Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : UN Security Council Resolution 2231 Transition Day: joint statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

The UK joins other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states in committing to countering destabilising Iranian missile and drone-related activities.

Statement from the UK and other Proliferation Security Initiative-endorsing states:

The proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems continues to pose a significant threat to international security. In this environment, Iran’s missile program remains one of the greatest challenges to international nonproliferation efforts. Today, Iran holds the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and its ballistic missile programs continue to pose a threat to countries across the region and beyond. In addition, Iran’s provision of missile and UAV technology to its partners and proxies endangers international stability and escalates regional tension.

On October 18, 2023, the restrictions set forth in UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) to constrain Iran’s ballistic missile program are slated to expire. Resolution 2231 (2015) was based on the assumption that Iran would take the necessary steps towards restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program. This has not happened. In this context, it is imperative that all states continue to take steps to counter Iran’s destabilizing ballistic missile-related activities through ongoing counterproliferation cooperation.

We, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)-endorsing states listed below, will uphold the commitments enshrined in the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles by continuing to counter destabilizing Iranian missile- and UAV-related activities, consistent with all other relevant national and international authorities and related commitments.

Specifically, with regard to Iran and consistent with the PSI principles, we affirm our commitment to take all necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of ballistic missile-related items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, to protect peace and stability in the region and beyond including: (1) undertake effective measures to interdict the transfer to and from Iran of missile-related materials, including those related to UAVs; (2) adopt streamlined procedures for rapid exchange of relevant information concerning Iran’s proliferation activities; (3) review and work to strengthen our relevant national legal authorities to address Iranian missile- and UAV-related issues; and (4) take specific actions in support of interdiction efforts related to Iran’s missile and UAV programs.

We further reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that domestic processes are in place to undertake such efforts. We call on all countries to ensure they have sufficient domestic legal authorities and capabilities to address Iran’s missile program, and we stand united in our determination to address Iran’s destabilizing missile-related activities.

Signing states: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

October 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Welsh universities showcase cutting edge research and innovation [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 October 2023.

Showcase event highlights university research from Welsh Universities that is having an impact in communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.
- Key strengths in areas such as semi-conductors, agri-tech and Net Zero demonstrated by exhibitors.
- Attended by Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman, the event demonstrated Welsh R&I strengths and aimed to encourage continued investment in Welsh research.
Welsh universities are delivering world-leading research that makes vital contributions to the economy and society. This is the message from a special event held in London this week showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.

Hosted by the Wales Office and Wales Innovation Network, the event at Lancaster House on 17 October highlighted the strength and breadth of Welsh university research, and its ability to deliver tangible benefits to communities in Wales, the UK and across the world.

With projects ranging from decarbonisation and cyber innovation to virus detection and semiconductor technology, the exhibition demonstrated the diversity of the Welsh research and innovation sector, and the vital role it has to play in driving forward the UK economy and providing solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Wales is already leading the way in areas as diverse as MedTech, AgriTech and Net Zero and has a world-leading compound semi-conductor cluster driving innovation in a technology used in nearly every mobile phone on the market today.

Collaboration is also a key strength of the Welsh sector, with many of the projects on display involving partnership working across several Welsh universities.

The UK Government has made a commitment to invest nearly £40 billion in research and development between 2022 and 2025. Welsh universities are well-placed to access more research funding for research with a push to increase funding to areas of the UK outside the southeast of England by at least 40% by 2030.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan and Science Minister George Freeman were among those attending the event which featured 20 exhibits, including an insight into digital imaging technology based on human vision and demonstrations on the future applications of nuclear power.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

I was delighted to welcome Welsh universities to this very special event and demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to the higher education sector. It was a great opportunity for UKRI to get a flavour of some of the incredible research and innovation that’s already taking place in Wales across all of our universities.

I want Welsh universities to play a vital role in positioning the UK at the forefront of R&D, and I hope this event has helped us make progress towards that common goal.

Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of the Wales Innovation Network and Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said:

We welcome this opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic research and innovation taking place at Welsh universities.

The Wales Innovation Network’s purpose is to strengthen Welsh research and innovation by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, so it was particularly positive to see so many of the projects on display demonstrating the value of collaborative working across Wales’ universities.

We will continue to showcase the strengths of Welsh research and we welcome further engagement with government and stakeholders to continue to increase research and innovation funding in Welsh universities.

