Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : New expert panel to support victims after major disasters [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 1 March 2023.

First ever ‘Independent Public Advocate’ to launch in England and Wales.
- expert panel will support victims until the conclusion of all inquiries and inquests
- fulfils government promise to deliver change in response to national tragedies
Survivors and the bereaved families of major disasters like Hillsborough, the Manchester Arena bombing and the Grenfell Tower fire will receive new dedicated support in the future under plans unveiled by the government today (1 March).

An expert panel will act to represent families as a new Independent Public Advocate ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are better heard, right from the immediate aftermath of a tragedy until all inquiries and inquests have concluded.

The Independent Public Advocate will bring together a specialist panel of people appointed on their relevant expertise and on their experience of working with public authorities. This includes former social workers, ex-civil servants, retired doctors, emergency services, professionals with media experience and community leaders.

The trained advocates will provide practical support to families, the bereaved and those who have suffered life-changing injuries including:
- signposting them to vital financial, physical and mental health services such as Victim Support, the Homicide Service and any charities established as a result of a major disaster
- providing them with regular updates about the investigation including helping them receive information at inquests or inquiries
- making sure they understand processes and their rights, so they can fully participate in the investigation where there is a right for them to do so
- advocating on their behalf to public authorities and government, providing a direct channel to voice concerns around the responsiveness of organisations such as the police or local councils
Crucially, the Independent Public Advocate will be responsible for producing a report once all investigations have been completed and make recommendations to the government for improvements based on the experiences of survivors and the bereaved.

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab said:

We’re creating the Independent Public Advocate so that the survivors and bereaved of a major tragedy have practical support and are given a greater voice in seeking answers for the loved ones that they have lost.

The IPA will empower the victims throughout any inquiry, make sure they are listened to, and get the support they need from day one.

The intervention delivers on a previous manifesto commitment to create an Independent Public Advocate by the then Prime Minister Theresa May MP, which was welcomed by Bishop James Jones in his report into the experiences of the Hillsborough families. The creation of an IPA has also been championed by both Maria Eagle MP and the Rt Hon the Lord Wills in Parliament. The report called for greater representation for survivors and the bereaved in similar situations moving forward.

The Rt Hon Theresa May, MP, said:

I welcome the introduction of an Independent Public Advocate which was a commitment in our 2017 manifesto. I look forward to working with the government to ensure that it delivers the support needed in the aftermath of a public disaster so that families don’t have to go through years of struggle to get to the truth as happened after Hillsborough.

Establishing a panel builds on this original commitment by making sure victims receive the best support possible from a range of different professions, backgrounds and geographical areas.

In 2018, a government consultation highlighted that the various processes that take place after major disasters, such as the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing, can be overwhelming and complex for victims as they often involve multiple unfamiliar agencies.

The Independent Public Advocate will directly address these issues by supporting victims through every aspect of the processes that follow a major disaster. It will also act as a crucial line of communication between victims and government so concerns are addressed quickly.

It will be made up of multiple advocates, supported by a full-time permanent staff, so the Independent Public Advocate can respond quickly, effectively and at short notice. This will provide better support and resilience than a single advocate, especially where disasters involve large numbers of people.

Advocates will be appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice, but critically the Independent Public Advocate will consult with and represent victims before any inquiry is set up. Victims will also be able to nominate community leaders as an advocate.

Victims and families will be able to make representations to stand up or stand down the Independent Public Advocate following an incident.

The Independent Public Advocate will also be able to recommend the government set up investigations quickly, such as a Hillsborough style panel inquiry.

Legislation to create an Independent Public Advocate will be introduced shortly.
March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary responds to GDP for Q4 2022 and December 2022 [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Scottish Office on 1 March 2023.

Alister Jack says PM’s pledge to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy is vital in the face of global challenges.

Figures for Scotland’s onshore GDP in December 2022 and for the final quarter of 2022 have been published today.

The economy grew by 0.1% during the period from October to December. For the month of December itself GDP is estimated to have fallen by 0.6% after remaining flat in November (0% change).

