Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Middle East Minister visits Bahrain and Qatar for talks on crisis in Israel and Gaza [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Middle East Minister visits Bahrain and Qatar for talks on crisis in Israel and Gaza [November 2023]

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

    Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Ahmad is travelling to Bahrain and Qatar for high-level talks on the crisis in Israel and Gaza.

    • Middle East Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon visits Bahrain and Qatar for discussions on the crisis in Israel and Gaza
    • in a speech to senior decision makers from the region, Lord Ahmad will reiterate urgent calls for sustained humanitarian pauses and discuss longer term routes to end hostilities and bring about a two-state solution
    • visit follows UK commitment of an additional £30 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians

    Minister of State for the Middle East Lord Ahmad is travelling to Bahrain and Qatar for high-level talks on the crisis in Israel and Gaza.

    In Bahrain, the minister will give a speech at the Manama Dialogue, a forum of senior decision makers from the Middle East.

    He will set out the UK’s commitment to securing sustained humanitarian pauses to allow the flow of significantly more life-saving aid into Gaza and to preventing the crisis from spreading across the region.

    He will stress the UK’s position that Israel has a right to defend itself but their actions must comply with international humanitarian law, and discuss ways to bring about long-term regional stability and a viable two-state solution. The minister will also meet with Middle East counterparts, including the Secretary General of the Arab League.

    View Lord Ahmad’s statement at the IISS Manama Dialogue 2023.

    In Qatar the minister will have various bilateral meetings, including with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Mohammed Al Khulaifi and with Minister of Labour, HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri. He will thank Qatar for their role in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

    Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth said:

    Together with our partners in the Middle East, the UK is working to increase the amount of aid getting into Gaza and prevent the crisis from spreading across the West Bank and the wider region. This includes the conditions to allow for safe, unhindered and sustainable access of humanitarian aid.

    I will also be discussing the prospects of a renewed effort towards delivering on the reality of a two-state solution which delivers peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

    The visit to Bahrain and Qatar follows Lord Ahmad’s recent visits to Israel, the West Bank and Morocco and Minister of State for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell’s visit to Cairo earlier this week. This is in addition to travel to the region by the Prime Minister, former Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary. These diplomatic efforts have centred on calls for access to lifesaving aid for Gaza, the return of British nationals and the prevention of dangerous regional escalation.

    The UK recently allocated £30 million in additional aid for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling the existing aid commitment for this year [£27 million]. This will allow trusted partners, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and others, to provide Palestinians with essential humanitarian relief items and services such as food, water and shelter.

    Lord Ahmad will also use to visit the Qatar to discuss bilateral matters. This includes overseeing the signing of the Labour Rights Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), providing a framework for further reform of labour rights in Qatar and building on progress made around the recent World Cup.

    The minister will also open the UK Pavilion at the International Horticultural Exposition in Doha. The exposition aims to promote horticultural solutions to the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : A humanitarian response to this crisis in Gaza is vital – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : A humanitarian response to this crisis in Gaza is vital – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [November 2023]

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

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN General Assembly meeting on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

    Thank you, President.

    And I’d like to start by thanking the United Nations, particularly today’s briefers, and all the humanitarians for their truly heroic efforts. And I extend again my condolences to the UN family and the families of those 103 staff members in Gaza who have lost their lives in the past six weeks.

    President, as I said in the Security Council on Wednesday, it is impossible to comprehend the pain and loss that civilians are enduring in this conflict. Too many civilians are losing their lives and the protection of civilians and alleviating suffering is the top priority for the UK.

    This is why we strongly welcomed the passage of the Security Council’s humanitarian resolution this week. This calls for a humanitarian pause for a period of days for long enough to get lifesaving aid to those who need it. This will establish a safer environment for humanitarians, and support urgent efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

    We must now turn these words into action.

    The UK is committed to the urgent implementation of this resolution, in particular in three areas.

    Firstly, we are working with our partners to provide and to get lifesaving items into Gaza. This includes food, water, medical supplies and crucially, fuel. The priority must be for Israel to allow sufficient fuel into Gaza so that humanitarian operations can run unimpeded and so hospitals and desalination plants can operate.