With a sustainably-funded R&I sector we can continue to create economic and societal impact for this and future generations.

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UKRI said:

There are remarkable research and innovation strengths in Welsh universities, and the wider Welsh research and innovation system. In my visits to Wales and meetings with Welsh stakeholders, I’ve talked to many brilliant people including early career researchers and entrepreneurs, technicians, local community and global research leaders.

Welsh universities are highly successful at winning research funding from across UKRI, with success rates similar to the rest of the UK. These projects powerfully demonstrate how Welsh universities are advancing research across a wide range of areas, and driving innovation and economic growth, benefiting the whole UK and beyond.

Notes
- All nine of Wales’ universities – Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Open University in Wales, Swansea University, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity St David’s and Wrexham University – featured in the Lancaster House event.
- A number of the 20 R&D exhibits featured joint teams from different universities.
- The event brought together representatives from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Wales Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with the aim of encouraging more funding for Welsh research.
- In the latest UK-wide assessment of the quality of research (REF 2021), published last summer, 89% of Welsh university research was rated as internationally excellent or world-leading for impact. A selection of REF impact case studies can be found here.
- The Wales Innovation Work (WIN) is a collaborative initiative set up to strengthen research and innovation in Wales. The Network has four main objectives:
- Increasing the competitiveness of Welsh research and innovation through facilitating collaboration to build innovative and distinctive projects.
- Leveraging strategic investment into Wales by working with appropriate partners to deliver impactful research and innovation.
- Advocating for Welsh research and innovation through communicating the strengths, reach and impact of the sector.
- Facilitating the sharing of facilities, equipment and practice between Welsh universities to strengthen the research infrastructure and environment.
- Universities Wales is a membership body representing the interests of Wales’ nine universities. We develop higher education policy, deliver political and stakeholder engagement, and campaign on issues where our members have a shared interest. www.uniswales.ac.uk
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Venezuela negotiations – Joint Statement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 October 2023.

Foreign ministers of the US, UK and Canada, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs gave a statement welcoming the Venezuelan-led political agreement.

The following statement was released by US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Mélanie Joly, on the Venezuela negotiations in Barbados on 17 October 2023:

We welcome the Venezuelan-led political agreement reached today in Barbados. This agreement represents a necessary step in the continuation of an inclusive dialogue process and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.

We support a peaceful negotiated outcome that leads to fair and competitive elections and a return to economic stability and security.

We continue to call for the unconditional release of all those unjustly detained, the independence of the electoral process and judicial institutions, freedom of expression including for members of the press, and respect for human and political rights.

We will work with our international partners and others to address the urgent needs of all Venezuelans inside and outside their country and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

We are grateful to Barbados for hosting the negotiations and to Norway for its leadership in facilitating the negotiations.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on the third Edition of the UK Colombia Trade Dialogue [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

On October 9, 2023, the UK Minister of State for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston MP, and the Colombian Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Germán Umaña, met in Bogotá, Colombia, for the third edition of UK-Colombia trade dialogues.

Ministers welcomed the longstanding and deep bilateral trade relations enjoyed between Colombia and the United Kingdom and committed to promote inclusive and sustainable trade that drives economic growth, business opportunity and job creation.

Ministers agreed on the importance of promoting sustainable foreign investment that, through value chains, can result in the development of new technologies and enhance each country’s competitiveness.

Ministers agreed to work together to increase support for the improvement of regulatory policy of mutual interest to Colombia and the United Kingdom. In addition, the ministers agreed to develop a joint road map as a mechanism to establish a methodology for holding annual UK-Colombia trade dialogues and assessing delivery of joint initiatives and collaboration.

Minister Huddleston set out the United Kingdom’s world-class offer in the renewable energy, infrastructure, and life sciences sectors, and the potential for closer working to help deliver Colombia’ economic, environmental and social ambitions. He highlighted the United Kingdom’s willingness to exchange experiences and best practices in harnessing innovation and creating enabling environments to deliver for citizens in these sectors.

Minister Umaña expressed Colombia’s desire to modernise the international and bilateral frameworks governing investments.

