Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to tackle fraud [May 2023]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 May 2023.
” Fraud now accounts for over 40% of crime. It costs us nearly £7 billion a year and we know these proceeds are funding organised crime and terror. What’s more, new technologies are making these scams easier to do and harder to police.

It’s time to take the fight to the scammers and fraudsters, and put an end to these crimes which can devastate lives and livelihoods within seconds.

Today, we’re launching our new plan to tackle fraud.

This is how the new measures will affect you.

We’re going to stop scams reaching people in the first place

Modern technology has opened up new ways for criminals to bombard people with a barrage of fake calls, texts, emails and WhatsApp messages.

Here’s how we’re going to stop it:

We will outlaw so-called “SIM farms”, technical devices that allow criminals to scam texts to thousands of people at the same time

We will work with Ofcom to stop more cases of number ‘spoofing’, where scammers impersonate UK numbers and trick people into thinking they’re speaking to banks, telephone companies or other legitimate businesses

We will ban cold calls on all financial products, so that anyone who receives calls trying to sell them products such as crypto currency schemes or insurance will know it’s a scam

We will bring more fraudsters to justice

Here’s how we’ll make sure the scammers responsible face up to their crimes:

By launching a new National Fraud Squad led by the National Crime Agency and the City of London Police – backed by 400 new posts

We’ll step up work with international partners and make greater use of the UK’s intelligence community to identify and disrupt more fraudsters overseas

We will empower people to better protect themselves

We know that often when you fall victim to a scam, people feel upset, panicked, or embarrassed about being caught out, or worried about whether they’ll ever get their money back.

Here’s how we’ll help protect you:

By investing £30 million in a state-of-the-art reporting centre which will be up and running in the year

We’re also working with tech companies to make it as simple as possible to report fraud online. Regardless of which social media platform you are on, you should be able to find the ‘report’ button within a single click

Looking at giving banks more time to process payments, to allow suspicious payments to be investigated and stopping people from falling victim to fraudsters

Our plan will help protect you and your loved ones from these scams and the predators who perpetrate them. The time has come to put the fraudsters out of business. And that’s what I’m determined to do.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK appoints new HM Trade Commissioner to lead UK-South Asia trade and investment relationship [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 3 May 2023.

The UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade has appointed Harjinder Kang as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to South Asia.
Harjinder Kang appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India

With an economy worth over £3.2 trillion, South Asia offers huge potential for UK businesses

Kang joins team of nine HM Trade Commissioners encouraging UK trade and investment and promoting Global Britain across the world

Harjinder Kang has today [May 3] been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, succeeding Alan Gemmell OBE.

HMTCs lead the UK’s overseas effort to promote UK trade, investment, trade policy and export finance.

As the new Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Harjinder will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the South Asia region.

Prior to his promotion to HMTC, Harjinder was the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. He will be succeeded in this role by Kate Thornley, previously Deputy Chief Negotiator.

In his new position, Harjinder will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which could bring huge opportunities for UK businesses.

Before joining the Department for Business and Trade, Harjinder spent nearly 30 years at AstraZeneca, later becoming the Global Commercial Director, focusing on creating affordable solutions for pharmaceutical access in less developed regions. He is also a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham.

Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:

I am delighted to welcome Harjinder to this role. He has been an integral part of our India trade deal negotiating team and I’m confident he will use that experience to build on our outstanding track record on trade in South Asia, expanding opportunities for British businesses in untapped markets.

With an economy worth over £3.2 trillion and a growing population, a flourishing trade and investment relationship with South Asia holds vast potential for UK businesses and consumers.

HM Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Harjinder Kang, said:

It is an honour to be appointed as Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, both vibrant and growing regions which are pivotal to the UK’s security and prosperity.

I am deeply committed to fostering strong relationships between the UK and South Asia and am excited about the opportunities ahead as we strengthen our economic ties and forge new partnerships in the region to create jobs, promote innovation and drive economic growth at home and abroad.
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish residents and businesses to get major 4G boost thanks to £75 million investment [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 May 2023.

People living and working in the Lockerbie area in Scotland are to benefit from significantly improved mobile phone connectivity as the first UK government-funded rural mast upgrade is completed.
- First UK government-funded phone mast upgrade activated in Lockerbie, Scotland, to give a major 4G mobile coverage boost to the community
- Part of UK government’s £1 billion Shared Rural Network programme, with more than 120 similar masts in Scotland in line for upgrades
- Four major mobile network operators collaborate for the first time and share the mobile mast, offering customers in the area more choice
People living and working in the Lockerbie area in Scotland are to benefit from significantly improved mobile phone connectivity as the first UK government-funded rural mast upgrade is completed.

