Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 14 August 2023.

British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.
- Business website offers new help for Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs to save on their energy bills while reducing their emissions
- the hub will provide small businesses with advice on everything from paying less for EVs, getting a low-carbon heat pump, to generating green energy and selling it back to the grid to make money
- comes as industry leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council call on all businesses from Aberystwyth to Aberdeen to develop net zero sector roadmaps
British businesses will be able to access brand new advice and support to reduce their energy bills while cutting their carbon emissions.

The UK Business Climate Hub launched today (14 August 2023) includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy. It offers detailed advice on everything from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Research shows that such measures can significantly save companies on their overheads. For example:
- switching to EVs can not only cut running costs but also lower servicing and maintenance costs by around 40% compared to petrol or diesel cars
- with up to half of companies’ overall electricity bill coming from lighting, making changes such as switching to LED bulbs can help shave up to 40% off bills
- giving drivers fuel efficiency training can help save companies an average of 15% on fuel use and carbon emissions in transporting goods
The new support is aimed particularly at 5.5 million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK, with business and industry accounting for around 25% of emissions. Research shows that 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

Studies also show 85% of consumers are more likely to buy from a business with a reputation for sustainability, meaning going green can help grow the economy.

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

The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so.

The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.

Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.

The new UK Business Climate Hub serves as a one-stop-shop for businesses who have yet to start making changes, as well as those who are already taking action to reduce emissions but want to take things to the next level. As well as helping bosses measure and report on their emissions, the site provides advice and support on an array of things, including:
- switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company EVs
- getting business grants, green loans and financing for a retrofit
- getting an air source heat pump
- generating green energy with a wind turbine and selling it back to the grid
- reducing emissions from farming and land use
- buying credible carbon offsets
- getting low-carbon product labels and certifications
- reducing waste and recycling more
National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague, said:

We are pleased to have contributed to the new UK Business Climate Hub that will provide businesses with trusted tools and information to help them navigate the net zero transition.

SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part. This new official platform for advice and support will really help.

In addition to helping small firms become more energy and resource efficient, the hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.

The new site is endorsed by business leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council and comes as the organisation calls on business representative organisations across the country to take concerted action to plan to reduce their members’ emissions.

The group, comprising CEOs from leading companies including Co-op, HSBC, Siemens and Cemex, have developed a new business roadmap framework to help empower businesses to work with others in their sector to create tailored action plans for their own industry to decarbonise.

These sector roadmaps would help companies the length and breadth of the country, from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, and Penzance to Peterborough, to transition to net zero.

Co-Chair of the Net Zero Council, Co-op Group Chief Executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, said:

None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key. I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour.

The framework, which has been endorsed by the Net Zero Council and that is being published today, is designed to support organisations working to articulate a credible roadmap to net zero on a sector by sector basis.

In 2020 the UK was estimated to already have over 400,000 jobs in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the country, with turnover at £41.6 billion. Over 80,000 green jobs are currently being supported or are in the pipeline because of new government policies since 2020, with that expected to increase to as many as nearly half a million by 2030.
August 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government opens more opportunities for sustainable Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries outside the EU [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 August 2023.

More opportunities for sustainable Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries outside the EU through commercial and recreational fishing.

The government has opened up more opportunities for sustainable Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries outside the EU through commercial and recreational fishing which will support the sustainable management of the species whilst also delivering social and economic benefits to coastal communities.

Today’s announcement is another step in the government’s work to deliver thriving, sustainable fisheries outside the EU. It will see economic benefits to industry and coastal communities, both through increased catching opportunities and income from tourism, and ensure that Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are managed in a sustainable manner underpinned by the best available science.

39 tonnes will be used for a new trial commercial fishery which takes advantage of an increased quota share of 65 tonnes for 2023.

The new trial commercial fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna, delivered by Defra and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the UK Fisheries Authorities, is the first of its type in the UK for decades. Licence authorisations have been issued to 10 fishermen following an expression of interest process.

Vessels will be permitted only to use low-impact rod and reel fishing gears which use lures, no live bait or chumming will be permitted. The trial fishery will be open until November 2023 and will assist in the evaluation of the sustainability of a small-scale commercial fishery for this species and the social and economic benefits this new fishery could potentially provide to UK fishermen.

After great success in 2021 and 2022, opportunities for recreational anglers to encounter Atlantic bluefin tuna will once again open up in the Catch and Release Tagging programme (CHART), which will be available through 24 charter vessels from fishing ports across South-West and Southern England.

Delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the tuna caught in CHART will be carefully tagged and released back into the ocean by the skippers and their crew. The programme will provide important scientific data to understand and manage Atlantic bluefin tuna whilst also benefiting coastal communities through high-value tourism.

Today’s announcement comes after the government announced a major package of measures to deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment outside the EU. This included seizing on our new found freedoms outside the EU to introduce a world class system of fisheries management underpinned by Fisheries Management Plans, as well as a consultation on the establishment of a licensed recreational bluefin catch and release tuna fishery.

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

We’re committed to the sustainable management of Atlantic bluefin tuna, and today’s announcement will help deliver this while providing economic and social benefits to communities around our coast.

I look forward to seeing the valuable research that this work will deliver, contributing hugely to developing a plan for how we use our quota in the future.

David Righton, CHART Principal Investigator said:

We are excited to continue our work with recreational fishers in CHART 2023, and to build on the results of CHART in 2021 and 2022.

The 2023 programme will further develop our understanding of the occurrence and demographics of Atlantic bluefin tuna in English waters and is a great demonstration of participatory science that provides valuable data for fisheries management.

In recent years, the number of reported sightings of Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters has been increasing. Reasons such as conservation measures and climate change impacts, including abundance of prey and changes to the marine environment are thought to have caused this increase in sightings.

The data collected from this work will contribute not only to improving understanding of Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters but will also be supplied to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

August 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New inserts in cigarette packs to help smokers quit [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 14 August 2023.

Government seeks views on adding pack inserts to tobacco products to encourage smokers to quit.
- Pack inserts are used internationally including in Canada and Israel, and proven to encourage people to give up smoking
- Initial report on the major conditions strategy to be published today
The government will seek views on adding pack inserts into tobacco products to encourage more smokers to quit as it launches a new consultation today.

Placed inside the packaging of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco, they would contain positive messages to encourage people to quit and signpost them to advice and support. The messages set out the health benefits of quitting – for example, improvements to breathing within a matter of days and a 50% reduction in the risk of heart attack within a year – as well as showing smokers how much money they stand to save by giving up, with the average person likely to save over £2,000 per year if they quit.

Smoking remains the single leading preventable cause of illness and mortality in the UK. It results in nearly 4% of all hospital admissions each year – equivalent to almost 450,000 admissions. Tobacco-related harms are also estimated to cost taxpayers an estimated £21 billion every year, including over £2 billion in costs to the NHS.

Although smoking rates in the UK are at an all-time low, by taking further action, the government will seek to cut waiting lists and reduce the burden on the NHS. Introducing pack inserts into all tobacco products in the UK could lead to an additional 30,000 smokers giving up their habit – delivering health benefits worth £1.6 billion.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Smoking places a huge burden on the NHS, economy and individuals. It directly causes a whole host of health problems – including cancers and cardiovascular disease – and costs the economy billions every year in lost productivity.

By taking action to reduce smoking rates and pursuing our ambition to be smokefree by 2030, we will reduce the pressure on the NHS and help people to live healthier lives.

The consultation – which opens today (14 August 2023) – will seek views on the introduction and design of pack inserts.

Pack inserts are already used in other countries – including Canada and Israel, with Australia also announcing its intention to introduce them – and there is evidence that they can be an effective means of encouraging smokers to quit. An evaluation of the policy’s impact in Canada found that almost 1 in 3 smokers had read the inserts at least once in the past month, and that those who were exposed to the inserts multiple times were significantly more likely to try to give up smoking.

The consultation builds on a recent package of measures designed to drive the government’s ambition to be smokefree by 2030 – which means reducing smoking rates to 5% or less.

These measures include:
- funding a new national ‘swap to stop’ scheme – the first of its kind in the world – to offer a million smokers across England a free vaping starter kit, alongside expert support
- launching a financial incentive scheme – in the form of vouchers alongside behavioural support – to support pregnant women to stop smoking, with an aim to reach all pregnant smokers by the end of next year
- a new strategy to combat illicit tobacco, which will outline efforts to catch and punish those involved in the illegal market
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said:

Smoking is very addictive, and it takes smokers on average 30 attempts before they succeed in stopping, so encouraging them to keep on trying is vital.

Pack inserts do this by backing up the grim messages about death and disease on the outside with the best advice about how to quit on the inside.

