Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : CPS to have new obligation to meet adult rape victims ahead of trial [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2023.

Rape victims will be given the opportunity to meet the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff involved in their case ahead of a trial in the latest move to guide them through the criminal justice system.
prosecuting teams will offer to meet victims face-to-face following a not-guilty plea

this will help victims better understand the process and support available

Victims and Prisoners Bill begins next stage of passage through Parliament today (19 June 2023)

This will give victims the chance to discuss what they can expect in court, better understand the process and be talked through the support measures available to them such as appearing via video link. It will also provide victims the opportunity to have their voice heard and discuss any concerns ahead of trial.

This obligation will be cemented into an updated Victims’ Code, the principles of which will be put on a statutory footing through the Victims and Prisoners Bill. The bill begins its next stage through Parliament today.

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

Going to court as a victim can be daunting and confusing so meetings with the prosecution team will ensure they can have their questions answered and worries eased.

Helping rape victims to give their best evidence will ensure we put more of these vile attackers behind bars.

Figures show that rape trials have significantly higher not guilty plea levels compared to other crimes – meaning a greater proportion of victims are put through the stress of giving evidence in court. Fewer than one in five adult rape trials arriving at Crown Court receives a guilty plea, compared to 60% of all crime.

Victim groups say that many rape survivors find the idea of giving evidence in court daunting, which can lead to them dropping their support for the case. By providing greater support ahead of trial, the prosecution team will be able to address any specific concerns or questions victims may have, reducing the risk of them withdrawing from the process.

This measure, alongside the roll out of pre-recorded evidence and more Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, will help victims feel supported within the justice system and reduce the number of cases that never reach trial.

Max Hill KC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said

Victims deserve, and rightly expect, to be supported, informed and treated fairly. They are central to our cases and our ability to bring successful prosecutions.

This new offer for a meeting between adult victims of rape and other serious sexual offences and a member of the prosecution team complements the service we are developing for all victims through our Victim Transformation Programme.

We hope it will help give victims confidence in attending court and highlight the support available to them when giving evidence.

Today’s announcement will form part of a full consultation the Victims’ Code which will take place after the Victims and Prisoners Bill receives Royal Assent taking on board views raised during its passage through Parliament.

Justice Minister, Edward Argar, said:

We want to ensure that rape victims are supported throughout the criminal justice system and know what they can expect when their case goes to court, so this announcement is an important step forward.

Alongside the Victims and Prisoners Bill our broader reforms will help ensure victims get the support they need and the confidence they need to stay the course throughout the criminal justice process and help bring their attacker to justice.

Victoria Prentis KC, Attorney General, said:

Survivors of these crimes have been through enough trauma before the justice process even begins.

Having the chance to connect with the prosecution team and ask questions about the court process can make a world of difference to what can be a very daunting experience. That is why I welcome this new initiative and hope it means many more victims can claim the justice they deserve.

The Victims and Prisoners Bill builds on the wider government work to improve support to them.

Alongside this the government is transforming how rape investigations are handled to avoid disproportionate scrutiny of victims and their accounts. Operation Soteria sees academics working with police forces and the CPS to look at their handling of rape cases and develop new operating models to be rolled out nationwide.

The government will also more than quadruple funding for victim support services by 2025, compared to 2010 and boost the number of Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advisors by more than 40% over the next 3 years taking the total to over 1,000.
June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces tax top-up payments for postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 June 2023.

There will be top-up payments to postmasters under the Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS).
Postmasters in the Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS) will receive top-ups to their compensation, to ensure that the amount they receive is not unduly reduced by tax.

HSS claimants will also be able to claim up to £300 for advice on filing their tax returns.

Government has introduced the top-ups to ensure that postmasters receive full and fair compensation.

All postmasters in the Historic Shortfall Scheme will be given a top-up payment in addition to their compensation award as soon as the Post Office has calculated all the individual payments.

The tax treatment of awards in the Historical Shortfall Scheme has, in some cases, had the effect of unfairly reducing the compensation received by postmasters, which these top-up payments will address.

Claimants will also be able to claim £300 of further support for tax advice, to help them when filing their tax returns.

The Government is determined that postmasters affected by the Horizon IT Scandal receive the compensation they deserve, and today’s announcement marks another step in ensuring compensation is fair and consistent.

Postal Affairs Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

We are committed to ensuring that postmasters and their families receive the full and fair compensation they deserve for the pain and suffering caused by the Horizon scandal.

With these top-ups, we’re making sure that every penny stays in postmaster’s pockets where it belongs.

The HSS was set up in line with tax legislation and other commercial compensation schemes, with offers made on a gross basis and compensation then taxable. This allowed claims to be processed more efficiently without the need for postmasters to provide tax information.

