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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President of the European Commission [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President of the European Commission [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 17 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister met European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland today.

    They agreed on the importance of ongoing trade and other links between the UK and EU through the framework of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement for driving mutual economic growth.

    The Prime Minister updated President Von der Leyen on President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK yesterday. The leaders agreed on the need to sustain our support to Ukraine at this pivotal moment, including through sanctions on Russia. They agreed this week’s G7 Summit in Japan will be a moment to demonstrate the unity of international support for Ukraine.

    The Prime Minister and President Von der Leyen underlined that the UK and EU have a shared interest in tackling cross-border crime and people trafficking.

    They agreed to strengthen cooperation between the EU and UK on migration through developing a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex, enabling us to work together on critical operational and strategic challenges including the situation in the Channel.

    UK and EU teams will now discuss the details and operationalisation of this new working arrangement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government invites views on tackling major conditions in England [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government invites views on tackling major conditions in England [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 17 May 2023.

    The major conditions call for evidence has been launched for views on how best to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage the 6 major conditions.

    • Call for evidence launched to inform strategy on how best to prevent, diagnose and manage 6 major groups of conditions
    • Major conditions strategy will cover cancer, mental health and dementia
    • Strategy will take long-term view of how to improve health service for conditions putting most strain on NHS

    A call for evidence has been launched to invite views on how best to prevent, early diagnose, treat and manage the 6 major groups of conditions which drive ill health and contribute to the burden of disease in the population in England.

    The 6 major health conditions – cancer, cardiovascular diseases including stroke and diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, dementia, mental ill health and musculoskeletal disorders – affect millions of people in England with data showing that one in 4 suffer from 2 or more of these major long-term conditions.

    Recognising the pressure these conditions are putting on the NHS, the government is seeking views on a new strategy to tackle them that will focus not only on treatment but also on prevention.

    Launched today, the major conditions strategy: call for evidence will inform a landmark major conditions strategy and recognising the country’s ageing population, it will help people to stay in better health for longer.

    Those suffering from one or more of the conditions outlined are urged to come forward to provide insight into their experiences of managing their health needs. The government is particularly interested in hearing from those who suffer from, care for or provide treatment to people who suffer from multiple long-term conditions. This is to ensure the major conditions strategy is one that will better prevent, diagnose, manage and treat these conditions.

    Contributions are also encouraged from those working in NHS bodies, local government, the voluntary and community sector, and wider industry, on how best to tackle suffering from one or more of these major conditions. Particularly, it is seeking perspectives on how government and the NHS can work better together with different organisations and sectors to improve the nation’s health.

    The major conditions strategy signals the government’s intention to improve care and outcomes for those living with multiple conditions and an increasing complexity of need. For example:

    • people with diabetes are twice as likely to have depression
    • 9 in 10 dementia patients have another long-term condition
    • half of people with a heart or lung condition have musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain

    It will seek to reduce care and treatment that are too narrowly focused on specific diseases or organs in the body and consider how to treat people as a whole.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said:

    Patients often live with more than one major condition, so it’s vital that we do all we can to understand how best to manage their care.

    I encourage patients, carers and healthcare professionals to contribute to our call for evidence so we can ensure our major conditions strategy is as targeted and patient-focused as possible.

    Minister of State for Care, Helen Whately, said:

    We want to hear from as many people as possible affected by these conditions in our call for evidence. It’ll help us join up care across the NHS and mean better treatment for millions of people.

    It’s also really important that we hear from professionals working in areas like dementia or cancer too. Their frontline experience will be invaluable to make sure our strategy includes plans which will really work in practice.

    Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

    Since the previous dementia strategy expired in 2020, the number of people living with the condition in the UK, and the challenges they face every day, have only continued to grow. Thanks to progress in research, we’re on the cusp of a new era in dementia, with 2 new treatments for early Alzheimer’s disease showing promise in the last 6 months, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose it on the horizon. Bringing these into routine use will be challenging, and the major conditions strategy presents a huge opportunity to address these challenges and transform our health system.

