Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Government announces support for flood-hit areas [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, on 25 October 2023.

Thousands of pounds of government funding to help communities recover from the impact of Storm Babet.

Communities impacted by flooding will benefit from thousands of pounds of government funding to help them recover from the impact of Storm Babet.

The Communities Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey have announced support will be available to areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding.

Under the measures announced today:
- Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs.
- Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.
- Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.
- Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
The support will be made available through a scheme known as the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

Communities Secretary, Michael Gove MP said:

The support I am announcing today will give those impacted by these terrible floods a helping hand so they can get back on their feet and recover from Storm Babet.

I will continue to work closely with our partners across government and councils to make sure we are doing all we can to support businesses and families who have had to face such challenging and upsetting circumstances.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

My sympathies are with everyone who has experienced the devastating effects of flooding. I would like to thank our Environment Agency teams and first responders, with 62,000 properties already protected thanks to our flood defences.

Our Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme will soon be open to help residents better protect their property in the future, giving some peace of mind as they rebuild and repair.

Environment Agency teams and first responders have been working round the clock on the ground with local partners to manage the risk of flooding, including operating flood defences, flood storage reservoirs and putting up temporary barriers where needed to help protect our communities. Around 62,000 properties have been protected thanks to the defences in place.

Funding for flood defences has increased with over 374,000 homes better protected since 2015 thanks to this investment, and the government is going even further by delivering a record £5.2 billion investment to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties.

Support will be available through councils who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Details of the review into police use of force published [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 October 2023.

The review into police use of force and police driving investigations has commenced.

The terms of a review looking at whether existing legislation on police use of force and driving provides sufficient protections for those in the line of duty, and maintains public confidence in policing, have been published today (24 October 2023).

The review, which was requested by the Home Secretary and will be coordinated by the Home Office, is expected to provide findings to Suella Braverman by the end of the year.

The first part of the review will assess whether the existing legal and regulatory framework that underpins police use of force and police driving offers the right protections to the police, particularly firearms officers. It will also examine if these frameworks are sufficient to maintain the public’s confidence in policing, particularly communities and families impacted by police actions.

The review will also consider the systems for investigating police officers, including referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, especially in incidents where members of the public have been killed or injured, and whether cases involving those acting in the line of duty should be treated differently from other cases.

The timeliness of investigations and legal processes will also be looked into, including whether more effective working between the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Crown Prosecution Service can reduce timescales of criminal investigations and whether there are options to reduce any duplications in criminal, coronial and misconduct processes.

Finally, the review will examine whether improvements need to be made to officer suspension and anonymity. This will look at communications following an incident and ask if they strike the right balance between providing clarity to officers and reassuring members of the public.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

We depend on our brave police officers to put themselves in harm’s way in order to keep us safe.

It is one of the toughest jobs, relying on officers to make life or death decisions in a split second and we should never take it for granted.

It is why I requested this review to ensure the legal frameworks under which the police operate command the confidence of both officers and members of the public.

The Home Office will work with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Office on this review and is clear that it will not impinge on the operational independence of the police and other relevant bodies in the criminal justice system. The review will also not consider ongoing investigations or live legal proceedings.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Home Office to exit first 50 asylum hotels by the end of January [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 24 October 2023.

The first 50 hotels across the UK will stop housing asylum seekers by the end of January, as a result of a more than 20% drop in small boat crossings compared to last year, the Immigration Minister has confirmed today (24 October 2023).

The Home Office has already notified local authorities, MPs and the accommodation providers, informing them that the first 50 hotels temporarily accommodating asylum seekers will be exited as part of the move to return hotels to their proper use by communities.

Initial efforts will focus on hotels that can be exited quickly. This announcement will help to relieve pressures on local services in the areas where exits are taking place, and provide a boost to the local economy.

These hotels will be gradually handed back to hoteliers by the end of January 2024, with the first of these expected to be exited in the coming days.

Asylum seekers currently accommodated in these hotels will be moving to other parts of the UK’s asylum estate, including the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said:

Taxpayers cannot be expected to foot the eye-watering bill for the use of hotels to accommodate individuals making illegal, dangerous and wholly unnecessary small boat crossings.

Our strategy to stop the boats is making progress. With small boat arrivals down more than 20% compared with last year, we can now start to restore these hotels to their rightful use for local communities.

