Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to combatting all forms of racism and building a fairer world today – UK statement at the General Assembly [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Thank you, Madam Chair,

The UK is proud of our rich and diverse society. We are making great strides towards becoming a fairer, more inclusive one. However, we recognise the need to continue to tackle, as in all societies, negative ethnic and racial disparities affecting some groups. In the UK that includes people with African and Caribbean heritage as well as other ethnic and religious minorities.

Last year we announced an ambitious Inclusive Britain action plan which aims to increase trust in our institutions; promote equality of opportunity; and encourage a greater sense of belonging.

Work is underway. For example, on criminal justice, where we will deliver a new national framework for how policing powers can be scrutinised by local communities. And education, with a new model history curriculum.

In parallel, through our Online Safety Bill, the UK will be the first country to hold social media companies to account for vile racist abuse online.

As we take this work forward, it is right that we reflect on our national journey. From an era of empire and colonialism to one of pride in a diverse, modern society. It is a complex history.

The transatlantic slave trade is a scar on our global history. British citizens and institutions played an important role in ending it. But like nationals of other countries represented here, Britons were also implicated in it. We recognise that the victims of slavery were primarily persons of African descent. And we continue to express our deep sorrow that it could ever have happened.

The United Kingdom believes that we must respond to the cruelty of the past by ensuring that current and future generations learn from it. We are committed to combatting all forms of racism and building a fairer world today.

Thank you.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Next steps taken to ensure age-appropriate relationships, sex and health education [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Education on 31 May 2023.

Leading experts in child safeguarding, health, teaching, curriculum development and equalities to contribute to review of the statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education.

Today the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has announced the formation of an independent expert advisory panel who will advise on the review of the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This is the next step in progressing the government’s mission to ensure that RSHE is taught in an age-appropriate and factual way in England.

The panel will provide expert advice to the Education Secretary on what is appropriate to be taught in RSHE and at what age. They will consider evidence provided by Ofsted on what is happening on the ground in schools to ascertain where clear age ratings are needed, to reassure parents that there is no room for disturbing or inappropriate content to be taught in schools.

This announcement follows robust action to ensure parents know what their children are being taught. In March, the Education Secretary wrote to all schools reminding them that parents should be able to view all curriculum materials, especially for sensitive topics like RSHE.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, said:

The wellbeing and safeguarding of children is our absolute priority, and I share the concerns of parents and teachers about reports that inappropriate lessons are being taught in schools.

The vast majority of teachers do an incredible job navigating these complex and sensitive issues. But the review of the statutory guidance – with the help of this expert panel – will provide clear safeguards against children being taught concepts they are too young to understand or that are inappropriate for their age.

I’m determined to bring forward new guidance as quickly as possible, and schools should continue to engage with parents on lessons that cover the teaching of sensitive issues.

The panel members were carefully considered based on their level of relevant experience and expertise and will bring together input from health, children’s development, and safeguarding:
- Professor Dame Lesley Regan, professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Imperial College London and the government’s first ever Women’s Health Ambassador
- Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies
- Helena Brothwell, Regional Director of School Improvement for David Ross Academy Trust
- Alasdair Henderson, barrister specialising in public law, human rights and equality law
- Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families in England
Chief Executive of Star Academies, Sir Hamid Patel, said:

The panel will offer insight on how schools can deliver a high quality RSHE curriculum for all our young people in a way that is age-appropriate, objective and wisely informed by the needs and views of children, parents and families from all backgrounds, across the country.

The review is a welcome opportunity to provide clarity for teachers on expectations, alongside transparency and reassurance for parents.

This is the first review of the statutory guidance since it came into force in 2020. It will provide an opportunity to consider whether the guidance covers the right topics and offers teachers clarity on how to teach sensitive subjects and engage parents positively.

The review of the curriculum will also make sure priority issues are given the attention they deserve, including considering new or additional content on mental health, suicide prevention, vaping and tackling violence against women and girls.

The review will be completed by the end of the year, following a consultation in the autumn. Input from the independent panel and wider stakeholders over the summer will inform the consultation.

