Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : GOV.UK One Login – 1.5 million people already benefiting from reform of government services online [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 6 July 2023.

A new universal login is making public services easier to access online for more than 1.5 million people. The system, allows users to have just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services.
Building on the lessons from the pandemic, a new system, known as GOV.UK One Login will allow people to access government services more quickly and simply.

New system will mean that people need just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services such as signing your mortgage deed or requesting a DBS check.

Over 1.5 million users have successfully proved who they are through GOV.UK One Login to access services. The programme will help save over £700 million over the next three years.

A new universal login is making public services easier to access online for more than 1.5 million people, it has been revealed today (Saturday 24 June).

The system, which builds on the lessons of the pandemic, allows users to have just one account, one username, one password and one identity check to use Government services such as signing your mortgage deed or requesting a DBS check, without having to repeatedly provide their information.

There are currently around 191 different ways for people to set up accounts and 44 different sign-in methods, wasting people’s time and costing the taxpayer money as departments have to pay to maintain duplicate login and identity services. Slimming this down into a single platform for logging in and accessing GOV.UK services will save over £700 million as well as people’s time and effort.

Over 100 public services will be using GOV.UK One Login by 2025, covering the vast bulk of all central government services.

Users can choose to use the GOV.UK One Login app, which has been developed and is available for download, to prove their identity when accessing services. The app allows a user to quickly, easily and securely verify their identity, using their smartphone.

GOV.UK One Login has already successfully been used by over 1.5 million users to prove who they are, while the app has now been downloaded two million times.

Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said:

For millions of people, GOV.UK and online public services are their main daily interaction with the government.

The public rightly expect government services to be fast, simple and easy to use.

That’s why I am pleased that the GOV.UK One Login programme will deliver on that promise, cutting down duplication and providing a single way for people to access public services.

This saves taxpayer time and money, while helping us reduce fraud and provide more efficient and effective services.

The service is being rolled out to all departments, with eight services currently operational:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): Request a basic DBS check

Department for Business and Trade: Licensing for International Trade and Enterprise (LITE)

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA): Apply for your vehicle operator licence

Social Work England: Register to be a social worker

HM Land Registry: Sign your mortgage deed

Ofqual: Apply to be an advisor

Modern Slavery Unit: Modern slavery statement registry

HMRC Government Gateway, which has adopted the identity checking app early and is offering it to customers setting up Government Gateway credentials, as an alternative way to prove their identity to HMRC’s existing identity verification service.

To add further convenience for users, the GOV.UK One Login will allow users to prove their identity, beyond just using a passport or a driving licence, such as by using a biometric residence permit.

While the new system will make it quicker and easier for those wishing to access government services, traditional face-to-face services will continue, for those who wish to use them. There will also be help for those with low digital skills, through assisted digital and face to face options, giving more people the confidence to use GOV.UK One Login and access services.

GOV.UK One Login is being developed with data security at its heart, with protections in place to ensure user data is secure. It will help to reduce fraud against public services, operating a more secure system, and help to protect users from identity-enabled crime.

Further information on GOV.UK One Login can be found in this blogpost from Natalie Jones.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Iran’s continued nuclear escalation threatens international peace and security – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Non-Proliferation.

I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the UN Secretariat for its role supporting implementation of resolution 2231.

I also thank Ambassador Olof Skoog for his briefing and Ambassador Frazier for her briefing and her work as Facilitator.

After months of negotiations, viable texts were tabled last year that provided Iran with the chance to return all parties to the JCPoA.

Iran refused this opportunity and has instead continued its nuclear escalation, threatening international peace and security and demonstrating disregard for resolution 2231.

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile currently exceeds JCPoA limits by more than 21 times.

Its enrichment capabilities have expanded to over 2,500 powerful advanced centrifuges, suitable for nuclear weapons purposes.

Building this capacity has given Iran irreversible gains in technical knowledge, which the JCPoA sought to limit.

And Iran is launching missiles that could be capable of delivering nuclear weapons and is testing technologies directly applicable to intermediate and intercontinental range ballistic missiles.

There is overwhelming evidence that Iran continues to provide material support to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, supplying UAVs with a range of over 300km.

