Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Moscow Mechanism Report on Belarus: joint statement to the OSCE [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

Invoking States welcome the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report and call for the Belarussian authorities to uphold their international obligations.
Mr. Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following 38 delegations who on 23 March 2023 invoked the Moscow Mechanism as a response to the alarming human rights situation in Belarus: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

On behalf of the invoking States, I wish to thank Professor Hervé Ascensio for his work as Rapporteur under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism. We are most grateful for your professional and independent approach to your mandate and for the thorough and well-documented report that you have produced. We regret that the Belarusian authorities refused to cooperate. The fact that you were met by victims of repression who seemingly had lost faith in positive changes, and who reported that fellow victims were terrified and intimidated from providing evidence, is a stark reminder of the severity of the situation.

I sincerely hope that all 57 OSCE participating States will do justice to your report by considering carefully your findings and recommendations, which are addressed, not only to Belarus, but also to OSCE participating States and the wider International Community.

Mr. Chair, we invoked the Moscow Mechanism to underscore our concerns about the continued deterioration of the internal human rights situation in Belarus and to explore the more recent development of serious abuses linked to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

For more than two years, we have continuously called upon the Belarusian authorities to put an end to repression and violence. To protect the victims and to ensure the safety of all individuals, without discrimination. To address the recommendations of the 2020 Moscow Mechanism Report. To live up to OSCE and other international commitments and principles. To abide by international law. And to end impunity for human rights violations. But the delegation of Belarus and the Belarusian authorities have – again and again – ignored our legitimate concerns and requests.

The independent report by Professor Ascensio has fully confirmed how Belarusian authorities are continuing their brutal and unprecedented crackdown on opposing voices. The report concludes that “so far, the Government of Belarus has not taken any steps to put an end to this situation, nor to provide effective remedies for the victims. On the contrary, the repressive policy has been steadily increasing over the past two years”.

Legislative amendments have been introduced with the aim of providing the Belarusian authorities with “a full arsenal of legislation designed to hinder any form of opposition”. These amendments include the extension of the death penalty, increased liability for vaguely defined acts, restriction of political rights for Belarusians in exile, and limitations to the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Moreover, the report clearly confirms how, after the outbreak of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, repression has been “particularly directed at those expressing their opposition to the war or their support for the Ukrainian people”. Once again, we see how internal repression is linked to external aggression.

Mr. Chair, the number of political prisoners in Belarus now exceeds 1,486 with activists arguing the real number could be significantly higher. For almost three years, peaceful protesters have been met with brutal force from Belarusian authorities. People have been arbitrarily arrested and detained on politically motivated charges. People have been deprived of their right to a fair trial. Lawyers have been intimidated to stay away from defending those charged on political grounds. At least 100,000 Belarusians have been, and continue to be, forced to flee the country – to leave their homes. And independent media, journalists, and other media workers have been under sustained attack.

The report confirms the excessive violence used by the Belarusian authorities to carry out the repression. The mission found that “torture or inhuman or degrading treatment are occurring on a regular and organised basis in places of detention and are particularly targeted at those perceived as political opponents”. Further, the report gives evidence of the practice of mass arrests in people’s homes and the use of violence to gain access to personal data, which is later used against individuals.

Meanwhile, Belarusian authorities continue to enjoy impunity.

Mr. Chair, the UN OHCHR in its latest report on the human rights situation in Belarus presented to the UN Human Rights Council on 22 March concluded that some of the violations committed in Belarus may amount to crimes against humanity.

We appreciate the efforts of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB) and other international investigative mechanisms, including under the UN OHCHR, to collect and preserve evidence of the human rights violations in Belarus. Impunity is not an option.

Mr. Chair, the first steps toward security and stability for the people of Belarus remains for the Belarusian authorities to release all those unjustly imprisoned, to end the campaign of violence against peaceful protesters, and to hold perpetrators to account.

As the report concludes, “without accountability and justice [in Belarus], there can be no security and stability in the long run on the European Continent”.

Against this background, and based on the recommendations in Professor Ascencio’s report, we ask the Belarus delegation:

When will the Belarusian authorities cease their brutal repression and release and rehabilitate all political prisoners?

When will the Belarusian authorities bring criminal charges against those responsible for human rights violations and abuses, including Belarusian security officials?

When will the Belarusian authorities ensure respect for the Belarusian constitution according to which “(t)he republic of Belarus shall exclude acts of military aggression against other states from its territory”?

Mr. Chair, we thank Professor Ascensio again for the thorough report, and we remain committed to ensuring that the report – and its recommendations – are followed up.

Thank you.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK Envoy appointed for the UK-African Investment Summit 2024 [May 2023]

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

Former Ambassador to Ethiopia appointed Envoy for next year’s partnership investment summit in London.

