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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : £20 million Levelling Up transformation for North Portsmouth [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £20 million Levelling Up transformation for North Portsmouth [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 17 January 2023.

    North Portsmouth is the gateway to the city, harbour, and the wider region. Now, over £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will regenerate this area of the city.

    UK’s longest urban park

    The Linear Park will:

    • connect the West of Portsmouth to the Eastern edge
    • include enhanced cycling and walking facilities

    Investing in Hilsea Lido

    The levelling up investment will redevelop the lido to include:

    • good quality changing facilities
    • children’s water play
    • event space
    • spectator areas

    Portsmouth International Port

    Portsmouth International Port offers more destinations to Europe than any other UK port. Building on this success, the redevelopment will let the port manage an estimated 250,000 extra passengers a year.

    The new port terminal will also include:

    • an exclusive cruise lounge
    • a new check-in area
    • a sky garden

    With these works passengers will be able to enjoy a modern and accessible port.

    Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council:

    This development is fantastic news for the city, providing employment opportunities and promoting Portsmouth’s offer as the UK’s leading marine and maritime city. We expect the improved facilities to kick start further investment in the city, from hotel capacity to an increase in tourism spending. We are proud of our position as the UK’s most successful local authority owned port, and this new extension will see the port go from strength to strength.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2023.

    Ambassador Bush expresses concern regarding disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences.

    Thank you, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan.

    The ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences are deeply worrying.

    We regret that despite this issue being raised here at the OSCE and the United Nations Security Council, significant progress has not been made. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to take all measures to allow for the unhindered movement of humanitarian goods and civilians.

    The United Kingdom acknowledges that both sides have concerns regarding the implementation of agreements made in relation to the 2020 ceasefire. We urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to undertake meaningful negotiations to find a sustainable and peaceful settlement that secures lasting peace and stability for the region.

    The United Kingdom offers our continued, unwavering and unconditional support to the international mechanisms, including the OSCE, which are working to support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It remains clear: only through peacefully facilitated dialogue can peace be reached.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Birmingham 2022 contributes £870 million to UK economy [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Birmingham 2022 contributes £870 million to UK economy [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 17 January 2023.

    – Last year’s Commonwealth Games has already contributed £870.7 million to the UK economy, new report reveals

    – 9,000 full time equivalent jobs were supported in 2022 thanks to the Games, with volunteers racking up 1.25 million hours of work

    – Birmingham 2022 has provided the West Midlands with new sports venues and improved transport services

    – The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games contributed at least £870 million** to the UK economy, a new study reveals.

    The independent interim evaluation report found that the West Midlands economy received a significant boost, with over half the economic impact generated (£453.7 million**) benefiting businesses and communities across the region.

    A record 1.5 million tickets were sold for Birmingham 2022, the largest multi-sport event hosted in England in the last 10 years.

    Held between 28 July and 8 August 2022, the Games brought together 6,600 athletes and team officials from across 72 Commonwealth nations and territories.

    Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

    Birmingham 2022 was tremendously successful in boosting the local economy and bringing people together. This report shows that new jobs and investments are just the beginning of the story, with the Games paving the way for future events in the region.

    The Games put the West Midlands on the global stage, and provided the region with world-class facilities. Thanks to Birmingham 2022, the city now has the industry know-how and venues to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026.

    Diversity and inclusion was at the heart of the ‘Friendly Games’, with the first fully integrated pride programme, more medals for women than men and the biggest para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history.

    Since Birmingham was awarded the Games in 2017, the event has created roughly 15,410 years of employment in the UK. Over summer 2022, this equated to more than 9,000* full time equivalent jobs. Birmingham 2022 also delivered 5,188 weeks of apprenticeships, 2,000 work experience placements and training for 14,075 members of the Commonwealth Collective who contributed 1.25 million volunteering hours.

    The interim report sets out benefits the Games has had on local businesses and volunteers. Almost three quarters of local businesses surveyed said they had secured new investments thanks to Games contracts. Commonwealth Collective volunteers said participating in the Games had increased feelings of inclusion, pride and wellbeing.

    Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

    As this report makes clear, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games provided a huge and timely boost for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the United Kingdom.

