Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Experts convene for Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 May 2023.

International experts have convened in London for 25th Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference.
- More than 99% of declared chemical weapons stockpiles destroyed to date
- International experts meet to address remaining chemical weapons challenges
Scientists, technical experts, policy officials and non-governmental organisations from across the world congregated at the 25th Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation Conference in London to share experiences and lessons and address remaining challenges.

The Conference has been hosted by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), in close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. The annual conference is crucial to facilitating conversations on the demilitarisation of chemical weapons.

As more than 99% of declared chemical weapons stockpiles have been destroyed, and with the remainder scheduled to be destroyed this year, this year’s conference addressed the future of demilitarisation. Speakers expanded the remit by presenting on topics such as biotoxins and the capability of states not party to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Delivering the closing remarks of the Conference, UK Defence Minister Baroness Goldie reflected on key successes, such as 72,000 metric tonnes of the declared chemical warfare agents across the world being verifiably destroyed – as well as condemning those who have used and retained chemical weapons – acknowledging the importance of holding those responsible to account.

Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie, said:

Chemical weapons still represent one of the greatest threats to peace and security that we face today. We must redouble our resolve, summoning the courage and optimism required to finish the job of ridding the world of these deadly weapons, neutralising current and future risks. Together, we can ensure we make this world a far safer place for the next generation.

OPCW Director General, Fernando Arias said:

This year, the OPCW celebrates its 26th anniversary. It is now up to all of us, to consolidate and strengthen our disarmament gains, and stay the course, we started in 1997, to exclude completely the possibility of the use of this type of abhorrent weapons with a total destruction and zero tolerance.

As joint hosts of the conference, Dstl plays a lead role in support of global demilitarisation and has an ongoing programme disposing of current and historic chemical weapons.

Dstl Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:

Dstl appreciates and supports the work of the OPCW Laboratory in facing these emerging challenges [biotoxins]. We are immensely proud that under the MOD funding and Dstl technical leadership, a project that utilises the new Chem Tech Centre to develop more comprehensive analytical techniques to identify scheduled biotoxins in both environmental and biomedical samples will be established.

As the most successful multilateral arms control treaty with 193 States Parties, the CWC covers the vast majority of the global population. Our small part in that community has massive influence, which has time and time again changed the world for the better. The wider capability of our national protective programmes keep our troops safe through the deployment of advanced technology and the deterrent factor that technology provides.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, the Honourable Ms. Deborah Rosenblum said:

No nation, no government, can be successful in the fight against chemical weapons threats in isolation. We need each other and the best ideas industry, academia, and the NGO communities have to offer.

That is why this conference is so valuable. There is a rich history of government and industry partners working together to advance counter and non-proliferation objectives. Together, we have destroyed nearly all of the world’s declared chemical weapons.

Continued collaboration will be essential to tackling future challenges. I encourage you to share your ideas about how this conference can continue to be fit for purpose and to advance our progress toward the ultimate objective of eliminating this class of WMD.

The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997, banning chemical weapons, and requiring states parties to destroy any existing stockpiles. In 1998 the first Chemical Weapons Demilitarisation conference was held, and this has continued to be hosted annually by the MOD and Dstl.

The Convention requires global cooperation to affect lasting change and address chemical weapons use, as highlighted by chemical weapon attacks including in Russia on Mr. Alexey Navalny in 2020, in Salisbury in the UK in 2018, and the numerous chemical weapon attacks by the Assad regime in Syria.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting, 25 May 2023 – joint statement [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

The UK government and European Commission gave a joint statement following the 12th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights.

Joint statement by the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights between the European Commission and UK government:

The 12th meeting of the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights was held on 25 May 2023 in Brussels, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK government. Representatives from all EU members states were also in attendance. The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to monitor the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Agreement, which protects EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, and their eligible family members.

The EU and the UK discussed the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The meeting also allowed both sides to take stock of outstanding issues.

