Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Government acts to boost the quality of care for mothers and babies [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 20 July 2023.

Measures to be taken on a national level to further improve safety standards in maternity care.
- Comes as government responds in full to the independent review into East Kent maternity services led by Dr Bill Kirkup
- It follows unprecedented levels of funding to grow the maternity workforce and boost neonatal services
Further action will be taken on a national level to improve safety for mothers and their babies within the NHS to ensure maternity and neonatal care everywhere is of the highest standard.

The government has published its full response to an independent review – led by former Regional Director of Public Health Dr Bill Kirkup CBE – into maternity failings at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust. The review was launched because of concerns about the quality of care being provided by the trust.

Minister for Women’s Health, Maria Caulfield, has announced she will now personally chair a new group overseeing maternity services nationwide.

The maternity and neonatal care national oversight group will bring together key people from the NHS and other organisations. It will look across work being carried out by a range of programmes set up to improve maternity and neonatal care, including the implementation of Dr Kirkup’s and other recommendations, to ensure they are joined up and effective.

Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said:

Every woman deserves to feel confident in the care they and their baby receive. I’d like to thank Dr Kirkup and all those involved in investigating the circumstances behind what’s happened in these horrendous cases.

In particular, I’d like to thank the women and their families, who have gone through so much pain, for engaging with the investigation and helping it reach its findings.

I’m determined to see safety standards in maternity and neonatal care improve across the country. While this invaluable report focuses on the situation in East Kent, I want to see its recommendations implemented nationwide.

This government will continue investing in the maternity workforce and working with the NHS to raise standards.

In East Kent in particular, the minister will chair a local forum bringing together local NHS representatives, the Care Quality Commission and local MPs to share information and updates on the improvements being made to maternity services.

The Minister for Women’s Health has also appointed Dr Kirkup to lead work with healthcare partners in response to 2 of the key recommendations, helping to ensure teams in maternity and neonatal care across England can work together more collaboratively so the best quality, compassionate care is provided.

Organisations from across the health and care system – including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) – have been asked by the government to support its efforts to promote and improve team-working in healthcare settings.

Royal colleges, professional regulators and employers have also been asked to investigate how they can improve workplace culture so standards of professional behaviour in maternity and neonatal settings are high. They’ll consider what appropriate action can be taken if high standards fail to be met.

Dr Bill Kirkup said:

I see the government’s response to ‘Reading the signals’ as an important step forward in addressing the issues that I identify.

I welcome the opportunity to lead this significant work. I look forward to drawing together an action group to advise me in doing so.

Following Dr Kirkup’s report, the below actions are being or have been taken:
- a special data taskforce has been set up by NHS England to better monitor patient safety in maternity and neonatal care nationwide
- relevant bodies will work with DHSC to investigate how teamwork in maternity and neonatal care spaces can be improved
- relevant bodies will work with DHSC to investigate how doctors in training can be better trained to improve teamworking and their own personal development
- trusts will have to ensure there is proper representation of maternity care on their boards
- the government will continue to work with NHS England on its approach to poorly performing trusts and their leadership
- East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust will continue working to address the problems identified and improve standards
Dr Matthew Jolly, National Clinical Director for Maternity Review and Women’s Health at NHS England, said:

We welcome the government’s response to Dr Bill Kirkup’s report – the failings in care for women, babies and their families using East Kent Hospital must not continue to be repeated.

NHS England has installed an improvement director at the trust alongside a senior advisor, and both are providing expert practical advice to the organisation on the actions it needs to implement to improve its maternity and neonate care, while senior national NHS clinical leaders are regularly visiting both maternity units to monitor progress.

In March, we published a delivery plan for maternity and neonatal care, which sets out what the NHS will do over the next 3 years to make care safer, more personalised and more equitable for all women, babies and families.

The government has taken steps to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies within the NHS, including £165 million of additional investment a year to improve maternity and neonatal services.

The NHS recently published the first ever Long Term Workforce Plan, backed by over £2.4 billion in government funding to deliver the biggest training expansion in NHS history to help meet the challenges of a growing and ageing population by recruiting and retaining hundreds of thousands more staff over the next 15 years.