The panel will begin work immediately and conclude their work by September 2023. The panel members are expected to give their time on a voluntary basis.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : No more free vapes for kids [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 31 May 2023.

Government takes steps to crack down on rogue firms targeting children with free samples.
- Increased education and dedicated school police liaison officers to keep illegal vapes out of schools
- Rules around sale of nicotine-free vapes and fines for shops selling illicit vapes to be reviewed
A loophole that allows the vaping industry to give free samples of vapes to children in England is set to be closed under new plans announced by the Prime Minister today to clamp down on youth vaping.

This comes as recent NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11 to 15 year old children used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018.

Selling vapes to under 18s is illegal, however it is clear from this recent rise in teenage usage of vapes and the recent surge in the use and promotion of cheap, colourful products that businesses are targeting children, which has prompted today’s action to crack down on this.

The government has also announced today that there will be a review into banning the vaping industry selling ‘nicotine-free’ vapes to under 18s. This will ensure our rules keep up with the way that vaping products are being used.

The news comes as the Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer visited Kent Scientific Services in West Malling where e-cigarettes can be analysed for their content, to ensure manufacturers are complying with government regulations.

Manufacturers must notify the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before vape products are placed on the market, including disposables. The MHRA has recently taken steps to improve their notification processes and crack down on non-compliant vapes.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I am deeply concerned about the sharp rise in kids vaping and shocked by reports of illicit vapes containing lead getting into the hands of school children.

Our new illicit vape enforcement squad – backed by £3 million – is on the case, but clearly there is more to do. That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products.

The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said:

While vaping can be an effective quitting tool for smokers, it is important that non-smokers are not encouraged to start vaping. There has been a particularly worrying rise in the number of children using vapes, with companies clearly marketing these products at children using colours, flavours and cheap disposable options.

Closing the loophole that allows companies to give out free samples of vaping products to under 18s is a very welcome step in tackling some of the harms caused by the vaping industry.

We should continue to encourage smokers to swap to vaping as the lesser risk, while preventing the marketing and sale of vapes to children.

There will also be a review into the rules on issuing fines to shops selling vapes to under 18s illegally to allow local Trading Standards to issue on-the-spot fines and fixed penalty notices more easily. This will aim to complement existing fine and penalty procedures, and where possible cover both illegal and underage sales for vapes and tobacco. Where gaps are identified, we will take action to close them.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:

The shameful marketing of vaping products to children is leading to growing numbers trying e-cigarettes. Today we are therefore ramping up our efforts to stop kids getting hooked on vaping, including taking steps to crack down on companies handing out free vape samples to under 18s and adding lessons on the health risks of vaping within the curriculum for the first time.

We will also review the rules on issuing on-the-spot fines to shops that break the law by selling vapes to underage children, and look into banning the sale of nicotine-free vapes to under 18s – which we know can be a gateway to using nicotine products. Alongside this our new specialised ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ will also clamp down on online shops selling illicit vapes to under 18s.

This builds on action announced last month to protect our children’s health and tackle underage vaping, while exploiting the potential of vaping to help adult smokers quit.

Gillian Golden, CEO of the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), said:

Selling products to under 18s has been illegal for some years now, as have proxy sales. Those who ignore the law bring reputable retailers who uphold strict age verification protocols into disrepute. We welcome the planned review on bringing nicotine-free products under existing rules and we look forward to continuing to support enforcement agencies in tackling illicit trade and illegal products.

The loophole allowing free samples to be distributed regardless of consumer age is a gap that no self-respecting business should ever have considered exploiting. The IBVTA applauds the announcement that such activity will soon be illegal.

While it’s concerning that access to vapes by young people is on the increase, it’s encouraging to see the government’s continued recognition of the important role that vaping plays in driving down adult smoking rates.

In a recent Action on Smoking and Health Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2023 of 11 to 17 year olds, 2 out of 5 young people said they smoke vapes “just to give it a try” and about 1 in 5 because “other people use them so I join in”.

That is why action will also be taken in schools, making sure that dedicated police school liaison officers across the country are using new resources to keep illegal vapes out of schools.

