Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Genetic Technology Act key tool for UK food security [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 23 March 2023.

New legislation unlocks key technologies to improve UK food security, reduce pesticide use, and enhance climate-resilience in our crops.

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act passed into law today (Thursday 23 March), a major step in unlocking growth and innovation in new technologies, reinforcing food security in the face of climate change and ensuring England becomes a world-leader in agri-food innovation.

The Act will set in motion changes to allow farmers to grow crops which are drought and disease resistant, reduce use of fertilisers and pesticides, and help breed animals that are protected from catching harmful diseases. Precision breeding involves using technologies such as gene editing to adapt the genetic code of organisms – creating beneficial traits in plants that through traditional, breeding would take decades to achieve. This enables scientists to safely create foods that are more flexible, adaptable and plentiful for years to come.

Under the provisions of this Act, a new science-based and streamlined regulatory system will be introduced to facilitate greater research and innovation in precision breeding – with stricter regulations remaining in place for genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Food Minister Mark Spencer said:

The Genetic Technology Act is fantastic news for British consumers and farmers. Precision Breeding technologies are the future of food production not just at home, but around the world, and this Act will put our nation at the forefront of this revolution.

Some 40% of crops globally are lost every year to floods, pests and other external events, and this new law will unlock our agri-biotech industry to support resilient food production for decades to come.

Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser Gideon Henderson said:

This is an important time for agricultural science. The ability to use gene editing to make precise, targeted changes to the genetic code of organisms, in a way that can mimic traditional breeding, enables development of new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, healthier to eat, and more resilient to drought and heat as climate changes.

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act covers precision-bred plants and animals developed through techniques such as gene editing. This is different to genetic modification (GM), which produces crops containing genetic changes that could not have occurred through traditional breeding or occur naturally.

The Act ensures that before we see any changes to market, the Food Standards Agency will consult on new food and feed legislation and produce a new proportionate risk assessment for precision bred food and feed. England joins countries such as Argentina, the US, Australia and Japan that have already enacted similar legislation, driving innovation on a global scale and helping fight the greatest challenges facing the world.

While there is great potential for increasing innovation, the government recognises that there is a need to safeguard animal welfare in the new regulatory framework. That is why we are taking a step-by-step approach, enabling use of precision breeding technologies with plants first followed by animals later.

March 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Bilateral Meeting between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama [March 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 March 2023.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama at Downing Street today [Thursday 23 March], as part of a wider visit by the Albanian leader to London.

The leaders set out their shared ambition to broaden and deepen the UK-Albania relationship, co-operating on addressing global and regional threats and strengthening our bilateral partnership. They noted significant opportunities to grow trade, investment and technology links, and Prime Minister Sunak again welcomed the significant contribution of the long-standing Albanian community in the UK to British life.

As NATO allies, fellow members of the UN Security Council and close partners, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to working together to protect the security of our citizens, defend democracy and promote human rights, including through a robust international response to aggression by Russia. This will include assisting Albanian cyber defence to protect against online threats.

Prime Minister Sunak and Prime Minister Rama committed to deepen work under the Joint Communique and Taskforce agreed in December, to take forward our shared priority on tackling illegal migration and criminal people-smuggling gangs.

They discussed increased operational cooperation, including joint upstream communications to deter people from travelling in the first place, and further agreements on data sharing and passports. The leaders welcomed progress to date, with around 800 illegal migrants returning to Albania since December, action on organised crime and new UK guidance designating Albania a safe country.

On criminal justice cooperation, the leaders welcomed ongoing joint work on extraditions, prosecutions and forensics capabilities, and the removal of hundreds of prisoners under existing agreements. They agreed that a joint UK-Albanian team will conduct an assessment of Albania’s prison capacity – to be concluded by the end of April – with a view to returning all eligible Albanian nationals in the UK prison system.

Finally, the Prime Ministers welcomed progress on business and university cooperation, including the launch of the new British Chamber of Commerce in Albania, a doubling of the market risk appetite for UK Export Finance support for Albania to £4 billion to facilitate investment, and the deepening of links between UK and Albanian universities.

March 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New UK law to boost seafarer pay [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 March 2023.

The new law is designed to protect those working on vessels operating an international service from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage.
- act designed to boost the pay of seafarers with close ties to the UK receives Royal Assent, as government continues to crack down on unfair practices
- part of the 9-point plan to change and improve working conditions following P&O Ferries’ disgraceful sacking of nearly 800 staff last year
- at the recent UK-France summit, both governments agreed to continue working together to improve conditions for seafarers
Thousands of seafarers regularly entering UK waters should enjoy better pay protections, as the government continues to boost rights and working conditions while preventing firms from using legal loopholes to pay low wages.