Responding to the statistics, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

Our economy has proven to be more resilient than many feared, but there are still challenges ahead. That is why it is our priority to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy.

We are providing immediate vital support to ease the cost of living, providing help for those most in need by increasing benefits and pensions in line with inflation and raising the National Living Wage. This is in addition to extra help with energy bills and on top of an extra £1.5 billion for the Scottish Government to help support public services in Scotland.

Sustainable growth for our long-term future is a priority. To make that happen, we’re investing more than £2.2bn levelling up communities across the country, including our hugely successful City and Regional Growth Deals. The two new Freeports announced for Scotland in January will boost trade and create high-quality jobs to benefit all of Scotland and the whole of the UK.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Government announces a third year of support to help Hong Kongers settle into life in the UK [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 1 March 2023.
- Organisations invited to bid for £2.6 million funding to deliver projects across the UK to help BN(O)s
- Government’s Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme renewed for third year
- Continued funding for On Your Side, the hate crime reporting and support service for BN(O)s and all other East and South East Asian communities
The government today (1 March 2023) announced a further year of funding for its Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme for 2023 to 2024, to support Hong Kongers coming to live in the UK under the BN(O) visa.

Today’s package will help individuals and their families on the BN(O) visa route to come and settle in the UK. Since its launch at the start of 2021, over 160,000 eligible Hong Kongers and their family members have chosen to take up this offer and applied for the BN(O) visa. They can start their new lives in the UK, free to live, work, and study, in virtually any capacity, on a pathway to citizenship.

The Welcome Programme is announcing:
- £2.6 million of funding for UK-wide and regional projects, inviting bids from voluntary, community and social enterprise (‘VCSE’) organisations.
- Continued funding for the network of 12 Welcome Hubs across the UK, helping BN(O)s understand and connect to services in their local area.
- Further funding for On Your Side, the reporting and support service for BN(O)s and all other East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK who experience or witness racism or any other form of hate*.
- Further funding for English language classes, and destitution support if needed, provided through local authorities in England. Over 3,600 BN(O)s have been supported with English through this funding.
- Continued updates to our dedicated GOV.UK page, including our Welcome Pack, available in English and Cantonese.
Felicity Buchan, Minister for the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme said:

BN(O)s have already become a vibrant part of the UK’s communities, making a fantastic contribution to our national life, and creating new businesses and social enterprises.

Continuing our support reflects our commitment to our new friends and neighbours on the BN(O) route. We are proud that so many have chosen to make the UK their home.

Since its launch in 2021, the British National (Overseas) (‘BN(O)’) visa route has been a success, with nearly 154,000 BN(O)s and their dependents granted their visa.

In previous funding rounds, the Welcome Programme has funded VCSE organisations to support BN(O)s in areas such as employability, mental health and wellbeing, and social integration, making a huge difference to people’s lives.

One such project is the Hong Kong Business Hub, supporting people in London and the North West of England, which provides professional coaching to entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses. After receiving professional coaching from the Hong Kong Business Hub, Rachel Tang and her partner secured a franchise deal to open their own bubble tea shop in London.

Another is the Health for All group in Yorkshire and Humberside, which offer a range of services, including English language, employability, and housing support.

One BN(O), who became involved as a volunteer at the Leeds-based organisation, said: “Volunteering at Health for All has helped me achieve my career goal. I like helping people with language needs, so I’m starting their interpreter course where I hope to help many others in the future.”

The Welcome Programme has also funded UKHK (a project of Welcome Churches), which has been running Friendship Festivals across the UK to bring together BN(O)s and their new communities. So far they have run 14 festivals in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, and Cardiff, sharing food, entertainment and local traditions from Hong Kong.

If you are a BN(O) and want to find out more about the Welcome Programme, please see our dedicated GOV.UK page, available in English and Cantonese.
March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Denise Lewis Poulton appointed as Trustee of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 1 March 2023.

The Prime Minister has appointed Denise Lewis Poulton as Trustee and Chair of the Committee for Wales for a term of three years, from 6 February 2023 until 5 February 2026.