Dr Alastair McPhail CMG OBE has been appointed Envoy for the UK-African Investment Summit 2024.

Over the coming months Dr McPhail will hit the ground running and engage with governments and organisations invited to the Summit to listen to their expectations, build partnerships, and start to make mutually beneficial opportunities for the UK and African partners a reality.

He has extensive experience of working with – and in – African countries. Most recently he was British Ambassador to Ethiopia, which included the role of Permanent Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa – from January 2019 to January 2023. He will work with Michael Tatham CMG – who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Summit – to deliver the event.

The official Twitter channel for the Summit has also launched, which will be the source for information and updates about the Summit, as well as showcase UK-African partnerships.

Minister for Africa and Development Andrew Mitchell, said:

The UK-African Investment Summit 2024 aims to promote two-way trade and investment between the UK and African countries, creating jobs and growth. Our Summit Envoy will play a key role in developing the partnerships, based on respect and mutual benefit, that will lie at the heart of the Summit.

May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Public urged to keep watch as greatest risk period for the tree pest oak processionary moth begins [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 May 2023.

Oak processionary moth enters greatest risk period as caterpillars emerge between June and August.

The Forestry Commission has today (11 May) urged the public to report sightings of oak processionary moth caterpillars. We are now entering the greatest risk period as the caterpillars emerge between June and August to feed before turning into adult moths.

Oak processionary moth, which is a tree pest, was first identified in London in 2006 and has since spread to some surrounding counties in the South East of England. Its caterpillars and their nests contain hairs which can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations, and should not be touched under any circumstances.

Oak processionary moth caterpillars also feed on the leaves of several species of oak trees. This can cause the trees to lose their leaves, negatively impacting their growth, and become more vulnerable to other stresses, like drought.

Andrew Hoppit, Oak Processionary Moth Project Manager, said:

As we enter the greatest risk period for Oak Processionary Moth, it’s important that those living in affected areas understand the health risks so that they can be vigilant when enjoying outdoor spaces.

The Forestry Commission has a whole host of information online that can be used to identify the moth, simply visit Managing Oak Processionary Moth in England. If you spot the pest, report the sighting via our TreeAlert portal. Alternatively, you can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442.

Professor Nicola Spence, UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said:

Our oak trees are an iconic part of our British landscape. Reporting any sightings of Oak Processionary Moth to the Forestry Commission will both minimise the pest’s spread and reduce the damaging impact it poses to tree health.

The caterpillars and their nests can also cause irritation when touched by members of the public. As such, I would advise that those living in London and the surrounding areas avoid the pest.

A Government programme to manage OPM has been in place since 2012. Over the last five years, £10 million has been invested into oak health, including the management of oak processionary moth, as well as research to develop novel control techniques and new policy responses.

In March, The Forestry Commission announced an update to the operational zones and boundaries to manage the spread of OPM. In response to government surveillance in 2022, the Established Area in which OPM is established, and the Buffer Zone in which an annual programme of OPM management led by the Forestry Commission takes place, were expanded.

Following these changes, there will also be new regulation coming into force on 24 May permitting the movement of large oak trees and trade within the Established area and Buffer zone, provided certain biosecurity requirements and movement restrictions are met. For more information on the new changes visit GOV.UK.

Today’s announcement comes during National Plant Health Week which aims to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy. By identifying threats such as pests and diseases, we protect the benefits plants provide to the public, to wildlife, the environment and our economy. More information can be found on the Plant Health Action.org website.

How to identify Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars
- Nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, averaging the size of a tennis ball. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs which contain proteins which can cause itchy rashes, eye, and throat irritations. They can also occasionally cause breathing difficulties in people and pets, so should not be touched under any circumstances.
- For more information, visit ‘Managing Oak Processionary Moth in England’.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Improved rewards and benefits to be offered to communities backing onshore wind farms [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 11 May 2023.

Government to broaden benefits packages for areas that agree to have local onshore wind farms.
- Communities that wish to host onshore wind infrastructure should benefit directly from it
- government proposals will put communities at heart of energy plans and embed best practice of developer engagement into the planning system
- with costs of onshore wind having already fallen dramatically, today’s measures will help boost the UK’s energy security and reduce household bills
New and improved reward schemes, including the potential of lower bills, could be offered by developers to communities in England who want to support onshore wind farms in their area, under proposals announced by the government today.

The government recognises the range of views on onshore wind. Decisions on onshore wind are best made by local representatives who know their areas best and underpinned by democratic accountability. To deliver this, and our commitments in the British Energy Security Strategy, we are consulting on a more localist approach that provides local authorities more flexibility to respond to the views of their local communities.

Today’s proposals build on benefits already offered by developers to areas that agree to have onshore wind farms locally. These include holding a stake in a turbine, which gives them the potential to receive profits from the site’s operation, or funding for new community facilities, such as charging points for electric cars or new sports and recreation facilities.

