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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tribunal Procedure Committee member appointed [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tribunal Procedure Committee member appointed [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 13 November 2023.

    The Lord Chancellor, after consultation with the Lord Chief Justice, has announced the appointment of Matthew Jackson as member of the Tribunal Procedure Committee.

    The Lord Chancellor has announced the appointment of Matthew Jackson as member of the Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC) for 3 years from 7 November 2023 to 6 November 2026.

    Mr Jackson was called to the bar in 2011, and practises primarily in employment & discrimination and public law from Cloisters Chambers. He is a member of the Industrial Law Society and Employment Lawyers association and has contributed to the Crown Court Compendium.

    He has declared no political activity.

    The TPC was established, on 19 May 2008, under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act (TCEA) 2007 to make rules governing practice and procedure in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals. The introduction of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 transferred responsibility for Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) procedure rules to the TPC.

    This appointment is made by the Lord Chancellor,and regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2023.

    Foreign Secretary David Cameron met Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, on 13 November 2023.

    A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

    For his first bilateral meeting as Foreign Secretary, David Cameron welcomed Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in London today.

    They discussed shared global challenges, including the concerning situation in Israel and Gaza and Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. In the meeting they also covered the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to global growth and prosperity.

    They also reflected on the strength of the UK-India relationship – including meeting the ambition of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap.

    The Foreign Secretary and Dr Jaishankar also discussed progressing a free trade agreement and partnerships on defence, science and technology.

  • PRESS RELEASE : His Majesty The King to unite nation in annual two-minute silence to remember fallen heroes [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : His Majesty The King to unite nation in annual two-minute silence to remember fallen heroes [November 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 November 2023.

    His Majesty The King will lead the nation, alongside the Prime Minister and defence chiefs, in a two-minute silence to remember those who died in conflict.

    • Almost 10,000 veterans will march past Cenotaph in tribute to servicemen and women that made the ultimate sacrifice
    • For the first time veterans of Britain’s nuclear testing programme will wear new medals announced by the Prime Minister to recognise their special service

    In the first Remembrance Sunday service since the Coronation in May of this year, His Majesty The King will be joined by Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister, senior politicians, defence chiefs and faith leaders to mark the Armistice of the First World War and all other conflicts involving British and Commonwealth forces.

    Around 10,000 veterans and 800 Armed Forces personnel members from all three services will march past the Cenotaph on Sunday, with thousands more members of the public expected to line Whitehall in London to pay their respects.

    Remembrance Sunday is a time of extraordinary unity as communities gather to remember all those who have died on our behalf and tens of thousands of Armed Forces personnel will take part in Remembrance services and events across the country and around the world, including on operations overseas. The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will be broadcast live by the BBC and Sky News.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    The courage and commitment shown by our servicemen and women, both today and throughout the generations that came before them, is humbling and I know many across the country will be honouring their memory today in quiet reflection.

    Recent events have served as a stark reminder that we cannot take the hard-earned peace we live in for granted, which is why I am honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the nation in the memory of all those that have lost their lives defending our country and the values we hold so close.

    I am determined to ensure we never forget the ultimate sacrifice they have made.

    Of the 9,910 individuals marching this year, 304 different Armed Forces and civilian organisations will be represented, as well as around 300 veterans not affiliated with an association, who have been invited by The Royal British Legion to march for the first time. Those marching will also include Nuclear Test Veterans who for the first time, will wear a medal acknowledging their important service. The Nuclear Test Medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, and recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

    Among those marching will be people of all ages – from 100-year-old Second World War veterans through to children of servicemen and women who have died in conflict, with the youngest marcher being just eight years old.

    Many of those marching will reflect particularly on conflicts which mark a major anniversary this year, such as the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and the 20th anniversary of the start of the UK’s military operations in Iraq.

    Among the hundreds of Armed Forces personnel on parade at the Cenotaph will be Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and the service chiefs of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    As the nation comes together to remember all those who died serving their country, we remember with gratitude the sacrifices of the entire Armed Forces community and thank all those in uniform who protect our country and its way of life.”

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    For the men and women that gave their today for our tomorrow. For the generations before that fought for the freedom of the generation after. For those who stood up, fought for and died to protect our values – today we thank and remember them. I encourage everyone, no matter where you are, to join us in a national two-minute silence in memory of those who served our country.

    Remembrance also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to support the entire Armed Forces community all year round. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has been leading government efforts to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran. This includes launching Op FORTITUDE, a new housing pathway earlier this year, and Op COURAGE, a dedicated mental healthcare pathway.