The health risks of vaping will be also included in Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) lessons, as part of the government’s ongoing review of RSHE, in order to further discourage children from taking up vaping.

Today’s new plans follow the announcement last month of £3 million of funding which has been provided to create a specialised ‘illicit vapes enforcement squad’ to implement the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales. The squad – which will work with enforcement agencies and learn from the government’s work with Trading Standards on illicit tobacco – will also tackle online shops selling illicit vapes to under 18s.

A call for evidence on youth vaping launched last month will build on today’s action by looking at evidence into the appeal of vapes as well as the marketing and promotion of vapes, including on social media, to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vape products – and explore where government can go further. This will remain open for submissions until 6 June 2023.

Today’s measures for schools will build on new content published in October 2022 on the potential risks of vaping for young people on the FRANK and Better Health websites and we have provided input to educational resources produced by partners including the PSHE Association.

Our Office for Health Improvement foundand Disparities is also developing a new resource pack for schools on vaping, intended for children aged 11 to 13. The educational resource for young people will inform them about the addictiveness of nicotine and the evidence that young people’s developing brains may be more sensitive to its effects. It will also inform them about other potential health risks, while making clear the distinction between these risks and the known serious health harm associated with smoking tobacco. This will be made available via the Better Health School Zone website by July.

Schools can also access a Year 9 PSHE lesson on the consequences of vaping via the PSHE Association website.

While the rise in illegal youth vaping is a cause for concern, many addicted smokers have found using vapes helpful as a quitting tool. In April, we also launched announced a world-first national scheme, meaning almost 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be offered a vape starter kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit as part of a series of new measures to help the government meet its ambition of being smoke free by 2030 – reducing smoking rates from 13% to 5% or less.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces £5m legacy memorialisation fund and digitisation project [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 31 May 2023.

The UK Government has committed £5m to support the recommendations of a memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, made the announcement following a visit to the recently opened ‘Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles exhibition’ at the Imperial War Museum in London.

The expert-led memorialisation strategy will aim to identify, and fund, inclusive new structures and initiatives to remember those who were lost during the conflict, and help ensure that the terrible events of the past can never be allowed to happen again.

Separately, the Government has also confirmed details of a digitisation project to make Troubles-related records held at The National Archives more readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.

The first phase of this is the launch of a new web portal bringing together in one place government files which are focused on the situation in Northern Ireland from 1994 up to and including the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in 1998.

Mr Heaton-Harris said:

It was my privilege to visit the Imperial War Museum’s exhibition on the Northern Ireland Troubles. Showcasing new artefacts and oral histories, this moving exhibition is an excellent example of how we can remember and learn from the events of the past in an inclusive way through multiple experiences.

I’m therefore delighted that the UK Government has today committed £5m to support the recommendations of the memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Government’s Legacy Bill.

It will build on important work that has already been done in this space, while taking account of international best-practice. Most importantly, it will seek to work on the basis of consensus, providing opportunities for victims, families, civil society and other interested parties to contribute and shape outcomes. I look forward to announcing further details in due course.

Commenting on the digitisation project, Mr Heaton-Harris added:

I welcome the launch of this online initiative which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to making accessible as much information as possible about an important period of Northern Ireland’s complex history. By encouraging reflection and consideration of our Troubled past, we can hopefully recognise the progress made since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and towards a shared and more prosperous future.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary responds to GDP figures for March 2023 [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 31 May 2023.

UK Government prioritises halving inflation, reducing debt and growing the economy.

The latest Scottish GDP figures have been published today – here for March 2023 and here for Q1 2023 (January to March).

Responding to the statistics, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Our economic outlook is looking encouraging with the first quarter of this year showing strength due to the swift action of this Government to avoid recession.

The UK Government is creating jobs, boosting trade and encouraging investment with more than £2.2bn invested across Scotland to encourage prosperity. Our priority is to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy for the benefit of the whole of the UK.

The figures show that the economy remained flat in March this year, after growing by 0.3% in February (revised up from 0.2%).