The government also continues to build on the Maternity Transformation Programme, and continues to work closely with NHS England to implement the 3 year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services that was published in March 2023. This plan looks to guide services towards safer and more personalised care for women, babies and families.
July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia is playing havoc with the world’s food supply – UK Statement to the OSCE [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland condemns Russia’s decision to collapse the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week, we urged Russia to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) and stop holding the world’s food supply hostage. However, on 17 July, Russia took the unilateral decision to withdraw from the deal. By leaving the Initiative, Russia is harming global food security, restricting supplies, and making food less affordable. Because of Russia’s decision, up to 24 million tonnes of food will not now reach global markets over the next year. This will particularly impact the world’s poorest.

The UN Secretary General issued a statement on Monday which makes clear that it was a Russian decision alone to cause the collapse of the BSGI. Despite Russian claims to the contrary, the UN and the international community have made significant progress to support the export of Russian food and fertiliser. Since the summer of 2022 Russian exports of food have been above pre-war levels.

The United Kingdom regrets Russia’s withdrawal from the BSGI and urges Russia to return to implementation, to enable it to operate as intended. The omens are not good. It was depressingly predictable that Russia’s withdrawal from the BSGI should be followed immediately by three destructive nights of intensified missile strikes on the Ukrainian ports which are so central to the passage of grain through the Black Sea.

Reports indicate that these attacks caused civilian casualties, and that they struck grain infrastructure, including a wholesale market, storage capacity, loading facilities, and an oil terminal at the port. Not content with withdrawing from their own participation in the BSGI, Russia seems intent on denying any passage of grain at all through the Black Sea for delivery to those who need it most. This destruction of grain infrastructure exacerbates food security issues and puts civilians at risk. Estimates suggest that two thirds of Ukrainian grain goes to feed people in Africa and Asia. It is the food supply to these people that is being attacked, as well as Ukrainian national infrastructure and freedom to trade. We urge Russia to stop these attacks.

Mr Chair, today I would also like to speak about the temporarily controlled territories of Ukraine. These are of course Ukraine’s sovereign territories, despite Moscow’s claims to annex Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in September 2022 following falsified and illegal so-called referendums. The international community has not recognised these referendums. Ukraine maintains its control over two regional capitals within these territories: Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

The so-called “elections” which Russian authorities plan to hold in these territories on the 10 September will therefore be a sham. They will not be recognised by the international community. They are part of Russia’s ongoing attempt to legitimise their control over these regions. According to Human Rights Watch, this attempted Russification also includes forced passportisation and imposition of Russian media, education, and currency. The elections and these other measures are all gross violations of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and a violation of the UN Charter. These actions convince no-one. These regions are not Russian. They are Ukrainian.

People living in the temporarily controlled territories are enduring horrors at the hands of the Russian authorities. Civilians in Odesa and other Black Sea ports are being terrorised by missile strikes. The world’s poor and hungry are paying the price as Russia holds global food supplies hostage. All of this suffering could end if Russia simply withdrew from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory, let grain shipments resume, and allowed the Ukrainian people to live in peace. Thank you.

July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Sir Martyn Oliver recommended as new Chief Inspector of Ofsted [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 20 July 2023.

The Education Secretary has selected Sir Martyn Oliver due to his successful track record and experience on the front line of education.

The Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan, has announced that she is recommending Sir Martyn Oliver for the post of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills at Ofsted.

Sir Martyn has been selected as the preferred candidate because he is an accomplished school and trust leader with a track record of driving up standards in areas with high levels of disadvantage. He is currently the Chief Executive of Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), a large multi-academy trust (MAT) which has grown under Sir Martyn’s leadership from 17 academies to 41 primary, junior, secondary and alternative provision academies in the North of England.

He was knighted in 2022 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for improving the education of thousands of children.

While supported by OGAT, 35 schools have been inspected – 28 have improved their Ofsted rating (including eight which were Inadequate or Requires Improvement when they started working with OGAT and are now rated Outstanding) and six have stayed the same (including two remaining as Good, and one remaining Outstanding). There are 10 schools rated Outstanding in the trust.

He is also a Trustee of the Education Endowment Foundation, the National Institute of Teaching, and the Office for Students and was a founding trustee of the Confederation of School Trusts.

Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said:

Sir Martyn Oliver has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering commitment to driving up standards in areas of disadvantage in his time as a school and trust leader.

I want to sincerely thank Amanda Spielman for successfully steering Ofsted over the last seven years, introducing key reforms including hugely important new education and social care inspection frameworks.

I am confident the breadth of Martyn’s experience will enable him to build on this vital work as Ofsted moves into the future.