    It’s vital this new strategy leads to real, rapid and meaningful changes for people affected by, or at risk of, dementia. No family should ever have to go through the heartbreak of this condition, but unfortunately many more will unless we seize the opportunities our researchers are creating. We hope that by sharing their experiences and insight, people affected by dementia, their carers, and those working within the health system, can help bring about the change we all so desperately need to see.

    Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said:

    It’s encouraging to see the government taking action on respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung conditions are the third biggest killer in the UK, but historically haven’t received the attention they deserve, so the major conditions strategy is a big opportunity to change that.

    Therefore, we want everyone with a lung condition or who works in respiratory health to come forward and have their say.

    This call for evidence complements and builds on the 2 calls for evidence undertaken last year on mental health and cancer, the summaries of which have been published today and incorporates previous work looking at health disparities and dementia, while the department will be publishing a separate national suicide prevention strategy later this year.

    Submissions to these previous calls for evidence will directly inform the development of the major conditions strategy, which will also examine health inequalities across England, exploring how the government can assist integrated care systems to ensure they are tackling disparities in their local areas, addressing variations in health and care.

    Looking beyond the immediate pressures on the NHS, the strategy will focus on what can be delivered now as well as over the coming years to improve outcomes as the country continues to recover from the pandemic. The strategy will also build on work already done to tackle waiting lists for planned NHS treatments through the NHS elective recovery plan and unlock the next generation of medicines and diagnostics through the government’s ambitious life science missions.

    The call for evidence is open for 6 weeks and will close at 11.59pm on 27 June.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Outstanding small businesses receive inaugural government awards for export success [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Outstanding small businesses receive inaugural government awards for export success [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 May 2023.

    The Department for Business and Trade announces winners of the inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards.

    • Seven SMEs announced as winners of the inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards
    • Awards celebrate businesses with fantastic international trading achievements – helping to grow the UK economy
    • First-ever winners include SMEs operating across the UK, such as Little Moons, Scanning Pens and ScotlandShop

    The first-ever recipients of the Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards have been announced today (Wednesday 17 May), celebrating the exporting success of small businesses across the UK.

    Exporters support jobs, pay higher wages and help deliver on the government’s priority to grow our economy, and these inaugural awards highlight the vital contribution small businesses make to the UK.

    Winners include Little Moons who produce colourful ice cream bites wrapped in ‘mochi’ dough which have become a mainstay of major supermarkets in the UK. Awarded in the agriculture, food and drink category, the business exports to 28 countries including Australia, the Middle East and mainland Europe.

    Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

    We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards rightly highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world. I hope they serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder.

    The winning businesses have been drawn from seven sectors: consumer goods, education, agriculture, food and drink, creative, financial and professional services, digital and manufacturing.

    In the consumer award category, ScotlandShop were recognised for their high-quality tartan clothing, fabrics and home accessories, made to order. The business has grown from start-up to £2.4m sales in 2022 and employs 20 people in the UK and 2 in the USA.

    Awardees also include those at the cutting-edge of technology, such as Scanning Pens, which won the education award. The company promotes and distributes the most innovative, award-winning assistive reading technology on the market. Their pens are being sold in over 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, United States, Asia and Europe.

    Within each category three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess.

    A high number of winning and highly commended businesses are also DBT Export Champions, who help to promote the benefits of exporting and encourage other companies across the UK to consider selling to overseas markets.

    Marco Forgione, Director General of the Institute of Export & International Trade:

    It is a great honour for IOE&IT to partner with DBT in this exciting new award programme. As a judge of the inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards, I had the pleasure to see the depth of talent, entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding business success which this year’s competition showcased. It was very difficult to choose just one winner in each category.

    This competition is further proof that international trade is a force for good, and that British goods and services are hugely valued overseas. The ingenuity of these winners should act as a catalyst to encourage more British businesses to explore new export markets. We look forward to welcoming all the winners and highly commended businesses in this year’s awards as members of the Institute of Export & International Trade and we will continue to work closely with DBT to champion the amazing work being undertaken by British businesses trading across the world.