The Seafarers’ Wages Act received Royal Assent today (23 March 2023) and is now law.

As a key strand of the government’s 9-point plan for seafarers, the new law is designed to protect those working on vessels operating an international service from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage.

The law change will also require authorities to charge operators of vessels who do not provide evidence they’re paying their seafarers the equivalent to National Minimum Wage and to refuse harbour access to those who continue to fail to comply.

Last year, P&O Ferries shamelessly sacked nearly 800 staff without notice or consultation. The UK government has acted swiftly to progress its 9-point plan in response to this disgraceful behaviour and remains committed to seafarers as a priority, both domestically and internationally.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Our maritime sector is world-leading. That’s down to the thousands of hardworking seafarers working tirelessly to maintain supply chains and transport passengers safely across our waters.

These workers deserve a fair wage and I’m therefore delighted to see our Seafarers’ Wages Act become law, helping improve pay and protect seafarers from exploitation.

The government continues to engage with the UK’s near European neighbours to protect seafarers’ welfare and pay, and explore the creation of minimum wage equivalent corridors in our respective territorial waters.

Earlier this month, during the UK-France summit in Paris, the Transport Secretary met his French counterpart Clément Beaune, with both nations pledging to continue working together to improve conditions for those working in the Channel and to protect them from exploitation.

The government is also taking action against rogue employers using controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices, consulting on plans for a Statutory Code of Practice.
March 24, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : We must work to address the fundamental political issues behind the Syrian conflict – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 March 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Syria.

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Mr Talahma for their briefing and for the work of their teams

Thank you President, and thanks to the briefers for their updates and statements.

President, 12 years ago, the Syrian people peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom, political reform, and a government that respects and upholds human rights. The Assad regime met those demands with a brutal assault against them.

The earthquake last month added further tragedy to this crisis. We continue to direct our support to the Syrian people, providing $4.6 billion in humanitarian assistance since 2011. In the wake of the earthquake, we announced an additional $52 million across Syria and Turkiye to fund food, medical supplies and shelter. These resources must reach the over 4.1 million people in North-West Syria in the most effective and efficient means possible, including through predictable cross-border access. We welcome the UN’s efforts to deliver this and scale up.

But let us not make the mistake of thinking the conflict is over. Even since the earthquake hostilities have resumed, with numerous examples of Regime force attacks harming civilians. And the billion dollar narco-industry of Captagon stemming from Syria presents a new and destabilizing risk to the region.

So, as the Secretary-General said on the anniversary of the conflict, the support and solidarity provided in the aftermath of the earthquake must be channeled into renewed energy on the political track. We need to address the fundamental issues behind the conflict.

An inclusive and accountable end to the conflict is urgently needed. Security Council resolution 2254 is the framework to deliver the sustainable and lasting peace that the people of Syria deserve. We welcome all efforts to make progress on this track, including the important efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen and Member States in the region this week. I urge all colleagues in this chamber to play their role in delivering peace for the Syrian people.

President, next week, we will hear from the Secretary-General about the plight of the families who are still searching for their loved ones and his call to consider establishing a mechanism for the missing. This is an issue that affects all Syrians, on all sides of this conflict. We hope that the United Nations can come together to give them some answers.

Thank you.

March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Human rights in Belarus – invocation of OSCE Moscow Mechanism [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 March 2023.

Canadian Ambassador Jocelyn Kinnear gives a statement on behalf of 37 OSCE participating States on invoking the Moscow Mechanism for deteriorating human rights in Belarus.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following delegations: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

We have read with great concern the report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights presented on 22 March 2023, once again documenting the dire and continuous deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus. The 1975 Helsinki Final Act recognizes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as one of its ten guiding principles, integrating human rights in a regional security framework and placing their protection on the same par as politico-military and economic issues. As such, the protection and promotion of human rights in Belarus continues to be of our direct and legitimate concern as a vital basis for the overall security in the OSCE region.

The report of the Moscow Mechanism Mission released on 5 November 2020 concluded that there were systematic human rights violations and abuses committed with impunity and on a massive scale by Belarusian authorities before, during and following the fraudulent 9 August 2020 presidential election. The Moscow Mechanism report made a number of recommendations, including the calling of new, genuine presidential elections based on international standards, putting an end to violence against the people of Belarus, ensuring accountability for victims of abuses, the release of those unjustly detained, engagement and dialogue with representatives of political opposition and civil society, and establishing an OSCE/ODIHR observation mission.