The mast will deliver strong and reliable 4G coverage to residents in the east of Dumfries and Galloway, benefitting people living in Boreland, Eskdalemuir, Lochmaben and other neighbouring villages.

This is just the first of more than 120 planned mast upgrades across Scotland, with more to follow over the next year, through a £75 million UK government investment from the Shared Rural Network, a £1 billion project with the UK’s four mobile network operators (MNOs) – EE, VMO2, Three and Vodafone – to improve 4G coverage and level-up connectivity across the UK.

Through both public and private investment, the Shared Rural Network is seeing new and existing phone masts built or upgraded across the UK to close down rural mobile ‘not spots’. These are areas of poor or patchy coverage that cannot receive a 4G signal from all four MNOs, or any signal at all, which holds back rural communities from experiencing the full benefits of digital technology.

Chloe Smith, UK Science and Technology Secretary said:

We are investing in the things that matter to the people of the UK, and this includes funding strong, reliable 4G signal for rural communities struggling with poor coverage.

Our £75 million investment means people across Scotland will benefit from upgraded infrastructure that is fit for the future, starting with the first mast upgrade in Dumfries and Galloway.

Growing our economy is one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities and this includes bringing fast, reliable mobile signal to wherever people are, giving them all the connectivity they need to work, shop and keep in touch online.

The mast, located in the Boreland area to the north of Lockerbie, is part of the Home Office’s Emergency Services Network (ESN), which will give first responders faster, safer and more secure voice, video and data on the 4G network, for better access to life-saving information in emergencies.

But upgrading the mast also makes it usable by the four MNOs, meaning they can host and share equipment on it for the first time, offering improved signal and greater choice of provider for residents and businesses. This will enable people in the area to better seize the benefits of the internet at home and on the go in order to stay connected with friends and family, work remotely, shop and bank online and stream entertainment.

The investment is a further example of how the UK government is growing the economy by helping people set up and run businesses from anywhere in the country and creating more job opportunities in even the most rural areas.

UK Government minister for Scotland John Lamont said:

A reliable phone signal is one of the biggest issues faced by our rural communities around Scotland and I am pleased the UK Government has committed £75 million to upgrade 120 masts across the country. The public and private sector are coming together to make sure people are better connected.

The upgrade in Lockerbie is just the start and I look forward to other rural communities benefiting as part of our £1 billion Shared Rural Network programme in the UK.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) said:

Today’s news is only possible thanks to meaningful collaboration by the government and mobile operators. This site will benefit local people and businesses, but is also a major milestone heralding the rollout of hundreds of similar shared sites across the UK.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:

This is great news as good connectivity is now critical for citizens and businesses in our region. We all need a reliable service, from keeping in touch with friends and family to ordering online. This is part of our modern way of life and is an essential requirement, particularly in our rural area of Dumfries and Galloway.
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Over 7 million households receive £301 Cost of Living Payment from DWP in just 8 days [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 3 May 2023.

99% of households initially eligible through DWP will have been directly paid £301 by the government by end of today (3 May 2023).
- The payments are the first of 3 new Cost of Living Payments worth up to £900 in 2023/24 for those eligible – though some people will receive up to £1,350.
- Those remaining will continue to be paid between now and 17 May by DWP, with no need to contact anyone.
More than 7 million households across the UK will have been paid a £301 Cost of Living Payment by the end of today (3 May 2023).

This means the vast majority of eligible households have received the support in just 8 days of the rollout starting, with the small number of payments outstanding to be made by 17 May.

The payment is the first of 3 Cost of Living Payments being made this year and the next, illustrating the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families with financial pressures. This comes alongside work to deliver on the government’s 5 priorities, including halving inflation and growing the economy, which will ultimately help put more money in people’s bank accounts at the end of the month.

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

Paying more than 7 million households £301 in a little over a week underlines our commitment to ensure those on the lowest income are protected from the worst of rising prices and give them peace of mind.

With further payments due to be made later this year and in 2024, we will continue to provide support to those who need it most while we tackle inflation and grow the economy.

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added:

We know the impact that rising prices are having on families, which is why we are providing significant support to millions through these direct cash payments. This is alongside other support, including holding down energy bills, uplifting benefits and the State Pension by 10%, and increasing the National Living Wage by a record amount.

The single best way to ease cost of living pressures is to bear down on inflation. We are on track to halve it this year, laying the foundation for the long-term growth needed to improve everyone’s living standards.

The Cost of Living Payments, spread across 2023/24, are worth up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits. The next payment for those on means-tested benefits is due in the autumn, with the third instalment due next spring.