Looking at the broader picture, in the first quarter of 2023, from Jan-March, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.4%, an improvement compared to the growth of 0.2% in the previous three month period, (October to December 2022).

Additional information:
- The UK avoided recession in 2022, and is now expected to avoid recession this year.
- The UK was the fastest growing economy in the G7 last year. Since 2010, the UK has grown faster than Japan, France, and Italy, and at about the same rate as Germany.
- The IMF are predicting that around 90% of advanced economies will see a decline in growth in 2023.
- At Autumn Statement 2022, the UK Government took difficult, but necessary, decisions across taxation and spending to restore economic stability.
- The OBR have said that the measures in the Budget caused them to revise potential output upwards by the largest amount ever in their forecasts.
- The UK Government is maintaining record levels of capital investment – £600bn over the next 5 years – including investment in critical infrastructure like Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 and Sizewell C, and safeguarding the highest ever R&D budget.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Joint Statement on UK-Colorado Trade [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 May 2023.

Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston and Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis today announced their intent to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding.

Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Nigel Huddleston MP, was pleased to welcome the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, to the United Kingdom today, 31 May, to announce the intent to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further strengthen trade and economic development ties between the United Kingdom and the State of Colorado.

The MOU will aim to increase transatlantic trade and investment opportunities for UK and Colorado companies across a variety of sectors, with a focus on bolstering small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) access to both markets; eliminating market access barriers; and advancing shared policy goals.

The UK and Colorado already have a strong economic relationship, collaborating on areas of shared importance such as low carbon growth, future technologies, agri-tech and sustainability across a number of sectors. The MOU will aim to build upon and strengthen this existing cooperation through a more formalised economic partnership.

Minister Huddleston and Governor Polis note their expectation that the MOU will boost trade and investment in one another’s economies, for the benefit of all parts of the UK and Colorado.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been reprehensible and cowardly – UK statement to the OSCE [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 May 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says the Kremlin is struggling to explain its litany of strategic mistakes and failings on the battlefield to the Russian people.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Russia continues to launch large-scale missile and drone strikes on towns and cities across Ukraine. The repeated barrages launched on the people of Kyiv, as they celebrated the anniversary of the founding of Ukraine’s capital, were particularly deplorable. Whilst reports indicate that most attacks continue to be successfully intercepted by Ukraine’s air defences, Friday’s strike against the medical facility in Dnipro was a particularly egregious act. Such indiscriminate missile and drone attacks constitute major human rights violations, are contrary to international humanitarian law, and achieve nothing.

Russia has repeatedly underestimated the strength and determination of the courageous Ukrainian people to defend their homeland. These horrific tactics did not work during the winter, when Russia targeted power stations and water supplies throughout Ukraine, and they will not work now. They will not compensate for Russia’s failings on the battlefield.

Madam Chair, on Monday [29 May] President Putin signed a bill on Russia’s denunciation of the CFE Treaty. Although symbolic, Russia has refused to abide by the CFE Treaty since 2007, this represents another step in Russia’s incremental rejection of the international rules based order.

From its failure to abide by the 1999 Istanbul Agreements, to non-compliance in the Open Skies Treaty, through to weaponisation of the Vienna Document, Russia has deliberately and systematically attempted to tear apart the European Security Architecture that was designed to keep the continent safe and free from war.

We should be clear, over the past decades, Russia has disregarded, manipulated or withdrawn from international agreements and treaties whenever they no longer supported its nefarious aims. The outcome of this approach is evident in Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine and more widely.

On Monday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov proclaimed that Russia was not at fault for the “huge void” in arms control. Well, the facts tell a different story. The “Russia is the victim” argument is so tired and so ridiculous that even the Russian people must see it for what it is – an overused and desperate retort by the Kremlin to try and explain its litany of strategic mistakes that have decimated Russia’s once proud global reputation.

Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been reprehensible and cowardly. Russia has demonstrated complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law; Russia has unleashed horrendous violence, conducting heinous attacks impacting on civilians and civilian infrastructure; and Russia has demonstrated its willingness to sacrifice its own people in their thousands to try and overcome persistent and institutional poor decision making by the Kremlin. Putin’s horrific war of choice has created a legacy for which millions will be forced to bear the cost of for years to come.