    The Games were just the start of Birmingham’s Golden Decade of Opportunity, providing a springboard for further success, and these findings underline why the bold decision by the council to lead the bid for the Games was the right one.

    Birmingham 2022 was always about much more than 11 days of sport and our focus is now firmly upon realising the long-term legacy that being the Proud Host City will enable. The council will continue working with partners to ensure that the people and communities of Birmingham and the wider region continue to be Commonwealth Games winners for years to come.

    Sir John Crabtree, outgoing chair of Birmingham 2022, said:

    One of the key parts of our Birmingham 2022 mission was to help the region to grow and succeed, an ambition which took on even greater significance following the impact of the global pandemic. This report, which outlines a beneficial boost for the West Midlands economy, is evidence that the Games successfully achieved this aim, and this is further demonstrated by the figures for employment, with approximately 7,440 net full-time equivalent jobs supported at the peak of the Games.

    It has been an incredible honour to lead the organisation of such an important event for the West Midlands and, as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee nears the end of its journey, we would like to thank all of our partners for their support and contributions which helped to make the Games so successful and secured such a sizeable economic impact for the host city and region.

    Geoff Thompson, outgoing deputy chair of Birmingham 2022, said:

    This report clearly highlights once again the value of staging major sports events. This part of the country now has a fantastic opportunity to build on the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, especially as taking centre stage during the summer really helped to further raise the global profile of Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond – socially, culturally and economically. In particular the sport and physical activity opportunities for young people and communities will continue to see an equitable, diverse and inclusive legacy realised for all.

    The Games also had an impact on the region’s global reputation, pride in the West Midlands and community cohesion. Based on interviews with locals, the Games has provided a focal point for residents to come together and feel part of the events, as well as encouraging West Midlands residents to visit areas they would not otherwise have visited.

    Dame Louise Martin, President, Commonwealth Games Federation said:

    “From record-breaking ticket sales to the largest ever sports programme, the spectacular Birmingham 2022 set a new benchmark for Commonwealth Sport. Importantly, it also generated significant economic impact, driving investment and creating jobs, as well as boosting the region’s global reputation. The Games have left an impressive and wide-reaching legacy that will ensure they are remembered for many years to come.”

    Birmingham 2022 events had an estimated total global TV viewership of 834.9 million, over 215 million digital views, 141 million interactions on social media and generated significant positive media coverage.

    Thanks to the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham and the West Midlands have benefited from a new aquatics centre in Sandwell, the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium and wider regeneration projects in Perry Barr including a brand new train station.

    Paul Blanchard, CEO of Commonwealth Games England said:

    “It’s fantastic to see the impact Birmingham 2022 has had on the West Midlands and the nation. We saw the excitement the Games brought to the athletes with some hugely memorable moments and the millions of spectators who engaged. Now, to see the lasting impact is great, particularly the development into sport facilities and equipment in the region to inspire the next generation of English talent.”

    The Games was delivered within a budget of £778 million and the UK government has announced that it will invest over £60 million of unspent contingency funding from this core budget in the West Midlands to further enhance the legacy of the Games.

    The UK government is working with local authorities to ensure the funding is invested in increasing access to sport and culture, boosting the region’s expertise in hosting major events and driving inward investment and tourism.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Schools continue to improve since pandemic [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Schools continue to improve since pandemic [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 17 January 2023.

    Ofsted has today published data on school inspections carried out up to the end of December 2022.

    It shows that around 89% of all 22,000 schools were good or outstanding at their most recent inspection. This is an increase from 86% in August 2019 and 88% in August 2022.

    Initial signs for the 2022/23 academic year are that inspection outcomes continue to paint a positive picture, and in some cases are even more positive than last year.

    The data also shows that schools previously judged requires improvement (RI) have done particularly well last term, as 78% of those inspected improved to good, compared with 70% in 2021/22.

    The vast majority of formerly outstanding schools visited this year had been exempt from routine inspection between 2012 and 2020. Since the government lifted the exemption, most of these schools have lost the top grade on reinspection. However, a slightly higher proportion of the previously exempt schools have remained outstanding this year compared with 2021/22 (21% v 17%), and a lower proportion were found to require improvement or to be inadequate (13% v 21%).

    Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman said:

    Every child deserves to attend a high-quality school and parents should be reassured that, despite some gradual rebalancing between good and outstanding, the overall proportion of schools with one of the two top grades continues to rise.

    Overall, the picture since the pandemic is an increasingly positive one. I was particularly pleased to see so many schools that required improvement move to good last term. I’d like to thank everyone who is involved in helping these schools to improve.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits USA and Canada to galvanise global action on Ukraine for 2023 [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits USA and Canada to galvanise global action on Ukraine for 2023 [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2023.

    • Foreign Secretary begins a visit to Washington DC and Toronto to deepen diplomatic, trade and security ties and to keep up the fight against Putin’s illegal invasion
    • James Cleverly to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and other senior government figures.
    • The Foreign Secretary will discuss coordinated efforts to help Ukraine prevail over Russian aggression, as well as deepening our cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and on intelligence, security and humanitarian issues.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly begins his first bilateral visit in post to North America today (Tuesday 17 January) to deepen diplomatic, trade, intelligence and security ties and to stand against Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    James Cleverly will hold an intensive round of diplomatic talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly in Toronto, to encourage international cooperation and support for Ukraine as we approach the second year of the conflict.

    The Foreign Secretary will stress to the two allies that now is the time to go further and faster in giving Ukraine the tools to win the war. He will underline that, with the right equipment, the Ukrainian people will prevail. This is part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to accelerate the UK’s diplomatic and military support in the coming weeks in a bid to push Russia further back and secure a lasting peace.

    The UK has already committed to match or exceed funding for military aid to Ukraine in 2023. Last year the UK provided £2.3bn in military support that has already helped turn the tide in the war and secure successive Ukrainian battlefield victories.

    The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

    The UK, US and Canada always have each other’s backs when it counts, protecting the rules-based order for nearly eighty years.

    Today we stand united against Putin’s illegal war, and we will continue to use our uniquely strong defence and security ties to ensure that, in the end, the Ukrainian people will win.

    The Foreign Secretary will also raise Iran with counterparts, after the UK temporarily recalled its Ambassador to Iran and sanctioned Iran’s Prosecutor General, following the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari.

    During his visit to the US, the Foreign Secretary will set out the UK’s foreign policy priorities at a live event at the Centre for Strategic & International Studies in Washington DC on Tuesday. On Wednesday he will lay a wreath at the US Army Arlington National Cemetery.

    In Canada on Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Joly will discuss closer coordination on sanctions, and he will welcome Canada’s leadership in standing up against the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals for diplomatic ends.

    He will also discuss the UK’s ongoing efforts to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and progress towards a bilateral free trade agreement.

    Following bilateral talks, the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Joly will meet members of the Ukrainian diaspora. In Toronto he will also meet representatives of major Canadian pension funds, as key investors into the UK.

    The extensive visit programme reflects the immense value the UK places on its relationships with the US and Canada, and underlines the UK’s role as a steadfast ally, defence partner, and a great place to do business.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK donates lifesaving medical supplies to Ukraine to treat civilians [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK donates lifesaving medical supplies to Ukraine to treat civilians [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2023.

    The UK is sending further vital medical supplies to Ukraine to help treat casualties of the Russian offensive.

    Over 70 pallets of bandages, crutches, wheelchairs, and other much needed medical supplies are being donated to UK-Med, a frontline medical NGO, for those injured in Russian attacks. The supplies come from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s emergency response stocks and will be used across Ukraine, including in Dnipro, Poltava and Lviv, to boost UK-Med’s ongoing work to establish mobile clinics to reach and treat vulnerable people.

    They include tents to be used for temporary treatment centres where health facilities have been damaged, as well as nearly 80 beds, over 30,000 gowns, aprons, bandages, needles, and other vital pieces of medical equipment.

    UK-Med’s support in Ukraine provides a range of vital medical services, from surgical interventions and primary health care to mental health and psychosocial support. They are also training civilians in trauma first aid and delivering psychological first aid training for medical teams.