    Secondly, we are supporting efforts to scale up the response. We are urging, and I urge again here today, that the priority must be improved land access, including at Kerem Shalom, as well as scaled-up access at Rafah, so aid can reach the levels needed.

    Third, we remain clear that both sides must comply with international humanitarian law and take every possible step to minimise harm to civilians. That includes respecting the sanctity of hospitals so that healthcare professionals can care for the sick and injured.

    President, a humanitarian response to this crisis is vital. But our responsibility does not end there. We will redouble our efforts, with our partners, to create a new political horizon to deliver on the promise of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, and make the two-state solution a reality.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Billions of investment for British manufacturing to boost economic growth [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Billions of investment for British manufacturing to boost economic growth [November 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 17 November 2023.

    The government has today announced £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing to increase investment in eight sectors across the UK. The funding will be available from 2025 for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their investments.

    • £4.5 billion for strategic manufacturing sectors including £960 million earmarked for clean energy
    • Funding will be delivered to eight sectors key to economic growth, energy security, and levelling-up
    • Part of wider government support to ensure UK is the best place to start, grow, and invest in manufacturing

    Over £2 billion has been earmarked for the automotive industry and £975 million for aerospace, supporting the manufacturing, supply chain and development of zero emission vehicles, and investment in energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft equipment.

    Alongside this, the government has committed to £960 million for a Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support clean energy manufacturing, and £520 million for life sciences manufacturing to build resilience for future health emergencies and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.

    With the entire manufacturing sector making up over 43% of all UK exports and employing around 2.6 million people, this funding is targeted at the UK’s strongest, world leading sectors; including where the industry is undergoing fundamental changes to remain at the forefront of the global transition to net zero, like the move to zero emission vehicles in the automotive industry.

    The Green Industries Growth Accelerator investment will support the expansion of strong, home-grown, clean energy supply chains across the UK, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage, electricity networks, hydrogen, nuclear and offshore wind. This will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and strong deployment offer.

    The funding forms part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to grow the economy, and his focus on making decisions for the long-term, ensuring this funding doesn’t just focus on the most successful sectors today but looks ahead to how we keep pace internationally and build the UK’s expertise for the industries of the future.

    Together with our existing manufacturing support and plans for net zero transition, this package will help unlock private investment, provide certainty to investors, boost energy security, and protect and create jobs. This approach has already mobilised £198 billion in public and private investment in low carbon energy deployment since 2010.

    Today’s announcement comes ahead of the second Global Investment Summit later this month, which will showcase innovative companies from across the UK, with significant investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, sustainability, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

    It will also help ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the global transition to net zero and can seize growth opportunities in the new green economy. The UK remains a world-leader in cutting emissions, having decarbonised faster than any G7 country since 1990 and set out clear plans to meet all our climate targets and deliver energy security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said:

    “Britain is now the 8th largest manufacturer in the world, recently overtaking France. To build on this success, we are targeting funding to support the sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading.

    “Our £4.5 billion of funding will leverage many times that from the private sector, and in turn will grow our economy, creating more skilled, higher-paid jobs in new industries that will be built to last.”

    Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    “The UK is a global hub for advanced manufacturing, with world-leading automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors. This package builds on recent investment wins, such as the £4 billion gigafactory, and the £600m invested to build the next generation of electric Minis, and ensures that the government can continue to help create jobs, grow the economy, and secure the future of great British manufacturing.”

    Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho said:

    “Today we are announcing nearly £1bn to back our green industries. While we’ve already attracted £200 billion in low carbon investment since 2010, with another £100 billion expected by 2030, this will unlock even more. We have long been energy pioneers in advanced manufacturing, and this will allow us to carry on that great British tradition.”

    Today, the government has also published its response to Professor Dame Angela McLean’s review of the role that regulation and standards can play in driving innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing.

    The government accepts all 14 recommendations in the industry expert-backed report which builds on the UK’s role as a global leader in setting industrial standards and sets out how, with the right regulations, advanced manufacturing processes can enhance safety and support the drive to net zero and a more sustainable economy.

    Among the recommendations accepted is to accelerate the deployment of digital twins, which enables companies to create accurate digital replicas of the full manufacturing process. Used across a range of sectors, digital twins have seen significant uptake in the automotive sector including car production where they offer a transformative approach to product development, manufacturing and maintenance, helping firms test how to fix problems or make processes more efficient.