We remain absolutely determined, through the implementation of the Illegal Migration Act and our Rwanda partnership, to dismantle the smuggling gangs’ business models and stop the boats entirely.

The move comes amid a decrease in small boat crossings, which are down by more than 20% compared to this point in 2022.

This move has been achieved due to the government’s wider efforts to tackle illegal migration, including our ongoing work with our international partners such as our agreement with the French government, and strengthened partnerships with Turkey and Italy to tackle organised immigration crime.

On top of this, the government is going even further through our Illegal Migration Act which will mean that people arriving in the UK illegally are detained and promptly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country.

Capacity has also been increased by making better use of sites in the current asylum estate, by optimising room sharing and alternative accommodation sites, such as the former military base at Wethersfield and the Bibby Stockholm barge, which offer better value for the taxpayer and are more manageable for communities.

The Home Office will work closely with accommodation providers and local authorities to manage the exit process in a way which limits the impact on partners and service users alike.

Today’s announcement on exiting hotels is just one part of the government’s wider efforts to tackle illegal migration.

Specifically, since the signing of the Joint Communiqué with the government of Albania in December 2022, more than 4,100 Albanian nationals with no right to be in the UK have been returned. This includes some people who were returned 48 hours after illegally arriving by small boat.

There has also been a clamp down on rogue employers, with 4,721 illegal working visits carried out between the start of January and the end of September 2023. A shake up of civil penalties in August also means employers of illegal workers are set to face fines of up to £60,000.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces appointment of Chair and five members to the Board of the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 24 October 2023.

The Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today announced the appointment of a Chairperson and five Members to the Livestock and Meat Commission Board.
Joseph Stewart has been appointed to the position of Chairperson. The five new members are John Hood, David Mark, Sean McKeever, David Torrens and Elaine Willis. In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments were made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

The new Chair took up the role on Monday 4 September 2023.

The appointment of the five new members is effective from Monday 23 October 2023.

Biography of appointees

Mr Joseph M Stewart OBE, LLB, JP, is retired and brings significant experience from the private and public sector, having held positions in the Engineering Employers Federation, Harland & Wolff, Police Authority (NI) and PSNI (in a non-police role). Joseph has served as an LMC Board Member since 2021 and is a Non-Executive Director of the Public Health Agency. He also serves as Council Member of the Suffolk Sheep Society Ltd. Joseph was awarded an OBE for Public Service in 1994.

Mr John Hood has over 23 years in-depth experience in investment, marketing and economic development. For the last 10 years he was the Director of the Food and Drink Division at Invest NI where he delivered significant growth across the food and drink sector.

Mr David Mark has extensive experience across the agri-food sector. Throughout his career he has worked directly with producers and major customers on agricultural technical areas. He previously served on the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency and is Chair of the Trade Exhibits Committee in the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS).

Mr Sean McKeever is a Chartered Accountant and has substantial strategy, finance and governance experience within Health and Personal Social Services and NHS organisations. He currently serves as a non-executive director, and chair of the Governance and Audit Committee, of the Business Services Organisation. He also brings on farm experience as a producer of beef.

Mr David Torrens is a recently retired vet who has an in-depth knowledge of the agriculture sector through his role as Director of DAERA’s Veterinary Service Animal Health Group. He currently serves as the Northern Ireland representative on the British Veterinary Association’s Policy Committee. He has extensive experience in the public sector, including in corporate governance and financial and risk management.

Mrs Elaine Willis is a Retail Operations Director and brings significant experience in the Agri-Food Processing Industry, including New Product Development, Business Development and Sales and Marketing. Elaine represents the red meat processing sector on the College of Agriculture Farming and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Advisory Group.

Details of body

The LMC is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The main duty of the LMC is to examine and recommend improvements in the marketing of livestock and livestock products.

Terms of Chair Appointment

The Chair role requires approximately 48 days per annum.

The Chair appointment to the LMC is for a three-year term.

The Chairperson post is remunerated at £17,315 per annum.

Terms of Member Appointment

The member role requires approximately 30 days per annum.

The member appointment to the LMC is for a three-year term.

The member post is remunerated at £6,485 per annum.

Regulation

The appointments are made in accordance with the Livestock and Meat Commission Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 and the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI) Code of Practice.

Political Activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. None of the candidates have declared any political activity in the last five years.