    The Defence Secretary has also made it his personal priority to ensure serving personnel are properly supported during their time on active duty. This week the Ministry of Defence will announce the roll out of more than £400 million of improvements to living accommodation for service personnel, including upgrades to more than 4,000 military homes.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

    Today we remember those who sacrificed so much for our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

    20 years after the start of the Iraq War, I know that during the two minute’s silence at eleven o’clock, I will be remembering in particular those veterans of that conflict, and the contribution they made.

    This year is also particularly poignant, as it is the first year our Nuclear Test Veterans will march past the Cenotaph with their new medal.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    At the Cenotaph, around the country and on operations overseas, members of the Armed Forces will pause to remember all those who have died in service of their country. The legacy of the fallen lives on in the dedication and duty of today’s Armed Forces.

    Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said:

    Remembrance is about bringing communities and individuals together to honour the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

    This year, 60 years on, we are remembering the extraordinary contribution of the millions of National Servicemen conscripted during the post-war years, as well as the sacrifices made by those who served in the Korean War 70 years ago. We also mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and the contribution of the Windrush generation, who travelled from the Caribbean to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War.

    Our Armed Forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life. This weekend we encourage people to take a moment to reflect and remember their service.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : We must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid into Gaza – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 November 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

    I thank the UAE and China for organising this session and our moment of silence earlier. I’d also like to thank Dr Tedros and Dr Jilani, not just for your briefings, but for the life saving work that you and your teams are doing.

    Colleagues, we are in no doubt: there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And as Dr Tedros set out, that humanitarian crisis is deteriorating day by day. Of course, we welcome the opening of the Rafah border, and we thank partners for their work in allowing foreign nationals to leave. But it is essential and urgent that more aid flows in the other direction into Gaza.

    Access both through Rafah and other crossing points needs to improve so that aid can reach the people who so desperately need it. For this to happen, we must see humanitarian pauses that allow enough time for aid to be delivered to those who need it and for hostages to be released. Fuel must be allowed to enter Gaza so that hospitals and water desalination plants can operate and for aid to be delivered. The pauses in northern Gaza are a first step but any pauses in hostilities should allow sufficient time and security both for civilians to move and for humanitarian aid to be delivered.

    Since the 7th of October, the UK has been firm in its support for Israel’s right to self-defence following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. In this context, international humanitarian law is not a nice to have. International humanitarian law is what keeps humanitarian workers and medical staff safe to assist those in need and protects civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, wherever possible. So we urge all parties to the conflict to take all possible steps to minimise harm to civilians, health and humanitarian workers and to protect its sites. And we express our condolences for each life lost.

    Finally, Mr President, we have been clear that Israel must do more to prevent escalation in the West Bank. We welcome statements, including that made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, condemning settler violence. But we must see tangible action to bring perpetrators to justice. We also condemn attacks against Israel emanating from armed groups in the region. The UK Foreign Secretary was in Riyadh yesterday where he discussed preventing regional escalation with the foreign ministers and representatives of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the Palestinian Authority. The Foreign Secretary also reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to a two-state solution.

    Thank you, President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Close defence ties with US reaffirmed as minister visits British aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Close defence ties with US reaffirmed as minister visits British aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 November 2023.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, met key figures in Washington DC to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.

    The Minister for the Armed Forces visited the United States of America this week (6 – 9 November) for talks with key officials and political leaders to reaffirm the UK’s deep defence and security relationship with the US – one of the closest such partnerships between any two nations in the world.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP, said:

    The UK’s defence and security relationship with the USA is uniquely close, and the sight of British and American aircraft landing on a British aircraft carrier stationed off America’s coastline is the perfect demonstration of the depth of that alliance.

    I have held productive discussions with senior administration officials and military chiefs to discuss the future of this relationship in the context of serious conflicts both in Ukraine, and now in the Middle East.

    His visit began at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he met the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for discussions on the UN’s peacekeeping reforms and how the UK can contribute to them.

    He then visited the US Military Academy, West Point, to meet senior leaders and cadets to understand what the UK armed forces could learn from the US Army’s approach to training the next generation of leaders.

    In Washington DC, the minister held talks with senior officials, discussing areas for further strengthening the UK-US defence relationship, as well as support for both Israel and Ukraine. He then met senior politicians in Congress for further talks on defence cooperation and on continuing support for Ukraine has it fights to regain its sovereign territory.