Denise Lewis Poulton

Denise Lewis Poulton is an experienced non-executive director, trustee and senior adviser to public, private and third sector bodies.

Currently a Non-Executive Director of S4C, the Welsh language television broadcaster and multi-media channel for Wales. She has served on the Boards of The Wallace Collection and the Welsh National Opera, as trustee of The Wessex Youth Trust and Cadwgan Buildings Preservation Trust and a Vice-President of The Hay Literary Festival.

A corporate affairs and strategic communications specialist, during her career as a consultant Denise advised the Welsh Government and Senedd Cymru and a number of Welsh cultural, media and public sector organisations. Her executive career was spent in leadership roles in multi-national and FTSE telecom companies culminating in her role as Group Director of Corporate Affairs at Orange plc where she launched the brand in 22 countries worldwide and created and built an award-winning portfolio of arts, education and cultural sponsorship.

Born in Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, Denise was educated at Llandysul Grammar School and King’s College, University of London. A Welsh speaker, she is passionate about harnessing the power of heritage, culture and the arts in regenerating communities in Wales and across the UK.

Remuneration and Governance Code

This position is remunerated at £20,749 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Denise Lewis Poulton has not declared any political activity in the past five years.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The only thing Russia will achieve in Ukraine is dishonour, disgrace and defeat – UK statement to the OSCE [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 March 2023.

UK military advisor Ian Stubbs says that thousands of Russians continue to pay the price for the tactics of a desperate Russian military leadership.

Thank you, Mr Chair. When Russia launched its brutal and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago, President Putin expected to succeed within a few weeks. Twelve months later, reports indicate that approximately 800 Russian soldiers a day are dying for his hopeless ambitions.

Since November, we have seen Russian forces make an effort to advance on multiple fronts. However, with poorly trained and equipped mobilised reserves and convicts making up much of the mass, Russian forces have not been able to deploy effectively enough to break through. Any tactical gains Russia has managed have come at huge cost. Thousands of Russians continue to pay the price for their frustrated Russian military leaders, who have doubled down on flawed blunt edged attritional tactics in place of effective leadership.

In the face of these setbacks, the Kremlin has adopted a strategy of long-range missiles strikes on critical national infrastructure which deliberately aim to spread terror amongst civilians in Ukraine. Many of these strikes by Russian forces have no military value. Russia’s continued violations of international law and increased targeting of civilians indicates systemic moral bankruptcy. It is a cynical and calculated strategy of wanton destruction. It is a strategy that will fail and another sign of the Kremlin’s desperation.

In contrast, during Ukraine’s autumn counter offensive, Ukraine achieved significant momentum, pushing Russia out of the northeast and southern parts of the country. Ukraine has liberated over half of the territory Russia seized since 24 February 2022. Ukraine has also hugely increased its success in shooting down Russian missiles, and despite its overwhelming numerical advantage in aircraft, Russia still has not been able to achieve air superiority over Ukraine.

Mr Chair, it is undeniable that President Putin badly miscalculated in Ukraine. And yet, his government officials and diplomats have repeatedly censored free speech and peddled disinformation to try and cover up his lies. And the lies continue.

In this Forum on 26 January, our Russian colleague stated that Russia “has never set out to destroy Ukraine as a State”. That is blatantly false. On 25 November 2021, as Russia continued its build-up of pre-invasion forces, our Russian colleague called upon the West to “temper their ardour” and “prevent any further escalation, which could lead to lamentable consequences, including the collapse of Ukrainian statehood”. As Russia has rained down missiles on Ukraine – reducing entire cities, towns and villages to rubble, killing and injuring thousands of innocent civilians – it is all too clear to everyone who is threatening whose statehood.

Last week, our Russian colleague again pursued the tired false narrative that Russia is the victim and NATO the aggressor. I would remind our Russian colleague that the facts tell a different story: NATO didn’t invade Ukraine. Russia did. Before Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, there was no NATO Enhanced Forward Presence. In response to Russia’s use of military force against Ukraine, NATO deployed four multinational battlegroups to the Baltic States and Poland in 2016. These and NATO’s subsequent deployments to protect its members are a direct result of Russia’s aggressive actions in 2014 and its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year. Russia, and only Russia, is responsible.