Notes to editors

The LMC was added by Statutory Instrument to the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Act 2022 on 10 July 2023.

Media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or phone 02890 524619.

The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Farmers and growers to be given continued access to crucial plant protection products [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 24 October 2023.
British farmers and growers will continue to have access to important pesticides to support resilient and profitable food production and cut input costs, the government has announced today.

Following feedback from farmers and industry, these plans will ensure farmers and growers can continue to buy and use seeds treated with EU-approved pesticides, and more cost-effective pesticides identical to those authorised in Great Britain can continue being imported.

The plans will not only provide certainty to farmers so they know which treated seeds and plant protection products they can use in coming growing seasons, but will also help improve the availability and reduce the cost of pesticides.

These treated seeds are important for both the arable and horticulture sectors and are particularly important for maize – a crop that is crucial for dairy farmers and in energy production.

The government shared these plans with Parliament yesterday which, once agreed, will come into force by the end of the year. This means there will be no break in the existing treated seed schemes (currently due to expire on 31 December), so that farmers can buy and use treated seeds ready for next growing season.

These measures will provide the agricultural industry and farming communities with valuable time to adapt, whilst also ensuring that we continue to support our farmers to put affordable and high-quality food on our tables.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

The government recognises the challenges faced by farmers and growers in importing treated seeds and more cost-effective pesticide products from the EU as the transition period concludes.

Ensuring that British farmers and growers have access to the tools they need to produce food sustainably and affordably is a priority. The measures announced today will address the potential impacts and concerns raised by our valued farming sector.

Under current timelines, farmers and growers were set to lose access to these products at the end of this year. However, the temporary measures will enable farmers and growers in Great Britain to:

Continue using seeds treated with plant protection products authorised for use in the EU for an additional 3.5 years, extending up to 1 July 2027.

Reinstate trade permits for the import of PPPs that are identical to those authorised in Great Britain for a maximum of two years.

Continuing to give farmers access to these products will help to improve their availability and reduce costs, while providing certainty for the sector over the coming years.

In the long term, this change will ensure manufacturers have time to submit full applications for GB authorisations for seed treatments in order to ensure that they can continue to benefit from the UK market. They have heard from farmers and understand the demand – the regulator will continue working with industry to support them in submitting successful applications.

We are also encouraging farmers to develop and adapt their practices, including through integrated pest management approaches, which can increase resilience by diversifying crop protection techniques. We are already supporting farmers to increase their use of integrated pest management – including through new paid actions such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme’s integrated pest management Standard which includes payments to carry out an assessment and produce an integrated pest management plan.

The bureaucratic Common Agricultural Policy disproportionately rewarded the largest landowners and held back smaller farmers, while delivering little for food productivity or the environment.

The government will continue to make improvements to our Environmental Land Management schemes to ensure they work best for farmers, such as bringing forward early payments in a way which would not have been possible under the Common Agricultural Policy.

The 2023 offer has been expanded and made more flexible in response to farmer feedback with over 23 paid-for actions now on offer including improving hedgerows, nutrient management, farmland wildlife and low input grassland. Other improvements mean that farmers can choose what combination of actions are right for them – unlike previously where actions were grouped into standards.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The measures are set out in a draft affirmative Statutory Instrument which was laid in Parliament yesterday: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2023/9780348252651/pdfs/ukdsi_9780348252651_en.pdf

These measures must be agreed through the Houses of Parliament before they are made into law.

Seed Treatments:

After exiting the EU, the government put arrangements in place until the end of 2023 to continue the import and use of seeds treated in the EU. However, recognising the importance of the scheme, we have today laid secondary legislation in Parliament to introduce an extension to measures that allow seeds treated with PPPs authorised for use in an EU or EEA member state to be imported, marketed and used in GB for an additional three-and-a-half years, up to 1 July 2027.

Following these proposals, manufacturers will have the opportunity to submit applications for full PPP authorisations for seed treatments, covering both existing and new products.

Simultaneously, farmers and growers will have the flexibility to consider utilising new products and alternative methods as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Notably, the government is already assisting farmers in increasing their adoption of IPM, including through newly introduced incentivised actions in the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, which was announced earlier this year.

Parallel Trade:

The arrangements put in place at the point of the EU exit aimed to smooth the transition to a GB regime without parallel trade. However, global events have led to price increases across a range of important sectors, meaning that the need to access cost effective PPPs has become more acute.

