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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : British Army’s Ajax vehicle rounds out positive year [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British Army’s Ajax vehicle rounds out positive year [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 23 December 2023.

    The Ajax Programme is making positive progress towards the delivery of a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles that meets the Army’s needs.

    • Ajax vehicles have driven more than 20,000km in trials so far.
    • Field Army units continue to train and experiment with Ajax vehicles.
    • Cold Weather Trials scheduled for the New Year.

    The Ajax Programme has turned a corner and is progressing towards the delivery of a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles that meets the Army’s needs, against a revised delivery schedule that sets realistic and achievable milestones.

    The MOD continues to work closely with General Dynamics to deliver the 589 vehicles, of which there are six variants, all based upon a common base platform.

    Reliability and Growth Trials (RGT) are well underway. AJAX, APOLLO, ATLAS and ARES variants have now driven more than 20,000 kilometres through different terrains, completing a variety of representative battlefield missions. RGT allows significantly more activity to be completed compared to regular unit training.

    Since June, units of the Field Army have been training on the current Ajax variant (Capability Drop 1), focusing on individual and crew training. This training is enabling troops to learn how to operate the armoured vehicles and use the systems integrated into them. The training will also enable the crew to develop skills, experience and competence ahead of the delivery of the Capability Drop 3 vehicles, the upgraded fully deployable variant.

    Capability Drop 3 vehicle production continues at Merthyr Tydfil with all production lines operating and all six variants in progress, with delivery to the Field army starting in 2024.

    Senior Responsible Owner for the Armoured Cavalry Programme, Chris Bowbrick said:

    I’m thrilled with the progress made across the programme over the last six months. We must maintain momentum to deliver this new generation of armoured fighting vehicles for the British Army.

    The New Year starts with Ajax Live Crew Clearance Cold Climate Trials taking place in Sweden. This is the first time Ajax will be firing with Field Army Crews outside of the UK, a significant milestone for the programme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scottish traditions to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO Convention [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scottish traditions to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO Convention [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 December 2023.

    Public encouraged to propose festive traditions, such as Christmas pantomime and Hogmanay, for formal recognition alongside other mainstays of UK culture.

    Communities across Scotland will be able to nominate their most cherished traditions to be included in a new register of cultural heritage in the UK.

    Festive favourites, such as pantomime, Hogmanay and pagan Yuletide traditions could all be formally recognised.

    Seasonal celebrations taking place at St Andrew’s Day, Burns Night, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Up Helly Aa in the Shetlands could also be included.

    Traditions that are central to Scottish culture, identity and communities, from Highland dancing to bagpipe playing, cèilidhs and commons riding are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory.

    Artisanal crafts such as kilt-making, tweed-weaving and the art of making the perfect haggis, together with the practitioners of these traditions, will also be considered.

    The selected Scottish traditions will sit alongside valued traditions from across the rest of the UK, from the male voice choirs of the Welsh Valleys to cheese-rolling and the art of basket-weaving.

    It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts, practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities.

    These practices are often also referred to as ‘intangible cultural heritage’ or ‘living heritage’ and are inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    “The UK is rich in traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation, and so many of those which are best known around the world – from bagpipe-playing to the Highland games – are Scottish.

    “These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn.

    “By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the country, support the people who practise them, and ensure that they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.”

    By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to recognise Scotland’s most important crafts and traditions in the same way as we have considered physical heritage sites such as New Lanark, Edinburgh Old Town, and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

    UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said:

    “Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part of this international convention.

    “I encourage communities across the country to nominate their local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them for generations to come.”

    As intangible cultural heritage can only be considered as such when it is recognised by the communities, groups or individuals that create, maintain and share it, it will be these groups and people from across Scotland who will be able to nominate the UK’s favourite traditions to be formally recognised.

    A public consultation launched today will seek the public’s views on the UK Government’s proposed approach to implementing the Convention across the UK to safeguard valued traditions. This will include the approach to how people will be able to nominate traditions, how they will be adjudicated, and any criteria that the nominated practices will need to meet before they are considered.

    The UK Government has been working closely with the Devolved Administrations, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories in the run up to this decision and will continue to do so in order to implement the Convention and collate the UK-wide inventory, which is expected to launch for nominations next year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : “Oh no it isn’t!” – Panto set to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO Convention [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : “Oh no it isn’t!” – Panto set to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO Convention [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 December 2023.