However, this approach did not account for the tax on compensation when paid as a lump sum, which means that postmasters are not necessarily restored to the position they would otherwise have been in. Top-up payments are the quickest and most efficient way to address this issue, and will be exempt from tax.

In total, an additional £26 million is expected to be delivered to claimants through these top-ups which will be tax exempt.

Background

Claimants can claim for up to £300 costs incurred for tax advice to be reimbursed by the Post Office.

The top-up payments are exempt from income tax, capital gains tax and national insurance contributions.

Starting in the late 1990s, the Post Office began installing Horizon accounting software, but faults in the software led to shortfalls in branches’ accounts. The Post Office demanded sub-postmasters cover the shortfalls, and in many cases wrongfully prosecuted them between 1999 and 2015 for false accounting or theft.

The issue of taxation does not apply to the Group Litigation Order Scheme or the Overturned Convictions where there is a tax exemption in place.
June 19, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London [June 2023]

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

The UK and France’s most senior military officers have gathered in London to celebrate the importance of our military relationship, while attending ceremonial events including the Trooping of the Colour for the King’s birthday.

UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, hosted his French counterpart, Chef d’État-Major des Armées (CEMA) General Thierry Burkhard, during visits to watch the Trooping of the Colour in London, and Navy Ceremonial Divisions at HMS Collingwood.

The UK and France share an incredibly close defence relationship enshrined in the Lancaster House Treaty, cooperating on shared NATO commitments in eastern Europe, ongoing military support for Ukraine, and previously conducting joint operations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific. In a joint statement at the UK-France summit in March, a broad range of priorities were agreed, to promote security and stability in Europe, as well as to deepen economic ties – in line with the UK Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy.

CDS and CEMA signed a joint letter of intent in Admiralty House before the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday, providing direction to drive forward the outcomes of the UK-France summit. They encouraged rapid progress on key priorities agreed at the summit, specifically on deepening the integration of UK and French forces throughout the next decade, continuing to adapt the UK-France Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), and working closely together in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting was followed by an audience with the Prime Minister in Downing Street before attending the Trooping of the Colour and a lunch in Lancaster House, which included the chiefs’ extended network.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:

“The first Trooping the Colour of the new King’s Reign is a historic moment, and I am privileged to host not only my French counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard, but also all of his supporting military chiefs and our exchange officers. Having all of our most seniors officers united today, is highly symbolic and demonstrates the strength and depth of the UK-France Military relationship, which is critical to the security of Europe and the World.

“Britain and France share a global outlook that reflects our responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council and G7 economies, but also our democratic and humanitarian values. At the recent Paris Summit, Prime Minister Sunak and President Marcon reaffirmed our commitment to even closer defence cooperation.

This will build on our joint presence in NATO’s Eastern flank, our shared commitment to Ukraine and many years of joint operations in Africa and the Middle East. In the years ahead, we will coordinate our activity in the Indo-Pacific and explore new technological projects that will ensure Britain and France remain Europe’s strongest and most capable defence partners.”

During the visit, CDS was supported by his Vice Chief of Defence Staff, The First Sea Lord, The Chief of the Air Staff, a representative of the Chief of General Staff, and the UK’s Military representative to NATO.

They were joined by over 100 members of the extensive military exchange and liaison network shared by both nations, with soldiers, airmen, sailors and civil servants represented.

The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. 2023 will mark His Majesty King Charles III’s first Trooping of the Colour as Sovereign, with more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians ready to demonstrate military precision, horsemanship and fanfare, as part of the ceremony.

Chef d’État-Major des Armées, General Thierry Burkhard, said:

“It is a great honour to be part of such an historic event and I am very grateful to my counterpart for his invitation. This ceremony allows the French chiefs of staff delegation to witness the devotion of British soldiers to the King and their country. It is very impressive and it is always inspiring for a nation to see that some of its members are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the common good.

“Admiral Radakin also took the opportunity to bring together all the French and British liaison and exchange officers serving on both sides of the Channel. This highly symbolic moment undoubtedly contributes to the consolidation of our bilateral relationship. This is more important than ever as we seek to deepen our interoperability at a time when warfare is presenting new faces.

“Among the French Armed Forces, the value of the British Armed Forces no longer needs to be proven. Indeed, we are all still inspired by the commitment of our veterans during the Second World War. Moreover, our soldiers, sailors and airmen have since been fighting and training together on a daily basis for many years. In Estonia, for example, a French company is integrated into a British battalion. Living together for several months, training together in harsh conditions creates bonds that make all the difference in combat. At the same time, our staffs are also working hard to share their assessments of the situation, the potential for using new technologies in our courses of action, and the development of procedures to facilitate our joint operational effectiveness.”