Ministers celebrated the recent success in delivering joint objectives in key sectors of future growth:
- Renewable Energy: Ministers agreed to co-ordinate strategies for the regulatory development of hydrogen and offshore wind energy in Colombia to help develop the market.
- Life Sciences: Ministers welcomed the practical measures recently taken to support innovation on the sector and agreed that further co-operation can help deliver Colombia deliver its healthcare objectives.
- Infrastructure: Ministers welcomed the close working on sustainable transport infrastructure, which will be of benefit to Colombian citizens and help meet climate commitments. Ministers encouraged the implementation of the railway master plan.
- Agribusiness: Ministers expressed their pleasure in progress promoting sustainable land use and urged continued collaboration to open new market opportunities for agricultural products.
Ministers emphasized the importance of working together on the global stage, including in the WTO. They agreed to continue discussions in the run up to next year’s MC13 to ensure that Ministers are able deliver tangible progress in areas such as services and climate change and safeguard the organisation’s effectiveness.

Ministers recalled the deep bond of friendship between the two countries, symbolised by the levels of cooperation in trade and investment discussed during the Dialogue. Minister Huddleston welcomed the progress that Colombia had made in its peace process and offered United Kingdom continued support in helping build sustainable and prosperous communities in former conflict areas.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Negotiations on an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2023.

Update on the second round of negotiations for an enhanced UK-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement.

The second round of negotiations on a UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement took place from 18 September to 6 October 2023.

During the round, which was virtual, UK officials held discussions with their Swiss counterparts across all negotiation areas outlined in the UK’s strategic approach to talks, published earlier this year to coincide with the launch of talks.

Discussions continue to be constructive and collaborative, and we have made good progress in starting to agree draft treaty text in several chapters.

These negotiations demonstrate our shared ambition to agree a modern, comprehensive agreement that reflects the current and future UK-Swiss trade relationship.

The UK is working to negotiate an agreement that delivers modern services and investment provisions, while further removing tariff barriers to create mutually beneficial commercially meaningful opportunities for our world class producers and exporters.

The Government will make its next statement on progress following the third round of talks scheduled for later this year.

His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal we sign will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy.

Any organisations or individuals interested in speaking to the Department for Business and Trade about negotiations with Switzerland should do so by emailing: ch.fta.engagement@trade.gov.uk.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Peter Freeman reappointed as Chair of Homes England [October 2023]

The press release issued by Homes England on 17 October 2023.

Peter Freeman will continue in role for further two years.

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has reappointed Peter Freeman as Chair of Homes England, for two years from 23 October 2023 to 22 October 2025.

Homes England Chief Executive Peter Denton said:

I’m very happy Peter is to continue as Chair of Homes England for another term, leading an organisation equipped with a huge range of skills and expertise, but with a single laser focus on supporting local housing and regeneration visions to become a reality.

His experience, leadership, and dedication is a huge asset for the Agency, our partners, and the sector as we work together to build thriving places for communities across the country. I look forward to our continued collaboration as Peter embarks on his new term.

The Chair will be responsible for the proper running of the Board, and guiding and influencing the Agency at a strategic level, providing confident, clear and consistent leadership, and act as an ambassador for Homes England.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Two Board Members appointed to the British Tourism Authority [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 17 October 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed William Burton and Beth Knight as Board Members of the British Tourism Authority for five year terms commencing 18 September 2023.

William Burton

Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

William Burton has spent more than 25 years in the travel and tourism sector, starting at British Airways Group, where he went on to become Head of Strategic Analysis; through Thomson Travel Group (now TUI) where he was Director of Sales, eCommerce and Distribution; through Thistle Hotels Group (now GLH Hotels) as Global Sales and Marketing Director.

He went on to senior commercial executive roles at Kuoni UK and Bourne Leisure Group, and government COO roles at The British Library and The Rural Payments Agency, before becoming Chief Executive of Page & Moy Travel Group, the UK’s largest outbound group tours operator. He has subsequently been Chief Executive of both the Construction Industries Training Board (CITB) and Cambridge University’s OCR Exam Board, before founding online travel company, Awesome Experiences.

In addition, he is also a Director of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and sits on its ARC committee. In the past he has also sat on the Councils of ABTA, Federation of Tour Operators; and London & Partners and on the Senate of the University of London.

Beth Knight

Appointed for a 5 year term commencing 18 September 2023.

Winner of the Great British Business Woman Award 2022, Beth Knight is a leading figure in social impact and sustainability – an experienced business transformation and systems change strategist. She has spent over fifteen years applying her expertise to help global companies evolve as purpose-led businesses. She is a working mother of two and is passionate about equal rights and diversity, tackling climate change, and innovating through technology.