    Public encouraged to propose festive traditions, such as Christmas pantomime and carol-singing, as well as others from all year round, for formal recognition as mainstays of UK culture.

    • UK to ratify 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
    • Public consultation launched to inform UK’s approach to creating a new register for traditions valued by communities up and down the country

    Communities across the UK will be able to nominate their most cherished local traditions to be included in a new register of cultural heritage in the UK.

    Festive favourites, such as pantomime, carol-singing and the art of making a Christmas wreath could all be formally recognised – as could others from throughout the year, such sea shanties, cèilidh and calligraphy.

    Seasonal celebrations taking place at Patron Saints’ days, Hogmanay, Burns Night, Shrove Tuesday, and the Welsh tradition of holding Eisteddfodau, where all cultural activities including singing and spoken word are conducted in the Welsh language, could also be included.

    Traditions that are central to the rich tapestry which makes up the UK’s many cultures and identity – from Highland dancing to bagpipe playing, cheese-rolling and the male voice choirs of the Welsh valleys – are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory. This could also include traditions brought to the UK by immigrant communities, such as Notting Hill Carnival and steel-drumming.

    Artisanal crafts such as basket-weaving, thatching and the arts of creating tartan and tweed, as well as the practitioners of these traditions, will also be considered.

    It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts, practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities across the UK.

    These practices are often also referred to as ‘intangible cultural heritage’ or ‘living heritage’ and are inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants.

    Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said:

    The UK is rich in traditions which are passed down from generation to generation.

    These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn.

    By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the UK, support the people who practise them, and ensure they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.

    By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to recognise our most important crafts and traditions in the same way as we have considered our physical heritage sites such as the Giant’s Causeway, Fountains Abbey, and the Tower of London.

    As intangible cultural heritage can only be considered as such when it is recognised by the communities, groups or individuals that create, maintain and share it, it will be these groups and people who will be able to nominate the UK’s cherished traditions to be formally recognised.

    A public consultation launched today will seek the public’s views on the UK Government’s proposed approach to implementing the Convention across the UK to safeguard valued traditions. This will include the approach to how people will be able to nominate traditions, how they will be adjudicated, and any criteria that the nominated practices will need to meet before they are considered.

    The UK Government has been working closely with the Devolved Administrations, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories in the run up to this decision, and will continue to do so in order to implement the Convention and collate the UK-wide inventory, which is expected to launch for nominations next year.

    UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said:

    Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part of this international convention.

    I encourage communities across the country to nominate their local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them for generations to come.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    We have a huge number of wonderful traditions and customs in Wales that help make our nation unique and distinct and it’s great that many of these will now be formally recorded and recognised.

    It’s important to preserve and protect living heritage, as well as physical landmarks and heritage sites, to pass onto future generations and maintain our special Welsh culture.

    Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker said:

    Northern Ireland has a rich culture, and I welcome this initiative to enable communities to nominate what matters to them for recognition.

    This is a great opportunity to ensure the UK’s cultural heritage is preserved for the benefit of future generations.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tribute paid to farmers putting Christmas dinner on our tables [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tribute paid to farmers putting Christmas dinner on our tables [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 December 2023.

    Environment Secretary invites people to raise a glass to UK farmers and food producers this Christmas.

    As the UK stocks up on groceries ahead of Christmas Day, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay has paid tribute to the British farmers, food producers and retailers supplying our favourite festive fare.

    From Scottish salmon and Norfolk turkeys to Yorkshire sprouts and the Kent apples which fill our mince pies, the best of British produce is the trademark of a traditional Christmas dinner.

    According to the British Poultry Council, UK households will tuck into a staggering 8-9 million turkeys this Christmas – 90% of which are British.

    Data from Kantar shows that two-thirds of the cheese and vegetables bought in the run-up to Christmas last year were British. Brussels sprouts remain a favourite accompaniment, with over 25,000 tonnes of British sprouts bought last year – over a third of which were in the festive season – alongside 3,500 tonnes of cranberry sauce, almost half of which was enjoyed at Christmas.