In addition to Trooping of the Colours, on Friday, the two chiefs attended ceremonial divisions at HMS Collingwood, where CEMA was the guest of honour and gave a speech. This is the largest Royal Navy ceremonial parade outside of State-level events, with around 900 personnel on parade.

The chiefs took the salute from officers and ratings on parade and presented awards and prizes to a number of individuals reflecting both academic achievement and exemplary service.

The visit by CEMA was the latest in a series of activities between the UK and France this year – following the joint summit attended by the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and other Ministers in Paris in March – as well as the Defence Secretary’s visit to Normandy this month, in which he gave a speech reflecting on European security and urging continued support for Ukraine. Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, will visit Paris on Monday to meet French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : PM calls on investors and business leaders to join the fight for Ukraine [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 June 2023.

Ukraine’s recovery must be accelerated through rapid investment and innovation, the Prime Minister will tell a major global summit this week.
Ukraine’s economic recovery is just as important as its military strategy, the Prime Minister is set to say this week as he calls on global investors and British businesses to step up their backing for Ukraine by embracing rapid innovation to rebuild the country

He will tell the Ukraine Recovery Conference summit on Wednesday that innovation must be embraced to accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery, mirroring the success of innovation on the battlefield

World leaders, business chief executives, investors and NGOs expected to travel to London for the summit, underlining the international unity and backing for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction

Ukraine’s recovery must be accelerated through rapid investment and innovation, the Prime Minister will tell a major global summit this week, as he calls on investors and businesses to back the country for the long term.

The Prime Minister will tell the conference that the financial fight to ensure Ukraine is able to rebuild and recover is its own form of counteroffensive against Russia.

His call comes as the UK prepares to launch a number of rapidly deployable, agile digital tools as part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference this week to help the country quickly harness overseas investment.

More than 1000 foreign dignitaries from 61 states, NGO representatives and hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs are expected to travel to London for the event, with the Prime Minister opening the conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will attend virtually.

Both European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are also expected to speak in the opening session of the conference on Wednesday.

The two-day summit will be the largest international conference the UK hosts this year.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to say:

Ukraine’s bravery on the battlefield must be matched by the vision of the private sector to help the country rebuild and recover. Time and time again, Ukraine has shown its ability to rapidly harness innovation and creativity, and I know its recovery will be no different.

The illegal invasion of Ukraine has devastated businesses and livelihoods throughout the country, but it has not destroyed the ingenuity or determination of the Ukrainian people.

A financially stronger, technologically advanced Ukraine will bolster its ability to drive Russia back behind its borders and build a brighter future for a sovereign and modern Ukraine of the future.

Innovation will be a key them at this week’s conference, with Ukraine becoming a major player in the global IT industry prior to the invasion. The rapidly expanding sector also supported more than 300,000 jobs across the country.

Many people working in the industry have now sharpened their skills on the battlefield, turning their hands to building new apps and modifying weapons software in their retaliation against invading Russian forces.

Some of the innovative tools expected to be announced at the summit will include a digital platform that will connect Ukrainian businesses with global companies, enabling virtual networking and driving collaboration on everything from supply chain issues to business expansion.

The matchmaking platform will support reconstruction and recovery through the creation sustainable and long-lasting commercial relationships, all at the touch of a button.

Concurrently, a new UK-Ukraine TechBridge will be launched by Business and Trade Minister Nusrat Ghani in London on Tuesday evening in partnership with the Government of Ukraine.

The initiative was first proposed ahead of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine but has gained momentum in recent months as it became clear it could provide vital opportunities to businesses trying to rebuild and grow in Ukraine.

The TechBridge will be established as a physical space to bring together the UK and Ukrainian innovators, entrepreneurs and the technology and financing industries to foster greater collaboration to drive forward recovery and reconstruction. The centre will also offer training, upskilling and business support across the tech sector.

As part of the push on innovation, the UK will also launch a £10 million InnovateUkraine Green Energy Challenge Fund at the summit.

The fund will spark and accelerate the development of low-carbon, affordable energy projects for Ukraine, with researchers, businesses and NGOs able to apply for financial backing to make their green energy ideas a reality, with the hope of being able to roll out some of the projects to communities in Ukraine routinely facing blackouts and energy shortages.
June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK to give Ukraine major boost to mount counteroffensive [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 June 2023.

UK to give major boost to cyber defences as Ukraine mounts counteroffensive.
Up to £25 million expansion to harden Ukraine’s cyber defences as Russia continues its callous attacks

Funding will protect critical national infrastructure and vital services through bolstered cyber defence capabilities to Ukraine, enabling them to detect, respond and prevent Russian cyber-attacks.