Therefore, in response to stakeholder concern from across farming industry, we have today also laid secondary legislation in Parliament to introduce measures which will allow those who held a valid Parallel Trade Permit on 31 December 2022, to apply for it be reinstated for a maximum of two years.

This temporary measure will be in place while we address the limited competition and potential short-term gaps in the market that have arisen from the potential loss of parallel pesticide products.

Guidance will be published on HSE’s website when the regulation has completed the Parliamentary process.

Standards:

As with any policy on pesticides, maintaining protections for the environment and human health is paramount.

Products imported through the parallel trade scheme must be identical to the GB reference product. We will continue to use both intelligence-led investigation and a broad range of controls to monitor, identify and act on any products that do not meet these standards.

The import of treated seeds will be restricted to products authorised in one or more EU countries. This means that they must have passed through a strict regulatory regime with similar high standards to GB to be imported and used in this country. Any products for which the authorisation is withdrawn in the EU will no longer be legal to import and use in GB.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Innovation projects in adult social care receive £42.6 million boost [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 24 October 2023.

Accelerating Reform Fund to support innovation in local areas to boost quality and accessibility of adult social care in England.
Projects include new ways to support unpaid carers, new digital tools for recruitment and retention, and increased social prescribing

Local authorities invited to register for a share of the £42.6 million in grant funding for projects in their area

Unpaid carers and those requiring care are in line to benefit from innovative new projects backed by a £42.6 million fund announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) today (24 October 2023), as the government continues to deliver on its vision for social care reform.

The Accelerating Reform Fund will focus on trialling and expanding new approaches to providing care and improving services for unpaid carers and is part of the department’s Innovation and Improvement Unit. This fund includes our commitment to invest up to an additional £25 million to support unpaid carers.

It is intended to fund projects which support our 10-year vision for adult social care, which focuses on 3 objectives:

people have choice, control and support to live independent lives

people can receive outstanding quality and tailored care and support

people find adult social care fair and accessible

Local authorities are invited to register their interest in partnership with others in their integrated care systems to fund local innovation projects, which will be evaluated for potential rollout across the country.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said:

I’m delighted to see the sector developing creative ways to move towards our 10-year vision for adult social care, and this funding is intended to help accelerate and grow these innovative approaches more widely.

Our selfless unpaid carers are often the unsung heroes of the care sector – which is why I’ve asked that they are at the heart of this funding, aimed at supporting locally tailored projects that boost the quality, accessibility and independence of care.

Examples of projects include Shared Lives, a care and support service that matches people aged 16 and above who want to live independently in their community with Shared Lives carers. People move in with their Shared Lives carers and are supported within the context of the carer’s home and family. Support can vary depending on what suits the person, but can include temporary care and support, a day service or longer-term overnight care.

An independent cost comparison of Shared Lives found that it has significantly lower costs for people with learning disabilities and people with mental ill health than other forms of regulated social care, such as residential care. Research by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) found that Shared Lives can result in an average saving of £8,000 for people with mental health needs and £26,000 for people with learning disabilities.

For more examples of innovation priorities, including case studies, see accelerating reform in adult social care in England: priorities for innovation and scaling.

Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust’s CEO, said:

Carers Trust welcomes the focus in the Accelerating Reform Fund on the essential role that unpaid family carers play in our health and social care system. We know from our network of local carer organisations that innovation is already underway across the country.

We’re therefore looking forward to some fruitful collaborations between local authorities, local carer organisations and unpaid family carers themselves in the development and scaling of support which provide unpaid family carers with the help they desperately need.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

We’re pleased that the £25 million committed to unpaid carers is now in play – it will be vital in helping to establish innovative and supportive local practices that support unpaid carers’ needs.

With an estimated 12,000 people a day becoming unpaid carers, and a rise in the numbers providing more than 50 hours of care each week, this funding is really necessary.

We hope it paves the way forward for longer-term innovation and support that is focused on unpaid carers’ unique needs.

The fund will support local authorities to take forward projects relevant to their local needs, working collaboratively with local partners in their integrated care system regions, including the NHS, care providers, and voluntary and community sector groups.