    Meanwhile UK consumers spent £45 million on nearly 19 million Christmas puddings and £132 million on 98 million packs of mince pies last year.

    Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Our farmers and food producers work hard all year round to keep the nation fed – but especially in the run up to Christmas to meet the demand for their top-quality, high-welfare, seasonal produce.

    Gathering friends and family round the table to share great food is one of the best things about Christmas, but it’s so important to remember where it all comes from.

    This year, I invite everyone to raise a glass to the dedicated farmers and food producers who fill our plates at Christmas.

    Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at the Food and Drink Federation, said:

    Food and drink manufacturers are working hard during the festive period and play a crucial role in producing and supplying food and drink so that households can enjoy their Christmas meals with friends and family.

    The food and drink industry has many unsung heroes that will be helping to provide the much-loved food we eat at Christmas time, and I wish them all a very Happy Christmas.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government levelling up funding in Scotland approaches £3bn [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government levelling up funding in Scotland approaches £3bn [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 23 December 2023.

    Local and regional investment is delivering real dividends for communities across Scotland.

    The UK Government’s levelling up funding in Scotland has now reached £2.92 billion, an increase of £840 million (40 per cent) since the end of last year, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack revealed today [Saturday 23 December].

    That is the equivalent of £535 for every person in Scotland. At the end of 2022 it was £380 per person. The total is set to rise with millions of pounds of further investment in 2024.

    The huge funding boost is after another 12 months of working with local partners to identify ways to transform communities, create jobs and boost the economy.

    The new figure comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement of £8 million from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund for 17 projects in Scotland. That brings the total Scottish Community Ownership Fund investment so far to £13.6 million for 43 projects.

    The £2.92 billion UK Government support comprises more than £1.5 billion investment in City Region and Growth Deals, and more than £1.4 billion in further levelling up investments ranging from Freeports and Investment Zones to regenerating town centres and saving local community assets.

    Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

    I’m delighted to confirm that our levelling up commitment to communities across Scotland now stands at more than £2.9 billion. It has been a bumper year in both the pace and scale of investment right across Scotland. This money is making a real impact, rejuvenating communities, creating jobs, boosting the economy and attracting further investment.

    We are seeing the dividends of listening to the ambitious ideas of local organisations and bringing in the resources to make things happen. We are focused on continuing to work with local partners and the Scottish Government to deliver the change that the country needs to put Scotland and the UK on the right path for the future.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Syria’s chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Syria’s chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2023.

    Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria chemical weapons.

    Thank you President, and in this last open briefing on the agenda for this month, let me join others in congratulating you for the manner in which you and your team have conducted your Presidency this month.

    I would also like to thank Director Ebo, as always, for his detailed briefing and to express gratitude to the Director-General of the OPCW for his 122nd report and to the OPCW more broadly for its ongoing and vital work to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention.

    President, contrary to the expectations of the Representative of the Russian delegation, the UK welcomes the 25th round of consultations between the OPCW and the Syrian regime that took place last month in Damascus.  We commend the OPCW Declaration and Assessment Team for their hard work to reconcile discrepancies in Syria’s declaration.

    However, it is nonetheless important that we are clear: this limited concession does not redress Syria’s long-standing non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Syrian regime has consistently blocked the OPCW’s work, refusing visas and insisting on unacceptable conditions.

    President, the Declaration Assessment Team is of course entitled to full and unfettered access to inspect any and all sites in Syria, not just the limited in-country activities that they have conducted this year. And as Director Ebo briefed, sampling by the Declaration Assessment Team at two sites in April 2023 indicated further issues with Syria’s declaration of its chemical weapons holdings. Not only does this reduce what little faith we had in Syria’s declaration, but it clearly demonstrates Syria’s continuing disregard for the Chemical Weapons Convention and the principles that nearly all of us around this table uphold.

    President, as we have said many times before, the outstanding issues on Syria’s Chemical Weapons Declaration are not academic. They include the whereabouts of hundreds of tonnes of chemical weapons agents and thousands of munitions. Syria’s chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security until its chemical weapons programme has been fully and verifiably destroyed.