    The donation comes as the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visits the US and Canada, where he is meeting with members of the Ukrainian diaspora and discussing support to Ukraine with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    Putin’s brutal bombardment of civilians and infrastructure across Ukraine is continuing to have a massive human cost, with the Ukrainian people paying the price.

    This latest UK donation will help ensure medics on the frontline can continue to provide life-saving medical support to those caught in the conflict.

    The UK has previously donated equipment and pharmaceutical supplies to UK-Med, in addition to £300,000 funding, to set up mobile health clinics and help train Ukrainian doctors, nurses and paramedics on how to deal with mass casualties. This latest donation builds on that work, to support the most vulnerable civilians remaining in Ukraine, including the elderly and young children.

    Tom Godfrey, Operations Director at UK-Med, said:

    UK-Med is very grateful for the donation of these supplies which will make a real difference to the day-to-day work of clinicians in Ukraine, working in very challenging conditions to provide healthcare to conflict affected populations.

    This builds on donations from FCDO in 2022 and helps to cement UK-Med as a key partner for the Ministry of Health in Ukraine. This will contribute to our work directly treating war wounded through surgical interventions as well as providing primary health care including mental health care support to affected populations which is supplemented by an extensive capacity building program.

    Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is killing innocent civilians and destroying vital infrastructure. The UN estimates that almost 18million people in Ukraine need humanitarian support. This donation is part of the UK’s commitment to provide medical supplies and basic necessities on the ground, saving lives and protecting vulnerable people. This includes over £220 million worth of humanitarian support through the UN, the Red Cross and NGOs, including the Disasters Emergency Committee members and UK-Med.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New plan for smart electric vehicle (EV) charging could save consumers up to £1000 a year [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New plan for smart electric vehicle (EV) charging could save consumers up to £1000 a year [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 17 January 2023.

    • New plan sets out steps to unlock the potential of smart electric vehicle charging, including allowing motorists to power their homes using the electricity stored in their electric vehicle
    • electric vehicle drivers could save hundreds of pounds each year while cutting emissions by smarter charging of their electric vehicles
    • billpayers without electric vehicles will also benefit from a more sustainable, secure and efficient electricity system
    • projects, including a street lamppost capable of charging electric vehicles and selling power back to the grid, will receive a share of £16 million funding

    Electric vehicle consumers are set to benefit from lower energy bills and cheaper motoring thanks to a landmark plan to unlock the potential of smart electric vehicle charging.

    The Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan published today (Tuesday 17 January) by the government and Ofgem, sets out steps being taken to seize on the significant potential of smart charging and make it the preferred method of long duration charging by 2025.

    Smart charging harnesses the potential of energy use data and the latest energy innovations to deliver significant benefits for consumers, including allowing motorists to charge electric vehicles when electricity is cheaper or cleaner, allowing consumers to power their home using electricity stored in their electric vehicle, or even sell it back to the grid for profit. It is expected high mileage motorists could save up to £1,000 a year through smarter charging.

    And to back this up further, the government has today also announced £16 million funding from the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) for technologies that harness the potential of smart charging, including a smart street lamppost which will enable motorists to access smart charging on the move, and projects that will enable domestic appliances, from heat pumps to electric vehicle charge points and batteries, to integrate into a smarter energy system.

    Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said:

    We want to make smart charging an easier choice for drivers of electric vehicles, whether that is charging on the driveway, at the workplace, or parked on the street. To do that we need to build new network infrastructure at pace, using the latest available technologies.

    Today’s plan sets out how we will work with Ofgem and industry to kickstart the market for smart charging, which we are backing up with £16 million in innovation funding. This will let people take control of their energy usage, in the most convenient and low-cost way.

    Ofgem Director for Strategy and Decarbonisation Neil Kenward said:

    As energy regulator, we’re helping create the infrastructure to deliver Britain’s net zero future at the lowest cost to customers. This latest innovative plan will help to maximise the benefits of smart charging, offer vital savings to consumers and reduce the overall cost of energy by seizing the opportunities to use batteries to both power homes and fuel the wider grid.

    Today’s announcements build on the major steps already taken by the government to enable smart and flexible electric vehicle charging. As of July 2022, all new charge points sold for private now must have smart functionality and the UK is consulting on a new policy and technical framework to unlock the benefits of domestic smart, flexible energy, and enhance its cybersecurity.