    In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The new awards programme will build on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK.

    Winning businesses will receive a digital badge and physical certificate and have promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success. They will also be visited by a DBT official and receive an Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) complimentary business membership for one year.

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    This year’s winners include:

    • Agri, Food and Drink – Little Moons, London

    Little Moons are the bright, colourful, bite-sized balls of artisan gelato wrapped in soft-sweet ‘mochi’ dough.​ Little Moons are now available in 28 countries including Australia, the Middle East and mainland Europe.​

    • Consumer Goods – ScotlandShop, Berwickshire

    ScotlandShop allows people to demonstrate and celebrate their Scottish heritage with high quality tartan clothing, fabrics and home accessories made to order, in their clan’s very own tartan. The business has grown from start-up to £2.4m sales in 2022 and employs 20 people in the UK and 2 in the USA.

    • Creative – Crowd, Bournemouth

    Crowd is an independent global marketing agency that specialises in the creation and delivery of environmentally sustainable product and service promotions. The business exports British creativity and innovation and services clients in Africa, China, Europe, Middle East, North America and South Asia. ​

    • Digital – ONYX Insight, Nottingham

    ONYX Insight is a data and engineering business which helps the wind industry work better and smarter to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.​ ONYX currently monitors over 10,500 wind turbines in 30 countries, operating from seven global offices. It holds two Queen’s Awards for innovation and international trade.​

    • Education – Scanning Pens, Wiltshire

    Scanning Pens is a promoter and distributor of the most innovative, award-winning assistive reading technology on the market. Their pens are being sold in over 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, United States, Asia and Europe.

    • Financial and Professional Services – Worldwide Recruitment Solutions, Altrinham

    Worldwide Recruitment Solutions supply and mobilise international talent to Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, offshore Marine projects worldwide.​ In 2022, they exported their recruitment services to more than 40 countries.

    • Manufacturing – Concrete Canvas, Pontyclun

    Concrete Canvas Ltd (CC Ltd) produces a flexible, concrete impregnated fabric that hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, waterproof and fire-resistant concrete layer. The business sells in over 80 countries worldwide and 85% of their sales are through exports.

    This year’s Highly Commended businesses are:

    • Agriculture Food and Drink: Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) – Edinburgh, Fever Tree Drinks Ltd – London, Xelect – St Andrews
    • Consumer Goods: Ettinger – London, Hornby Hobbies Ltd – Margate, EXEAT – Tisbury
    • Creative: Warwick Music Group – Warwick, The Book Shelf Ltd – Birmingham, Omnisonic International Ltd – Bournemouth
    • Digital: Bexprt Limited – Wokingham, Squire Technologies – Dorchester, NetSupport – Peterborough
    • Education: m2r Education – Wakefield, TecQuipment – Nottingham, The TEFL Org – Inverness
    • Financial and Professional Services: Direct Access Consultancy Ltd – Nantwich, EBS Ltd – Warwick, Turnkey Consulting – London
    • Manufacturing: Brandauer – Birmingham, Prima Dental – Gloucester, LGM Products Ltd – Fleet
  • PRESS RELEASE : Business and Trade Department marks 100-day milestone [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business and Trade Department marks 100-day milestone [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 May 2023.

    Today (Wednesday 17 May) marks the 100th day since the formation of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

    Created by the Prime Minister on the 7th February, DBT combines previously existing government business (BEIS) and international trade (DIT) departments to create a single entity to deliver on the government’s priority to grow the economy by supporting British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade.

    Since its inception, the Department has had several triumphs, most notably the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in April, set to have a combined GDP of £12 trillion once the UK joins. The UK’s accession will place the UK alongside some of the fastest growing economies in the world, support jobs and create opportunities for companies of all sizes and in all parts of the country.