The EU raised their deep concerns about the EU citizens who received a refusal decision between 27 June 2021 and 19 April 2022 but whose digital status did not accurately reflect this until January 2023, due to the operation of the EU Settlement Scheme. The EU asked for full transparency and clarity on this matter and expressed its disappointment regarding the UK’s plans on recovery of costs of some services and benefits. The EU called on the UK to find a fair approach for affected citizens. The UK outlined the applicable framework, the protections in place for individuals and the need for consistency with the approach taken with UK nationals as well as other EU citizens.

The EU discussed the implementation of the High Court’s ruling on the upgrade from pre-settled status to settled status, and welcomed the preliminary reassurances received from the UK as regards the UK government’s plans to implement the judicial review in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement. Both sides agreed that correct implementation is crucial for the beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Other issues raised by the EU included the application of temporary protection rules, the calculation of absences and the proportionality assessment, and the effect of imprisonment on acquiring settled status.

The UK raised concerns over the issue of permanent residence within certain member states, specifically, how UK nationals who do not make an application for permanent residence demonstrate their declaratory right of permanent residence when accessing benefits and services.

The UK also highlighted the lack of publicly available guidance on reasonable grounds for making a late application in some member states, highlighting the negative consequences in implementation this creates for UK nationals, and the UK’s open approach.

Other concerns raised by the UK included issues in some member states around property rights for UK nationals, UK nationals demonstrating multiple statuses under the long-term residence directive, and UK nationals with special statuses not being able to access rights guaranteed to them under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Both parties raised future priorities, such as upcoming electronic travel authorisation schemes, funding for civil society or specific challenges faced by children, and discussed mitigation measures needed for UK nationals and EU citizens in the coming years, highlighting their determination to work jointly and constructively on these topics.

The EU and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights in accordance with the obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement and agreed to meet again in autumn.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Czechia strengthen defence export prospects [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 25 May 2023.

The UK and Czechia discuss future defence export prospects, building on the PM’s priority to grow the UK economy.

The UK and Czechia have strengthened defence export prospects as new Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited the International Defence and Securities Technologies Fair (IDET) in Brno today [Thursday 25 May].

Visiting stalls from some of the UK’s key Defence companies, including SUPACAT, Marshall Land Systems and BAE Systems, Cartlidge discussed how the UK defence industry can further support the Czech Armed Forces through defence exports and government-to-government support.

Meeting with senior government officials, Cartlidge outlined how the UK would continue to support Czechia, building on a long-standing defence and security partnership between the two nations.

Czechia is about to complete negotiations to sign a contract with UK-based defence company, SUPACAT, for 24 High Mobility Transport (HMT) vehicles for their Armed Forces, known in the British Army as the JACKAL series of reconnaissance and long range patrol vehicles. The UK has been producing these vehicles for more than ten years, with contracts delivering on the Prime Minister’s priorities to grow the economy and support UK jobs.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

We have a strong defence relationship with our Czech counterparts, standing firm together against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as part of NATO.

Building on this existing partnership, we remain committed to ensuring we continue to work together, offering the best of British industry to support the military capabilities of our close NATO Ally.

The strong defence partnership between the UK and Czechia is showcased by the British Military Assistance Training Team (Czechia), in place for 23 years and jointly delivering UK thought leadership and career and tactical training courses to 15 countries across the region, including Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.

Czech and British soldiers have served alongside each other for more than 20 years in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as (under EU and UN mandates) Mali and elsewhere in Africa.

Czechia is very much a central European standard-bearer for Ukraine, proportionally ahead of many larger European nations in having providing over £1.5 billion in lethal and non-lethal aid since the conflict begun.

Earlier this year, Czechia and UK were both part of a group of European nations that signed The Tallinn Pledge, committing to collectively pursue delivery of an unprecedented set of donations including main battle tanks, heavy artillery, air defence, ammunition, and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal invasion.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government delivers manifesto commitments on animal welfare [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 May 2023.