    Through the plan, the government will improve publicly available information and evidence on smart charging, support the implementation of robust consumer service standards and ensure private charge points are secure and compatible with the latest energy innovations.

    The roll out of intelligent and automated smart charging will deliver a win-win situation for all consumers. Reduced electricity system costs will lower prices for everyone, motorists will pay less for charging their electric vehicle, and the electricity powering electric vehicles will be cleaner and greener.

    The government and Ofgem will seek to remove the barriers that currently prevent the full development of a diverse and competitive smart charging market, while making sure the energy system is ready to respond to the upturn in energy demand that electric vehicles will bring.

    Among those receiving funding today through the V2X (Vehicle to Everything) Innovation Programme for prototype hardware, software and business models, are:

    • £229,000 to a project led by Otaski Energy Solutions (Gateshead, Tyne and Wear) to develop a smart street lamppost capable of charging electric vehicles and sharing power back to the grid
    • £220,000 to V2X-Flex (Reigate, Surrey), a project led by EV Dot Energy Ltd to develop prototype software and a new business model which will reduce entry barriers for the domestic use of V2X bi-directional chargers to provide energy flexibility services
    • £165,000 to BEVScanV2X (London), a project led by Agile Charging Ltd to develop technology that could overcome battery degradation by creating a cost-effective tool to monitor and advise best approaches to maximise battery life and financial returns from smart charging

    Among those receiving funding today through the Interoperable Demand-Side Response (IDSR) Programme, which supports technologies that allow consumers to remotely increase or decrease their energy use to take advantage of when energy is cheaper or more renewables are on the grid, are:

    • £510,000 to Energy Smart Heat Pump (Chertsey, Surrey), a project by Samsung Electronics UK and their project partners Passiv UK to design and develop a technology solution that is able to provide demand side response (DSR) services via Samsung Heat Pumps, giving greater control of their usage on the basis of cost or carbon savings
    • £1.2 million to Smart-DSRFlex (Manchester), a project by Landis & Gyr UK to demonstrate how DSR technology can help to manage a renewables-based electricity grid using the smart meter system
    • £29,000 to Open DSR for All (Manchester), a project by Carbon Co-op to explore the benefits and technical barriers to an accessible approach to domestic DSR, potentially enabling more products being able to offer DSR in future

    Depending on tariff, mileage, and charging patterns, smarter charging could save an average driver up to £200, and a high mileage driver up to £1000 a year by delaying the power demand from electric vehicles at peak periods, such as 4pm to 9pm on winter evenings. By helping to efficiently balance when energy is generated and used on the electricity grid, the technology could contribute to reducing electricity prices for consumers across the network.

    Delivering the steps set out in the Action Plan will help make smart charging the norm at home and work by 2025. It is the ambition that in the late 2020s smart charging will also become more commonplace at long-duration public charging, such as on-street or at transport hubs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New EHRC commissioner appointed [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New EHRC commissioner appointed [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 16 January 2023.

    • Minister for Women and Equalities appoints a new commissioner to the Equality and Human Rights Commission Board
    • With a track record of promoting women’s rights and freedom of expression, Joanne Cash brings experience and expertise to the equality regulator
    • The appointment follows the addition of Kunle Olulode MBE and Arif Ahmed MBE to the board last month.

    Joanne Cash will support the EHRC, using her expertise and experience to advise on its important work promoting equality and human rights across the UK.

    Minister for Women and Equalities and Trade Secretary, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, said:

    “Under Baroness Falkner, the EHRC plays a vital role in informing and regulating the UK’s anti-discrimination legislation – protecting the rights of everyone in the UK.

    “Joanne’s valuable skills and knowledge will be a great asset to the Commission as it continues its work to positively impact lives across Britain.”

    Cash brings with her a strong background to the role:

    Joanne Cash is a former human rights barrister, policy advisor and senior businesswoman.

    She was Board Chair at MindGym plc from 2014 to 2021 during which time she led a successful IPO. She also co-founded the award-winning social mobility programme Parent Gym which she still Chairs.