They will help deliver not just the smokefree 2030 ambition, but also the major conditions strategy, as smoking is responsible for all 6 major conditions from cancer to cardiovascular and respiratory disease, as well as dementia, mental ill health and musculoskeletal disorders.

The consultation launch comes as the government publishes an initial report on its major conditions strategy – which covers the 6 groups of conditions accounting for 60% of all ill-health and early death in England.

One in 4 people in England live with 2 or more major long-term conditions, and the initial report sets out the direction for the strategy to tackle these groups of conditions – cancers, cardiovascular diseases (including stroke and diabetes), musculoskeletal disorders, mental ill health, dementia and chronic respiratory conditions.

This includes by addressing key risk factors and lifestyle drivers of ill-health and disease, including smoking, which is a direct contributor to all 6 groups of conditions covered by the strategy. For example, it is the biggest cause of cancer, with one in every 5 cancer deaths in England connected to smoking.

A world leader in reducing smoking rates, UK levels are currently at their lowest on record at 13.3%. But across the UK, 1 in 7 adults still smoke – around 6.6 million people – and the impacts on the NHS and economy are significant.

Tobacco also costs the economy in England an estimated £14 billion in lost productivity every year, due to lost earnings, unemployment and early deaths. The average smoker stands to save approximately £2,000 per year from giving up their habit.
August 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK provides £250,000 for communities affected by flooding in eastern Bangladesh [August 2023]

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

The UK is providing £250,000 (over three crore and forty lacs taka) of humanitarian support to communities affected by largescale flooding in Chittagong Division.

This will deliver vital assistance to over 18,000 people affected by flooding in Bandarban, Rangamati and Cox’s Bazar districts.

It will be allocated by Start Fund Bangladesh, working with Caritas Bangladesh and Action Aid Bangladesh. This support complements the Government of Bangladesh’s response.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, said

“The UK stands with all those affected by the devastating flooding in eastern Bangladesh. I am pleased to announce the UK is providing £250,000 of humanitarian assistance to respond to urgent needs.

This support will provide essential relief items, including food, clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits, shelter materials and cash transfers to more than 18,000 people who have been affected.

This complements the Government of Bangladesh’s response and builds on the UK’s longstanding support to disaster preparedness and response in Bangladesh.”

August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More than 100 investors confirmed for summit in Northern Ireland [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 13 August 2023.

Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses will be showcased to more than 100 global investors at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit this September.
- Over 100 global investors confirmed to attend the Northern Ireland Investment Summit with just four weeks to go.
- Investment Summit will promote local opportunities to one of the largest groups of global investors and businesses ever seen in Northern Ireland.
- Speakers and sponsors confirmed for the Summit on 12-13 September.
Northern Ireland’s innovative businesses will be showcased to more than 100 investors from the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific regions this September.

The Summit marks a significant opportunity to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths across its internationally renowned sectors, including advanced manufacturing, software and technology, financial and professional services, and emerging health and life sciences.

It will build on the opportunities of the Windsor Framework outlined by the Prime Minister earlier this year and forms a key part of the UK government’s programme to create a sustainable and inclusive economy, boosting growth and generating higher-paying jobs for communities across Northern Ireland.

Speakers at the event will include Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, Housing and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove alongside US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy III.

Kennedy visited the UK in July to discuss the opportunities for US businesses at the Summit and will also lead a delegation of US investors to Northern Ireland as part of a trade mission in October.

US multinational financial group Citi has been confirmed as the event’s principal partner with CEO of Citi EMEA David Livingstone giving a keynote speech at the Summit.

Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson said:

As the UK’s second largest tech hub outside London, we are witnessing a great transformation of business and communities as overseas investment floods into Northern Ireland.

This September’s Investment Summit will provide the rocket fuel for Northern Ireland businesses to launch into new frontiers across technology, finance, and more.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

In just four weeks, leading investors and international businesses from around the globe will see first hand the talent and expertise Northern Ireland has to offer.

The Summit is a fantastic and exciting event which will support the UK Government’s vision for a prosperous Northern Ireland 25 years on from the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Keith Farley, SVP Individual Voluntary Benefits at Aflac, said:

Northern Ireland’s best-in-class educational system, paired with hard-working, curious people creates the perfect environment for software development and cyber security.

Aflac has found the region to be a top talent hub, supporting our global business. We’re excited to have the opportunity to tell Aflac’s story at September’s Investment Summit.