Animal welfare to be enhanced with launch of the Animal Sentience Committee and consultation on penalty notices.
- Five new members will be appointed to form the first-ever Animal Sentience Committee
- Committee’s establishment ensures animal welfare remains at the heart of government policy
- Government also launches consultation on expanding enforcement mechanisms for animal health and welfare offences
The first-ever animal sentience committee was formally launched today with the appointment of five new members, the government has announced (25 May 2023).

The Animal Sentience Committee is fully independent and will support Parliament in assessing how well policy decision-making across Government effectively considers animal welfare. The appointment of the five new members marks the next step in the delivery of a key government manifesto commitment to legislate for sentience and builds on the government’s strong track record on animal welfare.

The government is also launching an eight-week public consultation on introducing penalty notices to bolster enforcement for animal health and welfare offences – meaning those who commit offences such as importing illegal animal products could face fines of up to £5,000.

Giving enforcement bodies the option to issue penalty notices provides a middle-ground enforcement option between the current routes of giving out advice and guidance, and pursuing prosecution. Bridging this gap means a fairer and more consistent approach to protecting animals from harm.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

“In this country, we pride ourselves on our high standards of animal welfare, and we have introduced powerful laws to maintain them.

“We are delivering on our manifesto promises and continue to explore ways to enhance our position as a global leader on animal welfare.”

Commenting on the appointments, the Chair of the Animal Sentience Committee, Michael Seals, said:

“The establishment of the Animal Sentience Committee is an important moment for animal welfare in this country.

“Our five new members will collectively bring a range of varied and valuable experience across veterinary and animal welfare, playing a key role in helping to bring these considerations to the forefront of policy decision making.

“We have bold plans to improve animal health and welfare and I look forward to working closely with the Committee to deliver these ambitions.”

The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and we are fully committed to delivering our manifesto commitments on animal welfare, building on the action we’ve already taken including increasing animal cruelty sentences, recognising the sentience of animals in law, banning glue traps and extending the Ivory Act.

Alongside these new measures, we are also supporting Private Members’ Bills currently before Parliament banning the import of detached shark fins, banning the import of hunting trophies and banning the advertising and offering for sale here of unacceptably low animal welfare activities abroad.

For more information on the penalty notice consultation and to respond, visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/penalty-notices-for-ahw-offences-in-england
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Record numbers of doctors and nurses to help cut waiting lists [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 May 2023.

There are more doctors and nurses working in the NHS than ever before, with hundreds more doctors in general practice and thousands more primary care staff.
More doctors, nurses and staff than ever before working in the NHS

Data also shows over 500 more doctors working in general practice

Government delivers on commitment to recruit 26,000 more primary care staff by 2024, a year early

For the second consecutive month, there are record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS helping to deliver extra appointments, speed-up diagnoses and tackle the COVID-19 backlog, according to data published today by NHS England.

Over 1.28 million full-time equivalent staff are working in NHS trusts and commissioning bodies in England as of March 2023 – over 53,600 more compared to a year ago which is an increase of 4.4%.

At the same time, additional data shows there are more than 29,000 additional primary care staff as the government announced last week it has delivered on its commitment to recruit 26,000 more staff in primary care by March 2024.

As of April 2023, over 500 more full-time equivalent doctors are working in general practice compared to a year ago.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

We continue to make progress on strengthening the NHS and primary care workforce.

Cutting waiting lists is one of the government’s 5 priorities, so it is extremely promising to see record numbers of NHS doctors, nurses, midwives and nursing associates registered to practice in the UK to ensure patients get the care they need more quickly.

We have published a Primary Care Recovery Plan setting out how we will support general practice to recover from the pandemic, and will soon publish a long term workforce plan focused on recruiting and retraining more staff – to help tackle the backlogs and improve patient care.

