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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : New breast cancer screening units to speed up diagnosis [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New breast cancer screening units to speed up diagnosis [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Health and Social Care on 12 January 2023.

    • Government pledges additional £10 million to deliver 29 new breast cancer screening units and nearly 70 life-saving service upgrades to speed up diagnosis and treatment.
    • The units will be directed to where they are most needed, increasing capacity to make sure people can get the care they need when they need it
    • Upgrades to include ultrasound and X-rays to better detect cancer using new and improved software

    Cancer diagnosis will be sped up for tens of thousands of women after the government pledged an additional £10 million to provide 29 new NHS breast cancer screening units and nearly 70 life-saving upgrades to services in areas where they are most needed.

    The life-saving investment includes 16 new mobile breast screening units, 13 additional static units, 58 live remote access upgrades for existing units and 10 software upgrades to carry out ultrasounds and X-rays.

    These new units and service upgrades will allow more women to be screened earlier improving outcomes for patients. Screening will be focused at sites where it is most needed, tackling health disparities and improving diagnosis rates in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

    This investment will also help deliver a more accessible NHS where patients receive care close to home.

    Minister of State for Health, Helen Whately, said:

    Catching cancer early saves lives. Last year 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer at stages one and two. This is the highest proportion on record but we want to do better still.

    These breast cancer screening units will mean more people can get checked for cancer, closer to home.

    Most people will get the reassurance of an all-clear but for those who are diagnosed, catching their cancer early is the best thing we can do – and gets them on the path to early treatment too.

    The mobile units will be used flexibly to target areas which will most benefit from increased opportunities for screening and the static units will be placed in areas to improve accessibility, uptake and coverage.

    Those areas with existing units will also benefit from upgrades to improve screening by using the latest technology, ensuring the best possible care for patients.

    The funding is now in place for NHS trusts to spend within the 2022/23 financial year and the timing for delivery of units will be individual to each trust.

    Steve Russell, NHS national director for screening and vaccinations, said:

    Screening is vital in detecting breast cancer early and getting better outcomes for patients, and this further investment is great news for improving access to breast screening services for women across England.

    This funding will help increase screening rates amongst women from communities and regions where uptake is lowest by improving  facilities in both fixed and mobile locations, making it easier for more women to get checked, and we encourage anyone invited for a screening to take up their appointment without delay and help us catch cancers earlier when they are easier to treat.

    The commitment to provide additional breast screening units was made in the Women’s Health Strategy published in July 2022 which is designed to improve equality of healthcare.

    The government has also committed to improving diagnosis, treatment and survival rates as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. By 2028, the government has committed to 75% of people with cancer being diagnosed at stages 1 and 2, up from 55% and for 55,000 more people each year to survive their cancer for at least five years after diagnosis.

    Continued investment in mobile breast screening units is one of the best ways to increase capacity – screening saves around 1,300 women every year with around 21,000 cancers detected. This is why each year more than two million women have breast cancer screening in the UK.

    Ciarán Norris, Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    We welcome any intervention that helps to speed up diagnosis and improve access to cancer screening services, particularly in areas where they are most needed, as we know the earlier someone is diagnosed the better their outcome is likely to be.

    Alongside this, we also look forward to working with the government on steps to grow and sustain the cancer workforce, to ensure our cancer services can provide timely treatment and care for everyone living with cancer, both now and in the future.

    This government will continue to work with the NHS across cancer alliances, primary care networks and regional teams to increase the uptake of breast screening.

    Alongside this, Breast Screening Offices (BSO) are running extra screening sessions to clear any remaining mammogram backlog, although a large number of services have recovered. The ‘NHS National Demand and Capacity Tool’ and NHS national round length planning tool have been developed and implemented to deliver better support and intervention so the best possible care can be given to patients.

    We encourage people to check themselves and look out for any changes and if they are concerned, speak to their GP.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK voices full support to 2023 OSCE Chair North Macedonia – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK voices full support to 2023 OSCE Chair North Macedonia – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

    Bush stresses that the OSCE is now needed more than ever and reaffirms UK’s strong support to North Macedonia as incoming 2023 OSCE Chair.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. On behalf of the UK, I warmly welcome you, Minister Osmani to the Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining the priorities for North Macedonia’s time as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office during 2023. We welcome your focus on people, on dialogue and on rebuilding trust.