As part of a consultation launched today, the government is proposing that emerging and innovative types of community benefits, such as energy bill discounts, are added to the range of reward schemes that onshore developers currently offer host communities. This would be agreed between developers and communities on a case-by-case basis.

It is also proposing best practice principles of engagement, currently published by the government, are embedded into planning guidance for local authorities and developers to ensure the views of the community are heard and addressed.

Read and respond to the consultation on Developing local partnerships for onshore wind in England.

These changes will further place local people at the heart of the government’s plan Powering Up Britain and deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure homegrown energy.

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

Onshore wind is a vital part of our plans to deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure homegrown energy.

It is right that new developments have the support of host communities, and that local people benefit directly from it, such as through either a discount on their energy bills or other significant community benefits.

Our proposals will ensure developers and local residents can work together more efficiently to maximise community benefits for supportive communities while delivering the clean and secure energy the country needs.

Community benefits can have a lasting positive impact on local residents. For example, when building its Tirgwynt Wind farm in Wales, developer Belltown Power engaged with the local community and identified the need to support educational facilities in the area. The company provided £2.5 million – with match funding from the local council – to build a new school building, saving it from closure. The wind farm now hosts an annual visit for local school children.

The proposals set out today include:
- formally embedding best practice principles of engagement between developers and communities, as outlined in existing community engagement guidance published by the government, into official planning guidance for local authorities and developers. This will strengthen the way in which developers are transparent and receptive when they engage with communities through digital and online methods
- working with RenewableUK to update their existing Community Benefits Protocol for England to account for emerging and innovative types of community benefit packages, such as local energy bill discounts and other new and improved community rewards
Onshore wind will continue to be decided at a local level. Today’s proposals build on a government consultation run earlier this year on how proposals demonstrate support for the onshore wind project locally and how they address impacts identified by the local community. The government is currently analysing the responses and will respond in due course.

The government is investing billions of pounds into renewable and nuclear technologies to reduce the country’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets that, impacted by Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, led to the unprecedented increase in people’s energy bills.

The government acted swiftly and decisively, covering around half of a typical family’s energy bill this winter. But the longer-term answer is to achieve greater energy security, developing cleaner, cheaper and more secure homegrown energy sources – including both offshore and onshore wind.

With almost 15GW of it deployed in the UK, onshore wind has a key role to play in creating a more secure and cleaner energy system and to meet the UK’s ambition to have amongst the cheapest wholesale electricity prices in Europe.

With the costs of onshore wind having already fallen dramatically – currently around half what they were less than a decade ago – these proposals have the potential to play a crucial role in boosting the UK’s energy security, where there is local support. The government is clear that where communities host this vital infrastructure, they should benefit directly from it.

RenewableUK’s Head of Onshore Wind James Robottom said:

We’re pleased that the government is consulting on the wide range of benefits which onshore wind can offer to local communities in England. We have a long track record of working closely with communities to ensure that they decide what form these benefits will take, depending on the needs and priorities of local people.

Building strong relationships with local communities as early as possible is the best way to establish successful partnerships which last for decades. Alongside much-needed planning reforms, this consultation provides an opportunity to increase the amount of cheap clean power we can generate for consumers as well as strengthening our nation’s energy security.
May 15, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Stalkers and domestic abusers to be targeted as millions invested in new intervention projects [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2023.

Up to £39 million has been allocated to 50 projects across England and Wales to protect victims from domestic abuse and stalking.

Police forces across England and Wales will weed out domestic abuse and stalking behaviour with a raft of new intervention measures supported by government.

Backed by up to £39 million, 50 projects will be rolled out over the next 2 years, supporting initiatives to stop abusers from repeatedly targeting victims and terrorising vulnerable people.

Many domestic abusers are repeat offenders with 83% of male offenders repeating their offences within a 6-month period. This makes intervening to stop their pattern of behaviour paramount to protect victims.

One project, in the West Midlands, is ensuring that domestic abusers and people who display stalking behaviours are closely monitored and given early psychological intervention to change their behaviour before it gets worse.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is training more frontline officers to spot signs of domestic abuse and intervene with perpetrators.

Several forces, including Lancashire, Avon and Somerset and the Metropolitan Police Service are rolling out the Drive Project, which focuses on the most serious offenders to prevent them from abusing again, working with partner agencies such as social services to challenge perpetrators to change their abusive behaviour. This works by putting barriers in place to prevent abuse and ensuring perpetrators experience the full consequences if they continue to be violent and abusive.

Evaluation from the Drive Project, which has been running for 7 years, has shown an 82% reduction in physical abuse and 75% reduction in harassment and stalking.