Madam Chair, Russia’s announced intention to deploy nuclear weapons and nuclear-capable systems on Belarusian territory is the latest in a long pattern of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. It is designed to distract and deter us from supporting Ukraine. Russia should seek to reduce tensions and the risk of miscalculation, not increase them.

Madam Chair, we again call on the Belarusian regime to desist from supporting Russia’s attempts to stoke further instability in the region and stop its support of Russia’s illegal invasion.

Madam Chair, the UK and its international partners are steadfast in our support for Ukraine as demonstrated by the continued provision of military assistance. Ukraine has regained territory and liberated thousands of Ukrainian people thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and overwhelming international support. Together, the UK and partners are ensuring that Ukraine will win. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK’s first post-Brexit trade deals to go live at midnight on Wednesday [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 31 May 2023.

The UK’s trade deals with Australia and New Zealand come into effect today.
- Australia and New Zealand trade deals to enter into force at midnight on Wednesday
- Special shipments of handpicked UK goods including signed Beano comics, personalised Cambridge Satchels, Brighton Gin and Burleigh pottery among very first to be sent under the new arrangements
- Deals remove tariffs on all UK goods exports Down Under and could mean lower prices for UK consumers
From today [31 May], UK businesses will be able to sell to Australia and New Zealand more easily as the UK’s trade deals with the countries, the first negotiated from scratch since we left the EU, come into force.

Under the deals’ beneficial terms tariffs on all UK goods exports to Australia and New Zealand will be removed, unprecedented access to these markets for services unlocked, and red tape slashed for digital trade and work visas.

Each region and nation of the UK is expected to benefit. Tailored to the UK’s strengths, the deals are set to deliver an economic boost by driving bilateral trade up by 53% with Australia and 59% with New Zealand.

The agreements could also mean reduced prices for UK consumers on favourites such as wine, Tim Tams and kiwi fruit and lowered costs on machinery parts for UK manufacturers.

The announcement comes after the UK, Australia and New Zealand completed their domestic ratification processes, allowing the deals to enter into force. In the UK this required primary legislation in the form of the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Today is a historic moment as our first trade deals to be negotiated post-Brexit come into effect.

Businesses up and down the country will now be able to reap the rewards of our status as an independent trading nation and seize new opportunities, driving economic growth, innovation and higher wages.

International Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston will tour DHL’s Southern Distribution Centre near Heathrow to see off two handpicked consignments of UK goods, some of the first to be sent to Australia and New Zealand under the new deals.

Iconic British goods from across the country including signed Beano comics, Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky, Brighton Gin, The Cambridge Satchel Co. bags and Fever-Tree mixers are all among the items which will be sent from the UK government to the Australian and New Zealand trade ministers. Many of the items included will benefit from the removal of tariffs under the deals.

The parcels will also include an England cricket top signed by James Anderson and Emma Lamb, a Wales rugby shirt signed by the men’s team and a real tennis racket from Gray’s of Cambridge.

Minister for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston, said:

It is incredibly exciting to be visiting DHL to see some of the first shipments leave the UK, knowing that when they arrive Down Under they will benefit from our brand new deals.

Australia and New Zealand are two of our closest friends and likeminded partners and our trade deals secure favourable terms for British exporters, removing tariffs on all UK goods and slashing red tape.

Alongside the new trade agreement with Australia, more young Brits will benefit from life-changing opportunities Down Under thanks to the expansion of our shared Youth Mobility and Working Holiday Maker visa schemes. On 1 July 2023 the age limit for UK applicants going to Australia will go from 30 to 35 years old, and from 1 July 2024 Brits will be able to stay in Australia for up to three years without having to meet specified work requirements.

The consignments will be sent via express air freight with DHL, which is accelerating to low carbon operations with a commitment to reach zero emissions logistics by 2050 globally. Moving more than 100,000 shipments per day for UK businesses, Australia, New Zealand and other CPTPP countries are popular markets, with expectations for continued growth.