Cyber defence funding comes as the Prime Minister prepares to make the case for the private sector to join the fight to push back Russia by investing in Ukraine

The UK will roll out a major expansion to its cyber defence programme in Ukraine, protecting the country’s critical national infrastructure from crippling Russian attacks.

The programme, which supports Ukraine’s Government to rapidly respond to and defend vital government services against debilitating cyber-attacks, will be boosted by an injection of up to £25 million and a two-year expansion.

The package will include £16 million in UK funding and potential for a further £9 million contribution from international allies.

It is the latest tranche of UK support to Ukraine as the country mounts its counteroffensive against Russian forces that have brutally invaded the country, using all domains to sow instability and attempt to destroy Ukraine’s rightful sovereignty.

The Prime Minister, who will this week make the case for the private sector to join the counteroffensive against Russia by supporting Ukraine through investment, will say that it is vital the international community hardens Ukraine’s defences to enable it to protect and grow investment into the country.

Ukraine has successfully fought back a number of cyber-attacks by Russian forces, including destructive wiper-ware attacks and covert espionage-ware attacks.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Russia’s appalling attacks on Ukraine are not limited to their barbaric land invasion, but also involve sickening attempts to attack their cyber infrastructure that provides vital services, from banking to energy supplies, to innocent Ukrainian people.

This funding is critical to stopping those onslaughts, hardening Ukraine’s cyber defences and increasing the country’s ability to detect and disable the malware targeted at them.

The UK-funded Ukraine Cyber Programme (UCP) uses world-leading expertise, from both the private and public sector, to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure and vital public services.

The support, which builds on the Foreign Secretary’s announcement of £6.35 million for the programme last year, will also fund and provide forensic capabilities to enable Ukrainian cyber experts to analyse system compromises, attribute attackers and build better evidence to prosecute these indiscriminate attacks.

In addition to boosting cyber defences, the UK has also stepped up its military support to Ukraine.

This week, the UK contributed a further £250 million to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), which announced it would provide a major package of air defence, including radars, guns and ammunition to Kyiv to protect Ukrainian cities from indiscriminate Russian attacks.

That announcement followed the delivery of the UK’s long-range missile strike capability Storm Shadow last month, which has provided Ukraine with game-changing capability to defend itself from Russian attacks and degrade the capability of invading Russian forces.
June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Tech entrepreneur Ian Hogarth to lead UK’s AI Foundation Model Taskforce [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 18 June 2023.

Artificial intelligence expert announced as chair of government’s Foundation Model Taskforce.
- Leading tech entrepreneur and renowned investor and AI specialist will chair the Foundation Model Taskforce.
- The Taskforce will lead vital AI safety research as part of driving forward the safe and reliable development of Foundation Models while seizing the extraordinary opportunities they present.
- Modelled on the success of the Vaccine Taskforce, operating with the same agility and delegated authority, is backed with an initial £100 million of government funding.
The renowned tech investor, entrepreneur and AI specialist Ian Hogarth has been announced as the chair of the Government’s Foundation Model Taskforce, reporting directly to the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary.

A leading authority on AI, Ian has co-authored the annual State of AI report since 2018 on the progress of AI. Ian is also a visiting professor at University College London and he has a strong background in tech entrepreneurship as the founder of the start-up Songkick and the venture capital fund Plural.

The appointment brings a wealth of experience to developing this technology responsibly, which underpins the government’s AI strategy and follows the launch of the AI White Paper. Ian’s strong commercial experience and connections across the AI sector equip him with valuable insights that he will bring to this role.

Under Ian’s leadership, a key focus for the Taskforce in the coming months will be taking forward cutting-edge safety research in the run up to the first global summit on AI safety to be hosted in the UK later this year.

Bringing together expertise from government, industry and academia, the Taskforce will look at the risks surrounding AI. It will carry out research on AI safety and inform broader work on the development of international guardrails, such as shared safety and security standards and infrastructure, that could be put in place to address the risks.

The Taskforce will be modelled on the successes of the Vaccine Taskforce, operating with the same agility and delegated authority so the Chair and Taskforce are empowered to take forward work and make decisions at pace.

Ian Hogarth, Chair of the Foundation Model Taskforce, said:

UK scientists and entrepreneurs have made many important contributions to the field of AI, from Alan Turing through to AlphaFold. The Prime Minister has laid out a bold vision for the UK to supercharge the field of AI safety, one that until now has been under-resourced even as AI capabilities have accelerated. I’m honoured to have the chance to chair such an important mission in the lead up to the first global summit on AI Safety in the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

The more artificial intelligence progresses, the greater the opportunities are to grow our economy and deliver better public services.

But with such potential to transform our future, we owe it to our children and our grandchildren to ensure AI develops safely and responsibly.

As one of the leading figures in UK tech, it’s great to have Ian leading our expert taskforce, empowered with authority and agility to build our leadership in AI safety and development.