It does so knowing that Russia uses them to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Iran has also continued to supply increasingly complex weapons systems to the Houthis in Yemen in violation of 2231.

This jeopardises regional security and undermines regional stability and prosperity.

Colleagues, the restrictions in resolution 2231 were intended to build confidence in Iran as a responsible international actor.

Transition Day sunsets are due in October and it is clear that the trajectory envisioned back in 2015 has not materialised.

Iran will need to take substantial steps to reverse its escalatory approach if it is to start to rebuild that confidence.

July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK gets new status in global data privacy certification programme [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 July 2023.

The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum.
- UK becomes first country in the world to be granted associate status to Global Cross Border Privacy Rules Forum
- Move unlocks opportunities for closer collaboration on international data flows with key global partners
- UK positioned to help shape practical solutions in building a global data transfers system
The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum. The Forum works to support international data transfers between member countries, safeguarding standards on data protection and privacy.

Associate status in the Forum presents the UK with an opportunity to help drive co-operation with member nations including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Australia on international data flows.

International data transfers and the need to move both customer and company details from one country to another are an inescapable part of modern global business transactions. In 2021, 93% of the UK’s services exports were data-enabled, meaning the trusted flow of data between countries is rapidly becoming an important contributor to economic growth. A practical approach is therefore an important focus for the government, as it works to help shape a global system which can encourage new innovations while ensuring the security of personal data as it moves across borders.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

The UK’s association with the Global CBPR Forum is an important step in building a practical and functional system for global data transfers.

The safety and security of personal data as it moves between countries is paramount, so it’s vital that we work with our key international partners to design solutions that work for everyone.

The UK already has high data protection standards in place when it comes to international transfers, and we look forward to sharing our approach on the global stage alongside the CBPR Forum.

The Global CBPR system is a government-backed data privacy certification programme that companies can join to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised data privacy protections. Many large multinational businesses have already been certified under the framework including Apple, IBM, and Mastercard, and it is one of the very few bodies which supports the secure flow of data across multiple countries, removing barriers and working towards a universal set of data transfer standards.

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has seized the opportunity through the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to create a new UK data rights regime. The legislation reduces burdens on business, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, and unlocks new avenues for innovation across science and technology.

In April 2022, the CBPR Forum was expanded beyond the Asia-Pacific region, and the UK is now the first jurisdiction to be accepted as an Associate, a new membership status recently created by the group.

Before the UK’s official involvement was confirmed, in April the UK co-hosted a Forum workshop in London alongside the United States to explore how the CBPR system can be strengthened to work alongside the data privacy regimes of different countries.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £373 million support to put UK exporters at heart of Zanzibar infrastructure upgrades [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

UK exporters are expected to win contracts equivalent to over £100m after UK Export Finance unlocks financing for historic road and airport upgrades across Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- UK Export Finance underwrites €422 million of financing – equivalent to £373 million – for historic upgrades to 103km of Zanzibar’s road network and to Pemba Airport
- UK exporters are expected to win supply contracts equivalent to more than £100 million for these transformational projects
- Infrastructure upgrades set to boost Zanzibar’s island economy, which draws around a quarter of its annual GDP from tourism
UK government backing has enabled a financing package of €422 million – equivalent to £373 million – for transformational infrastructure projects driven by UK exporters across Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The financing was underwritten by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, and enables two major projects: a historic upgrade to Pemba Airport – the smaller of two airports on the Zanzibar archipelago – and improvements to 103km of roads which will support connectivity and prosperity across Pemba and Unguja islands.

UKEF worked with Citi to unlock €180 million in loans for the airport upgrade and with Deutsche Bank to enable €242 million in loans for the road improvements. These projects will be completed through strategic joint ventures, with Propav Infraestructuras leading and collaborating with Mecco Ltd.

The terms of UKEF’s backing mean that these major projects are expected to create over £100 million in export opportunities for UK companies. This is a significant achievement in the context of UK exports to the whole of Tanzania, which totaled £275 million last year. This development will be a boost for the UK’s construction sector in particular, supporting this government’s priority of growing the economy.