    The UK remains a strong supporter of the OSCE, of its institutions and of the principles and commitments which underpin its work. The OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security must remain at the organisation’s heart and form the basis of everything we do. In 2022 we met on an almost weekly basis to discuss the situation in Ukraine brought about by Russia’s illegal, premediated and unjustified invasion. Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine not only continues to pose the most serious threat to the OSCE area but also continues to blight the lives of Ukrainians caught up in the war.. This must command our full attention and we will continue to support the OSCE structures which contribute towards a peaceful resolution and to bringing accountability for the abuses the people of Ukraine have endured. The UK will offer unwavering support to Ukraine until it prevails – as it inevitably will.

    We need and will need the OSCE more than ever. We note that vulnerable regions and progress towards peace will be topping your agenda and share your view that the OSCE’s versatile toolbox supports its unique role in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution. We continue to support efforts to ensure peaceful resolutions to the protracted conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, including through the valuable work of the Mission to Moldova. Field missions strengthen stability and governance in the OSCE region, including the Western Balkans and Central Asia and are a living representation of our shared OSCE principles and commitments.

    Conventional arms control and confidence and security building measures remain crucial for security in the OSCE area. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the measures were not the issue, but that political will was. The UK remains committed to all confidence and security building measures, provided that all participating States fully abide by their commitments under international law, including the Helsinki Final Act and UN Charter.

    Mr Chair – transnational threats, including transnational organised crime and cyber security, will remain security challenges in the OSCE area to which we need comprehensive, holistic responses. We also remain committed to strengthening economic resilience, through improved governance and cracking down on corruption which undermines our societies. Russia’s invasion has shown the interconnectedness of energy, food, infrastructure and climate to our collective security, and how the deliberate actions by one country can cause devastating ripples across the world. The UK supports the OSCE’s efforts to improve the region’s energy security and tackle climate change.

    With democracy and human rights under attack in the OSCE region, we must continue to focus on the most egregious violations of our OSCE commitments using all available OSCE tools and mechanisms. The Moscow Mechanism has served us well in exposing abuses and violations. Recent events have shown that when a country fails to meet its domestic commitments, it sets the scene for external aggression. Your commitment to providing political support to the autonomous institutions will be invaluable to ensure that all participating States implement, and uphold, our human dimension commitments.

    We share your determination to fight any kind of discrimination and intolerance. We look forward to continuing this work with you, including at the conference on anti-Semitism next month.

    Your Excellency, in conclusion, the OSCE remains a critical multilateral institution for European and Euro-Atlantic security. As you said in Lodz, the OSCE needs to do its work as mandated and, as such, it is our duty to keep it fully functional and adequately funded. Agreement of the unified budget is essential to the smooth operation of the OSCE. Minister – At this vital time for our shared security, you can rely on the strong support of the UK as we collectively develop flexible solutions. We wish you and your very capable team here in Vienna all the best for your time as Chair-in-Office.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK announces additional support for flood affected communities in Bangladesh [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK announces additional support for flood affected communities in Bangladesh [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2023.

    The United Kingdom is contributing an additional £500,000 (BDT 60.6 million) in humanitarian support to respond to last year’s flooding in the Sylhet region, in which 7.2m people were affected. Delivered by BRAC, this funding will provide water, shelter, livelihoods opportunities, and improved nutrition for people affected in Sunamganj, Sylhet.

    UK Development Director in Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said

    “Last year’s devastating floods in the Sylhet region underline that Bangladesh remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This new funding provides vital water, nutrition, shelter and livelihoods opportunities to some of the worst affected communities in Sunamganj, Sylhet. The UK is proud to partner with BRAC to deliver this support.”

    This new UK support will ensure safe water and shelter for nearly 1,000 affected households and restore livelihoods and food security for more than 5,000 affected households.

    BRAC Executive Director, Asif Saleh, said

    “The floods in northeastern Bangladesh, which affected over 7.2 million people in June 2022, were the worst to hit Bangladesh in the last two decades. They left a trail of destruction in nine districts, with Sunamganj being the worst affected. Significant efforts were undertaken to provide emergency response to meet immediate needs, but sustained humanitarian support is direly needed to help people recover and rebuild their lives. This partnership between the British High Commission and BRAC will be crucial in standing beside the people in Sunamganj and being a partner in their journey to build back better.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative potential of dialogue and leadership [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative potential of dialogue and leadership [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

    Minister for Americas and the Caribbean David Rutley gave a statement at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

    Thank you President, Special Representative Massieu.

    The UK Government remains committed to supporting the consolidation of peace in Colombia through the full implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC.

    We welcome the Colombian Government’s commitment to implement the 2016 agreement as a fundamental part of its work to secure a broad and lasting peace.