In the two years that have passed since the publication of that report, the Belarusian authorities have failed to address the serious allegations of violations and abuses identified in it and have wholly disregarded its recommendations. Moreover, the Belarusian authorities have taken further actions that both deepen and expand our concerns about Belarus’ fulfilment of OSCE human dimension commitments, including through the continued enabling of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

We have repeatedly raised our concerns in the Permanent Council and other OSCE fora, including under the OSCE Vienna Mechanism, but the Belarusian Delegation’s replies have continuously ignored our legitimate concerns. These include, but are not limited to:
- detention of nearly 1,500 political prisoners, with numbers continuing to rise;
- intimidation, harassment, arbitrary or unlawful arrest, detention, and imprisonment of human rights defenders, members of the political opposition, journalists and other media actors, lawyers, labour activists, persons belonging to national minorities, and civil society groups;
- labelling of thousands of citizens and organisations as extremist and the shutdown of nearly all independent non-governmental organisations;
- insufficient access to legal and medical assistance for those arrested and/or detained;
- lack of due process and respect for the right to a fair trial as provided for under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This includes retroactive application of law, and instituting special criminal proceedings (in absentia) against persons who are outside Belarus;
- torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons in custody, including sexual and gender-based violence;
- excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, including those protesting Belarus’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
- eradication of independent labour unions;
- efforts to silence independent media and enact severe restrictions on access to information, including through internet surveillance, and censorship;
- systematically tightened legislation limiting political freedoms and imposition of sentences which contravene rule of law standards and are intended to deter and punish dissent;
- extension of the death penalty to vaguely defined “attempts to carry out acts of terrorism and murders of government officials or public figures”; and
- impunity for the human rights violations and abuses described above.
The above policies and actions of the Belarusian authorities continue to give rise to a particularly serious threat to the fulfilment of OSCE human dimension commitments, including those on participating States meeting their obligations under international law. To underscore our concerns about the continued deterioration of the internal human rights situation in Belarus and to explore more recent development of serious abuses linked to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, we invoke paragraph 12 of the 1991 Document of the Moscow meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension of the (then) CSCE in order to establish a fact-finding mission of experts to examine the human dimension issues identified above, with a particular emphasis on developments since the conclusion of the 5 November 2020 Moscow Mechanism report, especially the circumstances surrounding the growing number of persons detained for politically motivated reasons, as well as recent legislative amendments to inter alia the Criminal Code and the Law on Countering Extremism.

With a view to contributing to current and any future efforts to promote accountability for human rights violations in Belarus, including by civil society and the United Nations, we encourage the mission of experts to establish the facts and report on them, and to advise the Republic of Belarus, the OSCE, and the international community, on possible solutions to the issues raised.

We remind Belarusian authorities that, in accordance with paragraph 10 of the Moscow Document, an expert mission, one member of which may be chosen by the Republic of Belarus, should be able to give an objective and unbiased report and recommendations on these issues.

We urge the Belarusian authorities to cooperate fully and facilitate the work of the mission of experts, as per paragraph 6 of the OSCE’s Moscow Document.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.
March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State launches Good Friday Agreement education resources [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 23 March 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has today (Thursday 23 March) launched important new educational resources for pupils in Northern Ireland and across the UK as part of the programme to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

During a visit to Carrickfergus’ Ulidia Integrated College, whose pupils became the first in the UK to use the new materials, the Secretary of State attended an assembly using the materials to tell the story of the journey to the world-renowned peace deal, and its continuing role today.

The free, optional resources support secondary school and college teachers in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales to give an assembly on the Agreement using a short animated video, and to lead a follow-up classroom discussion.

They have been developed independently by The National Archives and in collaboration with academics, teachers and other experts, with consultation from curriculum and school bodies across the UK. This first group of resources will be followed later this year by classroom materials.

During the visit to Ulidia Integrated College, the Secretary of State viewed the new Assembly video resource alongside pupils and teachers, before discussing with the young people what the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement anniversary means to them. He then met with pupils using the new materials for classroom discussion.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

“Thanks to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, Northern Ireland’s young people have grown up in peace and safety, looking forward to a future of hope and opportunity.

“That’s why I’m incredibly proud to launch this new education package, which will give young people in Northern Ireland and across the UK the chance to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Agreement’s benefits and encourage them to engage with this historic anniversary.

