Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Free access to cash protected [August 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 18 August 2023.

The vast majority of people and businesses are set to be no further than three miles away from withdrawing cash under a new framework set out by the Treasury.
- government protects cash access services, free of charges, across the UK
- new minimum expectation for cash-users set out by City Minister
- vulnerable cash users protected by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The vast majority of people and businesses are set to be no further than three miles away from withdrawing cash under a new framework set out by the Treasury.

A government statement published today (18 August 2023) set the minimum expectations on banks to protect services for people and businesses wanting to withdraw or deposit cash.

They can expect to withdraw cash without any fees – something that has been set out in law.

As part of this move, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been provided new powers by the government to protect the provision of cash access services. This includes protecting cash access without any fees for those who hold personal current accounts.

Building on laws granted through the government’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, the FCA will use these newfound powers to make sure banks and building societies are keeping up to these standards – and have the power to fine them if they do not.

While the country is moving further away from using coins and notes with the number of online payments rising from 45% to 85% in the past ten years, cash can still be an integral part of many businesses and people’s lives.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said:

Whilst the growing choice and convenience of digital payments is great, cash has an important and continuing role to play. That’s why we are taking action to protect access to cash in law and laying out that this means fee-free withdrawals and the availability of cash facilities within a reasonable distance.

People shouldn’t have to trek for hours to withdraw a tenner to put in someone’s birthday card – nor should businesses have to travel large distances to deposit cash takings.

These are measures which benefit everyone who uses cash but particularly those living in rural areas, the elderly and those with disabilities.

As it stands, the vast majority of people living in urban areas can access cash deposit and withdrawal services within one mile; with rural-dwellers around three miles away. Today’s policy statement makes clear that the FCA should use its powers to maintain this level of coverage, while recognising that needs may differ by location and change over time.

It also makes clear that – if a service is withdrawn and a replacement service is needed – this should be put in place before the closure takes place.

The FCA is also required to ‘have regard’ to local deficiencies in cash access. The policy statement sets out that the regulator should consider factors such as the opening hours and distance to cash access services, as well as the need for in-person assistance.

Laws introduced in the Financial Services Act 2021 have delivered cashback in over 2,500 shops across the UK – without any need to buy something in store – through the LINK network.
August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £90m boost to Ukraine’s air defence capability as new contracts signed [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 August 2023.

It comes as delivery begins of a new package of drones to Ukraine, funded by the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine.

Three contracts to deliver air defence equipment to Ukraine worth more than £90m have been signed by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU).

These include a £56 million counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) contract with Norwegian defence company Kongsberg and two further contracts to provide further air defence capabilities.

The contract with Kongsberg will purchase vehicle-mounted counter-drone systems to detect, track, destroy or disrupt UAS.

The CORTEX Typhon system is designed to be operated by as few as two users, and can be rapidly deployed and repositioned to maximise its operational effectiveness.

The system can operate individually, or as part of an integrated network, and will use a complex suite of sensors, cameras, radars, and electronic surveillance equipment to allow it to physically destroy or disrupt drones.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

These air defence systems have the capability and flexibility to be rapidly deployed to either protect Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure, or be put to use on the frontline.

The International Fund for Ukraine highlights the unity and resolve of our Allies to work together to provide Ukraine with cutting-edge equipment to meet its capability requirements.

Awarded by the MOD’s procurement arm, Defence Equipment & Support, these contracts are part of procurement packages announced by IFU defence ministers earlier this year to supply air defence capabilities, drones, radars, and electronic warfare systems to Ukraine.

The contracts come as a new delivery of aerial reconnaissance drones arrives in Ukraine, designed to carry out both land and sea-based reconnaissance missions.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have already begun training on the systems, which will form a package of more than 100 drones.

The uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) delivery comprises multiple types of drone for different roles – including target acquisition, electronic warfare, guiding artillery, and night operations.

The IFU uses financial contributions from international partners to procure priority military assistance for Ukraine. This will ensure the continued supply of military support – lethal and non-lethal – to Ukraine through 2023 and beyond.