    We have been pleased to see renewed momentum over the past three months, including the government purchase of 3 million hectares from the Cattle Ranchers Association; the reactivation of the National Reintegration Council, and the concluding resolutions passed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.

    We welcome today’s Council’s decision to expand the mandate of the UN Verification Mission, to cover progress on the rural reform and ethnic chapters of the peace agreement. It is clear that progress on these two chapters is vital.

    As the Secretary-General set out in his recent report, violence remains the greatest threat to the consolidation of peace in Colombia.

    We welcome the decisive action taken by the Government to strengthen public security forces in new reintegration areas, and the Vice-President’s announcement of increased funding to safeguard women leaders and human rights defenders.

    We share the Government’s concern about attacks on human rights defenders, environmental advocates, and other civil society activists. We are committed to tackling these threats together in order to secure a better future for the Colombian people. We also welcome the continued close cooperation between Colombia and its international partners on tackling drugs and organised crime.

    In this context, we welcome Government-led efforts to secure a ceasefire, in order to reduce insecurity and alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected populations.

    We also welcome Special Representative Massieu’s support for the Government’s ongoing dialogue with the ELN.

    President, Colombia remains an example to the world of the transformative potential of dialogue and leadership. I’ve seen that commitment first-hand on a recent visit.

    As the Colombian people seek to overcome the remaining barriers to a broad and lasting peace, the UK is proud to stand with them.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with Prime Minister Kishida of Japan [January 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 January 2023.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, at the Tower of London today.

    The leaders discussed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which they signed this afternoon, and agreed it was an important step in joint cooperation between the UK and Japan.

    Collaboration across defence and security would not only benefit Japan and the United Kingdom, but broader global stability, the leaders agreed.

    Discussing Japan’s leadership of the G7 in such unprecedented times, the Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Kishida’s plans to focus on the impact of the invasion of Ukraine on global food and economic security.

    Reflecting on the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free trade bloc with a combined GDP of £9 trillion, the Prime Minister said it offered the UK a unique opportunity to join a group of likeminded countries who shared similar values.

    The Prime Minister added that future growth and prosperity for all countries would be driven by collaboration and innovation, and both leaders agreed there was huge potential for growth across the two countries’ economies.

    The Prime Minister looked forward to visiting Hiroshima for the G7 in May.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls on the Iranian regime to halt the execution of Alireza Akbari [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls on the Iranian regime to halt the execution of Alireza Akbari [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

    The Foreign Secretary has urged the Iranian authorities to release British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari.

    Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    “Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him.

    This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary and Foreign Secretary meet political leaders in Belfast [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary and Foreign Secretary meet political leaders in Belfast [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 January 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP and the Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP have met NI political leaders to discuss the issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol.

    In attendance were the Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Gordon Lyons MLA of the DUP, Andrew Muir MLA and Paula Bradshaw MLA of Alliance and Doug Beattie MC MLA and Robin Swann MLA of the UUP.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland highlighted the serious situation that the current governance gap is having on the people of Northern Ireland, especially in terms of the delivery of public services, and laid out the next steps in the legislation passed to manage Executive formation.

    During his visit, the Foreign Secretary also met with business groups, and toured the Saintfield Garden Centre and Nursery to hear about some of the specific difficulties caused by the Protocol.

    Providing an update on talks between the UK Government and the European Union, the Foreign Secretary reflected on the agreement reached earlier this week regarding the EU’s access to UK IT systems that provide live information about what goods are moving across from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

    While a range of critical issues need to be resolved on the Protocol, this agreement provides a basis for further constructive discussions with the EU to come to a negotiated solution.

    Commenting after the meeting, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

    In conversations with NI political leaders today, I stressed that while an agreement on the Protocol is incredibly important, it remains my view that the devolved institutions must return as soon as possible.

    This is particularly crucial in the face of current budgetary challenges and economic pressures. The people of Northern Ireland are best when governed by their locally elected representatives, who should deliver public services at the level the public need and deserve.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to passport application fees [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to passport application fees [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 January 2023.

    The government will introduce new passport fees for all applications on 2 February 2023, the first time in 5 years that the cost of applying for a passport has increased.

    The proposals, which are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, will include the following:

    • the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children
    • postal applications will increase from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children
    • priority service fees are being aligned so all customers will pay the same

    The new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

    The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. The increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services.

    The new fees include those newly applying or renewing their passport.

    Since January last year, over 95% of standard applications have been processed within 10 weeks and customers are advised that they should apply in good time before travelling. Apply online for a UK passport.