    Just this week, Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch also launched negotiations on a new UK-Switzerland free trade agreement to boost trade and lower tariffs on UK exports to Switzerland, which could reduce annual duties for UK businesses by around £7.4 million. A refresh of our trading relationship will benefit more than 14,000 UK businesses which already export goods to Switzerland, 86% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by creating simpler trade rules for products of origin, customs procedures and digitisation.

    In March, the Secretary of State also signed a pivotal digital trade deal with Ukraine that will support Ukraine’s economy and greatly enhance our bilateral trade and investment relationship. It means Ukraine will have guaranteed access to the financial services crucial for reconstruction efforts through the deal’s facilitation of cross-border data flows. Ukrainian businesses will also be able to trade more efficiently and cheaply with the UK through electronic transactions, e-signatures, and e-contracts.

    On the business side, the Department launched the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill which ensures businesses and consumers are protected from rip-offs and subscription traps and can reap the full benefits of the digital economy. We also increased the National Living and Minimum Wages from April 1, putting more money in the pockets of 2.9 million of the lowest-paid workers across the country.

    Ministers joined over 200 of the UK’s highest profile CEOs and business leaders at the first ever Business Connect conference, aimed at unlocking innovation and growing the economy.

    Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch said:

    I’m proud of the great work the department has achieved in such a short time. I want DBT to be an office for economic growth, working with businesses to ensure they are seizing the opportunities we are generating at home and abroad.

    In line with the Prime Minister’s economic priorities, we will continue to help grow the economy and enable firms to create better-paid jobs across the country by removing barriers to businesses, growing UK exports to reach £1 trillion a year by 2030, and promoting the UK as the number one investment destination in Europe.

    The Secretary of State also showed her support for the UK’s steel industry by visiting British Steel in Scunthorpe and Port Talbot’s steelworks, as steelmakers across the country make changes to cut their carbon emissions.

    In the investment space, DBT support helped Airbus and Rolls-Royce to secure one of the largest deals in aviation history with Air India, worth billions of pounds to the UK and creating 450 new manufacturing jobs in Wales.

    And in support of UK exporters, Trade Minister Nigel Huddleston signed a state-level trade Memorandum of Understanding with Oklahoma which seeks to boost the £174 million worth of Oklahoma goods imports from UK in 2022 and generate more jobs for exporters, following similar agreements with North Carolina and Indiana.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland.

    The leaders reflected on the closeness of our two countries and on the importance of working together to tackle shared challenges such as illegal migration and the threat posed by Russia.

    The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Rutte on President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK yesterday and discussions on how the international community can support Ukraine at this pivotal moment in the resistance to Putin’s invasion.

    The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Rutte agreed they would work to build international coalition to provide Ukraine with combat air capabilities, supporting with everything from training to procuring F16 jets.

    The Prime Minister reiterated his belief that Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO and the leaders agreed on the importance of allies providing long-term security assistance to Ukraine to guarantee they can deter against future attacks.

    The leaders agreed to continue working together both bilaterally and through forums such as the European Political Community to tackle the scourge of people trafficking on our continent.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak opening remarks at UK Farm to Fork Summit [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak opening remarks at UK Farm to Fork Summit [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 May 2023.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s opening remarks at the UK Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street.

    As an MP proudly from a farming constituency – that I didn’t grow up in but came to love and know much more about – I know that farming is more than just a job, it’s a vocation, it’s a way of life.

    And as Prime Minister, I’m never prouder than when I’m out and about promoting the best of British like the stunning showcase in the Downing Street Garden that we all enjoyed earlier this morning.

    But there’s something even more important. As a nation, our way of life depends on our food security. So we’ve got to meet the target that we’ve set to produce 60 per cent of the food we consume.

    And if we want to keep one of those five promises that I’ve made – namely to grow our economy – that means we need to grow our food and farming industry too.

    So my message today is very simple: this government is on your side. We unequivocally back British Farming.

    It’s why we’ve already provided millions of pounds in support for energy bills.

    It’s why we’re maintaining farming support in every part of the United Kingdom, worth a cumulative £3.7 billion a year, but now we’re doing that in a way that also recognises your stewardship of our countryside.