“It’s particularly relevant that I’m launching this initiative in an integrated school, a symbol of reconciliation, which the Agreement promoted.”

Jeff James, Keeper and Chief Executive of The National Archives said:

‘This important resource gives young people the opportunity to study and discuss the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement using material from the original documents. It allows students to consider topics that affect them and their communities, at a level which is meaningful to them and to gain an understanding of how important the Agreement is.’

UK Government Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

“The 25th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement is significant not just for Northern Ireland but for the whole of the UK.

“It is absolutely right that we recognise the progress that has been made since 1998 and these free, optional resources for school assemblies can help build an understanding of our complex history.”

Teachers, and those who wish to use the free educational resources developed by The National Archives, can download the materials here.

March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: interim Ombudsman appointment [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 March 2023.

Appointment of the interim Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England.

This letter confirms the appointment of Paul Najsarek as the interim Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman by His Majesty the King, on the advice of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The letter also confirms his appointment as Chair of the Commission for Local Administration in England, the official body which runs the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman service.

This interim appointment has been made for a term of 6 months from 1 April 2023. A recruitment campaign for a permanent Ombudsman is underway and is expected to conclude in autumn 2023.

Text of Letter (in .pdf format)

March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Welsh governments work together to deliver two Freeports in Wales [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 March 2023.

The UK and Welsh governments jointly confirm that two new Freeports, one in Anglesey and one in Port Talbot and Milford Haven, have been successful in their bids.
- The UK and Welsh governments jointly confirm that Anglesey Freeport and Celtic Freeport have been successful in their bids to establish new Freeports
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces successful sites on joint visit with the First Minister – delivering on commitments to grow the economy and level up
- Backed by up to £26 million each in UK Government funding, the two Freeports will help to level up Wales and bring new, high-skilled jobs
- New sites expected to bring forward an estimated £5 billion of private and public investment and create around 20,000 new, high-skilled jobs
Two new Freeports, one in Anglesey and one in Port Talbot and Milford Haven, will help to create jobs, drive growth and level up opportunities across Wales, the UK and Welsh governments have jointly announced today (Thursday 23 March).

The new sites are estimated to bring forward almost £5 billion in private and public investment and create over 20,000 new, high-skilled jobs, backed by up to £26 million each in UK Government funding. This will help to boost the economy and address gaps that are currently holding back investment.

Freeports are special areas within the UK’s borders where different economic regulations apply. Alongside a comprehensive package of benefits, the sites will enjoy tax and customs incentives to boost investment, creating thousands of high-quality jobs in some of our most disadvantaged communities.

The Prime Minister will meet with the First Minister Mark Drakeford as part of ongoing joint working to deliver for people across Wales.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Wales is a thriving part of the UK, and today’s new Freeports will see businesses and opportunities for people in and around Anglesey, Port Talbot and Milford Haven go from strength to strength.

Everyone deserves equality of opportunity and working closely with the Welsh Government has helped to deliver these fantastic new sites.

Today’s Freeports show the hard work being done day in, day out to bring new, high-skilled jobs to communities across Wales and deliver on my promise to grow the economy.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said:

I am pleased to confirm the Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot and Anglesey Freeport have been selected as Wales’ new freeports.

The Welsh Government has a clear economic mission to transform the Welsh economy, creating a stronger, fairer and greener future. The designation of these sites as Wales’ first freeports will reinforce that mission, building on the significant investments and partnerships we have made in these regions over many years.

The joint working between governments on the freeport programme should serve as a blueprint for future intergovernmental work on a whole range of issues.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:

Wales has huge untapped potential, and that’s why we have worked in partnership with the Welsh Government to agree not one but two Freeports for Wales.

This is the result of both governments working together to deliver for Wales, providing yet another example of Wales benefiting from its place in a strong United Kingdom.

I am absolutely confident these new Freeports will be transformational for Wales, helping to grow the economy, level up and spread opportunity.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, said:

The creation of two Freeports in Wales is absolutely fantastic news and a huge boost to Wales, growing the economy and creating thousands of jobs.

The UK Government and this Prime Minister have long been committed to expanding Freeports to Wales and we have more than delivered on that pledge with the two successful bids confirmed today.

The Freeports programme is already benefitting businesses and levelling up communities elsewhere in the UK. I look forward to seeing greater investment and prosperity delivered for Wales as a result of this announcement.

Wales’ Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said:

I would like to congratulate the Celtic and Anglesey teams for their exceptional bids to be awarded freeport status. Due to the compelling set of proposals presented to us, I have agreed with the UK Government that a second freeport in Wales can be supported.