It will support at least 2 projects per region, with one of those having a particular focus on unpaid carers. All projects should consider the needs of people who receive care as well as unpaid carers, and ensure they are inclusive of the diverse needs of local populations.

SCIE will be offering hands-on support to local authorities to develop local partnerships and deliver projects. The institute will also collect and share valuable learnings from projects across the country.

Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive of SCIE, said:

SCIE looks forward to working with local authorities to deliver the Accelerating Reform Fund for adult social care. This exciting programme focuses on scaling and spreading urgently needed social care innovation in key areas like supporting the UK’s incredible army of hardworking unpaid carers and delivering new care models.

SCIE’s hands-on support will ensure participating projects benefit from shared learning and expert insights. We will shortly be offering a series of information sessions about the fund, what’s expected from programme participants and how to apply for funding, including with local partnerships.

Those projects that are funded will be evaluated to inform future decisions on embedding models of care in the community and overcome barriers around the lack of evidence on efficacy in the future.

Local authorities, in collaboration with partners in their integrated care system area, are invited to submit their expression of interest to DHSC by 12 January 2024.
November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK stands resolutely with Israel in defending itself against terror – Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 October 2023.

Statement by Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Thank you, President, and thank you to the Secretary-General, the Deputy Special Coordinator, and the Special Envoy for their briefings. I welcome the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers to the chamber.

The past 17 days have shocked all of us around this table who value the dignity of human life. It is a reminder of the solemn responsibility we carry to uphold peace and security across the world. Israel is a nation in mourning. It is also a nation still under attack. The violence did not end on 7 October.

Terrorist rockets are still raining down on civilian towns and cities in Israel. Around 200 of her citizens are still being held hostage in Gaza. Some of those are fellow British citizens. Some of those families were in this room only a few moments ago. Israel has the right to defend itself. And the duty to protect all those on its territory, of whatever religion they may be, from terrorism.

We recognise that Palestinians are suffering too. Thousands have been killed in this conflict. Over 1 million have been displaced. We know that Hamas are using innocent Palestinian children, civilians, and others as human shields. They have embedded themselves in civilian communities. Hamas care more for the opinion of their paymasters in Tehran than they do for the opinion of their fellow citizens. We know they fire rockets that often fall short, killing and injuring innocent Palestinians. Those people are victims of Hamas too. It is a terrorist organisation that is not just a threat to Israel and the Palestinians but to many others in the region.

President, the UK stands resolutely with Israel in defending itself against terror. We are clear that it must act in line with international humanitarian law and take every possible step to avoid harming civilians. We have given that message to Israel as a friend and ally and we restate that position in this Council. We must urgently get more humanitarian support into Gaza. Sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access must be allowed so civilians can receive lifesaving support as quickly and as effectively as possible. We welcome the news that the Rafah crossing opened to aid trucks in recent days. This was an important first step and testament to the power of diplomacy. However, it is not enough.

As the Secretary-General has said, humanitarian access needs to be sustainable and at a scale. A constant stream of aid – water, fuel, medicine and food – is desperately needed. The UK is doing its part and has committed $37 million of extra support to help civilians in Gaza.

President, we must prevent this conflict sparking conflict beyond Gaza and engulfing the wider region in war. The attacks by Hizballah terrorists on Israel’s northern border, rising tensions in the West Bank, and missiles and drones launched from Yemen all warn of the conflagration that is possible. It is in the interest of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, and all states in the region, that this conflict does not spread further.

That is why my Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have been in the region, engaging closely with our friends and partners to avoid escalation. Now is the time for dogged diplomacy that recognises the hard realities and delivers help now. Lastly, President, the UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process remains clear: we support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. The events of the past week show – with total clarity – the need to achieve these goals. Hope and humanity must win out.

I thank you.

November 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Bulgaria to bolster cooperation through signing of new joint declaration [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 October 2023.

The Foreign Secretary hosts Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel to sign a declaration on a new UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership.
- UK and Bulgaria have signed a joint declaration to expand defence and security ties, tackling Russian disinformation and organised immigration crime
- comes after agreement announced earlier this month between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to tackle illegal migration
- Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for cooperation on long-term support to Ukraine and security in the Black Sea region
The UK will tackle illegal migration, serious organised crime and Russian disinformation through a new strategic partnership with Bulgaria.

