for documentation and compensation. This will help with future efforts to encourage eligible people to apply for both schemes.

    The money we are providing will make sure groups, with roots and well-established networks in their communities, can help the Government reach as many people as possible to encourage them to come forward.

    We know this is the most effective way to get the message out and assure people that they will get the guidance and support necessary to get the documentation they need and to apply for compensation they so rightly deserve, having contributed so much to the UK.”

    Activities and projects that the fund supports may include, but are not limited to, hosting small-scale engagement groups, 1-to-1 sessions and creating and sharing materials such as leaflets and posters. Groups will use diverse communications channels such as social media and local radio, and will secure support from corporate partners, advocates and prominent figures.

    The fund follows the success of the Windrush Community Fund, a similar fund of £500,000 which was launched in December 2020 to support community groups in carrying out promotional activity for both schemes. The fund was a key element of the Home Office’s work to support and engage with communities.

    The Windrush Community Fund reached over 850,000 individuals through a range of activities and events hosted by community groups. Since 2018, the department has also held over 200 engagement events, in person and virtually.

    This is the third iteration of Community Engagement Fund which is offered by the Home Office and provides funding to grassroots and community groups to engage communities and raise awareness of priority Home Office policies.

    Successful organisations have been awarded grants of between £5,000 – £10,000 and will need to use the funding by the end of the 2023-24 financial year. They will receive up to 25% of the awarded amount as an initial payment for set up costs, with the remaining payments being made in arrears in accordance with their delivery plans.

    All organisations successful in applying for funding have been made aware and grant agreements have been signed. Early conversations with those organisations to embed their funded projects are now taking place and names and locations of successful organisations will be published in the new year.