    To boost growth in small and medium sized manufacturing businesses more widely, it has also been announced today that the government will expand the Made Smarter Adoption programme, offering the scheme to all English regions in 2025-26 before working with the Devolved Administrations to explore making the programme UK-wide from 2026-27.

    The programme helps small and medium sized manufacturing companies to use advanced digital technologies which can reduce carbon emissions and drive-up productivity, and its expansion will also involve inclusion of digital internships.

    Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said:

    “Make UK has long campaigned for Made Smarter to be a fully national scheme so that all SME manufacturers can benefit from the expertise the programme delivers and we are delighted at today’s decision from government to commit to a national rollout.

    “Made Smarter has already transformed thousands of companies in the North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & the Humber and now it can help turbo-charge industrial digitalisation in SMEs across the whole of the country. The end-to-end specialist support the programme delivers has successfully helped smaller businesses dramatically boost productivity, improve energy efficiency, drive growth, upskill roles and deliver new jobs in digital skills to create workforces of the future which will allow Britain’s smaller manufacturers to continue to grow and remain globally competitive.”

    Additionally, the government has today committed to extend the Connected and Automated Mobility Research and Development programme with up to £150 million of funding between 2025-26 and 2029-30. This will help the UK secure first-mover advantage in the deployment of self-driving vehicles and services.

    The UK’s first Battery Strategy is also expected to be published next week, which will outline the Government’s activity to achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain in the UK by 2030 that supports economic prosperity and the Net Zero transition.

    We have also set out our plan to launch a Hydrogen industry taskforce, delivered in partnership with the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative and Innovate UK, supporting our ambition to maximise investment opportunities for UK manufacturing of hydrogen propulsion systems.

    The government will set out more about its offer to the manufacturing sector next week with the publication of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan.

    Further information

    • Further information, including on the application processes, will be made available by the government in due course.
    • The eight manufacturing sub-sectors that will be able to apply for funding are:
      • Automotive
      • Aerospace
      • Life sciences
      • Clean energy (carbon capture, utilisation and storage, electricity networks, hydrogen, nuclear, and offshore wind)
    • This targeted funding for sectors of economic strategic importance is in addition to wider support for the manufacturing sector such as:
      • the British Industry Supercharger ensuring energy costs for key industries like steel, metals, chemicals, and paper producers are in line with other major economies around the world
      • the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund supporting the deployment of technologies that is enabling hundreds of businesses with high energy use to transition to a low carbon future
      • the lowest corporation tax in the G7
    • The UK also has a world-leading track record on green deployment, and comprehensive, clear, and considered plans for our net zero transition.
    • In Powering Up Britain, we have set out detailed deployment plans for every sector of the economy through the net zero transition. These include long-term frameworks to provide investors with certainty, from the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to the Contracts for Difference Scheme. These are supported by public spending, with £30 billion for the green industrial revolution confirmed at Spending Review 2021, and a further £6 billion for energy efficiency and up to £20 billion for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) announced since then.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 100 religious sites have been damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 100 religious sites have been damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

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

    Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

    Thank you, President, and thank you to our briefers.

    I also thank the Russian delegation for bringing human rights issues to the Security Council. The United Kingdom has long believed in the link between human rights and matters of peace and security, and we are glad that the Russian delegation now appears to share this view. We look forward to further discussions on human rights in the Council.

    The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all around the world. We condemn all persecution on the grounds of religion or belief.  Ukraine shares these values. It is a pluralist and multi-faith society, with the right to freedom of religion or belief enshrined in its constitution. Its lawmakers have sought the advice of experts on freedom of religion and belief as they respond to threats to Ukraine’s national security.

    Russia does not share this commitment. Religious leaders are among those targeted by Russian forces and subjected to torture and enforced disappearances. Russian authorities are carrying out house searches and arbitrary arrests of Crimean Tatars, accusing them of extremism and terrorism just for peacefully practicing their faith.