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for International Trade, said:

Good local infrastructure is key to encouraging businesses to invest and work with local suppliers. This deal will support crucial development across Zanzibar, unlock new opportunities for UK companies in Africa, and grow sectors that will create jobs and boost the economy across our nations.

David Concar, British High Commissioner to Tanzania, said:

I couldn’t be more proud of this partnership. Developing countries need access to affordable infrastructure financing from reliable partners – and that is exactly what this initiative will deliver.

It underscores the UK government’s commitment to working in partnership with Tanzania to support inclusive, sustainable economic development, including on the islands of Zanzibar. Congratulations to UK Export Finance, Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Government of Zanzibar and all other partners to the project for collaborating with such keen purpose to unlock this opportunity.

The works are a milestone in UK support for Commonwealth country Tanzania, improving land transport across Zanzibar and creating new horizons for trade on the archipelago.

Improvements at Pemba Airport will transform the domestic facility into a hub for international flights, which currently can only land on Unguja. By allowing overseas passengers to reach Pemba Island directly, the new project will unlock the economic potential of the second largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago.

The works are expected to substantially increase passenger capacity by extending the runway, adding new terminal buildings, and introducing other new infrastructure including a control tower. This will create opportunities for major new business and foreign investment in Zanzibar, whose vibrant tourism sector already contributes to around a quarter of the islands’ annual income.

The UK-enabled road upgrades across Unguja and Pemba – the archipelago’s two largest islands – will expand three major roads to four lanes each whilst fitting them with street lighting and additional paving. This is expected to reduce congestion whilst improving connectivity and safety.

Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, Minister of Finance and Planning of the United Republic of Tanzania, said:

I would like to emphasize the significant role that signing the loan agreements holds in financing infrastructure projects. These agreements will enable us to address critical infrastructure needs, boost tourism and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

By securing this financing, we can embark on vital infrastructure development that will lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Hon. Dr. Saada Mkuya Salum, Minister of State, President’s Office Finance and Planning of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, said:

These loan agreements are not just a transaction, but a strategic step towards the realization of our nation’s goals and aspirations. This financial infusion will empower our government, fostering economic growth and enabling innovative ventures through completion of these two crucial projects.

Cristiano Becker Hees, Financial Structuring and Institutional Relations Director of Propav Infraestructuras, said:

We are excited to be part of these two ambitious projects that will have a significant positive impact. The expansion of Pemba Airport will create an international gateway, generating local employment and boosting regional trade.

Simultaneously, the construction of 103km of roads in Zanzibar will enhance mobility and connectivity, driving economic growth. We take great pride in our involvement, working alongside esteemed British companies to ensure the quality of these projects.

The deal also comes following the introduction last month of the UK’s new post-Brexit Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The Scheme removes or reduces tariffs on UK trade with 65 countries that are home to over 3.3 billion people, including Tanzania. This allows developing countries greater access to the UK market than was possible under previous, EU-led regulatory frameworks.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Interim Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group appointed [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 July 2023.

Anit Chandarana announced as DfT’s Rail Infrastructure Group interim Director General.
- Anit Chandarana joins on secondment from Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT)
- will work closely with GBRTT to deliver government’s vision for rail reform
- will begin role in August with more than 18 years of experience in rail industry
The Department for Transport (DfT) is pleased to announce that Great British Railways Transition Team’s lead director, Anit Chandarana, will be joining DfT as Interim Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group.

Anit will work closely in partnership with GBRTT, DfT colleagues and the sector to deliver the government’s vision for rail reform as set out by the Secretary of State in his Bradshaw Address, progress plans for the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), and ensure the benefits of a guiding mind for the railway are delivered as soon as possible.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government sets new fraud and error target to save £1.3bn [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 July 2023.

Target follows Government’s Fraud Plan which sets out bold new measures to fight fraud against the welfare state.
- DWP sets ambitious new target to increase the savings achieved by its counter fraud and error resource.
- This will save more of taxpayers’ money, delivering on the government’s economic priorities to reduce debt and support our public services
The Government has today [Thursday 6 July] set a new target to save at least £1.3 billion in 2023-24 through its dedicated counter fraud and error resource.