Beth is currently an independent consultant and board director – with positions ranging from Chair of Save the Children’s corporate advisory board, to Domain Expert for Carbon13’s venture builder in climate tech. Alongside this, Beth is a Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and is Head Tutor for the Business Sustainability Management executive education program.

Beth’s prior roles have included: Head of ‘Amazon in the Community’ Leader for Europe, Global Markets Associate Director at EY, Head of Corporate Sustainability for EY’s Financial Services business.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of the British Tourism Authority are remunerated £320 per month for two days a month. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. William Burton and Beth Knight has not declared any significant political activity.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Courts increase sentences for child sex offenders [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 17 October 2023.

Child sex offence cases saw the greatest number of prison sentence increases by the Court of Appeal last year the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has announced.

Figures released as part the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme annual statistics for 2022 show there were 23 child sex offence sentence increases. This was followed by 10 sentences increased for rape offences and 7 for cases involving grievous bodily harm.

Under the ULS scheme, anybody can ask for a Crown Court sentence to be reviewed if they believe it is too low.

However, there is a strict criteria as only certain offences are considered and referrals to AGO must be made within 28 days of the sentence.

In 2022, the Law Officers received 1,179 cases to review and referred 139 cases to the Court of Appeal. In total, 95 cases (68 per cent) saw the sentence increased.

The Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

Being a victim of crime can leave life-long emotional scars and some of society’s most dangerous offenders – including child sexual predators and violent criminals – saw their sentences increased in 2022.

As the statistics show, the vast majority of offenders are sentenced appropriately. However, the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme provides a vital safeguard to ensure that there is confidence in our sentence regime.

The scheme is a vital pillar of criminal justice and shows there is a robust system to make sure criminals are suitably punished for their actions.”

Other offences which saw sentence increases in 2022 included, kidnapping, robbery, child cruelty and murder.

Semi Lave’s 15-year sentence saw the biggest increase in 2022 when his jail term was extended by nine years, totalling 24 years with a licence extension of six years.

Lave was found to have raped and sexually abused two children between 2015 and 2020. Both children were threatened with violence and were physically abused.

Other cases in 2022 that saw sentence increases after the Law Officers intervened included:
- Convicted child sex offender Lee Gibson saw his prison sentence increased from 16-and-a-half years to 23 years in January 2022. Derby’s Gibson subjected his young victim to a campaign of sexual abuse which began when she was under 13 years of age.
- Former radio DJ, Mark Page, was convicted of trying to arrange sexual encounters with children in the Philippines and had his sentence extended from 12 years to 18 in June 2022.
- Zachary Jagger saw his prison term increase from six years to 13 years, with a licence extension of three years, after he deliberately drove his car into a group of people he had been fighting with after he was refused entry into a party. He left one victim with a double leg fracture.
- Lorna and Chris Dennington were sentenced in 2022 for child cruelty offences. Their campaign of cruelty was conducted over 11 years where victims were physically and emotionally abused. Lorna’s sentence was increased to four years and 10 months’, while Chris was ordered to serve a new sentence of six years.
October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We cannot support a resolution which fails to condemn Hamas’ terror attacks – UK statement at the UN Security Council [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2023.

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

Thank you President.

The United Kingdom is outraged at Hamas’ terror attacks in Israel, and supports Israel’s right to self defence, in line with international law.

We are also working urgently to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

We have voted no on the draft resolution put forward by the Russian delegation.

We cannot support a resolution which fails to condemn Hamas’ terror attacks.

As my Prime Minister said earlier today: Hamas actions were an existential strike at the very idea of Israel as a safe homeland for the Jewish people. It is unconscionable for this Council to ignore the largest terror attack in Israel’s history.

We remain clear, too, that all possible measures on the ground must be taken to ensure civilian casualties are minimised and to facilitate humanitarian aid.

President, the gravity of the situation requires serious Council discussion. This draft, and this process, was not a serious attempt to find Council consensus. So, we look forward to continuing consultations on the basis of the Presidency’s proposals.

I thank you.

October 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New support for NHS to treat gambling addiction [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 17 October 2023.