    Since 2007 she has advised consecutive governments and cross party groups on equalities issues and has been named by The Observer as a modern freedom fighter.

    Her previous roles include Vice-Chair of the Fawcett Society and Chair of Step Up.

    The appointment follows a full public recruitment process that was carried out in line with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. Joanne Cash will serve as a Commissioner for a term of 4 years.

    The EHRC was reaccredited as an ‘A’ Status UN National Human Rights Institution in October 2022. The “A” status denotes “full compliance” with the Paris Principles.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes efforts, by all parties, to build upon the relative peace we continue to see in Yemen [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK welcomes efforts, by all parties, to build upon the relative peace we continue to see in Yemen [January 2023]

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

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

    Thank you President.

    And let me thank Special Envoy Grundberg and USG Griffiths for your briefings. We are hugely grateful for the work they and their teams continue to do for the Yemeni people.

    The UK welcomes efforts, by all parties, to build upon the relative peace we continue to see.

    All steps towards a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement under UN auspices, are steps towards the longstanding peace that Yemenis deserve.

    This is the only way to fully address the humanitarian situation, which remains dire across the country.

    While efforts continue to seek a lasting solution to the conflict, we must intensify efforts to improve the immediate humanitarian situation alongside addressing long-term drivers of the humanitarian crisis.

    Mr President,

    The Houthi block on oil exports has plunged the Government of Yemen into dire economic straits. We urge the international community to take all steps to mitigate this impact and support Yemen’s government at this critical time.

    With the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan at the end of this month, the UK encourages all donors, current or prospective, to stay committed to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.

    To ensure access to lifesaving assistance, we further call on authorities in the north and south for unfettered access of our partners across the country.

    As Martin has outlined, the introduction of mahram requirements in the north, does the very opposite.

    We call for an immediate end to these restrictions that curtail Yemeni women’s ability to both deliver and access crucial aid and remain employed.

    Finally, I want to reiterate our concern about the delays surrounding the operation to salvage the FSO SAFER tanker to which the UK has dispersed £6 million in funding.

    To avoid a wholly preventable crisis, we call on the UN and all parties to continue working together at pace. Urgency needs to be balanced with rigour, but we must identify ways to avoid further delays.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £3.6 million fund launched for projects to help parents reduce conflict [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £3.6 million fund launched for projects to help parents reduce conflict [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 16 January 2023.

    • Bidding process for share of £3.6 million fund to help families where children are exposed to conflict
    • Local authorities, digital firms and expert public, private and voluntary sector organisations invited to bid
    • Projects must support disadvantaged parents and those with complex needs, or any parent needing support through digital and interactive self-help tools

    Successful bidders will receive a minimum £150,000 grant to back their projects, between June 2023 and November 2024.

    The application window opens today (16 January), closing on 24 February 2023. Potential applicants must also complete an eligibility check by 8 February.

    Applicants can include local authorities or other public sector organisations, private sector companies working in digital for example, or social enterprises, voluntary or community organisations.

    Bidders’ projects will need to fall into one or both of the following strands:

    • projects that support diverse families at a greater risk of parental conflict
    • projects that use digital tools to support parents experiencing conflict and/or self-guided tools that central government could integrate into its services

    Since launching in 2018, the DWP’s Reducing Parental Conflict programme has been pivotal in finding ways to address relationship distress between parents, to protect children’s mental health.

    The programme supports couples and separated parents to reduce conflict, so their children have healthier environments to grow up in and can reach their full potential as adults.

    The programme has already worked with all 152 local authorities in England and dozens of organisations to lead the way in building a solid evidence base on what works to help families.

    Minister for Work and Pensions Viscount Younger of Leckie said:

    Conflict between parents can have a lasting impact on children, affecting their school grades and life chances.

    Our projects are guided by the expertise of those working closest with families, who often witness the impact of conflict on children and can support with solutions.

    With the launch of our new £3.6 million Challenge Fund, I look forward to seeing the innovative, workable ideas of experts so we can help more families overcome difficulties and improve their lives.

    The main fund will be managed by Ecorys UK in coordination with other government departments’ programmes including Family Hubs and Supporting Families. Ecorys UK will review applications for funding and oversee the delivery of final projects.