This would be a considerable increase on the £1.1billion savings achieved last year, cracking down further on those exploiting the benefits system and stealing from those who most need help.

The details are outlined in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), published today.

This is in addition to the latest national statistics that show the rate of overpayments due to fraud and error has fallen by 10% over the last year, as we are determined to go further to eliminate fraud from the system.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said:

Our tightened fraud controls and checks resulted in a significant reduction in fraud and error in the last year and now we are seeing the tide start to turn.

Given that our welfare system exists to provide a strong financial safety net for the most vulnerable, it is imperative we continue to prevent anyone abusing this for their own profit, which is why we’re setting a new target to save £1.3bn in the next year and root out fraud wherever we find it.

Minister responsible for tackling fraud, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

Our teams are working flat out to prevent new fraudulent claims and expose people who have been exploiting the system – with strong results.

But we know we need to go even further, because the fraud landscape is changing, with the tactics used by criminals evolving quickly.

Working towards our ambitious new target over the next year will protect taxpayers’ hard-earned cash and enable us to deliver on the Prime Minister’s priorities to reduce debt and grow the economy.

DWP teams tackling fraud include the Counter-Fraud and Compliance Directorate, which focuses on rooting out fraud and error at all levels, including serious organised crime, and investigates bogus benefit claims.

In addition, the newly developed Targeted Case Reviews team will review millions of Universal Credit claims over the next five years – preventing customers from falling further into debt, identifying changes which result in an underpayment, and fast-tracking suspected cases of fraud for investigation.

This team is also providing intelligence on new and emerging ways to identify and prevent fraud and error entering the welfare system so the Department can further strengthen its defences.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK steps up action to tackle rising threat posed by Iran [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

The Foreign Secretary has announced plans for a new sanctions regime to hold Iran to account for its hostile and destabilising behaviour around the world.
- Foreign Secretary announces plans for a new Iran sanctions regime, which will give the UK greater powers to target decision makers in Iran for hostile activities in the UK and around the world
- new sanctions designations to be announced on individuals and organisations responsible for human rights violations in Iran
- announcements come as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN Human Rights Council and UN Security Council this week
The Foreign Secretary has today outlined new action to hold Iran to account for the regime’s threats to the UK and our partners, including a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers.

Iran has increased its efforts to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including in the UK. Since the start of 2022, the UK has responded to more than 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap British or UK-based individuals by the Iranian regime.

The regime has publicly called for the killing or capture of these individuals and in some cases detained and harassed the individual’s families in Iran. The Iranian intelligence services have developed close relationships with organised criminal gangs in UK and across Europe to expand the capability of its networks.

The UK will not tolerate such threats. The Foreign Secretary is announcing today our intention to create a new sanctions regime which will give the UK greater powers to target Iran’s key decision makers and those doing their bidding.

The regime will significantly expand the UK’s sanctions powers by creating new criteria under which individuals and entities can be sanctioned, including:
- the Iranian regime’s activities undermining peace, stability and security in the Middle East and internationally
- the use and spread of weapons or weapons technologies from Iran
- the Iranian regime’s undermining of democracy, respect for the rule of law and good governance
- other hostile activities towards the UK and our partners emanating from the Iranian regime, including threats to our people, property, or security
The announcement comes as the UK drives international condemnation of Iran’s behaviour at the UN this week. Yesterday, the UK co-signed a statement calling out the regime for the significant rise in executions over the last year.

Later today in New York, the UK will lead international opposition to Iran’s weapons proliferation and nuclear escalation at the UN Security Council as part of the UK’s Presidency in July. The UK has handed over extensive evidence to UNSC members demonstrating the Iranian regime continues to send weapons to the Houthis in Yemen and to Russia for use in Ukraine, in violation of UNSC restrictions. The UK and our partners will condemn this malign behaviour in the presence of the Iranian Permanent Representative to the UN, who is anticipated to attend the event.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on UK soil.

Today the UK has sent a clear message to the regime – we will not tolerate this malign behaviour and we will hold you to account.

Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure there can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm.

The UK is also announcing a raft of new sanctions under the FCDO’s existing Iran Human Rights sanctions regime, which enables the designation of individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.