    We therefore welcome the decision in November of the Chemical Weapons Convention Conference of States Parties. This new decision will strengthen cooperation between States Parties to address the global threat from the Syrian Regime’s non-compliance, in particular by taking concrete steps to stop the transfer of toxic chemicals and the materials needed to produce chemical weapons from entering Syria until it fully complies with its Chemical Weapons Convention obligations.

    President, the lack of progress on this file is not a reason to reduce our attention on it. On the contrary, it is the lack of progress that requires this Council to remain seized of the matter. Ten years on from its adoption, the provisions of UNSCR 2118 have not been met. The outstanding issues on Syria’s Declaration are unresolved and independent international investigations have found the Syrian Regime responsible for at least nine chemical weapons attacks on its own people.

    We owe it to the thousands of victims of chemical weapons attacks in Syria and elsewhere to continue our work until Syria’s chemical weapons no longer present a threat to international peace and security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK is doing everything we can to get more aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK is doing everything we can to get more aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2023.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

    President, the United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of this resolution to get more aid into Gaza.

    As my Foreign Secretary has said, it is heartbreaking to see children in the rubble of their destroyed homes, not knowing where to find food or water, not knowing where their parents are. It is also heartbreaking to hear the stories of families who still do not know the whereabouts of their loved ones who were brutally taken on 7 October.

    And it is heart wrenching to know that aid is piling up outside Gaza but not getting to the people that need it when we hear daily warnings that people are starving, disease is spreading, and basic healthcare is lacking.

    The UK is doing everything we can to get more aid in.

    We have tripled UK aid to the region.

    We were the first country to call on Israel to open more crossings.

    The UK has experts on the ground providing logistical support at Al-Arish in Egypt.

    And today, we support this resolution which will streamline aid checks so we can massively scale up the humanitarian response; demands the immediate and unconditional release of hostages; and calls for steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

    For the avoidance of doubt, we are clear that the resolution is without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the parties under international humanitarian law.

    The adoption is an important signal of the Security Council’s commitment.

    President, our actions today, and in the future, must help ensure the horror of 7 October never happens again.  We unequivocally condemn Hamas’s acts of terror and support Israel’s right to self defence.

    My Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been loud and clear in their calls for a sustainable ceasefire, as soon as possible. But a ceasefire will not last if Hamas is still able to operate in tunnels and launch rocket attacks.

    Our commitment to Israel’s security is firm as Israel deals with the threat from Hamas.

    Ultimately, we support a two-state solution that guarantees true security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.

    We thank the UAE for their leadership on this resolution.

    Just this week, my Foreign Secretary and the Minister for the Middle East travelled to Jordan and Egypt to make sure we are supporting every effort to get aid in faster.

    We will keep working with all partners to deliver a humanitarian response that meets the huge level of need.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Roadmap published to accelerate growth in port towns and cities [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Roadmap published to accelerate growth in port towns and cities [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 December 2023.

    The UK Government has announced an action plan of over 50 measures to further accelerate the success of Freeports – a policy reviving the UK’s port communities.

    • Over 50 measures including £150 million fund will boost successful Freeports policy, along with special tax incentives extended to 2031
    • New strategic roadmap will help key port areas build on Freeports’ £2.9 billion investment and creation of 6,000 jobs
    • Plans will be implemented to set timeframes, ensuring timely action to benefit local people in port communities

    The government has set out a new roadmap to further accelerate much-needed trade and investment in key port areas across the country.

    The successful Freeports policy introduced in 2021 is already empowering strategically located port communities to realise their economic potential – and in just two years, has attracted almost £3 billion of investment which will create over 6,000 jobs.

    The new Freeports Delivery Roadmap will help Freeports to go even further by laying out an action plan of over 50 cross-government measures. These include:

    • A £150 million Investment Opportunities Fund to help Freeports and Investment Zones respond quickly to land large investment opportunities as they arise.
    • Extending the window to claim special tax reliefs in English Freeport sites from five years to ten – securing a whole decade of growth for port communities.

    Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

    We are already seeing the vast and undeniable opportunities that Freeports are bringing, having brought in almost £3 billion of investment, which will create thousands of long-term jobs in sectors of the future.

    Our action plan in the Freeports Delivery Roadmap will maximise the potential of these communities to become centres of innovation and investment, with clear delivery timeframes to ensure rapid progress.