There are almost 2,000 more doctors in general practice than in 2019, along with a record 4,000 in training – up from 2,671 in 2014. Just as in hospitals, trainees deliver direct patient care while being safely supervised and support fully-qualified GPs, helping to ease workloads and increase capacity in general practice.

Separate statistics published earlier this week show that the number of nurses, midwives and nursing associates registered to practise in the UK has grown to a record total of 788,638. This means the National Midwifery Council (NMC) register is now equivalent to 1.2% of the estimated UK population, with numbers of homegrown UK-educated staff increasing, alongside talent from overseas.

Underlying this strong growth, 2022 to 2023 saw the highest number of new joiners to the NMC’s register in a single year – 52,148, with the number of UK educated joiners rising by 8.5 percent to more than 27,142.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Five major hospitals to be rebuilt as part of over £20 billion new hospital infrastructure investment [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 May 2023.

Five hospitals constructed mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) will be rebuilt by 2030 as part of the New Hospital Programme.
- Government remains committed to building 40 new hospitals by 2030
- Government confirms for the first time the New Hospital Programme is now expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment in hospital infrastructure
Patients and staff will benefit from safe, state-of-the-art new facilities and improved care as the government announced its commitment today (Thursday 25 May) to rebuild 5 major hospitals by 2030, as part of the New Hospital Programme. For the first time, the government has confirmed a record investment of over £20 billion is expected to be spent on new hospital infrastructure.

The 5 hospitals are Airedale in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey. These hospitals all have significant amounts of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) – a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past but which has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly.

The NHS has asked the government to prioritise the rebuilding of these hospitals given the risks they pose to patients and staff – the full extent of which has come to light since the New Hospital Programme was first announced in 2020.

Two of the worst affected hospitals – West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and James Paget Hospital in Norfolk – have already been announced as part of the New Hospital Programme and the construction of these major new hospitals will be prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.

As a result of this reprioritisation, as well as the rising cost of construction materials, up to 8 schemes that were originally due to be constructed towards the end of the decade will now be completed past 2030.

The government remains committed to delivering all hospitals within the programme as soon as possible – the biggest in a generation – and will ensure all schemes have adequate funding.

It is on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030, because in addition to the 5 RAAC hospitals, 3 mental health hospitals will also be delivered through wider capital funding by 2030 – as part of a commitment to eradicate dormitory accommodation from mental health facilities across the country and put mental health on an equal footing to physical health.

Two hospitals in the New Hospital Programme are already complete and 5 in construction. By the end of next year more than 20 will be underway or complete.

The government will keep the situation under review and do everything it can to accelerate the completion timeline of the hospitals impacted, if circumstances allow. The New Hospital Programme will continue to work closely with new and existing schemes on their plans to ensure they deliver for patients, staff and communities.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

These 5 hospitals are in pressing need of repair and are being prioritised so patients and staff can benefit from major new hospital buildings, equipped with the latest technology.

On top of this I’m strengthening our New Hospital Programme by today confirming that it is expected to represent more than £20 billion of new investment in hospital infrastructure.

As we approach the 75th anniversary of our fantastic NHS, this extra investment will ensure it can care for patients for decades to come and help cut waiting lists so they get the treatment they need quicker.

Going forward, new schemes will be considered through a rolling programme of capital investment in hospital infrastructure to secure the building of new hospitals beyond 2030.

It will mean further future investment to upgrade NHS facilities across the country, with details to be agreed periodically to provide greater future certainty, and will allow more than 40 new hospitals to be built in the longer term.

By developing a national approach to delivering new hospitals, they can be built more quickly and at a reduced cost, providing value for taxpayers. Patients and staff will benefit from modern hospital design making use of the latest technology, digital innovation and sustainability to improve overall patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.

This is in addition to substantial wider capital investment which is delivering vital improvements across the NHS, including major upgrades.

The government remains committed to eradicating RAAC from the wider NHS estate by 2035 and has already allocated £685 million in immediate support to affected trusts to help keep patients and staff safe.