These are accompanied by a £150 payment for people on eligible disability benefits this summer, and a £300 payment to top up Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the end of 2023 – meaning some will receive up to £1,350.

This makes up part of the government’s significant cost of living support – now worth an average of £3,300 per household over this year and last.

People will be eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment if they have been entitled to a payment for one of 7 benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023. The eligible benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
The DWP encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a qualifying benefit to use a benefits calculator to check their entitlement. In particular, low-income pensioners should check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as they may still be able to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment, and subsequent payments, if they make a successful backdated application by 19 May 2023.

The small number of payments outstanding will continue to be made between now and 17 May, and anyone eligible still waiting for a payment does not need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before then.

After this date, if someone thinks they may be missing a payment they are entitled to, a form can be filled out on the GOV.UK website to make a claim.

One million eligible families, receiving tax credits only, will get their £301 Cost of Living Payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 May with the banking reference ‘HMRC COLS’.

This payment comes on top of extensive support given to low-income households in 2022, including up to £1,100 in Cost of Living Payments. The Household Support Fund, worth over £2 billion across its lifetime, continues to offer support to people across England, and those in need should contact their local council to see what support is available in their area.
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Voters reminded to bring photo identification to polling booth [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 2 May 2023.

The government is reminding people to bring their photo identification with them to vote in local elections.
Ahead of local elections this week, the government is reminding people to bring their photo identification with them on polling day.

Anyone voting in person in local elections taking place in England on Thursday 4 May 2023 will need an accepted form of photo identification to cast their vote.

This brings the rest of the UK in line with Northern Ireland, which has had photo identification to vote in elections since 2003, and will ensure that elections are better protected from the potential for voter fraud.

As well as learning from the experience in Northern Ireland since 2003, the Government undertook election pilots in 2018 and 2019 to trial identification. For example, in Woking which piloted photographic identification, the evaluation report found that 99.9% of voters were able to successfully vote. Both the Government and the Electoral Commission will be undertaking evaluation reports on these local elections.

The vast majority of voters already own an accepted form of identification, which includes driving licences, blue badges, NUS Totum cards and Freedom passes, as well as Voter Authority Certificates.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

If you’re planning to vote in person at your local elections, you must remember to bring accepted photo identification with you to the polling station.

These changes will prevent electoral fraud and ensure elections remain free and fair.

You can use a wide range of photo identification such as a driving licence, but make sure you check eligibility before heading out to vote.

For more information please check your polling card and find more details online.

Accepted forms of photo identification and further information are available on gov.uk.

Further information

Accepted forms of identification include:

Driving licence (including provisional licences)

Passport

PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme – this includes the NUS Totum card, the Post Office card, Young Scot card)

Blue Badge

Biometric residence permit

Defence Identity Card

National identity cards issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card

Voter Authority Certificate

Anonymous Elector’s Document

Older person’s bus pass

Disabled person’s bus pass

Oyster 60+ card

Freedom Pass

Scottish National Entitlement Card

60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Northern Ireland concessionary travel pass

The reforms were introduced as part of the Elections Act 2022, which will introduce a series of measures to prevent electoral fraud (including measures to tackle postal voting fraud).

The Electoral Commission, which has supported voter identification, has observed: ‘Since the introduction of photo ID in Northern Ireland there have been no reported cases of personation. Voters’ confidence that elections are well-run in Northern Ireland is consistently higher than in Great Britain, and there are virtually no allegations of electoral fraud at polling stations’ (Electoral Commission, Delivering and costing a proof of identity scheme for polling station voters in Great Britain, December 2015).
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Millions to take home more cash as new law on Tipping passes [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 2 May 2023.

Withholding tips from staff becomes unlawful as the Tipping Bill achieves Royal Assent, with more than 2 million workers to have their tips protected.
- Withholding tips from staff becomes unlawful as Tipping Bill achieves Royal Assent.
- More than 2 million workers will have their tips protected and be able to view an employer’s tipping record.
- An estimated £200 million a year will go back into the pockets of hard-working staff by retaining tips that would have otherwise been deducted.
Millions of UK workers will take home an estimated £200 million more of their hard-earned cash, as employers are banned from withholding tips under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which today (Tuesday 2 May) received Royal Assent.

Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service charges from customers to their staff.

This Bill makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive the tips they have earned. The measures are expected to come into force in 2024, following a consultation and secondary legislation.

This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors helping to ease cost of living pressures and give them peace of mind that they will keep their hard-earned money.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

As people face rising living costs, it is not right for employers to withhold tips from their hard-working employees.

Whether you are pulling pints or delivering a pizza, this new law will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it.

I want to thank Dean Russell MP, Virginia Crosbie MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality and improved the lives of workers across the UK.