Under Amanda Spielman’s leadership, Ofsted has evolved, most notably with the introduction of its Education Inspection Framework for schools, early years, and further education in 2019. This has brought a new focus to the importance of a rich, knowledge-based curriculum.

Ofsted has also put a greater emphasis on the quality of the Initial Teacher Education curriculum by introducing a new framework to help build great teachers. Furthermore, it has introduced new inspection frameworks including inspecting Local Authority Children’s Services in 2018, and a new framework for Area SEND inspections with the Care Quality Commission to make sure that education, health and care services for children with SEND are effective, and that all children in care receive what they need, no matter where they live.

More recently in June, Ofsted announced changes to improve the inspection arrangements and reduce pressures on teachers and school leaders following the tragic death of Ruth Perry.

Ofsted has a vital role in maintaining a focus on quality and standards in the context of critical reforms to the education system – including the roll out of T levels, reforms in children’s social care, reforms to Initial Teacher Training and the priority given to evidence-based teacher professional development and the increasing importance of school trusts.

Sir Martyn has the right experience to provide strong direction during this time across the range of Ofsted’s functions, from schools and colleges to childcare providers and children’s services.

Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said:

I am deeply honoured and hugely privileged to have been recommended for this role. Subject to the pre-appointment hearing, I can promise that I will work extremely hard and very closely with the whole sector so that we can together build on what has been done to date to create the best system in all areas of education, children’s services and skills for the benefit of children and young people.

Working with others, prioritising inclusion, and aiming for the highest standards in all areas have been key principles for Outwood Grange Academies Trust under my leadership and these would remain the case if I am appointed to the Ofsted role.

July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial Appointment of Michelle Donelan [July 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 20 July 2023.

The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the departure from Government of the Rt Hon Chloe Smith MP.

This follows the return of Michelle Donelan from maternity leave.

July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Action on preparing for drought must remain, experts warn [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 20 July 2023.

National Drought Group reiterates the importance of continuing to work together to prepare for all weather eventualities and future droughts.
As many parts of the world experience extreme heatwaves and severe drought, the Environment Agency will continue to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn, it confirmed this week.

At this week’s meeting of the National Drought Group (Wednesday 19 July) – chaired by Environment Agency Executive Director John Leyland – senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, water companies and key farming and environmental groups discussed how to best manage water resources and ensure preparedness if hot, dry weather returns to this country.

The group also discussed how we can no longer rely on past weather patterns and that the best time to conserve water is when it is raining.

National Drought Group members heard that:

Following the hottest June on record, July has started wet in many places. Rivers that were struggling with low flows have responded with most now back into normal ranges.

Despite recent wet weather, the Environment Agency continues to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn. This includes closely monitoring the environment and ensuring we understand the risks if dry weather returned.

In June, the Environment Agency attended 58 incidents, including rescuing fish and deploying aerators, which are used to oxygenate water. Fishery owners were prepared for such events, as a result of advice given by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency is working with South West Water to investigate and potentially open up new sources of water to help improve the drought situation.

The Environment Agency is encouraging farmers to review their water needs and apply for changes to abstraction licences if necessary.

Environment Agency Executive Director and NDG Chair John Leyland said:

Our climate is changing – this year we’ve seen more record-breaking temperatures in the UK, historically wet months followed by historically dry months, and an extreme heatwave sweeping through southern Europe. Yesterday is no longer a reliable predictor of tomorrow – together we must adapt to ensure we, and our water supplies, are resilient into the future. Preparation starts when it is raining; we must all use the wet weather to conserve water.

The Environment Agency will continue to work collaboratively across the water sector to manage drought risk, including ensuring water companies implement their drought plans, managing abstraction licenses and helping farmers to manage resources.

As ever, it is important that we all continue to use water carefully to protect not just our water resources, but our environment and wildlife for now and future generations.

Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

With demand for water growing and challenges from climate change, this government is acting now to ensure England’s water system is resilient and prepared for future droughts.

Through our Plan for Water, we are funding more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment for farmers, have secured significant investment to increase our water resilience, and are ensuring key water supply infrastructure, such as reservoirs, can be built more quickly.

Whilst we all have an important role to play in preserving water resources, water companies must also step up their efforts, including by reducing leakage and encouraging water efficiency.

The meeting coincides with Waterwise’s Dry July campaign, which is running from 17 – 28 July. The campaign highlights how we can all play our part to use water more wisely and ensure our water consumption is environmentally sustainable.