Panel sessions at the event will focus on why global investors should choose Northern Ireland with breakout sessions for each of the key growth sectors. In addition, An Irish Goodbye directors and youngest ever Oscar recipients Tom Berkeley & Ross White will host a session on Northern Ireland’s thriving creative sector.

Northern Ireland is one of the most cost-competitive places to do business in Europe, attracting £19.2 billion in inward investment in 2021, making it an ideal location for businesses seeking an optimal location for growth.

The Summit precedes the second major Global Investment Summit in late autumn which will bring together over 200 of the world’s highest profile CEOs, investors, and financiers to showcase the whole of the UK as a leading investment destination. The inaugural Global Investment Summit in October 2021 raised nearly £10 billion of investment on the day, leading to at least 30,000 new jobs across green energy and tech.
August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New building requirements for separate male and female toilets [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 13 August 2023.

Government confirms measures to reverse the rise of gender-neutral toilets as part of wider efforts to protect single sex spaces.
- Government accelerates plans for separate male and female toilets in new non-domestic private and public buildings;
- Builds upon action to protect and enhance single sex spaces;
- Changes will also encourage the provision of self-contained, private toilets to ensure there are appropriate facilities for all.
The Government has announced today it is acting to bring forward changes to regulations that will mean all new non-domestic public and private buildings will be required to provide separate single-sex toilets for women and men and/or a self-contained, private toilet as a minimum.

The change comes amid dignity and privacy concerns from women and elderly people who feel they are being unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender neutral facilities.

Concerns over the rise of neutral gender facilities has meant that public have been forced to share cubicle and hand-washing facilities, leading to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and a limitation on privacy and dignity for all.

New regulations and guidance will mean women, who may need to use facilities more often because of pregnancy or sanitary needs, will now be guaranteed appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or through a self-contained, private toilet.

The action taken today builds upon the Government’s commitment and wider approach to the protection of single sex spaces.

In addition to single sex toilets becoming the default and minimum for new non-residential buildings and places undertaking major refurbishment, the guidelines will encourage the consideration of self-contained toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.

This new approach will help to maximise privacy and dignity for of all, which will be explicit in the guidance.

A new short technical consultation to shape the changes will open tomorrow.

Kemi Badenoch, Minister for Women and Equalities, said:

“It is important that everybody has privacy and dignity when using public facilities. Yet the move towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets has removed this fundamental right for women and girls.

“These proposals will ensure every new building in England is required to provide separate male and female or unisex facilities, and publish guidance to explain the difference, protecting the dignity, privacy and safety of all.”

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Faith & Communities, Baroness Scott, said:

“It is extremely important women can feel comfortable when using public facilities, so we are taking action to restore dignity and privacy at the centre of all future provision.

“These proposals will mean separate toilets for men and women, as well as self-contained toilets for those that need them, become a requirement for every new building across England.”

A previous call for evidence on increasing the accessibility of toilets for men and women gathered over 17,000 responses and represented a full range of views – generally calling for greater consideration in the range of toilets to preserve dignity, access, equality, and privacy for all.

The changes will be made through building regulations and guidance. The aim of the new requirements will ensure that:
- Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women; and/or
- Self-contained, private toilets are provided where space allows to ensure privacy and safety;
- Mixed sex shared facilities are not an option, except when lack of space allows only a single toilet
Changing the rules for single sex and/or universal toilets to be required would have positive equality outcomes for those who may not currently feel safe while using toilet facilities.

Further information

The aim of the proposed new requirement is to ensure that:
- Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women; and/or
- Self-contained, private toilets are provided where space allows to ensure privacy and safety
The requirement will apply to all toilets which form part of or serve the new building, with some exceptions. It will not apply to: ensuite facilities in individual rooms for residential purposes and care homes.

While separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over must already be provided in Schools, except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time – the consultation will reinforce the principle.

Any changes will affect England only.

The impact of the requirement on new buildings will be minimal as the regulations will result in limited, if any, increase in space provision compared to current practice.

This proposed policy will have a positive impact for many people. It may reduce queues for disabled people’s toilets – which may, in cases, be the only non-gendered toilets available – and enhance the privacy of women and transgender people, who may be fearful of being verbally or physically assaulted while using toilet facilities.

In the consultation document and accompanying documents, the phrase universal toilets is used. This refers to self-contained, private toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.
August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Health Secretary steps in to offer long-term waiting list support in Wales and Scotland [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 13 August 2023.