It will ensure we do things differently and move with the same pace and vigour as we rise to meet the task ahead.

In April, the government committed an initial £100 million to set up the Foundation Model Taskforce, seizing the extraordinary opportunities presented by cutting-edge AI systems and advancing their safety and reliability.

Foundation models, including the large language models that power popular new services like ChatGPT, Google Bard and Claude, are general-purpose AI systems trained on massive data sets which can be applied to tasks across the economy.

Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said:

Our Foundation Model Taskforce will steer the responsible and ethical development of cutting-edge AI solutions, and ensure that the UK is right at the forefront when it comes to using this transformative technology to deliver growth and future-proof our economy.

With Ian on board, the Taskforce will be perfectly placed to strengthen the UK’s leadership on AI, and ensure that British people and businesses have access to the trustworthy tools they need to benefit from the many opportunities artificial intelligence has to offer.

The expert Taskforce will help build UK capabilities in foundation models and leverage our existing strengths, including UK leadership in AI safety, research and development, to identify and tackle the unique safety challenges presented by this type of AI.

The work of the Taskforce will be vital in seizing the opportunities of AI and building public confidence in its use, complementing work already taking place in AI companies themselves, who are looking at their own measures to ensure development of AI is safe and responsible. They have also committed to give the Taskforce early or priority access to models for research and safety purposes to help build better evaluations and help us better understand the opportunities and risks of these systems.

The global AI safety summit later this year will be an opportunity for leading nations, industry and academia to come together and explore an assessment of the risks, to scope collective research possibilities and to work towards shared safety and security standards and infrastructure.

As President Biden has noted, the UK is well-placed to lead the international effort on AI safety.
June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Council DIY waste charges abolished [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 18 June 2023.

Charges to dispose of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres will be removed.

Households will no longer have to pay to get rid of DIY waste, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow announced today (Sunday 18 June).

Following overwhelming public support, the Government will abolish the fees which some local authorities charge for disposing of DIY waste at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). This will support householders to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner and encourage recycling.

Around a third of Local Authorities still charge for household DIY waste. The changes outlined today will mean councils treat DIY waste the same as household waste and could save households up to £10 for an individual item – for example, a sheet of plasterboard.

This will make it much easier and cheaper for people making home improvements to get rid of their waste – and may reduce the temptation to use waste cowboys who fly-tip rubbish.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

We want to make it as easy as possible for people to dispose of their waste properly and that’s why we are removing the financial burden on doing the right thing with DIY trash.

This not only supports our wider work to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime, but we are helping home improvers across the nation make their dream projects a reality.

These changes complement wider action we are taking to tackle fly-tipping and waste crime, which is estimated to cost the economy £924m per year in England. Earlier this year we announced grants totalling £775,000 to help councils roll out a range of projects to crack down on fly-tipping. We have consulted on reforming the waste carrier, broker, dealer regime and on introducing mandatory digital waste tracking, and we are also developing a fly-tipping toolkit with National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group to help spread best practice among local authorities on tackling the issue.

Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, Jacob Hayler, said:

We welcome any measures that make it easier for householders to dispose of waste correctly and responsibly at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre, which in turn reduces the chance of it falling into the hands of criminals or being fly-tipped.

Tackling the scourge of waste crime, from low-level fly-tipping to industrial-scale illegal operations, will require a multifaceted approach which is why we also support additional measures being introduced to help local authorities and to implement digital waste tracking alongside reform of the licensing regime for waste carriers, brokers and dealers.

The Government clarified the law in 2015 that local taxpayers should not be charged for disposing of household waste at civic amenity sites – scrapping backdoor “tip taxes”. It has also repeatedly stated that councils should not be charging for such DIY household waste disposal either.

The changes announced today clarify that DIY household waste should be treated the same as household waste.

These reforms will protect the local environment by encouraging responsible waste disposal, whilst keeping down the cost of living for households.

June 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK presses for further progress on global food security at G20 [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 17 June 2023.

Environment Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to improving global food security, at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Hyderabad.

The Secretary of State for Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey has this week reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to improving global food security through sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Hyderabad, India, the Secretary of State urged countries to come together and harness the power of nature to get food to people’s plates both now and for future generations.

The meeting focused on identifying actions and solutions to help tackle global food security and nutrition, including moving to sustainable agriculture to lower impacts on climate and environment while increasing global food security, and ensuring agriculture and food systems are more resilient to shocks.

Ministers also discussed how we can achieve more sustainable food supply chains to reduce impacts such as deforestation caused by unsustainable agriculture, as well as the importance of long-term action and support for farmers and rural communities to ensure we can continue to feed a growing population.