Waterwise Chief Executive Nicci Russell said:

Last year, some parts of the country saw unprecedented weather conditions with the driest July since the 1930s and scorching heat, the declaration of drought and hosepipe bans for millions of people.

That hot dry weather meant those of us lucky enough to have gardens were using a huge amount of water outside. This year, we’re running our campaign #WaterwiseDryJuly to rally and support people at home and at work. We’re helping everyone to take small and practical actions that will have a massive impact in reducing water consumption – if we all make small changes to how we use water, we can make a huge difference. Get involved today!

Update on the operational outlook

Dry weather in May and early June caused river flows to recede and reservoirs to decline, resulting in two Environment Agency areas – Cumbria and Lancashire, and the West Midlands – entering prolonged dry weather status in June. Recent rainfall over the last three weeks, particularly in north west England, has meant Cumbria and Lancashire has now returned to normal status. Recent rainfall has helped to restore river flows in many parts of the country and reduced temperatures in the water environment, which has helped fish and other wildlife. However, the National Drought Group warned that the situation could regress if hot, dry weather returns later in the summer.

The natural environment continues to take time to recuperate from the impacts of last summer’s hot and dry weather, with Devon, Cornwall and parts of East Anglia remaining in drought. The Environment Agency anticipates that these areas in drought will not return to normal status until at least winter. As of 19 July, total reservoir capacity across England is 79% full and the July rainfall total so far for England was 65mm.

Hosepipe bans remain in place for Devon and Cornwall to help manage demand with water supply reservoirs still recovering from last year’s drought. Hosepipe bans also remain in place in Kent and Sussex; however, this is due to increased demand for water in hot weather, which is impacting how quickly treated water storage reservoirs can be refilled, not because of drought conditions.

The Plan for Water

The government’s Plan for Water brings together the significant action already taken, along with new measures, that will secure water supplies. This includes:

£2.2 billion of new, accelerated investment by water companies to spend on infrastructure to tackle pollution and increase our water resilience.

A second £10m round of Water Management Grants to fund more on-farm reservoirs and better irrigation equipment.

A new National Policy Statement on water resources so that key water supply infrastructure – such as reservoirs and water transfer schemes – can be built more quickly.

Unlocking an additional £469 million of investment to develop new large-scale water infrastructure, including transfers, recycling, and reservoirs through the Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) programme.

Actions to meet our statutory water demand target to reduce the use of public water supply by 20% per person by 2038. This includes encouraging water companies to consider how to rapidly increase smart meter installations for household and non-household customers and delivering a mandatory water efficiency label on water-using products by 2025.
July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : WTO 4th Trade Policy Review of Honduras: UK Statement [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 July 2023.