Health Minister, Lord Markham, said:

We are investing in new NHS facilities across the country giving patients the certainty they can access world-leading care in state-of-the-art hospitals, both now and in the years to come.

In the immediate term, we’re focussing on quickly and safely rebuilding hospitals in areas which need it most – specifically those affected by this specific type of concrete, which poses a significant risk to patients and staff if not rebuilt by 2030 – with over £20 billion expected to be invested in new hospital infrastructure.

In the long term, our new standardised design means we can rapidly replicate new hospitals across the country, helping speed up construction and improving services for patients faster.

Senior Responsible Owner of the New Hospital Programme, Natalie Forrest, said:

This is a significant milestone for the New Hospital Programme, as we continue to progress with delivering facilities for staff and patients at the cutting edge of modern technology with the experience of those who will use these hospitals at the heart of our focus.

We’re continuing to build healthcare infrastructure that improves patient care – including modern designs, creating single rooms ensuring maximum natural light and access to outdoor spaces. This new design will reduce the workload of NHS staff through digital solutions, well designed flow and designated areas for staff recuperation.

I look forward to continuing to work with all trusts already in the programme and welcoming the new ones into the New Hospital Programme.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Collaboration urged as climate change puts water security at risk [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 25 May 2023.

Environment Agency Chief Executive John Curtin chaired the latest National Drought Group meeting on 24 May.
Whilst spring rainfall has been a welcome relief for most of the country, experts caution that ongoing action will remain vital for securing our water supply into the future.

At this week’s meeting of the National Drought Group (Wednesday 24 May), chaired by Environment Agency Chief Executive John Curtin, the group discussed how the government, regulators and water companies can work together to better prepare for the continual shocks and erratic weather patterns caused by a changing climate.

Two Environment Agency areas remain in drought – parts of East Anglia, as well as Devon and Cornwall. Both areas are beginning to improve following above average rainfall throughout April.

The Environment Agency is advising water companies to get their drought preparedness plans in order now, as another hot, dry spell could see drought conditions return.

England is experiencing more extreme weather more often, with parts of the country experiencing drought and flooding at the same time. Earlier this year, we also saw the driest February in 30 years followed by the wettest March in 40 years, which demonstrates how we cannot rely on weather alone to secure sufficient water resources.

The National Drought Group – which is made up of senior decision-makers from the Environment Agency, government, the Met Office, water companies and key farming and environmental groups – heard that a collaborative approach is needed to improve the environment and ensure adequate water supplies are available for people, agriculture, wildlife and the environment.

Environment Agency Chief Executive and NDG Chair, John Curtin, said:

This spring’s wet weather continues to improve water availability. But increasingly extreme climate shocks, such as last summer’s hot and dry spell, can change everything in an instant.

We need to be better prepared for future climate-driven drought, as well as learn from what we have already experienced. That is why government, regulators, water companies and all water users will continue to work together, using the latest science and best practice, to ensure our water resources are prepared for more extreme events in the future.

Water Minister Rebecca Pow said:

Whilst recent rain has been a relief for many, it is crucial that we all work together to ease pressures on our precious water supply and increase resilience to drought – everyone has an important role to play.

The government will continue to work collaboratively with the Environment Agency and industry, and through our Plan for Water, we are ensuring key water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs can be built more quickly. Water companies must better deliver for customers, step up their water resource planning efforts and take precautionary steps to ensure water resilience.

The natural environment continues to take time to recuperate from the impacts of last summer and the Environment Agency is also focusing ongoing efforts on monitoring how well fish and invertebrates are recovering from drought. As of 16 May, the total reservoir capacity across England was at 92%. This compares with 49% at the end of September 2022, when reservoirs were at their lowest following the drought through summer. Almost all river flows are normal or higher for this time of year.