Mr Chair, those complicit in the Kremlin’s unprovoked aggression and those who peddle its blizzard of lies to hide the truth from the Russian people should be ashamed. Putin’s war of choice has led the Russian people into a quagmire and turned Russia into an international pariah. The only thing Russia will achieve in Ukraine is dishonour, disgrace and defeat.

Ukraine will win. It can rely on continued steadfast support from the UK and other partners. We remain unwavering in our commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. We will keep the promises we have made to the Ukrainian people and will give them all the help they need, for as long as it takes, until Ukraine prevails. Giving Ukraine the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of its sovereign territory is the swiftest and only path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK and Singapore Ink New Green Economy Framework, Bolstering Energy and Climate Collaboration [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 March 2023.

The Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a bilateral Green Economy Framework.

The Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a bilateral Green Economy Framework. This agreement, a first-of-its-kind for the UK, was signed during a virtual call between the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Secretary of State, The Rt Grant Shapps MP, and Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations from the Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Mr S Iswaran, on 1 March 2023.

Building on the successful UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement and Digital Economy Agreement, the innovative UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework combines elements of climate, economic and trade policy. This will enable both countries to achieve national decarbonisation targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement while enhancing energy security and promoting green growth through new investment, job creation and export opportunities. This collaboration will take place across three key pillars: green transport, low carbon energy technologies, and sustainable finance and carbon markets.

Expanding on the UK’s legacy of our successful COP26 Presidency, and Singapore’s COP-honed expertise facilitating the negotiations on international rules for carbon trading, the ambition of this government-to-government agreement is to facilitate more collaboration between UK and Singapore industry and academic partners. This will result in new commercial pilot projects, trade and investments, and research and innovation. The Framework will be implemented through different mechanisms, including government policy dialogues, business matchmaking, industry workshops, and research partnerships.

Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero Grant Shapps said:

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the vital importance of shoring up our energy security, and moves towards ever-greater energy independence.

Today’s agreement with Singapore – the first of its kind in the UK – will make the most of the expertise and innovation of both our countries. It will help us move towards greener, home-grown alternatives to fossil fuels like renewables, creating high tech jobs and businesses of the future and, ultimately, bringing down costs for consumers.

British High Commissioner to Singapore Kara Owen said:

Today marks a very significant milestone for the UK-Singapore partnership as we sign an innovative and real-world focused UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework. The framework will help both the UK and Singapore work towards their ambitious net zero targets and contribute to the development of a vibrant green economy private sector ecosystem that can have an impact beyond our two shores.

In action, this Framework will leverage the UK and Singapore’s strengths in areas like low carbon technology, shipping and finance to deliver long-term sustainable policy, regulation and technical solutions and projects between our private sector and academic communities.

Singapore is an important partner to the UK in working towards a sustainable and net zero future. With significant and ever-growing investments in UK’s renewable energy sector, the UK-Singapore Green Economy Framework will further strengthen our existing, long-term collaboration by creating new growth opportunities for both countries.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Armed forces parliamentary scheme group visits British forces in the Falklands Islands [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 March 2023.

British parliamentarians visited the Falkland Islands this month to see what life is like for service personnel stationed in the South Atlantic region.

As part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS), a group of MPs and peers were received at the Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC) for four days.

The visitors spent time with soldiers, sailors, and aviators at the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) base, which is administered by Strategic Command, to better understand the issues that affect the Armed Forces community.

The trip started off with a tour of a Royal Navy vessel, HMS Medway, where the group met the Ship’s Company.

Next, they spent some time with the newly-arrived Roulement Infantry Company, provided by the British Army’s 1st Battalion Scots Guards, on the Onion Ranges training area.

There the group observed virtual and live firing demonstrations using rifles and pistols, before spending a night under the stars to try out night vision devices.

Close to the heart of any Scots Guardsman, a battlefield study of Mount Tumbledown saw the party given an overview of the famous 1982 battle.