    Our goal is to improve lives for local people in areas historically overlooked and Freeports are helping us achieve that.

    The government is committed to taking the long-term decisions required to strengthen the economy, and Freeports are at the heart the government’s levelling up agenda, creating opportunities for everyone – from UK citizens and businesses to foreign investors – and providing vital local regeneration. There are currently twelve Freeports in Great Britain: eight in England, two in Wales and two in Scotland.

    Other measures in the roadmap include:

    • Improving infrastructure: The UK Infrastructure Bank will work with Freeports to finance upgrades to infrastructure, including through flexible loans to local authorities and debt, equity or guarantees to private sector investors.
    • Skills and workforce access: Ensuring joint working between Freeports, Institutes of Technology and local colleges, and linking local jobseekers to opportunities at Freeports through Jobcentre Plus.
    • Investment promotion: Bringing government departments together to look at targeted interventions where Freeports face barriers to investment.
    • Programme delivery: Creating an independent advisory panel for Freeports, to increase the business voice within the programme.

    The appeal of Freeports is becoming increasingly evident, having already unlocked significant investments including:

    • £175 million from Siemens Gamesa to expand its offshore wind blade manufacturing facility in Humber.
    • £150 million from ScottishPower to develop a project with Hutchison Ports exploring the development and construction of a multi-hundred MW green hydrogen production facility at Port of Felixstowe.
    • £130 million from Associated British Ports at the Port of Southampton, for a shore power project and terminal operating system in support of the automotive sector.

    Some of the measures outlined in the Freeports Delivery Roadmap also apply to Investment Zones, which are boosting productivity and growth in areas in need of levelling up.

    Together, Freeports and Investment Zones are forming a network of economic hotbeds across the country designed to stimulate private investment into high-potential places, providing more high-priority jobs for local people and levelling up the economy.

    The UK Government will work with the devolved administrations to agree how the 10-year window to claim reliefs can be extended across Freeports in Scotland and Wales.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Paris terror attack – compensation for victims [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Paris terror attack – compensation for victims [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 December 2023.

    Information about claiming compensation if you were a victim of the terrorist attack in Paris France on 2 December 2022.

    The terrorist attack in Paris, France on 2 December 2022 has been designated as an act of terrorism by The Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    Applications can be made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) under the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme 2012 (VOTCS) by those victims injured, or the families of those killed, in the attack. You can get more information in CICA’s guide to the VOTCS.

    You do not need a paid representative, such as a solicitor or claims management company, to apply for compensation.

    Free independent advice may be available from Victim Support or other charitable organisations. You can get support as a victim of terrorism on GOV.UK

  • PRESS RELEASE : Consultations on transfer of PCC functions to two regional mayors [December 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Consultations on transfer of PCC functions to two regional mayors [December 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 22 December 2023.

    Government to consult on transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner functions to West Midlands and South Yorkshire Mayors.

    Plans to transfer the oversight of the local police force in the West Midlands and South Yorkshire from the Police and Crime Commissioner to the Mayor will be consulted on, the Home Office has announced this week.

    As part of the plans to give these locally elected Mayors a greater overview of the police, the public can expect greater collaboration across public services, helping to cut crime and keep our communities safe.

    This is already the case in London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

    Last week, the government announced that overall police funding available to forces in England and Wales will increase by up to £922.2 million next year, should PCCs choose to take full advantage of police precept flexibility. This will help to support frontline policing in their area and maintain the officer numbers.

    Under the settlement, West Midlands Police would receive up to £789.4m, a 6.8% increase in cash terms compared to last year. South Yorkshire Police would receive up to £355.1m, a 6.1% increase in cash terms compared to last year.

    Earlier this year, the government met its commitment to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, meaning there are now more officers in England and Wales than ever before. West Midlands Police have recruited an additional 1,376 officers through the police uplift programme, whilst South Yorkshire Police have recruited an additional 519 officers.

    The consultations on the proposed transfer of Police & Crime Commissioner functions to the West Midlands and South Yorkshire Mayors were launched this week (Wednesday 20 December) and will run for 6 weeks to allow the public to share their views on the proposals.

    The government will carefully consider the responses received before deciding whether to introduce legislation to enact the change.

    Any changes will be effective following the mayoral elections in May 2024.