Safeguarding Minister, Sarah Dines said:

Domestic abuse and stalking are vile crimes which cause victims to feel terror in their own homes and communities, where they should feel their safest.

It is unacceptable and this government is determined to protect people from this horrific abuse.

We know that intervention schemes like these are a crucial means of protecting victims, which is why we are investing millions in helping police identify abusive behaviour and stop it from escalating or happening again.

West Mid Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill said:

Tackling domestic abuse and stalking are important priorities for West Midlands Police and we recognise that early intervention can prevent further incidents of these devastating crimes. The work we are carrying out is designed to stop stalking behaviours as early as possible to prevent further suffering of the victim and avoid stalkers becoming entrenched in their behaviour and escalating to more serious stalking and worse.

This funding will enable us to continue the domestic abuse stalking programme – EASI (Early Awareness Stalking Intervention) – to support stalking awareness and training throughout the West Midlands as well as introducing a multi-agency stalking triage process. This enables us to act when stalking is first reported to us to deliver rehabilitative treatment for stalkers, which aims to improve survivor safety.

We will also be introducing a custody intervention programme where all prisoners through our custody blocks will be spoken to by a St Giles Trust charity worker to help prevent further offending. Importantly we will also contact the victim to offer support and ensure they are safeguarded.

The government has already awarded over £41 million to Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales to fund similar projects since 2020.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said:

The funding by the Home Office will help to bring more support to victims of the terrible crimes committed by domestic abusers.

Policing continues to work with partners, stakeholders and other agencies to help support victims and bring offenders to justice, but we cannot do this alone. Funding is vital to enable this to happen and we welcome this round. We will always work together with the Home Office to ensure this funding continues to increase, so victims get the support the deserve.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said:

Preventing and tackling domestic abuse and stalking is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan. That is because these crimes have a catastrophic and devastating impact on victims.

The prevention of crime is always better than having to deal with the consequences of crime. That is why, here in the West Midlands, we have been successfully delivering an Early Awareness Stalking Intervention project. We are pleased to have been awarded additional funding to enable us to continue to deliver the project.

By intervening early, to challenge and change stalking behaviour and hold perpetrators to account, we can prevent further harm for the victim or future victims and break the cycle of abuse, as well as ensuring help and support for victims and survivors who have experienced this dreadful crime.

Other projects to receive funding include:

behaviour change interventions in Kent, including healthy relationships and compulsive obsessive behaviour interventions, they aim to support 184 perpetrators a year, supported by up to £1,638,597 of funding
the ‘stalking intervention’ project in Essex which seeks to change behaviour and reduce risk for victims and survivors of stalking, which will be supported by up to £1,687,170 of funding
Cheshire Police are providing interventions for adult perpetrators and young people displaying harmful behaviours to facilitate behaviour change within a whole family setting

Jo Todd, Chief Executive of Respect, said:

We welcome the announcement of Home Office perpetrator funding as the roll out of the perpetrator pillar of the Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan gets under way.

We believe every perpetrator should be held to account and stopped from causing further harm and are keen to see provision for high quality perpetrator responses in every local area.

This funding is just the start of what’s needed. Respect and our members are keen to see a longer-term cross-departmental strategy from government, that locates perpetrator interventions as part of a whole system approach to ending domestic abuse for good – with funding proportionate to the size of the problem.

This funding builds on the government’s measures to help tackle domestic abuse announced in February, which go further than ever before in protecting women and children from violence by implementing tougher measures on the most dangerous domestic abuse offenders.

These include:

ensuring that offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or more will be managed in the same way as the most dangerous physically violent offenders, and recorded on the Violent and Sex Offender Register
requiring police forces in England and Wales to treat violence against women and girls as a national threat
committing to develop a new digital tool which will use police data to identify the most dangerous perpetrators

We have also introduced statutory guidance on Clare’s Law making it quicker for an individual to access information on a partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.