Next on the agenda was a trip to the RAF’s 1435 (Typhoon) Flight, where they were shown around one of the fighter aircraft permanently stationed at MPC; the RAF then flew the group over the islands on an A400M Atlas transport.

The party was also shown the Resident Sky Sabre Battery (RSSB), the British Army’s newest air defence system, at Poon Hill and observed the Bristow Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters which work alongside the military.

A meeting with local dignitaries in the territory’s capital, Stanley, concluded the AFPS visit to the Falklands and the hosting service personnel can reflect on a job well done.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ministers reappoint Mark Hoble to remuneration review bodies [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 March 2023.

Ministers have approved a reappointment of a member of the Police Remuneration Review Body and the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body.

Ministers have reappointed Mark Hoble to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB). Mark has been reappointed for a second term of three years, from March 2023 to March 2026.

The PRRB makes independent recommendations concerning the pay, allowances and conditions of police officers to the Home Secretary and the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice.

The NCARRB makes independent recommendations to the government on the pay and allowances of NCA officers designated with operational powers.

March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New funding for National Parks announced [March 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 March 2023.
England’s national parks are set to benefit from new additional funding announced by the government today (01 March 2023). £4.4 million will be provided to the country’s ten National Park Authorities to support services such as visitor centres and park rangers.

The funding award is in recognition of the vital role that our national parks play in protecting our precious wildlife and landscapes and the importance they have for tourism, the regional economy, and public access. Each authority will be awarded an equal share of the grant.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

Our National Parks are the jewel in our cherished landscapes. They support thriving communities, economies, wildlife and are important places for public health and wellbeing.

This additional £4.4 million of funding will support the important work that National Park Authorities do across our countryside, and allow local people and visitors to enjoy these much loved spaces

The funding will help protect vital assets, such as education centres and ranger services, and will provide more opportunities for people to enjoy National Parks. It could also be used to support the creation of new trails, residential programmes and mobility schemes. It will also support access and engagement programmes helping to conserve the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of these protected landscapes.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, currently delivered across 10 National Parks and 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) since 2021, will also be extended until March 2025. This will enable National Parks and AONBs to continue delivering outcomes for nature, climate, people and place.

Further information:

The 10 National Park Authorities to benefit from an equal share of the £4.4 million grant are: Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, North Yorkshire Moors, Northumberland, Peak District, South Downs and Yorkshire Dales.
March 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Message from Welsh Secretary on St David’s Day [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Welsh Office on 1 March 2023.

The Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies marks the first St David’s Day since his appointment.

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies celebrates Wales and looks ahead to an exciting year to come in his first St David’s Day message since his appointment as Welsh Secretary.

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

I’m delighted to deliver my first St David’s Day message as the Secretary of State for Wales and I’d like to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating our national day in Wales and around the world.

The future looks bright for our nation in spite of the challenges that we are all facing. The war in Ukraine has meant high energy costs, making life difficult for many. But it has also brought out the best of the community spirit that Wales is so famous for. So many people have welcomed Ukrainian people into their homes, providing sanctuary and a place to call home for those desperately in need.

And it is that same community spirit, coupled with hard work and determination, that is helping us recover from the Covid pandemic and build a prosperous future for Wales.

The UK Government is doing all it can to deliver for the people of Wales. We will soon announce the successful bid for the first Freeport in Wales, which will create jobs and drive growth and prosperity. And earlier this year we announced £208 million for eleven more major Levelling Up projects across Wales, adding to the £160m previously committed to more than 170 Welsh levelling up projects and around £790 million to progress growth deals covering every part of the country.

Wales has an incredibly important part to play in future green technology, with the huge potential for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, marine energy, nuclear and industrial decarbonisation.

We have the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales, supported by investment from the UK Government, and fast-growing media production and FinTech industries. And our famous food and drink sector continues to thrive.

And of course we have wonderful countryside, a beautiful coastline and vibrant cities and towns which make Wales such an attractive tourist destination.

But this exciting future for Wales is only possible because of the people who contribute their energy and passion to making our communities great places to live. Happy St David’s Day to you all.

March 4, 2023