    Russian Orthodox priests have been disciplined for expressing opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine – even defrocked for praying for peace instead of victory. Over 100 religious sites have been damaged or destroyed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    This includes the devastating destruction to the Transfiguration Cathedral – Odesa’s largest Orthodox church – in July this year, previously destroyed under Stalin in 1936. Our Foreign Secretary saw the extent of the damage first hand during his visit to Odesa yesterday.

    Colleagues, the Russian delegation is presenting itself today as the defender of the Orthodox Christian faith and its values.

    But is it Christian to covet and steal your neighbour’s land?

    Is it Christian to disrupt the global supply of food?

    Is it Christian to kill civilians?

    The Orthodox faith of course does not encourage these things. It does however encourage confession of sins, and repentance.

    President, the best way to ensure that Ukrainians can enjoy their freedom of religion and belief – and all of their human rights – is for Russia to end its war of aggression, withdraw its forces and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Skilled refugees contributing £1m to UK economy each year [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Skilled refugees contributing £1m to UK economy each year [November 2023]

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

    The UK government is encouraging businesses to use the Displaced Talent Mobility pilot to help at-risk people from around the world to help fill skills gaps.

    Skilled refugees are contributing nearly £1 million each year in income tax and national insurance thanks to UK government pilot schemes to help those fleeing their homes find employment, helping to boost the UK economy and enabling businesses to access the vital skills they need.

    Following a successful start, the government’s Displaced Talent Mobility Pilot has been extended for a further year, with more businesses being encouraged to hire skilled refugees while helping people rebuild their lives in the UK. First launched in October 2021, businesses ranging from renowned global companies to small enterprises have participated in the scheme, with refugees fulfilling roles as senior engineers, paralegals, construction managers, and software testing consultants in priority sectors.

    The initiative aims to match up to 200 people with UK employment opportunities, with Syrian and Afghan nationals the most common beneficiaries of the scheme so far.

    Delivered in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries, a global not-for-profit, displaced talent candidates are supported to get sponsored by a UK employer, and also benefit from free priority visa processing. To participate in the pilot, talented individuals will need to create a profile with Talent Beyond Boundaries and they will contact those who match the criteria for vacancies companies are looking to fill.

    The pilot is also now being expanded, following an initial focus on candidates in Lebanon and Jordan, as well as Afghan nationals. Now refugees and displaced people of any nationality or location are eligible to benefit.

    Minister for Immigration, Robert Jenrick, said:

    Our Displaced Talent Mobility pilot is a safe and legal route that ensures refugees can rebuild their lives in the UK, contribute to society and integrate into local communities swiftly.

    I encourage more companies to take part in the pilot and consider the skills and talent that exist, while providing opportunities for refugees to live independently and contribute to the UK.

    The scheme uses the existing Skilled Worker route, which enabled the Home Office to set up the pilot quickly and better understand the barriers to accessing those routes for displaced people.

    Marina Brizar, UK & Europe Director, Talent Beyond Boundaries said:

    Talent Beyond Boundaries warmly welcomes the extension of the Displaced Talent Mobility pilot. This initiative embraces the power of equitable access to skilled migration by unlocking the potential of displaced people. We remain wholly committed to paving the path toward a world where the skills of displaced people know no borders and the opportunities for secure futures transcend barriers.

    Phil Ogden, EnerMech Chief HR Officer said:

    We understand the importance of a diverse, skilled and competent workforce and recognised the clear benefits of engaging with Talent Beyond Boundaries to support displaced people through providing secure employment opportunities.

    We recently welcomed two Syrian refugees to our Engineering team in Aberdeen whose skills have already proven to be extremely valuable to EnerMech. As the energy transition ramps up in the UK, building an experienced pool of talent is essential to the ongoing success of our business. Talent Beyond Boundaries are key to supporting both our objectives and the aspirations of the talented people they represent.

    Malek, from Syria and who was resettled in the UK under the Displaced Talent Mobility pilot, said:

    Where I was, you don’t feel stability, you feel afraid. Here in the UK, from the first day, you feel safe.

    If your business has a gap, the Displaced Talent Mobility Pilot is a great scheme. People who have moved to the country are committed and it is a good thing to have people from other places. This is because they have different experiences from the other work fields and because they have come from challenging places, they will do their best to prove themselves and be successful in their jobs and new lives.