More than £770m has been raised through the IFU following contributions from the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Lithuania.

The UK remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine, with £2.3bn already earmarked for further military support through 2023, with additional munitions and equipment to be delivered in the coming months. Further UK government assistance continues in the form of humanitarian support and economic aid.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : President Putin has shown he is not serious about any peace in Ukraine that respects international law – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

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

Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Let me begin by thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today.

President, last week, Russian missiles targeted hotels in Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia. As people nearby rushed to rescue the wounded from the rubble, further missiles hit both locations – a ‘double tap’ strike timed deliberately to kill first responders.

On Sunday, a baby just 22 days old, her 12-year-old brother and their parents were among seven people killed by Russian shells in Kherson.

On Tuesday, a Russian missile ripped through a playground in Lviv.

This is how Russia’s leaders conduct their war of choice. And it is why we are proud to support Ukraine as it defends itself in line with international law and the UN charter.

Colleagues, the UK wants peace. Ukraine wants peace, indeed the whole world wants peace.

But President Putin has shown he is not serious about any peace that respects international law.

While Ukraine and international partners from all over the globe discussed last week the importance of a just and sustainable peace, underpinned by the UN charter, Russia continued to drop bombs on Ukrainian ports and grain silos, targeting the world’s food supply.

Russia now claims it is under assault from the West, but it was President Putin who chose to invade Ukraine last February, despite calls from within this Council to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine’s borders.

It was Putin who ordered hundreds of thousands of Russian troops to their deaths on the soil of another country, to which they should never have been sent. It is his choices which have diminished Russia’s standing in the world and destroyed the trust of Russia’s neighbours. It is President Putin who is hurting Russia.

President, Russian authorities estimate up to a million people left the country in 2022. Many have spoken of their concerns about the war and its impact, others have fled to avoid being conscripted to fight.

Those who have stayed face dire consequences for speaking out.

And it is telling that our Russian colleagues can only rely on fringe journalists to defend the war in this Chamber.

Let me be clear. An unstable Russia is in none of our interests and we have the highest respect for the Russian people.

President Putin can end the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and of Russia’s own soldiers, tomorrow by withdrawing all Russian forces from within Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory.

But, until then, we will continue to help Ukraine defend itself.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scholarship for future Canadian leaders to study in the UK [August 2023]

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

Nancy Southern, ATCO, and British Minister, Lord Callanan, announce Chevening/ATCO Scholarship for future Canadian leaders to study in the UK.

Nancy Southern, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of ATCO, and Lord Callanan, UK Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, today announced the Chevening/ATCO Scholarship, which will be open to aspiring Canadian leaders to study an eligible master’s degree, including on the energy transition and sustainability (full details below), at any UK university.

Applications for the Chevening/ATCO Scholarship will be open between mid-September and mid-November 2023, for study in the 2024/25 academic year, with applications to be submitted via chevening.org/apply.
The UK Government’s Chevening scholarships – of which the Chevening/ATCO Scholarship will be a part – are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them do that. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Since the programme was created in 1983, over 55,000 professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,400 scholarships on offer globally for the 2023/2024 academic year. The programme’s alumni include 20 current or former heads of state or government officials. In Canada, notable alumni include Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Lord Callanan, UK Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said during his official visit to Alberta where he announced the partnership with ATCO:

International cooperation is more essential than ever as we work to bolster our energy security, and strive to meet our net zero goals in government and industry

Chevening has built an international community of leaders committed to working together to tackle major global issues, such as the required energy transition.

I am delighted Nancy Southern and the fantastic ATCO team are partnering with Chevening to provide an opportunity for the next generation of Canadian leaders to experience high quality education at our top-class UK universities.

Nancy Southern, Chair & Chief Executive Officer of ATCO Ltd, said:

Our businesses provide the essentials of life, and we believe that education is essential to creating and implementing long term sustainable solutions to enable a fair and secure energy transition, improve economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities, and provide access to affordable housing. Tackling these most important issues requires great collaboration and as such it’s a special honour to converse with Lord Callanan on these issues and to jointly announce ATCO’s support of the Chevening scholarships. I commend the Chevening programme for its purposeful work in creating informed and energetic citizens who have the courage and creativity to address critical issues our society faces.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government backs pubs to open earlier for World Cup Final [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 August 2023.