UK Statement: 4th Trade Policy Review of Honduras at the WTO in Geneva, 12 & 14 July 2023. Delivered by the UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
1. Quisiera dar una muy calurosa bienvenida a la delegación de Honduras bajo el liderazgo del Ministro Fredis Cerrato Valladares. Es un placer para mí y para el equipo británico el tener una relación tan fuerte con su delegación aquí en Ginebra.
2. Thanks to our distinguished discussant for her very eloquent and thoughtful comments and to the Secretariat for the preparation of this meeting.
3. Let me start by applauding the efforts of the new government of Honduras to reduce poverty since the 2016 Review under your new female President Ms Xiomara Castro. As the Minister and Ambassador Pagán commented, Honduras’ trade policy has undergone a significant shift towards progressive reform, the impact of which has been palpable for the people of Honduras, but which is felt here even in Geneva thanks to Ambassador Castillo’s Work.
4. We also recognise that your economy still faces some challenges as many economies do. These include how it can attract more foreign investment, boost employment and generate increased tax revenue. In preparing for this review, we have listened to private sector voices who have highlighted to us the challenges that for them remain in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Honduras that stem from the handling of foreign investment in the special economic zones (ZEDEs) established by the previous government. And I think that engagement and dialogue with the private sector will be an important step in resolving those challenges and restoring the confidence in investing in Honduras. In that effort the UK stands ready as a friend and partner to support you in the effort to reassure companies looking to invest in Honduras of the benefits of that investment.
5. The bilateral relationship that the UK shares with Honduras is only growing stronger. Trade between our two countries has seen a significant increase of almost 40% in the last couple of years, and this has been catalysed by the implementation of the UK-Central America Association Agreement, which is a testament to the committed bilateral relationship that we share, but also as you indicated, an enabler of an ever closer economic and indeed political relationship between us. As you know, our Minister for Latin America, David Rutley, visited Honduras in April 2023 to meet with businesses and with the government to highlight opportunities for boosting our trade relations under the umbrella of this agreement. We hope that this dialogue and positive development is going to continue at the first UK-CAAA Ministerial Council later this year so we can deepen our trade ties and support Honduras with the diversification of its exports. In particular, sectors such as social infrastructure, agriculture, education and clean growth all stand out as areas where significant untapped potential remains if Honduras business environment improves. And the UK is very keen and ready to collaborate to improve this trading environment to enhance our mutually beneficial trading relationship and support to promote economic and social development in Honduras.
6. We also welcome further efforts by the government to combat corruption and increase the transparency of public procurement mechanisms, which would have a positive effect on trade and development. So we very much welcome, in particular, the establishment of a new International Commission against Corruption and Impunity (CICIH). This is a very positive step.
7. I would like to mention the cooperation that we are undertaking in areas such as sustainable infrastructure – which we think can help support development, agritech and sustainable infrastructure – in which we could support Honduras as it seeks to develop and also address issues around resilience in the face of climate change. Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the United Kingdom and Honduras to implement the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, which supports our shared objective of tackling biodiversity loss and poverty reduction.
8. We really appreciate, as others have already done, your multilateral effort here in Geneva. In particular we really appreciate the work that Honduras has contributed on dispute settlement reform, which is important to all of us. And let me end by thanking Ambassador Dacio Castillo for his dedication as the chair of the General Council and also the work that he led in preparation for MC12, which was so fundamental to our success, but also his continued contribution here over many years to the work and success of this organisation. Good luck with this review, good luck with your efforts. It is great to have you as a partner.
July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Address by the Foreign Minister of Armenia – UK response [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says the UK remains deeply concerned about ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and hopes momentum will be maintained towards an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Chair. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan, welcome back to the Permanent Council.

We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences for the local population.

We support the International Court of Justice order of February 2023 for Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions. The UK calls again on all parties to refrain from the politicisation of humanitarian aid. In order for the civilian population to be protected, it is crucially important for organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to be able to continue to carry out their work in this region, where their operations provide access to essential goods and services, including life-saving medication and health care.

The UK has been clear that there is no military solution to this conflict and urges both sides to continue to engage in substantive negotiations towards a settlement. We recognise that any settlement should include provisions on protecting the rights of the local population in Nagorno-Karabakh. UK Ministers discussed this with Foreign Minister Bayramov during the recent UK-Azerbaijan strategic dialogue.

We are therefore encouraged by President Michel’s trilateral meeting on 15th July with President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, and hope momentum will be maintained towards an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : WTO 4th Trade Policy Review of Fiji – UK Statement [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 July 2023.

UK Day 1 Statement: 4th Trade Policy Review of Fiji at the WTO in Geneva, 19 July 2023. Delivered by the UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Let me start by welcoming Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Mr Manoa Seru Kamikamica and his delegation from Suva and welcome his comments at the beginning of this Trade Policy Review. Let me also thank you, Chair, for your comments and the Secretariat for the preparation of today’s TPR, including their report. And, last but not least, let me pay tribute to our distinguished discussant, Ambassador George Mina, for his multilingual diplomatic masterclass and his insights, not least for picking up your welcome words, Deputy Prime Minister, on trade as the lifeblood of Fiji’s development and aspirations.

Naturally, as fellow members of the Commonwealth the ties between Fiji and the UK are strong and enduring. In fact it was at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting in London, that the DG attended too, that our Minister for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston, was able to meet with you, Deputy Prime Minister, for what I am told was a very constructive discussion on how we can further strengthen our trading ties.

So, let me start by addressing our trading relationship. I am delighted that Fiji, alongside other Pacific States, has secured duty free, quota free access to the UK market under the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). We are currently looking to arrange our first meeting of the Trade Committee established under this agreement which will enable us to develop a shared agenda for the future of our trading relationship and allow us to establish the necessary governance for the implementation of the EPA. We look forward to engaging further with Fiji on its tariff liberalisation schedule, following the updated schedule it agreed with their EU counterparts.