    Successes so far, include:

    • the first Displaced Talent candidate was a Syrian national who arrived in the UK in 2021. They are now working as a specialist construction recruiter in the West Midlands
    • in 2023, two Afghan women started roles as paralegals in Sheffield, and a Project Engineer began working for an engineering company in Aberdeen
    • other individuals have started roles in the engineering, construction, and creative industries
  • PRESS RELEASE : Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

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

    Emma Logan, UK Delegation to the OSCE, says the current challenges facing the Indo-Pacific are clearly linked to the security of the OSCE region.

    Thank you Mr Chair for convening this important meeting and thank you also to our keynote speaker, our Asian Partners, and our panellists for clearly outlining the current challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and the clear link to the security of our region.

    As we have heard repeatedly today, the Indo-Pacific is critical to the sustainability and future prosperity of communities worldwide. The stakes are high, with opportunity and risk.

    And that is why we have concerns regarding stability in the region, at the centre of intensifying geopolitical competition. We see a rise in coercive and aggressive practices, and opaque military modernisation occurring at unprecedented rates.  There are close parallels with our experience in Europe, and there is much we can learn from each other on how we respond to hybrid risks, how we defend our democratic systems, how we build citizen trust, and how we ensure digital, transport and other infrastructure connectivity between our economies to underpin our prosperity in a sustainable way.

    And beyond human disruptions, the region faces some of the most extreme effects from climate change and biodiversity loss.  Just ask our friends in the Pacific, who face an existential threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather.  These are challenges we need to address together.

    There is also no doubt that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are inseparable. What happens in one has direct impact in another, as we have seen with economic shocks in Asia caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    The UK’s vision – shared with many of our closest partners – is for a free and open Indo-Pacific, where states can make sovereign choices free from coercion and where there is respect for territorial integrity in line with international law.

    We welcome the similarities in approach taken by many of our European and Asian partners. In light of them jointly convening this event, and it being our 140th year of diplomatic relations, I would particularly like to compliment the Republic of Korea on their own Indo-Pacific strategy, which shares many of the same approaches as the UK, and which outlines a bold vision for engagement with the region including in the digital future economy, where the Republic of Korea is a world leader.

    I would also note the importance of ASEAN’s vision in its Outlook on the Indo-Pacific which underlines openness, sovereignty and respect for international rules, alongside maritime cooperation, connectivity and sustainable development – these are in large measure our priorities too.  We have much common ground.

    As we know, the OSCE is built on the foundation of comprehensive security, a recognition that there are a multitude of intersecting factors that promote the prosperity and security of States and regions, be that military transparency, human rights, security sector reform, rule of law, or anti-corruption efforts, to name a few. Continuing dialogue with our Asian partners on the lessons we have learnt through the OSCE’s history, how we helped build transparency and confidence, how these lessons can be applied to the Indo-Pacific, and where in return we must learn from our Asian Partners’ experience, are essential for a more stable future for our interconnected world.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Women in England to receive contraceptive pills at pharmacies [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Women in England to receive contraceptive pills at pharmacies [November 2023]

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

    Thousands of women across England will soon be able to get the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy without needing to contact their GP first.

    From next month, pharmacies across the country will begin offering the new service for the first time, increasing choice for women in the ways in which they can access contraception.

    The rollout is part of the government and the NHS’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making it quicker and easier for millions of people to access healthcare on their high street.

    How does the service work?

    Anyone needing the pill can access it through participating pharmacies without a referral from their GP, though they can be referred by their general practice or sexual health clinic.

    The pharmacist will offer a confidential consultation and reach a shared decision with the person about their first supply of the pill, or the ongoing supply of their current oral contraception. The supply of oral contraception will be free.

    What checks will I need?

    For a combined oral hormonal contraception, a BMI and blood pressure measurement will need to be taken. These can be taken as part of the consultation within the pharmacy.

    A person accessing the service may also offer their own weight, height and blood pressure measurements. Any self-reported measurements will need to be recorded as such.

    Extensive training for pharmacists

    Priya Littler is a pharmacist in Portsmouth and took part in a pilot of the service at the beginning of 2022. The pharmacy has seven branches across the city and all participated.