The joint declaration signed by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and his counterpart, Mariya Gabriel, in London today (24 October) will drive cooperation on shared challenges facing European countries, including organised crime and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The signing follows an agreement announced earlier this month between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to tackle illegal migration and organised immigration crime with increased intelligence sharing and operational cooperation.

The UK has stepped up cooperation on law enforcement since 2020, providing training and equipment to the Bulgarian authorities, including customs and border police, to disrupt the operations of criminal networks.

The ministers are also expected to discuss the challenging situation in Israel and Gaza and the importance of regional security.

The new Joint Declaration on the UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership also reflects a shared ambition to further enhance close cooperation, including an increase in academic mobility, R&D and digital trade, as well as boosting links between businesses through the Bulgaria Expansion Bridge, which supports companies to set up in the UK.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK and Bulgaria are strong friends and partners. From our joint work tackling illegal migration and serious organised crime, to our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

This strategic partnership cements our commitment to strengthening our cooperation in areas like trade, education and technology, which will help to grow both of our economies.

During their meeting the foreign ministers emphasised the need to continue to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression and restore security in the Black Sea region.

The UK and Bulgaria have been resolute in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, in the provision of lethal aid to Ukraine, and aligning closely in the implementation of the largest package of sanctions targeted against those supporting the war in Ukraine.

The joint declaration demonstrates both countries’ commitment to a wide-ranging relationship, building on over 140 years of strong ties. The foreign ministers also discussed their intention to set up a UK-Bulgaria bilateral forum in the future.
October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Broader service provision for veterans in Northern Ireland [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 24 October 2023.

As part of the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) Agreement, the UK Government committed to several veterans-related initiatives. One of these initiatives was a study into the expansion of the UDR & R IRISH (HS) Aftercare Service (ACS), to cover all UK Armed Forces veterans within Northern Ireland.

The Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI), part of MOD’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides support to veterans, their families, service leavers, and bereaved families of service personnel in Northern Ireland. This service expansion sees the continued delivery of trusted services formerly provided by the Aftercare Service, combined with wider Veterans Welfare Service support, and is available to all UK Armed Forces Veterans within Northern Ireland.

The VWS NI expansion provides significant benefits to veterans, offering the same high grade, holistic welfare service to all veterans living in Northern Ireland, without reducing the current support to existing clients.

On 20 October 2023, The Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Danny Kinahan, attended the event at the new VWS NI Headquarters, where he cut the ribbon to formally open the building and officially launch VWS NI.

Danny Kinahan, Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland said:

Since being appointed as NI Veterans Commissioner I have championed a single service for NI Veterans, to aid in providing welfare support, finance & benevolence assistance and pension advice, amongst other services. In April 2023, Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) was stood up. Formerly the UDR & R IRISH (HS) Aftercare Service (ACS), its service expansion levels the playing field, enabling Armed Forces veterans and their dependants to avail of a high-quality service which delivers the best of MOD’s VWS and ACS, without reducing support to existing clients. I am encouraged by the progress made, which is inclusive of all cap badges and services, and provides that single service. I hope that all veterans living in Northern Ireland will feel supported, understood and valued when reaching out to a Veterans Welfare Service, that can be trusted in their time of need.

Mr Kinahan toured the VWS NI offices and spoke to the teams who deliver support to the veteran community.

The VWS NI HQ and each of the four Welfare Teams were represented at the event (Coleraine, Portadown, Holywood, and Enniskillen). Veterans and clients of VWS NI also attended the event to share their experiences.

Rob Rowntree, Deputy Head Armed Forces & Veterans Services, Defence Business Services said:

I’m delighted to be here today to celebrate the completion of an important piece of work to deliver a ‘step change’ in support for all veterans in Northern Ireland, irrespective of their Service or Cap badge. The expansion of the After Care Service into Defence Business Services means that we can offer all veterans the very best of Government veterans support by building on the capability and experience of the After Care Service with the expertise of the Veterans Welfare service to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for all. Moreover, the ability to access facilities throughout Northern Ireland demonstrates that we have created a much more flexible and agile service for our veterans.

There are additional services that will endure such as MOD funded medical provision for psychological therapy and physiotherapy for service-related ailments, non-public funded welfare support for widows, bereaved, and disabled ex-soldiers, including Respite and Remembrance activities; the latter funded by Regimental Benevolent Funds.