    And I know this has been a challenging time with spiralling costs and the transition to new schemes and I get that and Therese and I were talking about that in Cabinet this morning.

    And we know that if we want true resilience from farm to fork, we need to go further.

    We need to change the way that our country works to support all of you. That’s the spirit in which Therese and I have invited you all here today.

    And I just want to illustrate that commitment to you with a few initial steps.

    So firstly, to avoid a repeat of the shortages we’ve seen on our shelves, we need to help all of you grow and sell more fruit and veg all year round.

    So in addition to the £168 million we’re already investing in driving innovation, we’re going to make it easier to build glasshouses, and we’re going to look at how our industrial energy policies can provide further support for glasshouses and that type of farming.

    We’re going to include glasshouses in our new and expanded Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.

    And we’ll also intervene in the market for horticulture and eggs – just as we did with pork and dairy – to ensure that you get a fair price for your produce.

    And because we recognise the unique nature of our world-leading horticulture, we’ll keep its regulator, the Grocery Code Adjudicator, separate from the wider CMA.

    Second, we want to give British farmers greater freedoms to make the best use of their existing buildings, whether that’s for a Diddly Squat style farm shop or a processing facility.

    So we’re going to consult on targeted changes to the planning system that enable exactly that and support our rural economy.

    And thirdly, we’ve already expanded the Seasonal Worker visas for horticulture and poultry through to next year.

    But for you to plan, we know that you need to know the numbers, so today I can confirm another 45,000 visas for next year, with the capacity for a further top up of 10,000 and I know that’s something many of you have asked for and I’m pleased that we can deliver that today.

    And fourthly, we’re going to put British farming where it belongs at the very heart of British trade by setting out principles for our trade negotiators which build on the positive, engaged approach we had when it came to CPTPP.

    And that includes protecting sensitive sectors, prioritising new export opportunities including with funding for seafood and dairy sectors today.

    Removing market access barriers, and without exception, protecting UK food standards under all existing and future Free Trade Agreements.

    So no Chlorine Washed Chicken. No hormone treated beef. Not now. Not ever.

    And as I say, these are just the first steps we are taking today. And I look forward to continuing this conversation in the months ahead, including working with all of you to ensure affordable prices for our British consumers.

    Because by backing British farming, by backing all of you – unequivocally and unapologetically – we can deliver the food security we need, we can grow our economy, and most importantly, we can enable the whole world to feast on the very best of British.

    Thank you all for being here today.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets with President of the European Court of Human Rights [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meets with President of the European Court of Human Rights [May 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 May 2023.

    The Prime Minister met the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Judge Síofra O’Leary, at the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland today.

    The Prime Minister congratulated President O’Leary on her election and paid tribute to her leadership on ensuring accountability in interstate and individual cases in relation to alleged human rights violations by Russia.

    The Prime Minister and Court President discussed the importance of protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law throughout Europe.

    The Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure all of Europe is working together to uphold these values and tackle the challenges we face, including illegal migration.

    The Prime Minister and Court President also discussed procedures before the ECtHR, which the latter regularly reviews, including Rule 39 interim measures.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Central Asia – UK statement at the General Assembly [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The United Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous Central Asia – UK statement at the General Assembly [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 May 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on Central Asia.

    Thank you, President, and thank you to Turkmenistan for initiating today’s important discussion.

    Let me start by highlighting the United Kingdom’s continued support for a stable, secure, and prosperous Central Asia, as envisaged by resolution 76/299.

    We are firm advocates of the UN’s work in support of this goal, including through the Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA).

    Given the security challenges the region faces, cooperation and mutual support between the five Central Asian republics and their global partners is ever more critical – whether due to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, or the economic uncertainty caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    We encourage the Central Asian republics to continue to work with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and UN Peacebuilding Fund, which offer important tools for managing and preventing regional conflicts.

    Political stability, long-lasting reform, and sustainable economic development are necessary for Central Asian states to fulfil their potential. The UK is strengthening trade links with all five Central Asian states, and continues to work closely with the region – bilaterally and through our regional programming – to support long-term reform and stability.