Full breakdown of successful bids

Successful applicants	Project descriptions	Indicative funding
Avon and Somerset	The Drive Project – a response to domestic abuse that aims to reduce the number of child and adult victims of domestic abuse by disrupting and changing perpetrator behaviour.	£ 1,230,500.00
Cheshire	Provides a multi-agency, whole-system approach to Domestic Abuse perpetrators using an existing evidence base around early interventions in enhance custody DA support combined with an early intervention model to reduce the risk of harm and offending.	£ 2,920,500.00
	Provides interventions for adult perpetrators and young people displaying harmful behaviours to facilitate behaviour change within a whole family setting.
	The PCC for Cheshire working collaboratively with CJS partners seeks to address the distinct/serious harms caused by stalking perpetrators and improve outcomes for victims.
Derbyshire	1. The Changes Programme is a RESPECT accredited voluntary programme for perpetrators of Standard/Medium harm domestic abuse. 2. This programme will deliver a High Harm (risk) support service to perpetrators and associated victims and their families. It has its foundations in Respect accreditation and the organisation is Safe Lives and CafCASS accredited.	£ 1,389,150.00
Essex	Essex DA perpetrator intervention programme to break the cycle of abuse.	£ 1,687,170.00
Gloucestershire	1. Domestic Abuse Training for frontline professionals – To provide front line professionals in a range of professional settings with the skills to identify and safely challenge perpetrator behaviour and refer onto specialist services. 2. Training for police – To provide 50 Police Officers from Gloucestershire Constabularies Professional Standards Department and Criminal Investigations Department. 3. An evidence based early intervention targeting DA offenders (may start later in the funding period). 4. Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme (DVPP) – To increase existing capacity in PRG (offering DVPP) to ensure greater reach across Gloucestershire and increase the number of perpetrators receiving a behavioural change intervention. In particular, further, investment will support engagement with rural communities, ensuring ease of access for the whole county. 5. MATAC – The MATAC Co-ordinator will ensure full implementation of the MATAC approach, which aims to identify and target DA (and VAWG) offenders who pose the most harm to our communities, to reduce reoffending and to safeguard adults and children at risk.	£ 762, 033.00
Greater Manchester	Development of an early awareness raising intervention targeting domestic abuse offender (may start later in the funding period).	£ 1,959,000.00
	GMCA will sponsor the 10 local authority areas in Greater Manchester to commission their own Adult Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions.
Gwent	1. To commission and provide an early intervention service for Domestic Abuse perpetrators in line with DA Perpetrator Standards. 2. To fully establish a Multi-Agency Case Management Approach to addressing and minimising the harm caused by high risk Perpetrators.	£ 1,163,116.00
Hampshire	A multi-agency stalking partnership (MASP) delivering innovative perpetrator intervention, victim/survivor advocacy and support and workforce development across the criminal justice system.	£ 1,011,761.00
Hertfordshire	Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire DA perpetrator Referral and Triage Hub providing access to a range of behavioural change interventions from early response to intensive case management.	£ 2,000,000.00
Humberside	Safe Places: Addressing Substance Use IPV – Substance use is a known risk factor for intimate partner violence (IPV), yet most perpetrator interventions do not address substance use. This approach brings key stakeholders together from both the domestic violence and substance use sectors to develop an evidence-based intervention to address both substance use and IPV.	£ 988,259.00
Kent	A collaborative approach to domestic abuse (DA) and stalking perpetrators which is aligned to improving the safety of victims and children.	£ 1,638,597.00
Lancashire	1. The DRIVE project works with high-risk high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators and aims to reduce the number of child and adult victims of domestic abuse by disrupting and changing perpetrator behaviour. 2. An early awareness raising intervention targeting domestic abuse offenders (may start later in the funding period).	£ 870,000.00
Leicestershire	To provide a service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to engage with perpetrators of domestic violence and seek to support them in changing their behaviours as well as support their victims.	£ 741,942.00
Merseyside	Work to support victims and prevent violence and abuse in those who harm (may not start until later in funding period).	£ 813,261.00
MOPAC	Expansion of the Drive Project across London to reduce abuse and serial perpetration from high-harm-high-risk domestic abuse perpetrators and increase safety and improved outcomes for associated victims.	£ 5,192,870.00
	RISE will deliver an intersectional family and community approach to tackling domestic abuse (DA) in 10 London boroughs, focusing on integrated victim safety support, 1:1 perpetrator delivery, adult-to-parent familial DA intervention, LGBTQI+ delivery and outreach work.
	Prevent and Change (PAC) aims to ensure that the whole system is better geared towards managing perpetrators in partnership with communities across South London, to increase the safety and wellbeing of victims and associated children, and to prevent new and/or further victimisation and harm.
Norfolk	This Norfolk pilot project will deliver the Respect Young Peoples Programme (RYPP) for families where children/adolescents are abusive or violent towards their parents/carers, known as CAPVA in partnership with; Norfolk Youth Justice Service (NYJS), Norfolk Children’s Service (NCS), Police, Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS), managed by Leeway, Brave Futures and the OPCCN, thereby offering support and enhanced safeguarding to any associated victims and children.	£ 625,000.00
Northumbria	1. An early awareness raising intervention targeting offenders (may start later in the funding period). 2. Make a Change (MAC) is an early intervention and behaviour change intervention alongside a whole systems response through expert support to perpetrators and victims; workforce development; and community outreach. 3. Northumbria Hub & Spoke Pilot (H&S) provides support, stabilisation & behaviour change for high risk, high harm serial domestic abuse perpetrators using intensive case management and multi-agency collaboration; alongside associated support for adult and child victims.	£ 1,048,915.00
Nottinghamshire	1. An early awareness raising intervention targeting offenders (may start later in the funding period). 2. Deliver and evaluate a range of voluntary perpetrator programmes in Notts to reduce adult domestic abuse offending.	£ 656,248.00
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough	Managing the risk of domestic abuse perpetrators and stalkers. This project will deliver evidence-based early response and behaviour change domestic abuse perpetrator interventions, a Multi-Agency Stalking Intervention Programme and comprehensive support for victims.	£ 786,138.00
South Yorkshire	1. An early awareness raising intervention targeting offenders (may start later in the funding period). 2. Multi Agency Tasking and Co-ordination (MATAC). 3. Target Hardening (TH) Equipment for Victims of Domestic Abuse (DA).	£ 659,069.00
Suffolk	Suffolk’s DA Perpetrator Programme – Working in partnership to support victims and prevent violence and abuse by fostering behaviour change in those who harm.	£ 652,014.00
Surrey	A Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Hub will actively encourage a collaborative and co-ordinated trauma-informed approach, utilising expert interventions for perpetrators as well as integrated support for survivors and services for children and adolescents who use violence/abuse in their relationships.	£ 1,989,613.00
Sussex	1. To embed, enhance and expand a High Harm Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme supported by a multi-agency team offering a flexible therapeutic behaviour change approach, combined with supportive casework for perpetrators and victims. 2. To further embed and enhance the Sussex Partnership response to investigating and managing stalking offenders, by improving support for the Stalking Clinic and supporting the increased demand in applications for and management of Stalking Protection Orders.	£ 1,348,183.00
Thames Valley Office	Tackle prolific perpetrators of medium and high harm abuse, reduce re-offending and increase safety for existing victims and those at risk, through the delivery of the Drive intervention.	£ 2,809,737.00
	Compulsive and Obsessive Behaviour Intervention (COBI) to tackle stalking, reduce re-offending and increase public safety.
Warwickshire	Warwickshire DA Perpetrator Programme (W-DAPP) – one overarching programme consisting of a menu of separate, psychologically underpinned, behavioural change interventions; delivered from a trauma informed, therapeutic perspective; with a parallel offer of bespoke specialist support and therapeutic counselling for connected victims.	£ 600,000.00
West Mercia	A West Mercia Wide All Risk level DA Perpetrator Programme provided by one service provider which triages and assesses service users into the appropriate level programme as they are referred.	£ 1,222,398.00
West Midlands	Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI) Project extension & expansion – Delivering early, brief psychological intervention for ex-partner stalking perpetrators to encourage behavioural change and reduce reoffending, whilst providing specialist support for victim-survivors.	£ 2,799,100.00
	1. Provide early intervention to domestic abuse (DA) perpetrators in custody through a reachable/teachable moment, with an integrated Victim Support Service. 2. Academic evaluation of the above early intervention to domestic abuse (DA) perpetrators in custody through a reachable/teachable moment, with an integrated Victim Support Service. 3. OPCC Policy Assistant who will work alongside the Policy lead to ensure the effective implementation, oversight and delivery of all West Midlands DA perpetrator interventions.