Dean Russell, Conservative MP for Watford, said:

I am very pleased that my Tips Bill has received Royal Assent. Hard working people working in hospitality in Watford and across the country will be able to retain their tips, knowing that they will now have a fair deal.

I have always had reservations that some employers kept tips which were earnt by their staff. This new law will stop this immediately and will ensure that the tips are given to the individual staff member, or team.

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to every business and individual who has been in touch to share their support for my Bill.

Virginia Crosbie, Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, said:

I am pleased this bill is now law. Driving it forward was all about fairness for workers and for those who give tips for good service. It was never right that a minority of companies could pocket tips when the public wanted them to go to the person who served them or made their food.

The law will now boost wages for what are often lower paid jobs and not boost company profits at the expense of hard-working staff. But it is also about valuing the people who do important jobs in our economy, especially in tourist areas like Anglesey, and I am proud to have played my part.

Through the Act, a new statutory Code of Practice will be developed to provide businesses and staff with advice on how tips should be distributed. On top of this, workers will receive a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping record, enabling them to bring forward a credible claim to an employment tribunal.

UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said:

Fantastic hospitality experiences don’t happen without a huge effort from our teams, both front and back of house, and tips are a generous way of customers showing their gratitude, while providing a welcome boost to employees’ earnings. Tips are just one part of what makes working in hospitality a great job and career.

We’re pleased to support this new piece of legislation as it comes into law today and look forward to working with Government and other stakeholders on a code of practice that ensures a fair distribution of gratuities amongst all who contribute to providing great hospitality.

Today’s Royal Assent follows a range of government action to support people with the cost of living and help those on lower incomes keep more of what they earn, whilst delivering on the government’s priority to halve inflation. Most notably, last month the National Living Wage increased by 9.7 percent, keeping the government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the National Living Wage to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, provided economic conditions allow.

Further recent government action to support households with the cost of living includes extending the Energy Price Guarantee at its current level for another two months, which keeps energy bills at £2,500 for a typical household until the end of June. We have also extended the freeze on fuel duty, saving the average car driver in the UK £100 over the next year.
May 3, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Homes England appoints suppliers to Development and Regeneration and Technical Services Framework [May 2023]
The press release issued by Homes England on 2 May 2023.

Homes England has awarded its new DaRTS Framework, which will deliver a broad range of built environment professional and technical services on its land.

The DaRTS Framework, which will run from 2023–2027, has been introduced as the replacement for the Multidisciplinary Framework 2019-2023 for accessing technical and professional services.

Barry Cummins, Chief Development Officer at Homes England, said: “We want to work with ambitious suppliers who can help us drive regeneration and housing delivery to create high-quality homes and thriving places across the country.

“Suppliers appointed to the new framework bring with them a wealth of knowledge and housing expertise that will enhance the work of Homes England. In addition to the re-procurement of a multidisciplinary lot providing a comprehensive range of technical and professional services, a second placemaking-focussed lot will allow us to engage directly with specialists to help deliver our agenda to promote quality, decency, good design and sustainability.”

Framework structure and suppliers

The framework, which is Homes England’s largest professional services framework, will feature a new two-part lotted structure to provide direct access to suppliers with a place-making specialism.

Lot 1 – end-to-end technical and professional services

Under lot 1, the framework will provide access to consultants delivering a wide range of multidisciplinary professional and technical services. The services available under lot 1 include structural and civil engineering services, transport and traffic services and environment and sustainability services. This lot also includes non-mandatory asbestos services that will be delivered by suppliers who successfully tender to deliver these services.

Non-mandatory service suppliers are indicated with an asterisk below.
- AECOM
- Arcadis Consulting (UK) Limited *
- Atkins Limited
- Avison Young (UK) Ltd *
- Buro Happold Limited
- Campbell Reith Hill LLP *
- Gleeds Advisory Ltd
- Jacobs U.K. Limited
- Mace Consult Limited
- Mott MacDonald Limited
- Ove Arup & Partners Ltd *
- Pell Frischmann Consultants Ltd *
- Ramboll UK Limited
- Stantec UK Limited *
- Tetra Tech Limited *
- Turner & Townsend Project Management Limited
- WSP UK Limited.*
Lot 2 – placemaking, master planning and design services

Lot 2 has been created to reflect the importance of quality placemaking and will provide the ability to engage directly with master planning, landscape design and ecology, planning, and community engagement specialists.