The Secretary of State for Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey said:

Building more resilient food security must be an urgent, ongoing priority for G20 and sustainable agriculture must be at the heart of our efforts.

As well as making the most of science, tech and innovation, we need to recognise that protecting and supporting the power of nature is essential, and in many cases the most effective and cost-effective way to roll out solutions at scale.

These discussions build on the UK’s ongoing commitment to develop and scale-up more sustainable agricultural practices at an international level and follows the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit in Washington last month. At the Summit, the UK announced a £3 million investment to help fund a new consortium to develop, test and scale up new and alternative fertilisers that can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.

It also builds on strides the UK is making at home to support farmers to run sustainable, profitable and productive farming businesses. This includes more than £168 million in grants being made available to farmers this year to drive innovation, support food production, improve animal health and welfare and protect the environment, as well as accelerating the roll out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Up to £30 million has recently been awarded to cutting-edge farming projects that will boost food production, move towards net zero, and create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the second round of Landscape Recovery launched last month to support up to 25 more projects to protect and restore thousands of acres of the English landscape.

June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak backs public’s right to choose with delay to BOGOF restrictions [June 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 June 2023.

Rules banning multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar – including buy one get one free deals – will be delayed for another two years until October 2025.
Rules banning multibuy deals on foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar – including buy one get one free deals – will be delayed for another two years until October 2025, the government has confirmed.

The policy had already been subject to a delay until October 2023. This will now be extended to allow the government to continue to review the impact of the restrictions on the consumers and businesses in light of the unprecedented global economic situation.

Economies across the world have been affected by higher-than-expected global energy and goods prices, leading to increased costs across supply chains.

The delay means shoppers will be able to continue taking advantage of multibuy offers on all foods.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I firmly believe in people’s right to choose – and at a time when household budgets are under continuing pressure from the global rise in food prices, it is not fair for government to restrict the options available to consumers on their weekly shop.

It is right that we consider carefully the impact on consumers and businesses, while ensuring we’re striking the balance with our important mission to reduce obesity and help people live healthier lives.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

With families facing rising food prices and cost of living pressures, it is right that we delay the implementation of these restrictions so as to support businesses and allow them to focus on making food more affordable for families.

We remain committed to cutting waiting lists by tackling obesity which costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year and is the second biggest cause of cancer. We’re already taking action to do so, including by launching pilots for the latest anti-obesity drugs.

Addressing obesity remains a priority for government, as it will help to reduce the strain put on the NHS as it works to tackle the COVID-19 backlogs.

This month the government announced the rollout of a new generation of obesity drugs to support people to lose weight and reduce pressure on hospitals.

This comes on top of further action including:

Introducing calorie labelling on menus, which are expected to bring health benefits of £4.6 billion and provide NHS savings of £430 million

Restrictions on the location of unhealthy foods in shops, which are expected to bring health benefits of over £57 billion and provide NHS savings of over £4 billion over the next 25 years

Introducing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy which has seen the average sugar content of drinks decrease by 46 per cent between 2015 and 2020

Investment to boost school sport to help children and young people have an active start to life.
June 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Business leaders, exporters and innovators recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 16 June 2023.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises Honours awarded to thirty-six businesses leaders, exporters and innovators.

British business leaders, exporters and Department for Business and Trade staff are among the names being awarded for their exceptional service to business, trade, investment, and exports.

Those honoured have proudly flown the British flag and represent a diverse range of businesses and business leaders who have championed a range of our world-leading sectors.