    Passport fees are reviewed in line with His Majesty’s Treasury guidance Managing public money.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East on his first official visit to Israel [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East on his first official visit to Israel [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2023.

    Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, the UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, has undertaken a two-day official visit to Israel during which he met interfaith leaders, members of the tech sector and held bilateral talks with Government of Israel Ministers.

    On Tuesday, the Minister visited Ahmadia Mosque, where he met with Imam Mohammad Sharif Oudeh, Rabbi Golan Ben Horin, Reverent Hatim Shihade, Sheikh Kassem Bader, Haifa’s Mayor Einat Kalish Rotem, and discussed co-existence in Haifa. Lord Ahmad then continued on a tour to the Baha’i Gardens, to hear about the history of the Baha’i faith and the role Haifa has played as the heart of the Baha’i community.

    The Minister visited the Technion – The Israeli Institute of Technology – where he was briefed about Israel’s top tier scientific innovation. He was hosted by Professor Hosam Hayek, a recipient of the BIRAX grant for UK-IL scientific collaborations, who presented the results of his research in early-stage disease detection to the Minister.

    Lord Ahmad also met with leading stakeholders in the Arab-Israeli tech ecosystem before visiting the ESIL innovation and venture lab, where he met with Moshe Kaplinsky, Chairman of Bazan Group and ESIL CEO, Amir Horowitz, who presented him with Israeli start-ups developing innovative solutions to climate challenges.

    Today (Wednesday) Lord Ahmad held bilateral meetings with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, and the Economy Minister, Nir Barkat. Lord Ahmad and Minister Cohen discussed regional security issues including Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the opportunities presented by the Abraham Accords. Lord Ahmad and Minister Barkat discussed the ongoing Israel-UK free trade agreement negotiations and the possibilities held for Israeli companies in the UK.

    At the end of his visit, Lord Ahmad said:

    I am pleased to be back in Israel and meet with members of the new government. Israel is a valued partner for the UK, and I am excited to continue strengthening our bilateral relations and trade partnership and taking it to new heights.

    With counterparts, I discussed the UK and Israel’s shared security threats, including Iran’s destabilising actions in the region and Russia’s unprovoked, premeditated invasion of Ukraine.

    I also encouraged all efforts to avoid provocative unilateral actions in Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which only serve to undermine prospects for a lasting and peaceful solution.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Coventry artist Darren Baker hit with 7-year ban for abusing Bounce Back Loan [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Coventry artist Darren Baker hit with 7-year ban for abusing Bounce Back Loan [January 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 11 January 2023.

    Darren Richard Baker, based in Coventry, has been disqualified as a director for 7 years after he wrongfully took out a £45,000 Bounce Back Loan on behalf of his charity in October 2020. He then secured a further £5,000 top-up for the charity in March 2021.

    Baker was director and chair of The Leanne Baker Trust, a charity set up to campaign to support people struggling with their mental health.

    The charity was established in 2014 but went into liquidation in September 2021.

    Although charities were eligible to apply for financial support during the pandemic through the Bounce Back Loan scheme, The Leanne Baker Trust had no overheads or employees.

    Baker stated that the charity’s turnover was £200,000 in order to secure the Bounce Back Loan, yet its annual accounts showed a maximum turnover of £26,029 for the calendar year 2019. Under the rules of the scheme, the charity was therefore not eligible for the funding.

    Having received the funding, Baker did not use the money to support the charity, but instead used over £25,000 to pay off personal legal fees, and a further £13,000 for personal use.

    The Liquidator reported the Bounce Back Loan misuse to the Insolvency Service when the charity went into liquidation, and has subsequently recovered the full amount.

    The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy accepted a disqualification undertaking from Darren Baker, after he accepted that he caused The Leanne Baker Trust to obtain a Bounce Back Loan that it was not entitled to. His ban is effective from 15 December 2022 and lasts for 7 years.

    The disqualification undertaking prevents him from directly, or indirectly, becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Rob Clarke, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Bounce Back Loans were offered to businesses that had been negatively impacted by the pandemic, with the money purely to be utilised for the economic benefit of those companies; safeguarding jobs and sustaining entrepreneurial activity. That clearly was not the case in this instance where the funds have been claimed by a charitable enterprise, with negligible turnover, and no employees.

    Despite the humanitarian purpose of the trust as established, Darren Baker took advantage of the support available during this difficult time for his own personal gain. His disqualification should serve as a warning to others that the Insolvency Service will take action whenever a director’s dishonesty threatens loss to the public purse, the consequence being a lengthy exclusion from trading with the benefit of limited liability.