The suppliers for lot 2 are:
- Allies & Morrison LLP
- BDP
- David Lock Associates Limited
- Fabrik Limited
- HTA Design LLP
- LDA Design
- Maccreanor Lavington Limited
- Prior+Partners Ltd
- Rolfe Judd Planning AR Urbanism Ltd
- Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design Ltd.
May 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Martyn’s Law progresses as government publishes draft legislation [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK will be better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks under new draft laws published by government.

The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that, under Martyn’s Law, venues and other organisations will have to meet to ensure public safety. ‘Martyn’s Law’ is a tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee, ahead of formal introduction.

In December 2022, the government announced that Martyn’s Law will introduce a tiered model for certain locations depending on the capacity of the premises or event and the activity taking place, to prevent unnecessary burden to business. The legislation will ensure venues are prepared for, and ready to respond in the event of, an attack.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations, causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about their everyday lives,

This is a significant step forward for Martyn’s Law and our ability to further protect the public. I welcome the committee’s scrutiny to ensure that this legislation is proportionate while enhancing our national security.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:

Today is an important step forward to a safer country. Martyn’s Law will end the ridiculous situation where venues have legal obligations for how many toilets they have but no obligation to keep their customers protected.

Of course Martyn’s Law won’t stop all terror attacks, but it will make crowded places better protected and prepared, and make the terrorists’ job that bit harder.

Almost six years after the Manchester Arena attack it’s now critical this bill is passed into law as quickly as possible and in the strongest form possible.

British Retail Consortium Assistant Director, Graham Wynn, said:

Given the number of retail premises, Martyn’s Law is particularly relevant to retailers. We have appreciated the Home Office’s willingness to make adjustments to the bill – such as the move to make capacity the basis to meet changing needs – as well as make it more practical and proportionate.

It will be important to ensure all operational details work effectively – such as how the tiers operate at the margins. After closer examination of the detail, we look forward to the opportunity to provide additional suggestions as appropriate during the Parliamentary process.

The government is committed to working closely with businesses and other stakeholders to ensure this legislation is proportionate whilst also being effective. Dedicated guidance and support will be provided to ensure those in scope can meet their responsibilities. ProtectUK already hosts a range of expert advice, training, and guidance.

The standard tier will apply to public premises with a maximum capacity of 100 or more people, whilst the enhanced tier applies to public premises and events with a maximum capacity of 800 or more people. Limited exemptions to the capacity requirements apply to education establishments and places of worship. Guidance and training materials will also be available to premises with a capacity of under 100, should they want additional support.

Standard tier premises will be required to undertake basic, low-cost activities to improve their preparedness, including terrorism protection training and evaluating the best procedures to put in place in order to minimise impact.

Enhanced tier premises and events have further requirements in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. This will include appointing a designated senior officer who must regularly review the security of the venue.

An inspection and enforcement regime will be established to promote the requirements for each tier. In the event of non-compliance, sanctions and ultimately penalties will be issued to premises.

Martyn’s Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and has been developed following extensive consultation with the public, businesses and campaign groups. The significant majority agree that those responsible for publicly accessible locations should take measures to protect the public from potential attacks.

Among the campaigners was Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett. Her campaign for ‘Martyn’s Law’ has informed the process leading to the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. Figen and others have worked tirelessly with the government to ensure this bill is delivered and publishing the draft legislation is a credit to their efforts. Publication of the draft bill today follows a commitment made by the Prime Minister to Figen shortly after he took office that the government would bring forward the measures in the Spring.

May 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on France [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered a statement at France’s UPR at the Human Rights Council.
The UK recognises France’s strong commitment to maintaining and strengthening human rights.

We commend France’s commitments to tackle human trafficking, to advance gender equality, and to address gender-based violence. We note that the number of female victims of domestic violence in France has decreased from 2019 to 2022. However, in 2021, one woman was killed every three days by a partner or ex-partner.

We recommend:

Developing capacity to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Improving access to justice for victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence.

Improvements to conditions and over-crowding in prisons.

Thank you, Mr President.
May 2, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Tonga [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 May 2023.

The UK delivered a statement during Tonga’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
I would like to start by welcoming the recent steps taken by the Kingdom of Tonga to promote and protect human rights including the ratification of the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Furthermore the UK commends Tonga for their engagement with civil society to work towards ending sexual and gender-based violence.

However we were deeply saddened by the murder of Polikalepo Kefu, a leading human rights activist for LGBTI+ rights. We encourage Tonga to take concrete steps to repeal laws that sanction and discriminate against LGBTI+ persons.

We recommend Tonga:

Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and consider a national plan of action to end SGBV.

Ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and support the disaggregation of SDG Reporting data by disability by the end of 2023.

Ratify the Convention Against Torture, and strengthen domestic implementation by establishing a Cabinet Working Group.

Thank you.
May 2, 2023