CEO of DHL Express UK Ian Wilson said:

The new free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand provide businesses with a great opportunity to capitalise on the demand in these markets for British goods. We are delighted to have marked the commencement of these deals with a visit from the International Trade Minister to our site today, in which he had the chance to meet businesses and see the important role our colleagues play in the global economy.

Through our recent collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade, we have been able to explain the new deals through webinars and simplified guides which we hope will help our customers achieve even greater international growth.

Both free trade agreements are also part of the UK’s strategic tilt to the Indo-Pacific region and complement our accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – a huge trade bloc which will have a total GDP of £12 trillion once we join.

The deals include robust protections for British farmers, including staging tariff liberalisation for sensitive goods over time.

Other key benefits of the deals include:
- Access to Australian work visas for UK service suppliers without being subject to its changing skilled occupation list and enabling Brits to work in New Zealand more freely
- Flexible rules of origin and removal of tariffs on all UK exports to both markets
- Advanced rules on digital trade which cut red tape, unlock the free flow of data and give businesses confidence their valuable intellectual property will be protected
- Access to government contracts and investment opportunities, including equal footing to compete for an additional £10 billion of Australian public sector contracts per year and high investment screening thresholds for New Zealand
- Progressive opportunities to grow our low-carbon economy through liberalised tariffs on environmental goods and encouraging investment in low-carbon technology
- Environment chapters reaffirming our commitments to the Paris Agreement and recognising our right to regulate to meet Net Zero
Founder and Managing Director of Brighton Gin Kathy Caton said:

In an increasingly competitive and global market removing trade barriers is exactly the support that the British gin industry needs. With a Brighton in every state in Australia, one of our goals is to see Brighton Gin being served in every one! Hopefully the free trade agreement gets us one step closer to that.

CEO of Frugalpac Malcolm Waugh said:

Frugalpac produces the world’s first paper bottle for wines and spirits and the machines that make them. Our Frugal Bottles, which are made from 94% recycled paperboard and have a carbon footprint six times lower than a glass bottle, are now sold in 22 countries including Australia and New Zealand.

The Department for Business and Trade has been hugely supportive of Frugalpac and these free trade agreements will boost our plans to export machines to help the Australian and New Zealand drinks industry to further decarbonise.

The Department for Business and Trade is working with firms of all sizes from across the country to explain how they can harness these trade agreements to grow their business. Dedicated resources are available to help businesses every step of the way as they seize these new opportunities.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Cutting-edge farming projects to get share of £30 million [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 May 2023.

Projects include genetic research to reduce methane emissions from cows and the use of drones to monitor animals.

Up to £30 million has 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.

The projects announced today include:
- Ground-breaking genetics research projects which could reduce methane emissions in cattle by 17% per generation, and produce a reliable UK-grown protein source that can replace soya in human foods.
- Investigations into the use of drones and artificial intelligence to inspect and monitor animals to enable farmers to take action should animals go missing or need attention.
- Efforts to develop biopesticides using fungal strains that help tackle pests in wheat crops, and to pin-point the genetics for creating slug resistant wheat.
Alongside the £30 million set to be awarded to more than 50 successful projects, the government has also made a further £12.5 million available to fund innovative projects helping to deliver a more productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

The funding is all part of the Farming Innovation Programme, run in partnership with UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and delivered by Innovate UK, which is making £270 million in grants available before the end of the agricultural transition to fund research and development projects to help farmers and growers produce food more sustainably.

Secretary of State for Agriculture Thérèse Coffey said:

Farmers are always forward-looking, and innovation is key to driving forward a resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture sector that puts food on our tables whilst protecting and restoring the environment.

Alongside our new farming schemes, these grants will help to support farmers and pave the way for a technological transformation that will help produce food sustainably for generations to come.

Katrina Hayter, Executive Director Healthy Living and Agriculture of Innovate UK, said:

The competitions once again demonstrate the sheer breadth and quality of innovation within the UK agri-food space.