Business leaders and volunteers recognised in the 2023 Birthday Honours list include:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Ann Bentley, Global Board Member, Rider Levett Bucknall. For services to Construction.
- Michael Cherry, Lately Chair, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Business and to International Trade.
- Damian Hopkins, Founder, The Radius Group. For services to the Retail Industry.
- Phillip O’Dell, Lately Director of Flight Operations and Chief Test Pilot, Rolls-Royce. For services to UK aviation.
- Gary Shaughnessy, Chair, Z Zurich Foundation and Parkinson’s UK. For services to Business and to Charity.
- Stephen Welton, Founder and Chair, BGF. For services to Small Businesses and to Entrepreneurship.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Nicholas Baveystock DL, Director General and Secretary, Institution of Civil Engineers. For services to Engineering.
- Kevin Byrne, Founder, Checkatrade.com. For services to industry and Consumer Protection.
- Anuj Chande, Partner, Grant Thornton. For services to International Trade and Investment.
- Andrew Churchill FREng, Executive Chairman, JJ Churchill Ltd. For services to Engineering.
- Frances Dickens, Founder and Chair, Astus Group. For services to Media Trading.
- Elizabeth Noël Harwerth, Chair UK Export Finance. For services to International Trade.
- Amar Latif, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Traveleyes. For services to the Visually Impaired and to Entrepreneurship.
- Richard Paxman, Chief Executive Officer, Paxman Coolers Limited. For services to International Trade.
- Kevin Taylor, Chair, Industrial Development Advisory Board. For services to Business and to the Economy.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Professor David Cooper. For services to Lift and Escalator Engineering.
- Professor Philip Dickens, Founder, Added Scientific. For services to the Additive Manufacturing Sector.
- Caroline Hamilton, Chief Executive, Safety Assessment Federation. For services to Business and to Engineering.
- Dennis Mardon, Chair, Citizens Advice Exeter, for services to Vulnerable People in Exeter, Devon.
- Christine Payne, Lately General Secretary, Equity. For services to the Trade Union Movement.
- Hina Solanki, Founder, Sol Cosmedics. For services to Business and to Charity.
- Sandra Strong, Chair, Customs and Export Licensing Committee, British Exporters Association. For services to British Exporters.
- Penelope Taylor, Head, Newark College and Air and Space Institue. For services to Skills and Employment in Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire.
- David Williams DL, Vice Chair, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Chairman, Geldards LLP. For services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire Nottinghamshire.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Elizabeth Baitson, Founder, High Net Connect. For services to Business and to Entrepreneurs.
- Balbir Kaur Dhillon, Postmaster. For services to the community in Birchwood, Cheshire.
- Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, Postmaster. For services to the community in Birchwood, Cheshire.
- Jennifer Didcote, Postmaster. For services to the community in Bishop’s Cleeve, Gloucestershire.
- Dorothy Kay, Volunteer, Citizens Advice, Elmbridge West. For services to Employment Advice.
- Virendra Patel, Technical Support Partner, John Lewis and Partners. For services to the community in Hampshire.
Staff from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognised in the 2023 Birthday Honours List include:

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Gordon Welsh, Lately Head of Business Group, UK Export Finance.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Charlotte Heyes, Chief Negotiator and Deputy Director, Trade Negotiations Group.
- Ryan Sinclair, Assistant Head.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Jacqueline Griffiths, Senior Policy Advisor.
- Sandra Stephenson, Head of Personnel Security.
- Robin Sykes, Lately Head of Import Controls.
Some of the recognised recipients include:

1. Michael Cherry – awarded a CBE for services to for services to business and to international trade.

For over 20 years Michael has been a passionate advocate for international trade and the benefits it can bring to the economy. Serving 2 full terms (6 years) as Federation of Small Businesses National Chair, the first Chair to do this, Michael has also worked hard to ensure that the voice of smaller firms is heard in the national conversation on small business. Michael has also worked to promote the advantages of international trade to UK small firms in support of the Global Britain agenda. This has included speaking at the UK-Japan Free Trade Summit on the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and at the Australian High Commission in support of negotiations for a UK-Australia FTA. Furthermore, Mike has been a committed advocate for UK trade policy in the national and international media, highlighting the massive interest amongst the UK’s over 500,000 small exporters in concluding FTAs with Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and others.

Michael Cherry CBE, Lately Chair, Federation of Small Businesses said:

I am hugely honoured and obviously delighted to have been put forward for this award, and my thanks to everyone who gave me their support in what we did for businesses and international trade during the time I was privileged to be National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, as well as my congratulations to everyone else recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours.

Small businesses make up the vast majority of the businesses across all parts of the UK and deserve more of our support, especially after the difficulties of the last few years, in looking at the opportunities overseas markets present for them to grow and develop their businesses.

2. Elizabeth Noël Harweth awarded an OBE for services to international trade.

In her role as chair of UKEF, Noël has helped build UKEF from a transactional agency focused on serving few exporters into one of the leading export finance groups in the world while managing risk to a significantly low level. She has built the organization into one of the leading export finance groups in the world, serving hundreds of businesses and projects. Furthermore, Noël’s leadership of the Board at UKEF has contributed to record amounts of support for UK exporters. Noël is the first female Chair of UK Export Finance, and she has consistently championed diversity and inclusion. Noël is deeply committed to public service and to strengthening civil society and she has been very committed to promoting women’s leadership and equality. Noël founded the Women’s Corporate Directors chapter in the UK and continues to chair that group. Plus, having joined the International Women’s Forum approximately 20 years ago, she remains an active member.

Elizabeth Noël Harweth OBE, Chair of UK Export Finance said:

To be awarded an OBE for services to international trade is a great privilege. UK Export Finance has become one of the world’s leading Export Credit Agencies due to the vision and hard work of our dedicated public servants. We are proud to support Great Britain’s exporters, whose goods and services improve the lives of millions around the world.