The list of 13 individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses includes prison governors overseeing torture and inhumane treatment, organisations charged with collecting private information of regime opponents and individuals leading the repression of women through Iran’s compulsory hijab laws. Examples of those now subject to asset freezes and travel bans are:
- Heidar Pasandideh (Governor of Sanandaj prison): has overseen regular torture and abuse within the prison. A prisoner reportedly died in Sanandaj after being severely beaten and denied medical treatment
- IRGC Cyber Defence Command (CDC): the CDC monitors the emails, websites and online activities of regime opponents and sends evidence to other parts of the IRGC to investigate
- The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution (SCCR): the SCCR set Iran’s policies on cultural and educational matters, including wear of the hijab, which is implemented by the Morality Police who were responsible for beating Mahsa Amini before her death in custody in September 2022
View the full UK Sanctions List.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Home Secretary backs action to protect sport from disruption [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 July 2023.

The Home Secretary, alongside the Culture Secretary, held a roundtable as Just Stop Oil disrupted matches at the Wimbledon Tennis Championship.
On Wednesday 5 July, the Home Secretary chaired a meeting at 10 Downing Street, bringing together voices from government, police and sports to ensure major British events this summer are protected from criminal disruption.

The Home Secretary made clear the government will support police and event leaders to prevent protesters from frustrating fans and competitors at sporting events. She committed to a continued dialogue with event organisers to ensure lessons are learnt from recent stunts by selfish activists set on spoiling these occasions.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The protesters at Wimbledon were determined to ruin the day’s play for spectators and sports fans across the world.

This is unacceptable. We will be uncompromisingly tough on the selfish protesters intent on spoiling our world-class sporting occasions this summer.

The discussions I chaired at Downing Street were very productive. Sports, police and government are united against preventing further disruption of this kind.

The Home Secretary backed police and sports organisers to take swift action to preserve events taking place this summer. Identifying risks early, mitigating and eliminating them, backed by swift enforcement action will be central to this approach.

The government provided police with a clear definition of serious disruption earlier this year, making clear forces should treat repeatedly disruptive protests as sustained campaigns, not standalone events.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

We convened a roundtable of event organisers and the police to redouble efforts to prevent further disruption to the Great British summer of sport, as we have seen at Wimbledon.

We must protect the right to peaceful protest, but that does not give licence to a vocal minority to spoil events that millions of us enjoy.

Anyone thinking of attempting to disrupt these events should think again.

The Policing Minister, Chris Philp, and the Minister for Sport, Stuart Andrew, also pledged to continue close contact with law enforcement and cultural sectors to grip the issue ahead of major events including Silverstone.

Public order and events leads from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Police Co-ordination Centre updated attendees on preparations at other events this summer, including intelligence gathering to foil activists’ plans.

Sporting organisations shared their efforts to reinforce security with stewards, consider securing more injunctions to allow officers to act quickly against disruption and see more individuals who undertake guerrilla protest acts face prison sentences.

Other national bodies and event organisers in attendance were:

Lawn Tennis Association

England and Wales Cricket Board

Racecourse Association

British Horseracing Authority

Rugby Football League

Rugby Football Union

Premier League

English Football League

The R&A

Professional Darts Corporation

Greyhound Board of Great Britain

Ascot Racecourse

Silverstone Circuits

Arena Racing

World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association

The government recently introduced new legislation through the Public Order Act 2023, criminalising actions such as ‘locking on’. Police will also be able to stop and search protesters for items like padlocks and superglue if they suspect they are setting out to cause chaos. The measures will help tackle tactics seen at Premier League games last year, where protesters used cable ties to attach themselves to goal posts.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 also made it easier to tackle public nuisance caused by protesters. This has assisted police in making swift arrests, as seen at the Grand National in April where 118 activists were arrested for attempting to breach the track and the event was back on course in 12 minutes.
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More than £1.2m funding for councils to clean up chewing gum from our streets [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 6 July 2023.

Fifty-six councils across the UK to receive funding totalling more than £1.2 million to target chewing gum stains.
More than 50 councils across the UK are to receive grants totalling more than £1.2 million to remove discarded chewing gum from our streets and prevent it from being littered again.

Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cardiff, Glasgow, Ipswich, Liverpool, Sunderland and Wiltshire are among those to benefit from the second round of funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force.

Launched in 2021, the Task Force was established by Defra and is administered by charity Keep Britain Tidy, with funding provided by gum producers. It aims to clean gum off pavements and put in measures to stop it being dropped in the first place, helping clamp down on anti-social littering.

Estimates suggest the annual clean-up cost of chewing gum for councils in the UK is around £7 million and, according to Keep Britain Tidy, around 77% of England’s streets and 99% of retail sites are stained with gum.

The Chewing Gum Task Force brings together some of the country’s major chewing gum producers, including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle. Together, the producers have pledged up to £10 million over five years via the scheme to tackle gum littering.

The latest round of funding includes:

Grants of up to £25,000 for cleansing with a fully funded bespoke gum litter prevention package.

Further grants of up to £25,000 for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cardiff, Doncaster and Glasgow for the fully funded bespoke gum litter prevention package and long-term monitoring and evaluation carried out by not-for-profit social enterprise Behaviour Change.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

Littering blights our communities, spoils our countryside, harms our wildlife and wastes taxpayers’ money when cleaning it up. That’s why we’re working with gum producers to tackle chewing gum stains.

After the success of the first round of funding, this next slice will give councils further support to clean up our towns and cities.

In its first year the task force awarded 44 grants worth a total of £1.2 million, benefitting 53 councils who were able to clean an estimated 2.5km2 of pavement, an area larger than 467 football pitches.

By combining targeted street cleaning with specially designed signage to encourage people to bin their gum, participating councils achieved reductions in gum littering of up to 80% in the first two months. Monitoring and evaluation carried out by Behaviour Change has shown that a reduced rate of gum littering is still being observed six months after clean-up and the installation of prevention materials.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, said:

Chewing gum litter is highly visible on our high streets and is both difficult and expensive to clean up, so the support for councils provided by the Chewing Gum Task Force and the gum manufacturers is very welcome.

However, once the gum has been cleaned up, it is vital to remind the public that when it comes to litter, whether it’s gum or anything else, there is only one place it should be – in the bin – and that is why the behaviour change element of the task force’s work is so important.

Naomi Jones, corporate affairs director at Mars Wrigley UK, said:

We’re pleased to be supporting the work of the Chewing Gum Task Force again this year. While the majority of consumers already bin their used gum properly, we know there’s still work to be done to change the behaviour of people who are disposing of their gum irresponsibly.

In its first year, the Task Force’s work saw 2.5km2 cleaned in council areas around the country. Behaviour change interventions achieved chewing gum litter reductions of up to 80%. This year, we’ll be to be funding and partnering with another 56 councils, across the four nations, in 2023.

In 2022, individual councils received grants of up to £20,000 to fund street cleaning and the purchase of cleansing equipment. Larger grants of up to £70,000 were available to two or more councils working together to achieve a greater impact.

In Grimsby, machines made by Eco Removal Systems were used to clean unsightly chewing gum stains in the town centre. Due to the crew wearing the machines as backpacks, the team quickly became known as ‘Gum Busters’. The stains were removed using an eco-friendly detergent made from sugar beet. This was heated and sprayed directly on to the gum to vaporise it.

Four councils – Birmingham, Newport, Glasgow and Belfast – benefitted from a full independent evaluation of their clean-up and prevention signage. A reduction of up to 80% in gum littering after two months was measured as a result of the interventions, through a combination of pre- and post-intervention gum counts and footfall analysis.

The task force was announced as part of the government’s strategy to support the evolution and regeneration of high streets across the country, which includes 15 Town Deals totalling £335 million to fund community regeneration projects, the transformation of derelict buildings and communities being given the chance to own local pubs, theatres, sports grounds and corner shops.

Littering is a criminal offence. In the Prime Minister’s Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan, we have committed to raising the upper limit on spot fines later this year from £150 to £500 in England.

To tackle littering of drinks containers, from 2025 we will introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers where people will be incentivised to recycle their bottles and cans by placing a small deposit on drinks products.

