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Tag: Press Release

  • 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.

  • 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.