    His visit to the US coincided with that of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales – the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy – which has been conducting trials with US armed forces off the east coast to test the future of naval aviation. Visiting the ship off the coast of Virginia with the US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, the minister had the chance to speak to the ship’s company about their work and see first-hand the ability of British and American forces to operate alongside one another.

    While in Norfolk, he also met senior NATO commanders to discuss UK-NATO collaboration, and had a chance to meet the more than 100 UK personnel stationed there – just some of the thousands of British personnel based in the US.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Appointments of Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Appointments of Commissioner to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 10 November 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of a new member of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland invites applications for the appointment of a new member to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Further details about the role of Commissioner, including terms of appointment and an application pack are available for download at:

    https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/7904

    Alternatively, an application pack or alternative formats can be requested by email to ecni2023@nio.gov.uk

    All applications should be submitted via the Cabinet Office website at https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles

    The closing date for applications is  1 December 2023.

    Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

    Equality of Opportunity

    Appointments will be made on merit and with regard to the equality provisions set out in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Affordable housing in rural areas boosted by launch of new scheme [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Affordable housing in rural areas boosted by launch of new scheme [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 November 2023.

    New grant scheme will bring forward small-scale developments which meet the needs of the community.

    The £2.5m package will support a network of independent advisors who will work with communities to develop affordable housing schemes. The advisors will help identify suitable development opportunities in communities, and support site owners and community representatives to navigate the planning system and create developments in rural areas that meet the needs of local people.

    The scheme, which is being delivered in conjunction with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), will help boost the supply of new, affordable homes across England.

    The first payments have been awarded to local partners in Cambridgeshire and Northumberland, with other projects set to be announced across England next year.

    Rural Affairs Minister Lord Benyon said:

    All too often people are unable to live near to the village where they work or were brought up. We are making it a priority that rural communities have access to the housing they need.

    Our support for rural housing advisors will help develop small scale affordable housing schemes that fit in with the local area. Together with our policies to improve transport, connectivity and access to public services, this is another demonstration of our commitment to unleash opportunity in rural areas.”

    Richard Quallington, ACRE’s Executive Director, said:

    We’re thrilled to be delivering this programme for Defra. Many people in rural communities understand there’s a need for much more affordable housing but they are often opposed to unfettered commercial developments that neither fit in with the area, nor create homes that go to those who genuinely need it.

    The decision by the government to back Rural Housing Enablers is hugely positive news as it will mean many more communities across England can access independent support and advice to help them appraise the need for affordable homes locally, navigate complicated planning rules and work with more socially minded developers to bring forward suitable schemes.”

    The expansion of the Rural Housing Enablers scheme was first announced by Defra in the ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity’ document earlier this summer, which sets out plans to unlock growth and potential in rural areas.

    Other government measures supporting the provision of rural homes for local people include the Rural Exception Sites policy, which facilitates the development of small affordable housing sites in rural areas, and the Affordable Homes Programme, which aims to create high-quality homes and thriving places across England.

    This new funding is part of a number of measures being implemented by the government to strengthen rural communities and invigorate the rural economy, including Project Gigabit, which aims to bring better internet access to rural areas, and Future of Transport Rural Strategy to tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in rural and remote areas.

    This builds on the Government’s manifesto commitment to build 1 million homes over this Parliament. Reaching this target would represent another important milestone in the Government’s housebuilding strategy with over 2.2 million new homes delivered since 2010, and millions of people being moved into home ownership.

    Notes to editors:

    • To learn more about the Rural Housing Enablers scheme, visit ACRE’s website: Action with Communities in Rural England – ACRE
    • In the first payments from the fund, £81,000 is being awarded in Northumberland to Community Action Northumberland and a payment of £93,000 is being made in Cambridgeshire to Cambridgeshire ACRE. This will enable the creation of a new Rural Housing Enabler scheme in Northumberland and the expansion of an existing Rural Housing Enabler project in Cambridgeshire.
  • PRESS RELEASE : British businesses avoid tariff cliff edge with Mexico [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : British businesses avoid tariff cliff edge with Mexico [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 10 November 2023.

    British goods remain eligible for reduced or zero tariffs to Mexico after UK secures extension to ‘rules of origin’ provisions.

    • British goods remain eligible for reduced or zero tariffs to Mexico after UK secures extension to ‘rules of origin’ provisions
    • Automotive and food and drink sectors expected to benefit after extension secures certainty for manufacturers and keeps goods competitive in Mexican market
    • UK also in talks with Mexico on a new, modern trade deal to boost our £6.2 billion trade relationship

    The UK has secured an extension to arrangements that were due to expire, helping British manufacturers access lower or zero tariffs when selling their products to Mexico.