    Today’s debate also rightfully covers the environmental challenges that Central Asia faces. Temperatures in the region are expected to rise faster than the global average. This is already affecting water patterns and driving water scarcity and food insecurity.

    It is crucial that we find sustainable solutions to these challenges. We welcome the success of the recent UN Water Conference, co-hosted by Tajikistan and the Netherlands, as an example of how the UN can support. I hope that, together, we can do more in this area.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Gang members who smuggled 41 migrants jailed [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Gang members who smuggled 41 migrants jailed [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 16 May 2023.

    The organised crime group is estimated to have made more than £200,000 by facilitating migrants into the UK.

    Two members of an organised crime group who smuggled more than 40 migrants into the UK have been jailed.

    Mohamed Awad, aged 25, of London, was sentenced today (16 May 2023) to two years and eight months at Laganside Crown Court, Belfast, for his part in facilitating the unlawful immigration of 41 Syrian nationals.

    His co-accused, Ahmad Omar, aged 40, from Belfast, was jailed for two years in March for his role as a paid driver in the criminal organisation.

    The pair were caught following an investigation by the Home Office’s Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI) unit which found the international smuggling gang were charging migrants around £5,000 per journey.

    It is estimated that the gang made more than £200,000 for facilitating the Syrian nationals into the UK over a 16-day period in November 2021.

    The gang provided false identity documents and arranged flights from Belfast to Britain to facilitate the illegal entry of the migrants through abuse of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Awad was described as a ‘highly trusted operator’ within the organised crime group and was the person responsible for arranging the flights.

    Officers from the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement, along with Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), carried out search warrants at addresses in Belfast and London on 10 March 2022. They arrested the two defendants, seizing £8,000 in cash and a Nissan Juke as part of the investigation.

    The defendants both plead guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.

    The British and Irish governments continue to work closely through the Cross Border Joint Agency Taskforce, to disrupt organised crime groups and tackle organised immigration crime, modern slavery and human trafficking.

    Ben Thomas, Deputy Director from the Criminal and Financial Investigation unit, said:

    We are committed to dismantling people-smuggling networks, and will stop at nothing to bring them to justice.

    We would like to thank our policing partners in Northern Ireland who assisted us in this investigation. We will continue to work closely with them to save lives and ensure that people smugglers face the consequences of their despicable crimes.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Taskforce to transform older people’s housing underway [May 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Taskforce to transform older people’s housing underway [May 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 16 May 2023.

    Older People’s Housing Taskforce launched today at Grace House in St John’s Wood.

    Work to boost suitable housing options for older people kicked off today (17 May 2023), as a government-appointed taskforce met for the first time in London.

    The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), has brought together a team of experts to lead this crucial work, that will report back to government on how it can improve housing for older people.

    The Taskforce will focus on ensuring the government is offering a range of housing options for older people. This will ensure the housing market works for older people, now and in the future, and gives them greater choice in where they choose to live.

    Providing homes with support will help reduce costs to the social care and health systems, giving older people more independence in their own homes.

    The Taskforce began its inaugural meeting today at Grace House, a retirement living scheme in St John’s Wood, hosted by Aster Group.

    The Housing and Care Minister’s addressed the Taskforce noting the significance this work will have to help people live independently for longer.

    Speaking at the event, Housing Minister, Rachel Maclean said:

    Older people must have access to the right homes in the right places that suit their needs.

    I have seen first-hand today how good quality homes have greatly improved the lives of older people. The Taskforce’s important work in the coming months will help support our commitment in delivering quality housing across the country.

    “I’m looking forward to listening to the Taskforce’s findings as we help the growth of a thriving older people’s housing sector in this country.”

    Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

    Most people want to stay living in their own home for as long as possible. That means having the right sort of homes to make that possible.

    Our Taskforce is about making that happen – so that as people thankfully live longer, you can also enjoy more years of independence living the way you want to.

    I look forward to working with all the experts we have brought together in the taskforce, and putting older people’s voices at the heart of this work.