We also welcome the achievements of Fijian businesses under the UK Trade Partnership Programme. Last September, what I understand was some delicious Fijian ginger, was represented at a London food fair, and through the support of UK Trade Partnership three products received Great Taste Awards – an accolade recognised as a reliable stamp of excellence among major food buyers which provides a gateway to exciting opportunities for producers. This year we are scaling up ambition of the UK Trade Partnership programme to promote Fijian beauty products, of which some of us are in critical need.

Alongside these plans, we are aware that Fiji is keen to diversify its export market and welcomes Fiji’s intentions for sustainable hardwood exports, which we believe will help contribute towards mitigating harmful climate change. We also welcome the growing influence and importance of the tourism sector in Fiji, which contributes roughly 38% of GDP. The UK strongly supports diversification to strengthen growth and economic resilience and is keen to hear from Fiji about further plans, and opportunities to support, diversification.

Chair, let me also pay tribute, as our discussant has done, to Fiji’s commendable presence here in Geneva. Fiji is an active and constructive voice across various WTO files, not only representing its own interests, but also strongly advocating for the interests of other Small Island Developing States and Pacific nations. This activism and influence extends across the rest of multilateral Geneva as well and I congratulate Ambassador Luke Daunivalu for his contribution – and that of his Mission – across this city.

TAS our discussant noted, Fiji’s commitment and professionalism was exemplified in the Fisheries negotiations, where, as George set out more eloquently than I could, Fiji played a critical role in landing the landmark Fisheries Subsidies Agreement at MC12. Since then, Fiji’s recent proposal on Overfishing and Overcapacity pillar has offered new elements and sparked a lot of interest from Members. The UK applauds this engagement from Fiji, and the SIDS more broadly, and we look forward to continued constructive discussions to deliver an ambitious and strong agreement which protects our fishing resources, coastal communities and fully delivers on SDG Mandate 14.6.

In the Committee on Trade and Development, Fiji play a vital role as the Pacific Group coordinator, highlighting the difficulties of members from that region, particularly the SIDS, given the unique vulnerabilities they face. The UK is eager to work closely with Fiji and other SVEs to identify how to best build upon the small economies report published earlier this year.

Finally, as the former chair of the Committee on Trade and the Environment, let me also pay tribute to the work Fiji does in the environment space. As co-chair of the plastics dialogue, Fiji has facilitated vital discussions around the challenges of plastics pollution and environmentally sustainable plastics trade. Let me emphasise the UK’s commitment to the various environmental aims of the WTO and our support for Fiji, as they, like many other SIDS and the Deputy Prime Minister set out so clearly, face the most direct and critical impacts of the climate crisis and other environmental challenges. One example of our partnership in this space is a joint event we will be hosting on environmental services at the forthcoming Public Forum in September – to which we are particularly looking forward.

We also recognise the progress that Fiji has made over the review period regarding WTO notifications, and, like the discussant, we would encourage our Fijian colleagues to continue this positive trend to enhance transparency further.

Chair, to conclude, we are grateful to Fiji for engaging in this important transparency exercise and wish them a most successful 4th Review.
July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Nature recovery projects to boost wildlife and access to nature [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 20 July 2023.

Curlews, short-snouted seahorses and natterjack toads set to be benefit as six nature recovery projects are launched.
An area bigger than the size of Hertfordshire is to be dedicated to fast tracking nature recovery as six new landscape-scale nature recovery projects are launched by Natural England and the government.

The multi-partnership collaborative projects covering 176,000 hectares of land across England – from the Tees Estuary to the South Downs – will create improved and better-connected habitats for wildlife and improve public access to nature. The projects will strengthen the national Nature Recovery Network and showcase delivering nature recovery at scale.

The projects, announced today (20 July), will help to manage flooding and wildfire risks, improve carbon stores and build diverse habitats for wildlife such as the endangered wart biter cricket and the elusive twite.

The nature recovery projects, supported by £7.4 million funding from Defra and Natural England, are:

East of Eden, Cumbria – Based in the upland regions of Cumbria, this project stretches over 100,000ha from fertile farmland of the eastern Eden Valley to the western slopes of the North Pennines and the moorlands above. The project will support land managers to create habitats for species such as the curlew, black grouse and the Teesdale Violet. Natural flood management techniques will reduce flood risk and improve the absorption of carbon by rewetting peat.