Our ports are an intrinsic part of our rich industrial history. They will be an engine room of our future economy and these bids are designed to accelerate that journey. From off-shore energy to advanced manufacturing, they will help create tens of thousands of new jobs – which will support our highly ambitious plans to reach net zero by 2050.

This will help harness our abundant economic potential domestically and internationally, whilst promoting fair work and sustainability here in Wales.

I look forward to seeing our freeports delivering meaningful economic and social benefits for Wales.

Anglesey and Celtic Freeports will support businesses to create high-quality, well-paid new jobs, promote growth and regeneration, and make a significant contribution to achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions.
- Anglesey Freeport aims to attract £1.4 billion worth of investment in the green energy sector and create at least 3,500 jobs, generating half a billion in additional Gross Value Added by 2030. The Freeport will have a focus on marine energy technology and low carbon energy and will embark on a variety of infrastructure programmes including the Holyhead port redevelopment and the restoration of the railhead and track.
- Celtic Freeport aims to attract significant inward investment including £3.5 billion in the hydrogen industry as well as the creation of 16,000 jobs, generating £900 million in Gross Value Added by 2030. The Freeport will focus on low carbon technologies like floating offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage and biofuels to support the accelerated reduction of carbon emissions. This will be supported by the development of land and quayside space and bringing a disused railhead back into operation, to enable infrastructure to support development.
The UK Government’s Plan for Wales commits to strengthening Wales’ place at the heart of a prosperous UK, growing the economy, levelling up and spreading opportunity right across Wales.

Bidding opened earlier this year and groups submitted their proposals for Freeport status, which were jointly considered by the UK and Welsh governments. As part of the process, the successful locations had to demonstrate to officials and ministers from both governments how they would regenerate local communities, establish hubs for global trade and foster an innovative environment to support levelling up.

A rigorous joint selection process was followed with the successful applicants both showing a strong determination to create high quality jobs in the green energy sectors.

The UK and Welsh governments will work closely with the Freeports to ensure they deliver maximum positive impact and become operational as soon as possible.

This builds on the UK Government’s successful Freeport programme in England, where all 8 Freeports are open for business, and collaboration with the Scottish Government to deliver two new Green Freeports in Inverness and Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth. As announced in the Budget, the UK Government also aims to establish at least one Investment Zone in Wales, which will work hand in hand with the Freeport programme to generate sustainable economic growth and level up communities in Wales and across the UK.

The Government will also work with the unsuccessful bidder to consider how they can build on the plans set out in their bids to deliver jobs and growth in their region outside the Freeports programme.
March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government bans unregulated accommodation for young people in care [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 23 March 2023.

All supported accommodation providers for looked after 16- and 17-year-olds will be required to register with Ofsted and meet standards from October 2023.

Children in or leaving care aged 16 and 17 will be better protected through new regulations that ban unregulated accommodation.

The new regulations include the introduction of new mandatory quality standards in supported accommodation and a robust Ofsted inspection regime, with all providers needing to be registered.

The measures mean that from October 2023, all providers of accommodation for children in care or care leavers up to the age of 18 will be regulated by Ofsted, putting an end to children living in poor quality homes with no meaningful oversight. Providers can start registering from April 2023, with mandatory registration beginning in October.

The consultation response, published today (Thursday 23 March), sets out key features of an Ofsted regulatory regime, including enforcement powers and offence provisions, such as right of entry powers and the prosecution of providers who do not register.

The response also outlines the standards that providers will have to follow, covering physical surroundings of homes, as well as how children are kept safe and the mental and emotional support they should be given.

The approach follows consultation with children, young people, and people working in the sector on the standards and approach to regulation. The measures are backed by £142m in funding over three years, including £17.2m to Ofsted and £123m towards local authorities.

The consultation response follows the publication of the Government’s children’s social care strategy, and delivers on recommendations made in the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care. The introduction of these regulations is a key part of delivering the commitments set out in the strategy – that all children live in safe and stable homes.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:

Every child deserves a safe and stable home with a support network that looks out for them. Supported accommodation at its best does that, while also helping young people in care develop the confidence they need to lead a fulfilling life after care. But we know that for too many, standards have fallen short.

I am determined that this kind of accommodation comes up to the same high standard across the country, which will help give children a better chance of success in the future.

The new regulations are a vital step in achieving our ambition to transform children’s social care with radically improved standards and outcomes, as set out recently in our plan for children’s social care, Stable Homes, Built on Love.