We have also banned some of the most littered plastic items in England and plan to introduce further bans from October 2023.

The opening of this next round of funding comes alongside further steps this week to deliver the Prime Minister’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan which sets out the government’s approach to making sure these issues are treated with the urgency they deserve by establishing a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of anti-social behaviour, and giving the police and local authorities the tools they need to tackle the problem.

Coinciding with Resolve’s ASB Awareness Week, pilot schemes have begun in police force areas to increase police patrols in hotspot areas, helping deter crimes from happening in the first place, and to deliver ‘immediate justice’ whereby offenders will be made to repair the damage they’ve caused to their communities with an aim to start reparative work within 48 hours.

Earlier this week, the government also opened the first round of the Million Hours Fund, to make an initial £3 million of grants available for youth organisations to provide more out-of-school activities and support more young people in areas of high need this summer – ensuring young people are helped away from bad life choices and are given access to greater support.

The full list of councils to receive funding is below.

Newark and Sherwood

North Tyneside Council

London Borough of Hackney

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Sevenoaks District Council

Rushcliffe Borough Council

London Borough of Waltham Forest

East Cambridgeshire District Council

Liverpool City Council

Manchester City Council

North Devon Council

Sunderland City Council

Leeds City Council

Braintree District Council

London Borough of Newham

Tewkesbury Borough Council

Canterbury City Council

Southend-on-Sea City Council

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Colchester City Council

Blackpool Council

Haringey Council

City of London Corporation

Ipswich Borough Council

City of Doncaster Council

Redbridge Council

Cumberland Council

Middlesbrough Council

Lewes District Council

Newcastle City Council

Pendle Borough Council

Milton Keynes City Council

Wiltshire Council

Wirral Borough Council

Oxford City Council

London Borough of Lambeth

Ealing Council

Warrington

Wigan Council

Cardiff Council

Newport City Council

Cyngor Gwynedd

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

Bridgend County Borough Council

Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Mid Ulster District Council

South Lanarkshire Council

South Ayrshire Council

Glasgow City Council
July 13, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities – UK response [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 July 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland voices UK support for the work of the OSCE High Commissioner and calls for the protection of national minorities in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Thank you Mr Chair, Welcome, Ambassador, back to the Permanent Council. Thank you for your comprehensive report and your address today.

The UK is a strong supporter of your mandate: we welcome your institution’s work in promoting human rights for all, particularly national minorities. This is integral to ensuring collective security and stability, and to preventing conflict. High Commissioner, we recall your previous remarks that diversity is strength – the UK is a great believer in this principle.

Your report rightly highlights the terrible effect that Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion is having on people in Ukraine. We echo your call for the protection of civilians and for humanitarian access in Ukraine, including for national minorities. The Russian government has cynically used minority issues as a false pretext for its unjustifiable aggression. The swiftest and most effective way to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all people in Ukraine is for Russia to withdraw its troops from the whole of Ukraine. Russia must respect international law, and that includes minority rights.

Once again, we encourage all participating States to fully cooperate with you and your team to enable you to fulfil your mandate without impediment throughout the whole of Ukraine. This includes areas temporarily under Russian control. We welcome your continued dialogue with national minorities in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian authorities.

The UK also welcomes the Commission on National Minorities contribution to strengthening Georgia in the face of continued Russian hybrid aggression, including supporting the roll-out of Georgia’s Strategy for Civic Equality and Integration to promote national minority communities.

We commend your work across the OSCE region, including in Albania, Moldova, and in Central Asia, which has made use of legislation, education, language, and dialogue to improve cohesion and representation for different national minorities. We are pleased to hear that there remains close cooperation between those participating States and your Office.

As we have emphasised before, the UK greatly values your Office’s research into the intersectionality of gender and national minorities. We fully support women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of public life, including in peace and security. It is heartening to know that your Office also recognises the importance of this. We would be in favour of further initiatives which promote gender mainstreaming, and look forward to reports of future progress in this important area.

To conclude, Ambassador, we thank you and your dedicated team for all your endeavours, and wish you all the best in your future work.

July 13, 2023