The Government is encouraging councils in England to get pubs open earlier on Sunday ahead of the Lionesses historic World Cup final.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up has written to leaders of all councils in England asking them to continue doing everything they can to help every pub that wants to host this historic occasion and support the Lionesses.

While many venues will be able to show the game within their usual opening hours, there may be a few who require additional permission where they would like to be able to serve alcohol as well.

In cases where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours, the government is encouraging local authorities to continue to do everything they can to complete the process in time, working closely with local police forces.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England’s biggest game since 1966.

I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said:

The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue. Many are taking advantage of the fact that they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match. Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there’s no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales.

It’s been really positive to work with the Government to ensure everyone can get a chance to join in the celebrations. I’d echo the Government’s support for local authorities taking a pragmatic view to venues opening early to allow people to make the most of this momentous occasion.

Writing to council leaders, the Levelling up Secretary thanked local authorities for everything they have already done this tournament to support the national team, including flying flags, lighting up buildings and supporting communities to hold screenings.

The Home Office is also writing to police chiefs to encourage forces to work together with local councils to ensure as many venues as possible can participate.

This is part of the government’s commitment to backing British pubs, and follows this week’s announcement of an extension to licensing rules that enabling pubs to continue selling takeaway alcohol without red tape holding them back.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency investigates bathing water quality at Bridlington South [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 17 August 2023.

The Environment Agency has started a project to investigate the reasons behind poor water quality at Bridlington South beach, in East Yorkshire.

The project – funded jointly by the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and East Riding of Yorkshire Council – aims to identify and better understand the sources of pollution that are impacting water quality.

To date, the Environment Agency’s investigations have been able to identify some of the potential contributing sources of bacteria using microbial source tracking techniques.

This has shown that the bathing water can be impacted by humans, seabirds and dogs at different times. However, work to date has not been able to drill down into the level of detail required to fully understand causes of pollution. This project aims to help gather more of this data.

To help with this, the Environment Agency are undertaking a number of investigative sampling days in Bridlington over the summer taking samples every half an hour – from 8am to 6pm – on specific days throughout the bathing water season.

Samples are being taken at Bridlington South monitoring point, Bridlington Harbour and Bridlington North monitoring point and will be analysed initially for Ecoli and IE – the bacteria which are used to provide bathing water classification results.

After collection, samples are refrigerated and sent to the Environment Agency’s microbiology laboratory in Exeter. During the autumn, their microbiology team will carry out more detailed analysis to try to establish the origin of any bacteria found in the samples.

Claire Campbell, the Environment Agency’s technical bathing waters expert, said:

Whilst we will always strive for improvements, overall bathing water quality has improved significantly over the last decade – with a continuing upward trend – due to robust regulation and working with partners. In most places bathing water is now better than it has been for many years.

We are, however, keen to find out the detail of what is causing our poorer results, so that action can be taken by the relevant people to improve our bathing waters.

This project in Bridlington will help us identify the bacterial inputs and better understand the sources of pollution, so that collectively we can work together to improve water quality.

Environment Agency monitoring plays an important role in how we protect our valuable waterways and safeguard the health of bathers. During the bathing water season, the Environment Agency carry out a robust sampling programme as specified in the Bathing Water regulations. These are set in law and are the same as those carried out across the rest of Europe. Samples are taken weekly and this information is used to produce an annual classification based on four years’ of data.

Most of our bathing waters have consistently high quality when we measure and classify these against the standards of the Bathing Water Regulations. Across Yorkshire we have seen a rise in the number of Excellent bathing waters – up by four in the last year, with 89% of bathing waters rated as Good or Excellent – in line with last year’s results.

The Environment Agency continue to work collaboratively as part of the Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership, to understand the root of water quality problems and ensure people can enjoy cleaner, healthier waters.