Ofsted will begin piloting inspections with specially trained staff later this year to develop their approach and guidance ahead of inspections beginning nationally from April 2024.

Under the new regulations, providers will also be required to complete a review of the support they are offering young people every six months. This review will have to include the views and experiences of the children and young people living in the accommodation and will be used to make sure the accommodation meets the needs of everyone who lives there. Reviews will be submitted to Ofsted, which will inspect accommodation at least every three years.

To support providers to meet the new requirements, the Department for Education has awarded the National Children’s Bureau a £750k contract up to April 2024 to provide practical support, information, and good practice resources targeted directly at providers and local authority commissioners.

Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive of the National Children’s Bureau, said:

With the Government introducing new regulations and standards designed to improve the quality of supported accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds in care and leaving care, it is important that those providing this accommodation are effectively prepared to register under the new regime and to implement the new ways of working.

The National Children’s Bureau is undertaking a range of activity on behalf of DfE to prepare the supported accommodation sector for this journey, and we will be working with young people in care and care leavers to ensure their voices and experiences are embedded at both programme and local levels.

The government is investing over £123 million over the next three years to support local authorities to respond to these changes, and offset the costs associated with the reforms. The funding will be distributed via grant payments from April 2023.

March 23, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : President Putin’s reported visits to Crimea and Mariupol – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 March 2023.

Ambassador Bush says that the international community knows the truth behind Putin’s actions in Mariupol, and throughout Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr Chair. President Putin’s visit to Crimea last weekend, on the 9th anniversary of Russia’s illegal annexation, and his reported visit to Mariupol, were a transparent attempt at distraction. They showed callous disregard for the suffering he is inflicting on Ukrainian soil. My statement today will focus on the truth behind Putin’s actions in Mariupol, and throughout Ukraine.

Mr Chair, footage released over the weekend purported to show Putin on a walking tour of a new residential compound in Mariupol. What it did not show was the scale of the destruction Russia’s military wreaked on the city last year. In an update provided by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in June 2022, it estimated that 90% of residential buildings in Mariupol had been damaged or destroyed in Russia’s attacks.

As we know all too well, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have impacted the entire country. Since Russia intensified its missile, and drone strikes on critical national infrastructure in October, whole regions, and millions of people, have been left without electricity, heating and water for prolonged periods. The UN Human Rights Council Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, published on 15 March, concluded that attacks on energy-related infrastructure “were disproportionate”, “constituted the war crime of excessive incidental death, injury, or damage” and “may amount to a crime against humanity or other inhumane acts”.

Putin did not stop when the extent of the harm he was causing became apparent – even when accounts were broadcast around the world of mothers unable to provide hot food and clean water for their children, of hospitals operating in the dark, and schools hit by missile strikes. Putin remained cruelly determined to break the will of the Ukrainian people. It did not work.

Mr Chair, this weekend Putin also reportedly visited an art school, a children’s centre and a playground. However, Russian State media did not reference in its coverage that children have been amongst those most impacted by Putin’s invasion. These children will bear the physical and psychological scars for years to come – robbed of stability, safety, education, and their homes. Many have been injured, lost family members and friends, and have been separated from their families. The recent Commission of Inquiry report stated that in some cases Russia’s transfer or deportation of children, within Ukraine and to Russia, may amount to a war crime, thereby constituting grave violations of international humanitarian law.

Putin’s reported visit to Mariupol this weekend has served to once again highlight the indelible mark he has left on the city. His reported visit reminds us of the maternity hospital hit by a Russian missile strike last year, which killed a mother and her new-born baby; it reminds us of the attack on the drama theatre, in which hundreds of civilians were hiding with a visible ‘children’ sign; and it reminds us of the people forced to flee Mariupol, and the thousands injured and killed as they sought safety.

Putin could bring these atrocities to an end immediately, by ceasing attacks on civilians and civilian national infrastructure, and by withdrawing his forces from Ukraine’s sovereign territory. He chooses not to.

Mr Chair, the UK is determined to pursue justice for those in Mariupol, and throughout Ukraine. On Monday, Justice Ministers from around the world convened in London, for a meeting co-hosted with the Netherlands, to support efforts to investigate war crimes. We must ensure those responsible for these horrendous crimes know that they cannot act with impunity. The International Criminal Court’s announcement last week is an important step in ensuring those responsible are held to account. The UK, alongside the international community, will continue to provide the International Criminal Court with the funding and expertise to ensure justice is served. We will support Ukraine, for as long as it takes.

Thank you.

March 23, 2023