National Drought Group members are continuing to plan ahead in case of another unprecedented summer and are managing water resources to reduce the risk of drought measures being required again this year.

National Drought Group members heard that:

With climate change causing the UK’s weather patterns to become increasingly unpredictable, we must act now whilst we’re in an improved position to help secure our water resources into the future.

Water companies, retailers and regulators must learn from the response to the 2022 drought and plan ahead to better respond to future droughts. They are expected to demonstrate more actions to help conserve water in areas of drought for the benefit of customers, other water users and the environment.

The Environment Agency, Defra, the National Farmers Union and the agriculture sector have worked together to plan support for farmers in East Anglia. This includes regular updates on the prospects for irrigation and the Environment Agency introducing water abstraction e-alerts to help optimise water availability. A new multi-sector Water Resources East Dry Weather Group will meet regularly and work together to collectively help identify local opportunities for support.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More choice to help cut hospital waiting times [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 25 May 2023.

Patients will be given more choice and greater control over their own care, including through the NHS App.
- App and website will show different provider information to help patients choose where to go
- Research shows giving patients choice can cut up to 3 months off their waiting time – helping to deliver the Prime Minister’s promise to cut waiting lists
Patients will be empowered to choose where they receive their NHS care under new plans to help cut waiting lists, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 priorities.

A letter issued by the NHS today to local areas will require patients to be offered choice when clinically appropriate.

After speaking with their GP, patients will be able to view information for a minimum of 5 providers where possible, with information about waiting times, distance to travel and quality to help them make their choice. They will then be able to make a choice about where they go for treatment using the NHS App or website, based on their own circumstances.

Currently just 1 in 10 patients exercise their right to choose but research shows that giving patients choice can cut up to 3 months off their waiting time by selecting a different hospital in the same region.

During the pandemic, millions of people downloaded the NHS App to access services including the NHS COVID Pass. The plans announced today will expand the way that the NHS App and website are used to improve how patients choose to receive their care. Newly updated software to IT systems will also make the process easier for GPs when referring patients for treatment.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

Empowering patients to choose where they receive treatment will help cut waiting lists, one of my 5 key priorities.

Currently, just one in 10 patients make a choice about where they receive care. We want to change that by helping the NHS to offer patients a real choice while also giving patients the information they need to decide.

Our aim is to create an NHS built around patients, where everyone has more control over the care they receive, wherever they live or whatever their health needs are.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Every patient should be able to easily choose where they go to receive treatment and today’s package will put that power in their hands.

Millions of people downloaded the NHS App during the pandemic. Increasing use of this fantastic resource will enable them to exercise more choice and get access to essential information about the options for their care including journey time, length of wait and quality of service – all at the swipe of a smartphone screen.

This will not only give patients more control over their own care but could also wipe months off their wait by finding a hospital or clinic with a shorter waiting list.

Cutting waiting times is one of the government top 5 priorities and we are already making progress to tackle the backlog and are rolling out community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs to boost the numbers of tests, scans and operations.

Patients already on waiting lists will also benefit as, from October, those who have waited more than 40 weeks for an appointment but have not yet been given a treatment date, will be asked whether they want to switch hospitals, including one with a shorter wait, if possible and clinically appropriate. This builds on existing NHS ‘mutual aid’ arrangements between hospital trusts.

As the NHS continues to make progress in tackling the backlog, this threshold could be reduced over time, based on clinical advice, towards 18 weeks as fast as possible.

A new public awareness campaign will also encourage patients to exercise their right to choose and guidance has been provided to GP practices to support them to offer choice, with training available on using IT systems to make referrals.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said:

By giving patients greater choice and more information about their care through the convenience of the NHS app, we can change the way people access treatment options while also building on the fantastic work already being done by NHS staff across the country in bringing down the longest waits for care.