Information on all 424 designated bathing water sites and any forecasted drops in water quality will be published on the Swimfo: Find a Bathing Water website. This provides immediate access to information on every bathing water in England.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK urges the DPRK to prioritise the well-being of its citizens over the development of its illegal weapons programmes – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

Thank you, President, and I thank High Commissioner Turk, and Special Rapporteur Salmon for their briefing. I also, like others, pay tribute to Mr Kim for his powerful testimony and I welcome the presence of the Representative of the Republic of Korea for this meeting.

President, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the appalling human rights situation in the DPRK. It is clear that human rights violations remain widespread, systematic and completely lacking in accountability. So I also thank Albania, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States for bringing this issue back to the Council for the first time since 2017. Human rights in the DPRK and international peace and security are inextricably linked. The DPRK authorities divert resources from peoples’ basic economic needs toward their illegal nuclear and ballistic weapons programme. These illegal weapons are financed through forced labour, with workers sent overseas, often under modern slavery conditions. I urge all UN Member States, especially the DPRK, to fully implement resolution 2397, including on overseas workers, and end this exploitation.

The DPRK regime continues to reject UN resolutions on the situation of human rights in North Korea. It refuses to cooperate with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights or with the UN Special Rapporteur. The regime fails to acknowledge the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry Report that concluded wide-ranging human rights violations taking place in the country may amount to “crimes against humanity”.

The United Kingdom also recognises the suffering of other nationals who have been abducted by the DPRK and we call for their return. Forced repatriations, state-sponsored abductions and enforced disappearances demand action.

We remind all Members to respect the principle of non-refoulement and not forcibly return those who have escaped the DPRK to face threats to their safety and human rights.

Colleagues, the human rights situation has not improved while the Council has remained silent.

We urge the DPRK to prioritise the well-being of its citizens over the development of its illegal weapons programmes.

We remind the DPRK that its restrictive Covid-19 measures must be proportionate, not used as a tool to further constrain the freedom of its citizens or to restrict the ability of the international community to engage with authorities in Pyongyang.

We urge them to engage in a genuine and positive spirit with the UN Special Rapporteur to bring around permanent change and improvements for the people of North Korea.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Chevening-Briggs Scholarship supports Canada’s future leaders [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 August 2023.

Chevening-Briggs Scholarship will support aspiring leaders and innovators from Canada to study in the UK.
- strong preference given to high-quality candidates from Indigenous communities
- scholarship offers full financial support for a student to study any eligible master’s degree at a UK university
- scholarship funded by Vancouver-based British entrepreneur and philanthropist David Briggs
The UK High Commission in Ottawa and Canada-based British entrepreneur and philanthropist David Briggs have announced that they have joined forces to create the Chevening-Briggs Scholarship, which will offer the opportunity for a Canadian student to study a Master’s degree at any UK university, with strong preference given to high-quality candidates from indigenous communities.

Applications for the Chevening-Briggs Scholarships will open in mid-September 2023 and should be submitted on the Chevening website.

The UK government’s global Chevening Scholarships programme (under which the Chevening-Briggs Scholarship will operate) is awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to create positive change and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them do that.

The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Since the programme was created in 1983, over 55,000 professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening. There are more than 1,400 scholarships on offer globally for the academic year 2023 to 2024.

The programme’s alumni include 20 current or former heads of state or government officials. In Canada, notable alumni include Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

David Briggs recognises the importance of supporting candidates, particularly from Métis, Inuit, and First Nation communities, through his scholarship. His preference to award his scholarship to a student from these communities comes from his drive to learn from indigenous groups and promote a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

British High Commissioner to Canada, Susannah Goshko CMG, said:

Each year, I am blown away by the quality of the Canadian Chevening scholars. Regrettably, however, we have yet to award a scholarship to an Indigenous person from Canada. I am delighted that this new partnership has given us a further incentive to address this deficit. I hope that David Briggs’ preference to support an Indigenous person from Canada will help to further the diversity of voices that already enrich the Chevening programme. My sincere thanks to David for his encouragement and support.