The Lost Wetlands, Cheshire to Lancashire – Extending over 5,000ha the project will reclaim, restore and rewet a mosaic of wetland habitats in South Greater Manchester and North Cheshire, previously lost to historic industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural intensification of the landscape. A network of wetland habitats will be restored to improve connectivity for wildlife, creating habitats where dragonflies, great crested newts and water voles can thrive. The project will also engage young people and communities, providing greater connection to the wetlands on their doorstep and opportunities to celebrate the natural heritage of the area. This work will help support the government’s commitment to bring people closer to nature, with everyone living no more than 15 minutes from a green space.

Tees Estuary Recovering Nature, Northumbria – Covering over 11,000ha, the TERN Project will work with partners to improve, create and restore coastal, estuarine and land-based habitats. Steeped in industrial history, this area is home to a well-loved colony of common seals and assemblages of roosting waders and wildfowl including the little tern, wintering knot, ringed plover and redshank. Action will create bigger and better connected habitats that increase climate resilience and offer a sustainable future for these cherished species. New footpath links will also bring the community closer to nature, strengthening Teesside’s vision as a place for people and nature.

Heathlands Connections, Surrey – The project is working with partners to restore, enhance and connect rare lowland heathland habitat within the western section of the Surrey Hills AONB. It will connect the designated sites of Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons Special Protected Area with surrounding heathlands, covering an area of 16,000ha and creating a mosaic landscape that is rich in habitats for wildlife. The project will find collaborative solutions to challenges such as wildfire risk, habitat degradation and disturbance to ground nesting birds including the nightjar and Dartford warbler. Sustainable travel options for visitors are being developed, such as walking trails with train, bus and cycle connections to Frensham ponds, enabling local people to get closer to nature.

Bradford and South Pennines, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire – Spanning 30,000ha, this partnership will restore and enhance the condition of the upland peat landscapes in the South Pennines, restoring habitats for moorland birds such as the endangered twite. Natural Flood Management techniques will benefit communities at risk of flooding in the Calder Valley with the creation of intertwining mosaics of wetland habitats. Green corridors will also be created, linking upland sites to the urban environment and industrial heartlands and allowing wildlife to move freely. The project will work closely with community groups and the NHS, providing opportunities to connect the people of Bradford and West Yorkshire with nature on their doorstep. Working with Bradford City of Culture 2025, the project will encourage sustainable access to nature and highlight the environmental links between the industrial heartlands of West Yorkshire and the moors which define them.

Seaford to Eastbourne, Sussex and Kent – Traversing 12,000 ha of the iconic land and seascape of the South Downs, the project builds on key partnerships with South East Water, local authorities, farmers and fishers. The project will build on research into chalk aquifers in the area which confirms the importance of using healthy chalk grass and chalk heath habitats to deliver clean and plentiful water. The work to integrate habitat and natural flood management schemes will create clean water supplies for nearby towns and benefit species, such as the rare wart-biter cricket. Ambitions further extend out to sea where the project partners will seek to boost short-snouted seahorse populations found near Beachy Head. The project is also researching how NHS staff who work in complex mental health can be trained in nature-based interventions, supporting the communities within Seaford to Eastbourne

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said:

These nature recovery projects will enrich our landscapes for wildlife, develop resilience to climate change, catch carbon and help to clean up air and water. They will help restore entire ecosystems, allowing many species of wild animals and plants to spread and thrive. They will also enhance the opportunities people have to make the most of the wellbeing benefits that come with connecting to the natural world.

To fight the challenges posed by Nature loss and climate change it will be essential to build broad and trusted partnerships. I am pleased that the projects announced today signal a commitment to bold and collaborative action at landscape scale to create a Nature Recovery Network which is essential to firmly put nature on the road to recovery.

Environment Minister Trudy Harrison said:

We want to create accessible, nature-rich places closer to where people live, and encourage communities to learn more about the wild landscapes on their doorsteps so they can play their part in helping to protect them.

These partnerships will restore the natural world, from cities to the sea, and will deliver on our targets set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan to create a lasting legacy for people and nature.

The nature recovery projects will make a major contribution to the Nature Recovery Network and help deliver on the commitments set out in the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan to halt the decline in nature and support thriving plants and wildlife.

This announcement builds on the G7 legacy project in Cornwall and the five nature recovery projects launched in 2022 which are improving and connecting wildlife-rich sites and restoring degraded areas for nature across the West Midlands, the Peak District, Somerset, Norfolk and Cambridge. The new projects extend this landmark commitment across the country to include uplands, coastal and marine areas, and will demonstrate how blended public and private finance can support the Nature Recovery Network. The funding will support the 12 projects across the three-year period of the comprehensive spending review.