Despite significant pressure, the NHS reduced 18-month waits for care by more than 90% by April and alongside existing tools like elective hubs, surgical robots and ‘prehab’ checks, this is another way that we are continuing to embrace the latest innovations and tech for the benefit of patients.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Staff at NHS trusts across the country have been working flat out to reduce the amount of time patients are waiting for elective treatment, and are making incredible progress.

Giving patients even more access to information about their appointments, and being able to choose where they take place through the convenience of the NHS App, will help trusts continue to provide patients with the best possible care, as quickly as possible.

The NHS App, which serves as a digital front door to the NHS, has over 32 million sign ups and receives around 75 million visits a month. Patients are already able to book and manage their GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and manage their hospital referrals through the app.

Dr Sarah Clark of Westgate Surgery, Otley, said:

As a GP I know how important it is for our patients to have the choice in where and when they are treated. Patients have different priorities and different needs and offering choice better fulfils that need.

By extending the options for patients they will be able to choose to be seen quicker or in more convenient locations for them. Hopefully this will, in part, help reduce the wait for secondary care referrals but also reduce the number of appointments not attended by patients who have been given no option over where or when they are seen.

This change will be embraced by my patients and is something which I, as their GP, support.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said:

We hope this announcement will make it easier for patients in England to use their long-established right to choose where they receive their care.

Work we’ve done shows patients’ awareness of choice is not high, nor are many offered choice regularly. Earlier this year, our survey of patients’ experience of healthcare found around only 1 in 6 patients we questioned had been given the opportunity to choose where they had their hospital care.

We hope the planned communications campaign will clearly explain choice and encourage people to exercise it. We welcome news of the support general practice is to get, but with the current pressures on general practice, it will be important they are supported to work in partnership with their patients to increase uptake of patient choice.

We hope the planned changes will lead to more patients exercising their right to choose where they have their treatment, enabling them to access and benefit from the healthcare they need to live well.

David Hare, Chief Executive, Independent Healthcare Providers Network:

We welcome today’s announcements from the government, and patients will too.

An awareness campaign to help the public understand their rights to choose is good news. We know many patients want to be given a choice as it can dramatically reduce their wait for NHS care. But too often patients are unclear that they have the right to choose a healthcare provider to deliver their NHS care – whether an NHS organisation or an independent sector one – free at the point of use.

Delivering new ways for patients to use the NHS App to choose and progress their care is a very exciting development. It’s great to see this functionality and capability being rolled out. Millions of people downloaded the app during the pandemic, so using this technology will really help modernise how we access healthcare, putting control into the hands of patients themselves.

Significant progress has already been made in bringing down waiting lists for patients – the NHS successfully met the first target in the elective recovery plan to virtually eliminate waits of over 2 years and has cut 18-month waits by over 91% from the peak in September 2021.
June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Report by Head of OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek – UK response [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 May 2023.

Ambassador Holland voices UK support for the work of OSCE’s Programme Office in Bishkek, including on border security, human rights, and climate change.

May I first welcome you, both Ambassador Rogov and Acting Director Indira Satarkulova to the Permanent Council. Thank you and your colleagues for your report and hard work over the past year.

The UK remains committed to a strong partnership with Kyrgyzstan. We look forward to the visit there next month by our Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty.

The UK values the important work of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. The Academy continues to inform and support policymaking in the region across all three dimensions of the OSCE.

This year’s Programme Office report outlines the effective coordination with the Kyrgyz authorities, including through the Consultative Mechanism. So I also thank the Kyrgyz Ministry for Foreign Affairs for their support in implementing the Programme’s Office’s mandate.

There are three themes in the report that I would like to focus on today.

Firstly, the Programme Office’s role in facilitating cross-border cooperation and security. We reiterate our call for a peaceful resolution of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border disputes that resulted in violence last year. We commend the dialogue opened between the two countries to discuss unresolved demarcation and delimitation issues. The OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, supported in Kyrgyzstan by your office, is a crucial and effective tool to grow further inter-state cooperation.