VWS NI would like to assure UDR and Royal Irish (Home Service) veterans that delivery via a local community-based welfare service for Northern Ireland will continue. Outreach team locations and numbers will endure, the support our veterans are offered will not be diminished and there will be no degradation in service.

October 31, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government, Katie Piper and industry meet to tackle acid attacks [October 2023]

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

The meeting brought together experts and stakeholders to consider what more could be done.

Government, law enforcement, academics, survivors, charities and industry, came together today (23 October) to discuss the horrible nature of acid attacks and consider what more can be done to protect our society.

The meeting, jointly chaired by the Safeguarding Minister, Sarah Dines, and Katie Piper OBE, was an opportunity for government, policing, trading standards, charities, retailers and the delivery sector to discuss the action to date in preventing and tackling corrosive attacks and what more can be done to clamp down on these horrendous acts of violence which devastate lives.

Government action to tackle the use of acid and other corrosives in violent attacks is based on four key strands: strong policing, effective legislation, providing support for victims and survivors, and working with retailers to restrict access to acids and other harmful corrosive products.

Minister for Safeguarding, Sarah Dines, said:

Acid attacks devastate lives and leave victims with both emotional and physical scars and our thoughts remain with all the survivors and their families.

The government is committed to doing all we can to prevent acid and other corrosive substances being used as weapons, and to ensure strong punishments for those who do so. We have already introduced the measures within the Offensive Weapons Act which makes it an offence to carry these substances in public, to ensure the cowards who use acids as weapons face the full force of the law, and also ban the sale of acid and other corrosives to under-18s and the delivery of such substances to residential premises and lockers to restrict the availability and prevent their misuse.

We know that legislation alone will not prevent attacks, which is why conversations such as today’s are so important. I thank those who participated, especially, Katie Piper, Andreas Christopheros and the other survivors who are so brave and courageous.

The round table brought together the many structures both inside and outside of government aimed at protecting the public from such attacks to discuss, retailers’ statutory obligations, including around age verification, and to ensure they have all the necessary tools to effectively enforce these measures.

The meeting also explored ideas about what more can be done to reduce the risk of corrosive products being misused as weapons, whether retailers are taking this seriously enough and if more can be done by staff to question the use at the time of purchase.

Katie Piper and Andreas Christopheros previously met with the Home Secretary on 12 December 2022 to discuss their concerns and ideas, which has led to today’s event.

Katie Piper, philanthropist and broadcaster, said:

Today was about progress, prevention and proactive conversation.

Over the past couple of years I have worked tirelessly to keep this topic on the government agenda.

This is a very serious issue and statistics show violent crime using acid is increasing at an alarming and disturbing rate.

Reducing accessibility and the sale of corrosive substances is absolutely crucial to reducing acid attacks, and the resulting horrendous impact it has on victims.

Retailers, associations and delivery gateways all have a colossal duty and responsibility to help us in our aims.

I remain absolutely determined in my mission for change – today for accessibility, but tomorrow also for sentencing, legislation, funding and increased regulation.

Andreas Christopheros, acid attack survivor and campaigner, said:

Surviving and living through the wake of an acid attack is a challenge like no other. Survivors are left broken physically, emotionally, and financially and many will carry these struggles for the rest of their lives.

It’s promising that the government has engaged in our campaign for change, however, more needs to happen. We must keep pushing for a better future for survivors of these horrific crimes.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Corrosive Attacks, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon, said:

The use of corrosive substances to commit acts of violence devastates lives and causes physical and psychological damage to victims that can last a lifetime.

We are committed to working with the public and partners to tackle this appalling crime and welcome efforts made in recent years to help, including changes to legislation brought about by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, that restrict sale, possession, and delivery of corrosive substances. Reflecting corrosive substances in UK legislation for the first time, rightly demonstrates how serious such offences are.

Today’s meeting with key partners was extremely constructive and indicates a real joint commitment to tackling this crime. Many corrosive substances are available over the counter at supermarkets and DIY stores, including for example bleach and drain cleaners. It is important that law enforcement and government work closely with retailers themselves, to enhance our intelligence picture, and determine the best ways to keep these products from falling into the hands of people who intend to use them to cause harm.

Serious crimes such as this should not go unreported. I would urge anyone who is a victim of this type of attack to report it to the police, so that it can dealt with positively and sensitively.

October 31, 2023