May 15, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : 36th Special Session – UK Statement for Special Session on Sudan [May 2023]

The press release released by Foreign Office on 11 May 2023.

The UK Minister for International Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, delivered a speech at the Special Session on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council.

Thank you Mr President.

Today, we express our solidarity with the people of Sudan.

When the late Kofi Annan proposed the creation of this Council, he asked for a body that could react in the very worst moments. A Council that would respond quickly, so we could help save lives.

Since 15th April, Sudan has descended rapidly into crisis. Hundreds of civilians have been killed. Thousands injured. Humanitarian actors murdered. The risk of violence – even atrocities – against particular groups is rising. Millions more face shortages of food and medicine, or have been forced to flee as refugees.

The Secretary General has warned that the effects for the wider region will be very severe indeed.

But there is an alternative to conflict. To killing. To the suffering of totally innocent and blameless people.

Despite the military takeover in 2021, Sudan had been on the path to democratic civilian rule. It was working with the UN human rights system to build domestic institutions, and it was making progress. Surely we must revert to the political track – so evident and so important.

Dear colleagues, let us be the Council of Mr Annan’s vision. Let’s do all we can to help Sudan return to that path of peace, and let’s do it now.

We must send a united message of concern – and of horror – about the increase in human rights violations and abuses since the outbreak of the conflict. We must use our collective influence to break the cycle of impunity in Sudan, which only leads to further violations. There must be accountability for the horrific events taking place.

Mr President, I would like to express my appreciation for all those working tirelessly with the parties in Sudan to end the violence. Colleagues from the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Arab League and United Nations – virtually the entire cohort of the international community. It is vital these efforts continue.

To colleagues in the Council, I urge you to adopt today’s draft resolution, to express our united support for the human rights of the Sudanese people, and to work together for a swift end to this terrible conflict.