David Briggs, Director and Co-founder of GeoComply, said:

I believe strongly in the transformative power of education. Through this partnership, and with a strong emphasis on reconciliation and learning from Indigenous communities, I know we will be able to identify exceptional individuals and create opportunities that empower and uplift them. Programmes which bring together leaders and innovators from across the world, such as Chevening, will be essential to addressing the global challenges we face. I am delighted that a new and ambitious voice from Canada will be a part of that conversation through the Chevening-Briggs Scholarship.
August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia [August 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 August 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Mohammed bin Salman, earlier today.

He welcomed the opportunity to speak to the Crown Prince and looked forward to personally deepening the long-standing ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom continues to go through a period of profound social and economic transformation under Vision 2030.

The leaders discussed their commitment to further develop our trade and investment relationship, including by collaborating in new cutting-edge industries, and to strengthen our close cooperation on defence and security. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s long-standing commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s security and regional stability.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s constructive and positive leadership on Ukraine following the recent talks in Jeddah, and the leaders agreed on the importance of allies working together to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and support a just and lasting peace. The Prime Minister welcomed progress on the conflict in Yemen, where the UK will continue to back efforts to extend the ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

The Prime Minister and Crown Prince said they would continue working closely together to progress UK-Saudi cooperation and looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity.

August 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of pupils secure place at their first-choice university [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 17 August 2023.

University acceptances are up on 2019, with 79% getting their first-choice as results return to pre-pandemic levels in an important step back to normal.

Young people across England are celebrating exam results this morning – with thousands of them moving on to university, apprenticeships and the world of work.

Overall, 79% of 18-year-old pupils in the UK receiving a decision today have gained a place at their first choice university.

16,530 students who received free school meals (FSM) have also gained a place at university which is a 60% increase from 2019.

In a sign that grading is returning to normal, this year, 27.2% of UK entries for A levels achieved a grade A and above, slightly higher than 25.4% in 2019, before the pandemic. 76% of UK entries achieved a grade C and above, in line with 75.9% in 2019.

This year has seen mathematics continue to be the most popular A Level since 2014 as well as record-breaking numbers of A Level entries in computing, producing over 16% more entries than last year. The data from this year’s results day show 34.8% of entries from free schools and 25.4% of entries from academies getting a grade A or above – compared to 22.0% of entries from local authority maintained comprehensive schools.

Around 3,400 T Level students received their results today as the second ever cohort completed the new, high quality technical qualification. 90.5% of T Level students achieved a pass or above.

T Levels offer a wide range of progression options as many of these students will also go on to do apprenticeships, and UCAS has today revealed that 1,220 T Level students have been accepted into university, demonstrating the value and reputation of these qualifications.

Over 250,000 certificates were awarded for those completing their Level 3 vocational and technical qualifications.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Congratulations to everyone receiving results today. There are more opportunities than ever before so whatever your results, I’m sure you will have a bright future ahead of you.

It’s fantastic to see the number of young people accepted to university – including to their first choice – continue to be up on the years before the pandemic, while thousands more go off to exciting apprenticeships and the world of work.

As always, there are a wide range of fantastic options for those who did not get the results they hoped for, and students can find out more by visiting the UCAS website or through the National Careers Service.

If students have not received the grades they were hoping for, there are thousands of high-quality courses available through clearing. This morning there were nearly 29,000 courses available, many of which are at the most selective universities. Clearing opportunities can be accessed through this link: Clearing Launch

For those who do not wish to go through clearing, students can call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 for advice on their next steps.

There are also options available other than university. Apprenticeships offer people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to gain the skills they need to build successful careers, while making sure employers can access the skilled workforce they and our economy need to grow.

For more information and to explore all the other exciting options available to young people go to: Get the Jump: explore your education and training choices

Almost £5 billion has been made available to help pupils to recover from the impact of the pandemic, including over £1.5 billion for the National Tutoring Programme and 16-19 Tuition Fund, which have supported millions of students in need of extra support. Nearly four million tutoring courses have now been started through the National Tutoring Programme, including over 1.3 million so far this academic year.

August 18, 2023