The UK Health and Social Care Secretary has invited the devolved administration for talks to discuss lessons learnt and tackle waiting lists across the UK.

The UK Government Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay has written to the devolved administrations inviting them for talks about how all parts of the UK can work together to tackle long-term waiting lists in all parts of the UK.

NHS services across the UK are a devolved matter, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made cutting waiting lists a priority across the UK. Although approaches taken across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland share many common features, significant variations in outcomes exist. In Wales, more than 73,000 people are waiting over 77 weeks for treatment, and at least 21,600 people are waiting over 78 weeks for an outpatient, day case or inpatient appointment in Scotland. In England, waiting times for patients over 78 weeks have been virtually eliminated.

The Secretary of State is inviting health ministers from the devolved administrations to discuss what lessons can be learnt from the different approaches taken. In England for example, NHS patients are offered a choice of provider at GP referral – NHS or independent sector – provided that it meets NHS costs and standards. And from October we will proactively notify patients waiting over 40 weeks for treatment of their right to choose to be treated elsewhere.

In his letter, the Secretary of State writes that he would be open to requests from the devolved administrations to allow patients in Wales and Scotland who are waiting for lengthy periods to choose to be treated at providers in England, NHS or independent sector – building on the current arrangements for cross-border healthcare.

The Secretary of State has also asked UK health ministers to discuss how health data can be made more comparable across the UK. Northern Ireland official counterparts have also been invited to the ministerial meeting.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

I hugely value being able to share knowledge and experiences on the joint challenges facing our healthcare systems. I want to support collaboration between our nations to share best practices, improve transparency and provide better accountability for patients.

This will help to ensure we are joined up when it comes to cutting waiting lists – one of the government’s top five priorities – and will allow us to better work together to improve performance and get patients seen more quickly.

August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Colorado potato beetle larvae confirmed in Kent [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 August 2023.

Growers, farmers, processors and the public are asked to remain vigilant after the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed findings of Colorado potato beetle larvae in Kent.

On Friday 11 August Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the finding of a single adult male Colorado beetle within the 1km surveillance zone in Kent. This provides evidence of the value of our rigorous inspection activities to date.

No additional colony has been detected and given the estimated age of the beetle it’s likely that this specimen probably dispersed from the original site. Surveillance for any possible undetected colonies will continue within the 1km zone.

We are actively following up public reports, all of which have been negative for Colorado beetle. We wish to encourage continued vigilance from industry and the public and will update the plant health portal with any further press notices.

This finding follows beetle larvae which was identified in a field in Kent earlier this summer, on Tuesday 11 July. This was confirmed by Defra and the APHA as Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).

Confirmation was made following laboratory diagnosis of samples taken by APHA’s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. It is the first time an outbreak of the beetle has been confirmed in the UK since 1977, although they are endemic in large parts of Europe.

APHA is working closely with the affected grower to eradicate the pest from the site, including performing a 1km survey to determine whether there are further cases beyond the immediately infested area.

If not eradicated, Colorado potato beetles are a significant threat to potato crops. The adult beetles and larvae feed on the foliage of potato and other plants in the nightshade family and can completely strip them of their leaves if they are left uncontrolled. However, they are not a threat to human or animal health.

UK Chief Plant Health Officer Nicola Spence said:

Following a report, our experts have identified the presence of Colorado beetle larvae in a potato field in Kent.

We are responding swiftly through our eradication programme, involving ground surveillance to look for beetles and larvae at the outbreak site and surrounding area.

Whilst this pest does not pose a threat to human health, we encourage all growers, farmers, processors and the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings, especially in Kent.

The beetle is not endemic to the UK and is currently regulated as a Great Britain quarantine pest, with import and movement restrictions in place for susceptible host material. APHA is obligated to act upon the current findings and eradicate this pest to support our efforts to maintain this status. Statutory Notices will be issued to ensure the containment and eradication of this pest is undertaken.

Farmers and growers in particular are being encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of the pest. The beetle is bright yellow or orange with black stripes and is usually between 8.5-11.5mm in length and 3mm in width. Its larvae are a reddish brown in colour, round and globular, and up to 15mm in length.

Although distinctive in appearance, there are several beetles that are frequently mistaken for them. The Colorado potato beetle plant pest factsheet provides more information about the beetle’s life cycle and provides information on how to differentiate it from some of our native and introduced species.