Thank you.

May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands more can apply to become judges under plans to expand diversity [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 11 May 2023.

New rules will see up to 4,500 more lawyers from diverse backgrounds eligible to become judges under plans announced by the government today (11 May 2023).
- plans drawn up for up to 4,500 lawyers to apply for a range of judicial roles
- move latest step in wider efforts to boost judge numbers and tackle outstanding cases
- change will bolster diversity in the judiciary
Experienced Chartered Institute of Legal Executive lawyers, after gaining seven years’ experience, will be able to apply to become Recorders and Judges of the Upper Tribunal, hearing complex civil, family, crime and tribunal cases.

Those appointed as Recorders would be able to preside over cases in the Crown Court, sentencing some of the most serious offenders, while those appointed as Judges of the Upper Tribunal would deal with a range of appeals on issues such as immigration and tax.

Chartered Institute of Legal Executive lawyers are not required to hold a university degree and gain their legal qualifications while working. They are more diverse in terms of gender and social background than other legal professionals and many join the profession mid-career or following a break.

Previously, they could only apply for judicial roles overseeing less complex cases in the civil, family and magistrates’ courts and the first-tier tribunal.

The move will increase the number of judicial roles that legal professionals from under-represented groups can apply for – better reflecting modern, multi-cultural, twenty-first century Britain.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk said:

Providing more opportunities for experienced lawyers from a range of backgrounds to join the bench strengthens the judiciary and the rule of law.

That’s why we’re making these important reforms, to broaden eligibility and ensure the judiciary is able to draw on a wealth of experience.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said:

We are striving to build a legal system that truly reflects the range of voices in our society.

This change shows how important the broader legal profession is to our goal of breaking down barriers and boosting eligibility as we recruit more, diverse judges.

Chartered Institute of Legal Executive lawyers represent a wider range of society than the judiciary and broader legal profession. Women make up 77 per cent of Chartered Institute of Legal Executive lawyers while 41 per cent of judges are female. In addition, just 6 per cent attended a fee-paying school, compared to a third of barristers and 45 per cent of Recorders.

CILEX Chair Professor Chris Bones said:

Women and ethnic minorities are currently under-represented in our judicial system and we need a judiciary that is representative of the society we live in to promote confidence in the rule of law. As one of the most diverse parts of the legal profession, CILEX is a key solution to accessing talent of greater diversity.

Judicial appointments should be based on merit and all lawyers regardless of their professional title should be able to apply for all judicial roles they are trained and competent to perform.

Today’s change is a part of the government’s wider efforts to boost the number of judges so more cases can be heard across the country.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Transpennine Express to be brought into operator of last resort [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 11 May 2023.

Transport Secretary has announced he will not renew or extend Transpennine Express’s contract.
- Transpennine Express’s contract will not be renewed on 28 May 2023
- Secretary of State for Transport asks northern mayors to work with the government to improve services for passengers
- comes as single-leg pricing is extended across most of LNER network resulting in simpler, more flexible tickets that offer better value
The Transport Secretary has today (11 May 2023) announced he will not renew or extend Transpennine Express’s (TPE) contract at the end of the month. This will bring the company into operator of last resort (OLR) from 28 May 2023.

The decision follows months of significant disruption and regular cancellations across Transpennine Express’s network, which has resulted in a considerable decline in confidence for passengers who rely on the trains to get to work, visit family and friends and go about their daily lives.

Alongside the train operating company, the Department for Transport (DfT) has taken steps to improve services, putting the operator on a recovery plan in February and meeting with local mayors to discuss a way forward.

While some improvements have been made over the past few months, it has been decided that to achieve the performance levels passengers deserve, and that the northern economy needs, both the contract and the underlying relationships must be reset.

While making the decision to bring Transpennine Express into operator of last resort, the department recognises that a significant number of problems facing TPE stem from matters out of its control. These include a backlog of recruitment and training drivers, reforming how the workforce operates and most notably, ASLEF’s decision to withdraw rest day working – preventing drivers from taking on overtime shifts and filling in gaps on services.

The decision to bring Transpennine Express into the control of the operator of last resort is temporary and it is the government’s full intention that it will return to the private sector.

In light of this, today’s decision will not instantaneously resolve the challenges being faced on the lines, but will provide an opportunity to reset relationships between the operator, staff, trade unions and passengers.

As part of this and in response to stakeholders’ calls for action, the Transport Secretary has asked the Department for Transport to review services in the north to help drive efficiency and find better ways to deliver for passengers across the region. He also asks all interested parties including the northern mayors and Transport for the North to engage with the government on this work.

The government continues to urge the union to call off upcoming strikes and the rest day working ban.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

In my time as Transport Secretary, I have been clear that passenger experience must always come first. After months of commuters and Northern businesses bearing the brunt of continuous cancellations, I’ve made the decision to bring Transpennine Express into operator of last resort.