3. Amar Latif awarded an OBE for services to the visually impaired and entrepreneurship.

Having lost his sight in his teens, Amar has set the bar extremely high to prove to himself, and to encourage many others around the world, that blindness is no impediment to achieving what you desire. He has done this in entrepreneurship, motivational speaking and appearances in a range of TV programmes. Having held the post of Finance Director in the Leeds office of BT, he created Traveleyes in 2004, a company specialising in bespoke holidays around the world for the visually impaired. Traveleyes was voted Best Assisted/Accessible Holiday Company at the British Travel Awards in 2019 and 2020. Named by The Chamber of Commerce International as The Outstanding Young Business Entrepreneur of the World, he received the first-ever Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award from Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of EasyJet, run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the University of Strathclyde.

Amar Latif OBE, Founder and CEO of Traveleyes said:

I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that my achievements would be recognised and acknowledged in this fabulous way, and I am so so humbled!

I’m incredibly grateful to all that have joined me on the journey to get here. I have worked very hard to overcome barriers and preconceptions that people have had of me as a blind person, and I set up Traveleyes, the world’s first commercial tour operator, to provide independent group travel for people who are blind, vision impaired and fully sighted because tour operators didn’t cater for people like me.

4. Sandra Strong awarded an MBE for services to exports.

With 35 years of experience in international trade, Sandra’s input, dedication, and commitment to the British Exporters Association, its members and the wider UK exporting community continues to be invaluable. One example is when it was suggested that the British Exporters Association add to their set of free guides, by publishing one on trade compliance, Sandra was the key ‘go to person’ because of her wide knowledge of the practicalities of customs, VAT, duty, hazardous goods, export controls and certification for packaging. Sandra was instrumental in introducing a free helpline for British Exporters Association members, which has proven to be an invaluable resource for UK exporters to assist with all export and international trade related matters, particularly with the challenges surrounding Brexit. Plus, Sandra willingly shares her knowledge and expertise to help educate and develop others in international trade matters.

Sandra Strong MBE, Chair of the British Exporters Association said:

I am delighted and honoured to receive this award in recognition of my services to British exporters. I would like to acknowledge the exceptional teams I have been privileged to work alongside, notably the British Exporters Association (BExA), whose unwavering commitment to advocating for the needs of British companies in the global marketplace is truly commendable.

I am also grateful for the steadfast support provided by Strong & Herd LLP, whose expertise in customs and international trade regulations has been invaluable in assisting UK businesses for nearly 30 years. This award is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts, goodwill and ongoing contributions of these teams, partners and collaborators, and it has been my pleasure to work with them during my career.

5. Dennis Mardon awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable people in Exeter, Devon.

In 2004, Exeter Citizen’s Advice was facing closure but is now a financially healthy, respected, effective and dynamic organisation. This is due to Dennis’ unstinting commitment, leadership, energy and dedication. His senior management background and awareness of the importance of good governance has enabled him to develop a Board of 14 Trustees, who increasingly reflect the profile of the community, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills to support and develop the service. He is highly respected by staff and in 2019 was chosen as Volunteer of the Year by the 80+ volunteers in the Bureau. Under his leadership the Bureau was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2016 and the Exeter Living Charity of the Year Award in 2017. The success of Dennis’ leadership over 18 years is reflected in the organisation’s 2020/21 Impact Statement which showed a 92.3% satisfaction rate with the 29,658 issues dealt with by the service.

Dennis Mardon MBE, Chair of Exeter Citizens Advice said:

I am extremely pleased and honoured to be awarded an MBE. This honour is as much about Citizens Advice Exeter as it is about me. I am so proud of everyone involved with our charity – all the volunteers, staff and trustees – for the amazing work they do every day. I always think of them as a family, and without their support and dedication I certainly wouldn’t be receiving this award.

6. Balbir Kaur Dhillon and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon both awarded a BEM for services to the community

Balbir Kaur Dhillon and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon are both widely recognised as pillars of the community, not simply because they are extremely dedicated and long serving postmasters. They are also active members of their local community, bringing a lasting and positive impact across schools, hospitals, foodbanks and local sports teams in the area. During the first lockdown, Balbir and Kuldeep worked with others at their Temple to fundraise for, prepare, and distribute some 35,000 meals for frontline NHS staff at both Warrington and Halton hospitals. Working weekends on site, they kept doctors and nurses fed and watered as they worked to save lives. Observing and understanding the increasing levels of hardship being experienced by those at the less advantaged end of the spectrum, they both regularly top up supplies at the local foodbank from their own retail stock. It is hard to overstate Balbir and Kuldeep’s commitment to, and love for, their local community.

Balbir Kaur Dhillon BEM and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon BEM, Postmasters said:

We are both incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award. We hope to continue serving the Birchwood community, as it brings us so much pleasure to help the people around us that we class as family.
June 17, 2023