    The arrangement will come into effect from 1 January 2024 and will remain in place until a new UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement enters into force.

    The deal will provide welcome certainty for UK businesses, helping them to continue avoiding high tariffs imposed by Mexico and maintain their competitive edge in the market. The announcement is particularly welcome news for the automotive and food and drink sectors, with road vehicles accounting for almost £300 million in exports to Mexico, almost 20% of all goods exported.

    Mexico is the 14th largest economy in the world and second largest in Latin America, and its demand for imports is forecast to grow by 42% between 2021 and 2035 as its economy continues to grow. With a population of over 130 million people, its market is larger than France and Italy combined.

    Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

    Ensuring UK goods avoid higher tariffs is essential for British businesses to stay competitive in this huge and dynamic market of over 130 million people.

    This extension will provide UK businesses exporting to Mexico with certainty as they plan for next year and beyond while the UK and Mexico negotiate an exciting new trade deal covering the 21st century economy.”

    When the UK negotiated its current trade agreement with Mexico, rolled over from our membership of the EU, time-restricted provisions were agreed to allow for the use of EU inputs in UK products in meeting the UK-Mexico rules of origin. The extension will apply until the entry into force of new, permanent rules as part of a new, enhanced free trade agreement with Mexico.

    Protecting our integrated supply chains with longstanding trade partners like Mexico is vital for both British and Mexican businesses as we continue to see supply chain disruption impact the global economy. This extension will therefore benefit businesses in both countries.

    The UK and Mexico launched negotiations on the new deal in May 2022. The deal is intended to replace our existing, outdated trade deal which was agreed over 20 years ago and boost our £6.2 billion trading relationship.

    Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Mike Hawes said:

    We welcome this pragmatic decision as it avoids duty liabilities from January 2024 which, given the long standing and productive relationship between the UK and Mexican automotive industries, would have undermined our mutual trade. Mexico is among the top 10 global markets for UK car exports and we now look forward to the swift agreement of a modernised trade deal as this would deliver even more benefits for both sides, boosting bilateral trade in hybrid and ICE technologies as well as zero emission vehicles.”

    Director of Sustainability and Growth at the Food and Drink Federation Balwinder Dhoot said:

    This is welcome news for UK food and drink manufacturers, avoiding any disruption to an increasing export market worth almost £175 million to the UK, our third largest in Latin America. It helps maintain important partnerships that are already established between UK and Mexican businesses, and allows continuity and certainty to exporters until a new and ambitious agreement is negotiated. This will help businesses to export more and ensures continued access to seasonal imported ingredients that complement our industry’s use of domestic produce.”

    The news comes as International Trade Weeks comes to a close. Businesses from across the UK participated in over 170 events and activities across the week aimed at supporting them sell internationally for the first time.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Skills training to be transformed with innovative projects [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Skills training to be transformed with innovative projects [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 10 November 2023.

    People across the country set to benefit from more skills training, with £200 million to help them launch careers in key industries.

    People seeking careers in growing sectors such as green energy, digital and construction will be able to access improved skills training, helping them secure good jobs closer to home.

    More than £200 million has been announced today, 10th November, to support colleges and universities to offer more training opportunities in key industries, such as the growing green sector. Investment is being targeted to address the specific skills needs of each region, which local businesses and employers have identified as priority sectors in their local skills improvement plans (LSIPs), giving them access to the skilled workforce they need to grow.

    Demand for green skills is set to rise as the government works to create energy security and the UK heads towards net zero. The government’s net zero growth plan predicts that the transition to a green and sustainable future will support hundreds of thousands of exciting green job opportunities in areas such as heat pump installation and solar panel maintenance, electric vehicle manufacturing and environmental consultancy.

    During green careers week (6 -11 November), the government is investing in a range of projects so communities can equip people with the green – as well as digital, construction and manufacturing – skills they need to futureproof the workforce.

    The funding will also make sure more people can access higher technical qualifications – that sit between A level, T levels and degrees – to gain in demand skills including digital, health care and engineering as an alternative to a traditional three-year degree. HTQs are designed in close collaboration with employers, so they equip students with the skills they need to go onto further study or straight into a good job.

    Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

    This investment is about boosting local industries, building people’s skills and ultimately futureproofing our economy and the career prospects of the next generation.