This is not a silver bullet and will not instantaneously fix a number of challenges being faced, including ASLEF’s actions which are preventing Transpennine Express from being able to run a full service – once again highlighting why it’s so important that the railways move to a 7-day working week.

We have played our part, but ASLEF now need to play theirs by calling off strikes and the rest day working ban, putting the very fair and reasonable pay offer to a democratic vote of their members.

Under operator of last resort, services will run as normal with no changes to tickets, timetables or planned services with the department committed to ensuring a seamless transition for passengers.

The decision on TPE comes as LNER today announced, after a successful trial, single leg pricing will be extended across most of their network from 11 June 2023, with tickets going on sale this Sunday.

From mid-June 2023, LNER passengers will benefit from simpler, more flexible, and better value ticketing as part of government’s plans to improve services for passengers and bring the railways into the 21st century.

Single-leg-pricing – which consists of removing return tickets in favour of single-leg tickets priced at around half the cost of the old return ticket – will simplify outdated and complicated ticketing practices.

This means people will no longer have to choose between buying a return ticket – which may not suit their plans – or taking the risk of buying 2 singles which could individually cost just £1 less than a return ticket.

For example, a person wanting to buy an off-peak single from Peterborough to Newcastle on the day of travel will now pay £63.70 as opposed to £121.50 which saves almost £60.

This follows on from the Secretary of State setting out his ambition for the rail sector at the George Bradshaw address earlier this year, reiterating his commitment to modernising the railways to ensure their commercial and financial sustainability for years to come.
May 15, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Douze points for Liverpool! PM praises host city and holds No10 reception [May 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 May 2023.

Liverpool is “doing Ukraine proud” by staging the Eurovision Song Contest, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said as he hosts a No10 reception this evening to mark the event.

The event comes just days before the Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday, which the UK is hosting on behalf of Ukraine who won last year’s competition. UK entry Sam Ryder came second with the chart-topping single Space Man.

Guests were invited to wear sparkly clothing and gathered in a room adorned with the Ukrainian and Union Flags, with disco balls hanging on the Downing Street staircase.

The Prime Minister introduced Ruslana, Ukraine’s first Eurovision winner, who performed for attendees.

Sandie Shaw – the first British entry to win Eurovision in 1967 with the iconic hit track Puppet on a String – attended the event. Also joining the reception were representatives from the Eurovision cultural programme in Liverpool, Ukrainian artists, Points of Light winners and Ukrainians forced to flee their homes.

The Prime Minister presented a Points of Light Award to children’s authors Natalie Reeves Billing and Jude Lennon from Liverpool. They have delivered over 23,000 “Builder Book Boxes” across the city, featuring learning resources to help children develop reading and creativity skills.

Points of Light Awards recognise outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community.

The Government is supporting the delivery of Eurovision with £10 million in funding and almost 3,000 tickets have been made available for displaced Ukrainians. Big Screens will be set up at over key locations throughout the UK for people to watch the shows live.

Speaking ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final, the Prime Minister, said:

Liverpool is doing us all proud. And I think they’re doing Ukraine proud too.

It’s an honour for us to host Eurovision on behalf of our Ukrainian friends. It shows yet again that the British people will stand by them for as long as it takes.

As my friend President Zelenskyy says… one day this contest will be hosted in a victorious, free Ukraine.

Now that will be a party to remember!

May 15, 2023

PRESS RELEASE : Change of Governor of Anguilla – Julia Crouch [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 May 2023.

Ms Julia Crouch has been appointed Governor of Anguilla in succession to Ms Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.

Ms Julia Crouch has been appointed Governor of Anguilla in succession to Ms Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Crouch will take up her appointment during summer 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Julia Catherine Crouch

Dates	Role
August 2022 to present	Moscow, Head of Economics and Global Issues
July 2020 to July 2022	Moscow, Acting Deputy Head of Mission
February 2020 to June 2020	FCDO Deputy Director, Information and Analysis, Coronavirus Taskforce
2018 to 2020	FCO, Head of International Agreements Unit
2016 to 2018	Attorney General’s office, Head of Public Law and Constitution Team
2011 to 2016	Ministry of Justice, Head of the Offender Management Team (legal advisors)
2007 to 2011	Health and Safety Executive, senior advisory lawyer
2005 to 2007	Treasury Solicitors Department, Lawyer
1992 to 2005	Legal Aid Solicitor, private practice and charity sector
1992	Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales

May 15, 2023

Tag: Press Release

Andrew Hoppit, Oak Processionary Moth Project Manager, said:

Professor Nicola Spence, UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said:

How to identify Oak Processionary Moth caterpillars

Full breakdown of successful bids

Curriculum vitae