    She said that the training for pharmacists was extensive, covering topics such as general consultation skills, the legal framework for prescribing combination and progesterone only contraception, as well as information around sexually transmitted infections and other areas that may come up during consultations.

    Priya’s pharmacy branch is on a high street near to a university campus, meaning she sees both students and young families.

    “Some of our clients may find it difficult to get an appointment with their GP”, she said, “so we wanted to make contraceptive pill services more accessible. It was also an interesting pilot for our teams to join, to expand their skills and knowledge.”

    Consultations in minutes

    Ben Morris, a pharmacist in Stoke-on-Trent, took part in a pilot of the scheme in October 2021, which gave local people the option to access their ongoing supply of oral contraception directly from their community pharmacist.

    After undergoing the necessary clinical training, Ben began consultations in January 2022.

    He says that when they first started, each would take around 10-15 minutes, but now they are comfortable with the system and what it involves, they are able to deliver the consultations in five or six minutes.

    “Even with the combined pill, where we need to take blood pressure, height and weight, it’s quick, including when people first register,” he said. “When it’s progesterone only, where we don’t have to do the tests like with the combined pill, it’s even quicker.

    “It’s basically a case of now we’re used to it, we can deliver it more quickly. Where the patient consents, we also complete an anonymised returning patient message to the GP which adds about another five minutes”.

    Easier access to contraception

    Ben says anecdotal feedback was “overwhelmingly positive”.

    “The ease of access and our service delivery is also giving people more general confidence in us to use the other services we offer,” he said.

    “Rather than having these patients arrange a GP appointment, surgeries are now simply passing queries directly to us.

    “We’re pleased that by working together, we have cemented their trust in us to deliver the confidential consultations in our private rooms and that we have the clinical expertise necessary to provide a repeat prescription.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Troika Statement on Attacks in Darfur, Sudan and the Need for a Cessation of Violence [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Troika Statement on Attacks in Darfur, Sudan and the Need for a Cessation of Violence [November 2023]

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

    The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) have condemned the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Sudan.

    Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States (The Troika), condemns the escalating violence and human rights abuses in Sudan, especially attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in West, Central and South Darfur. These have included – according to credible reports – mass killings including ethnic targeting of non-Arab and other communities, killings of traditional leaders, unjust detentions, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. We are also concerned by reports of violence in the town of Jebel Aulia, on the White Nile River, where there are reports of targeting of civilians.

    We reiterate that there is no acceptable military solution to the conflict, and call for an end to the fighting. We urge the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to refrain from actions that would further divide Sudan along ethnic lines or draw other forces into their conflict.  Both sides need to de-escalate and engage in meaningful discussions that lead to a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access.  To that end, we welcome the recent resumption of talks in Jeddah, co-facilitated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is also participating on behalf of the African Union, and recognise the initial humanitarian commitments made by the parties on November 7.

    Achieving a sustainable solution requires ending violence and resuming a civilian-owned political process to form a civilian government and restore Sudan’s democratic transition. We welcome the efforts of the Sudanese people as they work to support humanitarian responses, demand an end to the war, and resume the stalled political transition.

    The Troika countries are proud to be among the largest donors in support of the Sudanese people, and we will continue to focus on efforts to ensure that diverse communities are able to participate meaningfully in building Sudan’s democratic future, at the same time as supporting displaced persons and other at-risk communities through life-saving humanitarian aid.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government calls on councils to make taxis and private hire vehicles more accessible [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government calls on councils to make taxis and private hire vehicles more accessible [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 November 2023.

    Updated best practice guidance puts more emphasis on making taxi and PHV services more accessible to disabled people.

    • safety and accessibility at the heart of updated government guidance on taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) regulation
    • councils urged to take action against operators who do not meet standards to protect passengers with disabilities
    • DfT to launch further call for evidence specifically on passengers’ accessibility needs in taxis and PHVs

    Ministers have urged councils to act on new government guidance to help improve the accessibility of taxis and minicabs in their area.

    Taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are regulated by local licensing authorities and the government’s updates to guidance, published today (17 November 2023), underline councils must take action against drivers who discriminate against people with disabilities and guide dog owners, issuing fines and suspending licences where required. PHV operators, meanwhile, are encouraged to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before they take a booking to ensure an appropriate vehicle is provided.