The beetles are occasionally imported into the UK from continental Europe as ‘hitchhikers’ on non-host plant material, such as leafy vegetables, salad leaves, fresh herbs and grain and are reported to the UK Plant Health Service who act on the findings. In the past 70 years, there have been two outbreaks of Colorado potato beetles in the UK, one in 1976 and one in 1977. Both outbreaks were eradicated shortly after detection.

August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Bespoke energy advice to help thousands of hard-to-reach households save on bills [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 12 August 2023.

Households across the country will benefit from specialist face-to-face advice on how to make their home more energy efficient and save on their energy bills.
- More than 125,000 consumers to receive face-to-face advice on home efficiency upgrades
- new advice services, backed by £20 million of government funding, will help those in hard-to-treat homes and the hard to reach, such as the elderly and those without internet access
- special energy cafes, ‘green doctor’ and a retrofit bus among innovative schemes to help people save on bills
Households across the country will benefit from specialist in-person advice on how to make their home more energy efficient and save on their energy bills.

Backed by £20 million of government funding, 36 pilot services will trial new ways to get expert advice out to those that need it most, with more than 125,000 households to benefit across England.

This will be particularly targeted at those in hard-to-treat homes, such as listed buildings, as well as those who are hard to reach, such as the elderly and people who do not have internet access.

In Birmingham, locals will be able to pop into new energy cafes across the city to find out how to make their homes more efficient. The initiative, backed by over £800,000, aims to make the advice accessible to more people over a friendly chat.

Elsewhere, a new ‘green doctor’, backed by £302,000, will be offering ‘home check-ups’ for older and low-income households in North Yorkshire and Cumbria to advise on which energy efficiency measures would be beneficial in their homes.

This is expected to help more than 19,000 households install retrofit measures, ranging from loft and cavity wall insulation to draught proofing, better heating controls, and new heat pumps.

It forms the latest in a series of support to help households keep their bills down, as part of the government’s efforts to cut inflation.

Other projects to receive funding today include a retrofit electric bus to bring on-the-road energy saving tips to customers around North Yorkshire. While in Lincolnshire, an electric energy van will travel to rural areas of the county to explain how government schemes can help people reduce their energy use.

Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, said:

We want everyone to be able to get expert advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, no matter where they live, so they can save money.

These innovative projects will bring that expertise right to people’s doorsteps, quite literally in some cases, ensuring people are given the best advice on how to save money on their bills and heat their homes for less without needing to search for it.

This is alongside our investment of billions of pounds to improve energy efficiency across the country – reducing bills at the same time as making sure Britain’s homes are fit for the future.

Schools and community hubs will also be put to use in projects across the country to help pass on energy advice and support for households.

Energy efficiency remains the best approach to reducing fuel poverty in the long-term, contributing to warmer homes and reduced energy bills, while helping to cut carbon emissions.

The new initiative launched today will help households to access these benefits – particularly the elderly and those without internet access, or in listed buildings and rural areas.

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive at Energy Saving Trust said:

It’s good news that the government is moving to increase targeted support for those most in need. Personalised advice is crucial in empowering people to confidently make the right changes in their home.

With our 30 years’ experience delivering advice schemes across the UK we know that funding is most effective when combined with personalised energy efficiency advice.

National Energy Action chief executive Adam Scorer said:

Energy advice has never been more important, at National Energy Action, we know the vital role local charities play in supporting their communities on the ground.

This programme recognises the key role of local projects, especially to support households with limited access to internet, who all too often miss out on advice. As our own local fuel poverty awareness events show, you really can’t overstate the effectiveness of in-person advice.

Today’s support comes on top of the resources launched earlier this year, including an online Find ways to save energy in your home tool and a new energy efficiency phoneline to help households get quick and accurate information on retrofitting their home.

Households can also access a range of government support for retrofit upgrades to their homes, including the Home Upgrade Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, as well as ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme.

The support forms part of the government’s £6.6 billion energy efficiency drive, with a further £6 billion committed from 2025 to 2028.
August 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Situation in Niger – UK statement [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 August 2023.

Statement supporting diplomatic efforts advocated by the Second Extraordinary Summit on the Political Situation in Niger.

The United Kingdom supports the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in calling for the restoration of constitutional order and democracy in Niger. We welcome the determination of ECOWAS to pursue all means to bring about a peaceful resolution. We stand in support of democracy in Niger.

We stand with ECOWAS in condemnation of the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of the government, as well as the unacceptable conditions under which they are being held, and call for their immediate release.

August 13, 2023