The NHS is set to benefit as new levy will raise an estimated £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
- NHS to become main commissioner of treatment as a result of gambling levy – providing estimated £100 million per year for research, prevention and treatment
- Government to take action to put funding for treatment, prevention and research on a long term footing from the existing voluntary set up
- Consultation launched to gather views from industry, clinicians, practitioners academics, those who have experienced of harmful gambling and the wider public
The NHS is set to benefit as new levy will raise an estimated £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.

Following publication of the gambling white paper in April, the Government is now taking the next step in mandating payments from the sector by launching a consultation on the design of the proposed gambling operator levy.

Currently, not all gambling companies contribute equally towards the existing voluntary levy, with some operators paying as little as £1 towards research, prevention and treatment. The Government is therefore acting to ensure all operators contribute their fair share.

In order to improve research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm, the Government is minded to set the levy as a new 1% fee on gross gambling yield for online gambling operators, while traditional betting shops and casinos will pay a proposed fee of around 0.4%.

The white paper has proposed a fair and proportionate approach to levy rates between various operators, taking into account the difference, for example, in operating costs and the levels of harmful gambling associated with different gambling activities.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We are taking the next step in our plan to protect those most at risk of gambling harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and research.

All gambling operators will be required to pay their fair share and this consultation is an opportunity for the industry, clinicians, those who have experienced gambling harm and the wider public to have their say on how the proposed gambling operator levy should work.

The introduction of this levy will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to gamble safely.

Technology has reshaped where, when and how people gamble and there has been a significant rise in online gambling behaviour due to the ease of access on smartphones, with people able to gamble anytime and anywhere.

Figures from the NHS Digital Health Survey also indicate that some of these online products are associated with elevated levels of gambling-related addiction and harm with ‘problem gambling’ rates eight times higher for online slots and casino game players than in the population as a whole.

Under the proposed levy, the gambling industry will no longer have a say over how money for research, prevention and treatment is spent. Instead, the Gambling Commission will distribute funding directly to the NHS and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which coordinates research and innovation funding, under the strategic direction of government. The levy will be underpinned by legislation meaning firms will be required to pay.

The funding delivered through the levy, which will deliver substantial new investment for the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales, will increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm. It will also help to develop a truly national approach to prevention and fund independent, high-quality research to inform policy and practice.

In July this year, the NHS announced that seven new specialist gambling addiction clinics will open in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Derby, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield this year. This is in addition to the seven clinics already in operation in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford, as well as an additional national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said:

We know that gambling addiction can devastate lives, which is why we are working quickly to implement our bold plans for reform.

This consultation brings us a step closer to being able to provide £100 million of new funding for research, prevention and treatment, including ring fenced investment for the NHS to help gambling addicts.

Gambling firms should always pay their fair share and this new statutory levy will ensure that they are legally required to do just that.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:

Harmful gambling can affect people’s savings, ruin relationships, and devastate people’s lives and health.

Gambling companies should pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services, but we want to hear from as many people as possible about how the new statutory levy should work.

We continue working to support those affected by gambling harms. Twelve of the planned fifteen NHS gambling addictions clinics have now opened across the country providing vital support services for thousands of people experiencing gambling-related harms as well as their loved ones. The remaining three are expected to open by the end of the year.”

Henrietta Bowden-Jones, National Clinical Advisor for Gambling Harms, said:

I welcome this Levy which reflects the government’s decision to fund gambling treatment, prevention, research and education in an independent and evidence- based way allowing us to continue our work of eradicating all gambling harms from society.”

NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch said:

Gambling addiction destroys people’s lives and with record numbers turning to the NHS for support, the health service has met this demand head on by opening four new specialist clinics in recent months, with a further three opening later this year.

The NHS has long called for a statutory levy because it is only right that this billion-pound industry steps up to support people suffering from gambling addiction and I am pleased that action is being taken to prevent people from coming to harm in the first place. It is now vital we continue working in partnership to ensure we provide effective prevention, education and treatment for this condition.

The Government’s gambling white paper, published in April 2023, set out a range of measures to improve player protections and reduce the risk of gambling addiction and harm in the smartphone era. Measures such as financial risk checks to better alert operators to risky behaviours, stake limits for online slots, tighter controls on marketing of bonuses and a new mandatory gambling operator levy are designed to reduce risk and improve player protections.

The Government and Gambling Commission continue to implement the measures set out in the white paper with a view to having key elements in place in summer 2024.
October 22, 2023