    In addition, councils should incentivise the uptake of wheelchair accessible vehicles and ensure they can be used easily and safely by a range of passengers. Some wheelchair accessible vehicles may not be suitable for other disabled passengers and, when issuing licences, licensing authorities should ensure their area has the right mix of vehicles to suit their community.

    Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said:

    Disabled people rely on taxi and private hire vehicles services and it’s unacceptable for people to be unlawfully discriminated against when travelling.

    It’s vital these services cater for disabled people’s needs, and local authorities should take action now to ensure drivers and operators understand their duties so everyone can travel with confidence.

    Other recommendations include training and assessing drivers with a focus on taking a defensive approach to driving, such as recognising the impact of speeding, or driving while distracted or fatigued, particularly where there have been passenger complaints.

    The guidance also seeks to support industry by removing undue burdens. For instance, given the reliability and ease of satnav systems, PHV drivers should not be required to undertake navigational skills tests for pre-booked journeys, while licensing fees should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are appropriate.

    Alongside the guidance, the Department for Transport (DfT) also intends to launch a further call for evidence specifically about passengers’ accessibility needs in taxis and PHVs to inform future policy decisions.

    A Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) spokesperson said:

    DPTAC welcomes this new best practice guidance, particularly the much greater emphasis on making taxi and PHV services more accessible to disabled people.

    We hope that this will see licensing authorities addressing the barriers that hinder disabled people using taxis and PHVs, including a rapid reduction in the 38% of authorities that do not make disability awareness training mandatory for drivers.

    We have been pleased to work with DfT in the production of this guidance and will continue to press for more steps to make taxis and PHVs more accessible.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more people benefit from free legal support [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more people benefit from free legal support [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 17 November 2023.

    More than 33,000 people have been helped to tackle family, debt and housing issues thanks to over £3 million of government investment in legal support.

    • 33,000 people helped to tackle family, housing and debt problems
    • Over £3 million has helped support more people in need
    • Part of £25 million package of funding to boost legal support since 2015

    This has saved thousands of people the stress and expense of a court hearing, supporting with a total of 36,000 issues over the last 2 years.

    It has offered vital support to people facing issues such as house repossession, managing debt, or seeking help over childcare or custody agreements.

    An evaluation report published today (17 November 2023) shows the majority of those seeking support were women and nearly everyone coming to advisors found the right help.

    The early legal advice led to increased income for those who were directed to help like the carers’ allowances, and people reporting feelings of greater independence and improved wellbeing.

    Justice Minister Lord Bellamy KC said:

    This funding ensures people have somewhere to turn to regardless of their financial circumstances and can avoid stressful court battles.

    Now research shows that not only can early legal advice help people solve their problems quickly, but can also improve their finances and health.

    The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has provided over £25 million to organisations providing legal support for litigants in person since 2015. The £3.2 million 2 year scheme was launched in 2020 between the MOJ and Access to Justice Foundation.

    Clare Carter, CEO of Access to Justice Foundation, said:

    We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Ministry of Justice to strive to ensure that people most in need of early legal advice are able to access it.

    We know from legal advice charities across England and Wales how crucial this funding has been to help people access income, preserve employment and secure housing. Demand for these services is increasing by up to 50 percent across the sector, so the needs for these funds has never been more acute.

    The research is published as the Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk speaks at the Civil Justice Council National Forum about the importance of early intervention for those facing legal issues.

    Other activity supported by the government include a partnership between the MOJ and Citizens Advice to deliver the Flourish Wellbeing Hub in the Wirral which provides access to early legal advice alongside healthcare provision to tackle complex or multiple issues in one space.

    The Hub opened in November 2022 and will continue to benefit from a total of £145,000 of MOJ investment up to 2025.

    Social welfare and legal advice is provided through organisations including Citizens Advice, Involve Northwest and Age UK, who can quickly work together with other partners Mind UK and Grow Change Live to identify solutions and provide the right support before problems worsen.

    Reports into supportive initiatives run by the department are published today online here:

    Flourish Wellbeing Hub Report

    Housing Disrepair Online Signposting Tool Report

    Legal Support for Litigants in Person Report

    Integrated Advice Hubs Report