We’re proud to be able to help deliver these funding and partnership opportunities to the sector, bringing together farmers, growers, technologists and researchers in a common aim of making the UK food system more sustainable and resilient.

Whether improving existing production or introducing novel foods and techniques, the winners have all risen to the innovation challenge and we look forward to supporting their development further.

These grants, alongside the government’s new flexible and accessible farming schemes, will ensure that farmers remain at the heart of the rural economy and putting food on our tables.

It follows the Farm to Fork Summit earlier this month where the government announced a package of support for the farming sector, including new measures to ensure the sector remains at the forefront of adopting new technologies and techniques. This includes substantial investment to unlock the potential of precision breeding following royal assent for the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act, and a working group to bring plant breeders, food manufacturers and retailers together to agree an approach that enables these products to reach our shelves.

£12.5 million for new ‘On-Farm Environmental Resilience’ competition

The new £12.5 million ‘On-Farm Environmental Resilience’ competition will see farmers and growers apply for up to £1 million in project costs to drive the development of new technology and innovative farming methods, with a focus on practical solutions that make a real impact on farms.

Projects could find new ways to detect pests and prevent and manage disease; help farmers to reduce their fertiliser use; boost soil resilience; and manage threats from extreme weather and flooding. Projects researching how gene editing and methods including regenerative cropping could boost productivity and crop resilience are also encouraged to apply.
June 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Massive boost to childcare payments marks first step in largest ever expansion of childcare [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 31 May 2023.

Universal Credit’s maximum childcare payments will rise nearly 50% – up to £1,630 per month – from 28 June.
- Additional support worth up to £522 a month for families
- Many parents will get help from DWP immediately with their first bill – instead of in arrears – to help them manage their budgets
- Comes alongside plans to boost childcare workforce to deliver historic expansion of free childcare from nine months to the start of school
As part of the Government’s biggest ever expansion to childcare provision, low-income families will be able to access increased childcare support worth a total of £900 million from 28 June.

Later this month, the Department for Work and Pensions will raise the amount that parents in Great Britain can claim back monthly for their childcare costs on Universal Credit up to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two or more children. This is a rise of 47% from the previous limits of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children.

At the same time, the Government will help eligible parents cover the costs for the first month’s childcare when they enter work or significantly increase their hours, removing one of the most significant barriers to parents working and helping to grow the economy.

Those parents will also receive up to 85% of their childcare costs back before their next month’s bills are due – meaning they should have money to pay one month in advance going forward.

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

These changes will help thousands of parents progress their career without compromising the quality of the care that their children receive.

By helping more parents to re-enter and progress in work, we will be able to cut inactivity and help grow the economy.

To boost the early years workforce and encourage more people to consider childcare as a valuable and rewarding career, the Department for Education is also launching a consultation in England today to remove unnecessary burdens the childcare sector face. This follows extensive engagement with the sector to understand how they can be supported to deploy and train up their staff most effectively.

This is alongside a package of measures to make sure the Government’s historic expansion of free childcare is delivered successfully – with 15 free hours available for working parents of two-year-olds from April 2024, 15 free hours from nine months to the start of school available from September 2024, rising to 30 free hours from September 2025.

From September, the hourly rates paid to providers to deliver free childcare for two-year-olds will increase by 30% from an average rate of £6 to £8. This represents a significant increase in funding for early years.

Government will also launch a new recruitment campaign early next year to attract and retain talent and consider how to introduce new accelerated apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship routes so everyone from junior staff to senior leaders can easily move into a career in the sector.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing Claire Coutinho said:

We are supporting families with the largest ever expansion of free childcare, making sure that places will be available for parents who need them. This will save a working parent using 30 hours a week an average of £6,500.

We have already announced plans to boost the amount government pays childcare providers, and now we’re knocking down barriers to recruiting and retaining the talented staff that provide such wonderful care for our children.

This package represents a key pillar of the Government’s drive to reduce economic inactivity. In total, the Government is investing £3.5 billion over five years to boost workforce participation, including helping as many people as possible, such as parents, into work which will in turn grow the economy.
June 12, 2023