Secondly, on human rights. Kyrgyzstan’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2023-2025 is an excellent opportunity for the Kyrgyz Government to make further progress. We hope that it, with the support of the OSCE, will strengthen human rights mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan to protect vulnerable groups and enhance the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

It is particularly important to build upon efforts to support survivors of gender-based violence in and around Batken province. The enhancement of the Programme Office’s Women Initiative Groups is a great example of how the OSCE can directly provide support to vulnerable groups in the region. And it aligns with the UK’s own UNFPA activity.

The Kyrgyz Government must also protect and support the rights of all media workers. Freedom of speech is one of the core pillars of a strong and prosperous state and is protected under the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. We welcome the work done by the OSCE Academy to promote the necessity of independent journalism to young people.

Lastly, we welcome the Programme Office’s work to amplify Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to tackle climate change. As the report notes, Kyrgyzstan’s geography and topography means it is particularly susceptible to the increasing threats of rising temperatures and glacial melt. Support for initiatives, such as the Aarhus Centre Network’s promotion of environmental democracy, demonstrate the OSCE’s crucial role in reversing climate trends in the region. The Programme Office’s support at November’s Central Asian Regional Green Economy Forum has helped with confidence-building and knowledge-sharing. This is particularly valuable as Kyrgyzstan looks to transition towards a green economy.

Mr Chair our discussions today, as they did a year ago, unfortunately take place against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This continues to impact the security of all OSCE participating States. I would like to thank our colleagues in Bishkek for delivering right across the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security. We wish them continued success in the year ahead.

June 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Workers’ rights wins for parents and carers [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 May 2023.

Parents and carers to be given new protections at work, covering leave entitlement and redundancy rules.
- These new rights derive from three Government backed cross party bills that have now been granted royal assent
- This follows a wave of wins for workers this year after a record National Minimum Wage uplift and measures to ensure staff can keep their hard-earned tips.
Parents and unpaid carers are set to receive a boost with new employment protections, as three Government backed Private Members Bills received royal assent yesterday [ Wednesday 24 May].

This wave of new workers’ rights has been welcomed by charities and parties across parliament.

When in force, these new laws will help to increase workforce participation, protect vulnerable workers, and level the playing field by ensuring unscrupulous businesses don’t have a competitive advantage and delivering on our priority to grow the economy.

Parents and carers will benefit from the following new protections once in force:
- Up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave for employed parents whose children are admitted to neonatal care, so that they can spend more time with their baby at what is a hugely stressful time. This is in addition to other leave and pay entitlements such as maternity and paternity.
- Redundancy protection for pregnant women and new parents with the extension of existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work
- A new entitlement for unpaid carers to a week of flexible unpaid leave a year, for employees who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need. This will enable carers to better balance their caring and work responsibilities, supporting them to remain in employment.
Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

We know how stressful it can be for parents caring for a new-born in neonatal care, or someone who is trying to juggle work with caring responsibilities, and these additional protections will ensure they get the support they need.

Over the past year, we have proven our commitment to supporting workers across the UK, including raising the national living wage to its highest yet. Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting businesses to grow remains a priority for this government and a dynamic labour helps to drive up wages, employment and economic growth.

The Government backed bills will boost support to vulnerable workers, and to parents during incredibly difficult times. Up to 12 weeks of paid leave provided by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay Act makes the UK as a world leader in this area, allowing parents to be with their babies instead of worrying about work.

Shocking research from the Equality and Human Rights Commission showed that approximately one in nine mothers were either dismissed, made compulsorily redundant or treated so poorly they felt they had to leave their job. The Protection from Redundancy Act will extend existing protections to protect pregnant women and new parents against this discriminatory practice.

Charities have been calling for further support for carers. There are millions of unpaid carers in the UK, and The Carer’s Leave Act will provide the support they need to continue with their invaluable contribution to society. Once in force, they won’t have to struggle between caring for the ones they love and working to provide for their families.
June 2, 2023