    Our local skills projects will bring together regional organisations, businesses and education providers to respond to the specific needs of employers, building an increasingly skilled workforce and growing local economies.

    Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.

    MidKent College in Kent has been awarded funding to build a new training facility to provide hands-on experience in retrofit energy efficiency measures, renewable and sustainable energy solutions. The new courses will cover a range of areas including thermal imaging, aerial survey and mapping and will utilise virtual reality capabilities to develop simulated engineering challenges, construction processes and techniques, supporting people to gain the skills needed to launch green careers.

    Simon Cook, Principal and CEO at MidKent College said:

    We’re thrilled that construction and building services businesses across Kent & Medway will benefit from this investment in retrofit technology and training. We know from our conversations with employers that growing skills for sustainable construction practices and improving the energy efficiency of existing housing stock are priorities for the sector here in the Southeast.

    We’re incredibly proud that this new facility will work seamlessly with our Home Energy Centre and Sustainable Construction Skills Factory at the heart of our Maidstone campus, and alongside our own efforts to make the campus carbon neutral by 2030.

    Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart said:

    The UK’s world-leading climate ambitions and our net zero target demand a workforce to match.

    Whether it’s manufacturing electric vehicles, installing heat pumps, or building wind turbines, this funding will help train the tens of thousands of skilled workers needed to power our green industrial revolution and grow the economy.

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

    Businesses are crying out for more people with technical skills to fill the great jobs we have today and new ones in the developing green economy.

    It’s vital that everyone can access the training they need locally to grasp these opportunities.

    Business-led LSIPs are setting out the skills needs and opportunities, and this new funding will ensure the right training solutions are put in place.

    As part of the government’s work to support more people to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers, the British Chambers of Commerce and other employer representative organisations were commissioned to lead work to develop local skills improvement plans, published in the summer, so the training on offer better meets the current and future skills needs of local areas.

    The investment in local areas announced today is just one way the government is boosting skills, alongside a huge range of other high-quality programmes including T levels, free courses for jobs and Skills Bootcamps.

    Last year, the government delivered over 40,000 Skills Bootcamp starts, exceeding its ambitious target. Skills Bootcamps are free courses lasting up to 16 weeks, with an offer of a job interview on completion.

    They are available across the country in a wide range of in demand subjects, including heat pump engineering and electric vehicle maintenance, and are another example of how the government is helping get more people into green careers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK leads international crackdown on crypto tax evaders [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK leads international crackdown on crypto tax evaders [November 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 10 November 2023.

    The UK has today, 10 November 2023, agreed an historic joint statement with 48 countries to help combat criminals using crypto-assets to evade and avoid billions in missing tax.

    • UK leads on first of its kind global commitment to combat offshore crypto tax evasion
    • Minister Victoria Atkins praises international cooperation to close gap in global tax system and potentially recoup hundreds of millions of pounds in lost revenue
    • landmark agreement follows UK leadership on historic G20/OECD global tax deal agreed in 2021, that clamps down on corporate tax avoidance and will ensure the right tax is paid in the right place

    The Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), spearheaded by the UK, is the OECD’s latest flagship tax transparency standard. It will mean crypto platforms will need to start sharing taxpayer information with tax authorities, which currently they do not do, ensuring these authorities can exchange information to enforce tax compliance. The CARF is expected to take effect in time for exchanges with other countries to start from 2027.

    Today’s milestone follows 2021’s two pillar global tax agreement, which aims to ensure that the right tax is paid by businesses where they operate and cracks down on large multinational enterprises avoiding tax through a 15% global minimum rate.

    Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said:

    “I am proud that the UK is once again demonstrating leadership on tackling global tax evasion, helping to secure the revenue that’s essential for the public services we all use.

    “Today we are sending out a strong message that we will not allow criminals to use crypto to avoid paying their fair share.”

    The CARF will build on the existing system tax authorities use to share information with each other, called the Common Reporting Standard. This has already been hugely successful in tackling offshore tax evasion, with almost £100 billion in additional tax revenue recovered from traditional financial assets since its inception in 2014.

    The new framework announced today will be essential to counter the increasing level of tax avoidance brought about by the rapid growth of the global crypto market, with some estimates suggesting that tax non-compliance on crypto-asset holdings could range from as high as 55% to 95%.

    The UK, which stands to potentially recoup hundreds of millions of pounds as a result of the CARF’s implementation, used its position as a global leader in tax transparency to scope, negotiate and finalise provisions for CARF while galvanising international support.