Improving and connecting existing strongholds for wildlife, creating new habitats and investing in collaborative action for nature at scale will help achieve our pledge to protect 30% of our land and sea for nature by 2030, and create a sustainable future for people and the planet.
July 26, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Overhaul of laws to protect women from domestic killers [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 20 July 2023.

Controlling ex-partners who lash out at the end of their relationship will face longer than ever behind bars under new government plans to tackle domestic homicide.
- longer sentences for bitter partners who murder following the end of a relationship
- history of coercive and controlling behaviour to be a mitigating factor for abused victims who kill their tormentors
- consultation on longer sentences for coercive and controlling behaviour to be expanded to include use of weapon
The change, announced by the Lord Chancellor, is part of a wide-ranging response to Clare Wade KC’s Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review published today (20 July 2023) which will overhaul the law to better protect vulnerable women.

Building on measures already announced in the interim response in March, today’s reforms will create a new aggravating factor for murder at the end of a relationship while also introducing a mitigating factor in cases where the perpetrator has been subjected to a campaign of controlling behaviour before lashing out against their abuser.

Research shows that around one in four homicides are committed by a current or former partner or relative. Recognising the complex nature of murder sentencing, Ministers will also expand a planned consultation on a 25-year starting point for domestic murders with a history of controlling or coercive behaviour to include murders using a knife or other weapon found at the scene.

This will seek the public’s views on the current difference between sentences for murder where a knife is brought to the scene compared, for example, to one already in the home.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk KC, said:

Cowards who murder their partners should face the full force of the law.

Our reforms will give judges the power to punish murderers for the added pain and trauma they inflict through ‘overkill’ as well as ensuring that those who coercively control their victims or kill them at the end of a relationship face longer behind bars.

To further ensure the law is working to provide justice the government will ask the Law Commission to review the use of defences in domestic homicide cases. This will look at whether the gender of the defendant impacts how successful these defences are – with the Wade Review suggesting that female defendants are less successful than men. This includes examining the partial defences of “loss of control” and “diminished responsibility” and whether the law adequately considers circumstances where a victim of domestic abuse acts in self-defence.

The list of measures in the full government response to Clare Wade’s review into domestic homicide sentencing includes:
- Bringing greater recognition to the specific circumstances of domestic murders by creating statutory aggravating factors for murder for:
  - Killing at the end of a relationship
  - Overkill and use of excessive violence
  - A history of coercive or controlling behaviour
- Creating a statutory mitigating factor for murder where the perpetrator has been subjected to coercive or controlling behaviour
- Continuing to improve the collection and recording of data on domestic homicides in England and Wales to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors via the Domestic Homicide Review Library
- Working with partners to implement and improve mandatory training for Crown Prosecution Service staff on understanding coercive control.
- Consulting on a 25-year starting point for coercive or controlling behaviour and sentencing for murders which take place with a weapon found at the scene
- Writing to the Sentencing Council to propose that they review their guidelines for manslaughter sentencing in light of Clare Wade’s recommendations and the government’s response.
- Asking the Law Commission to review the use of defences in domestic homicide cases
Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

Too many women are murdered every year by those they should feel safest with.

This government is working tirelessly to tackle violence against women, and these changes will mean perpetrators spend longer behind bars by taking greater account of the specific factors which are all too present in these horrific cases.

Of the murder cases reviewed by Clare Wade KC over half (51 per cent) involved controlling or coercive behaviour while excessive violence, or overkill, was identified in 60 per cent, with men being the perpetrator in all but one case. Nearly half (48 per cent) were caused in part by feelings of jealousy or resentment at the end of the relationship.

Legislation to implement these changes to the sentencing framework will be laid as soon as parliamentary time allows. The consultation on a new 25-year starting point for domestic murders preceded by coercive or controlling behaviour and to further explore the sentencing for murders committed with a knife or other weapon already at the scene and murders where the weapon is brought to the scene will take place later this.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, said:

I welcome the publication of the Government’s response to the Review. In particular, I am pleased that the Government have committed to introducing a range of new statutory aggravating factors to ensure that the circumstances surrounding domestic murders are given adequate legal weight when considering sentencing. I look forward to continuing to work with the Government on the implementation of the review recommendations and feeding into work by the Law Commission on the review of defences to murders involving domestic abuse.
July 26, 2023