    The Taskforce includes directors from charities like Age UK and the chair of the Home Builders Federation, to local government leaders, CEOs of housing associations and professors on health and long-term care, bringing together independent experts who will help transform housing options for older people.

    Led by Professor Emerita of Nursing, Julienne Meyer, the Taskforce will speak to residents and their families about their experiences on issues such as what older people want from their housing as they age, affordability and consumer protection.

    Older People’s Housing Taskforce Chair, Professor Julienne Meyer said:

    I am excited to be working with such an expert group, and really glad this important work is now getting underway. I’m going to make sure that the voices of older people are heard at the heart of this Task Force. So one of the things I want to focus on immediately is putting people first and Consumer Protection.

    We have an ageing population and urgently need to address the lack of supply and quality of older people’s housing. Whilst we want to support older people to live in their own homes for as long as they wish, existing housing stock is unsuitable for many and people are missing out on the health benefits of specialist housing. This needs to change.

    The Taskforce will run for up to 12 months, producing an independent report to DLUHC and DHSC.

    It will be made up of three subgroups focusing on older people’s priorities, the housing and financial options available, and closely working with local planning authorities to deliver a wide range of opportunities for older generations.

    Having campaigned for the Taskforce for several years, the Associated Retirement Community Operators has strongly welcomed this announcement.

    Emma O’Shea, chief operating officer at Aster Group said:

    We’re pleased to host the inaugural meeting of the Older People’s Housing Taskforce at Grace House, and hope that the visit helps inform and inspire the group when considering how housing can be shaped by those that live there and adapt to their changing needs.

    Grace House should be regarded as the blueprint for modern, affordable living for people aged 55 and over and demonstrates what’s possible even in more complex, urban areas. Working with our residents from the old Dora House, who have helped co-design what we see today, we’ve created a sustainable building that can generate its own energy. It is also a building that can accommodate residents’ needs as they change, with accessibility designed into the fundamentals of the building.

    The innovations and efficiencies that Grace House provides will help create a healthy, comfortable environment for residents to enjoy as they head towards and live in retirement.

    Chief Executive of ARCO, Michael Voges said:

    Bringing together different government departments for this Taskforce shows the government is serious about tackling the challenge of older people’s housing.

    With ministerial support and Professor Meyer’s leadership, we are confident that the Taskforce will help unlock the investment in new supply that is so urgently needed.

    List of taskforce members

    • Chair: Professor Julienne Meyer CBE Professor Emerita of Nursing: Care for Older People; City, University of London
    • Jeremy Porteus FRSA, Chief Executive of the Housing Learning and Improvement Network
    • John Galvin, Chief Executive of the Elderly Accommodation Counsel
    • Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director of Age UK
    • Nick Sanderson, Chief Executive of Audley Group and Chair of the Associated Retirement Community Operators
    • Stewart Baseley, Executive Chair of the Home Builders Federation
    • Geeta Nanda OBE, Chief Executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing
    • Jon Rouse CBE, City Director of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
    • Councillor James Jamieson OBE, Chair of the Local Government Association and a Councillor for Central Bedfordshire
    • Sarah McClinton, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and Director of Health & Adult Services at Royal Borough of Greenwich
    • Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence
    • Sunena Stoneham, Chief Operating Officer of LifeCare Residences Limited
    • Rt Hon Damian Green MP, Member of Parliament for Ashford and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Adult Social Care
    • Professor Les Mayhew, Associate Head of Global Research, International Longevity Centre UK (ILC) and Professor of Statistics at Bayes Business School.
    • Ben Rosewall, Head of Investment, Later Living, Legal & General Capital.
    • Professor Judith Phillips OBE, Deputy Principal (Research) and Professor of Gerontology, University of Stirling
    • Andrew Surgenor, Senior Director (Operational Real Estate – Healthcare) at CBRE
    • Paavan Popat, Chief Executive of TLC Care & Trulocom
    • Richard Morton, Managing Director at Richard Morton Architects and Chair of the Retirement Housing Group