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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s illegal and inhumane assault against Ukraine’s civilian population continues – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s illegal and inhumane assault against Ukraine’s civilian population continues – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Bush condemns Russia’s continued attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

    Thank you Mr. Chair. My statement today will once again focus on Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. On Thursday 29 December, Russia subjected Ukraine to a massive bombardment, one of the largest seen since the invasion began and lasting five hours. Once again, in a repeat of a sickening pattern, Russia targeted civilians and energy infrastructure – killing three and wounding many more. A mere 36 hours later on the 31st December, as Ukrainians prepared to welcome in the New Year, Russia’s illegal and inhumane assault against Ukraine’s civilian population continued.

    The last day of 2022 saw more loss of innocent Ukrainian lives, with dozens injured and homes, schools, a children’s hospital and a hotel damaged. According to Foreign Minister Kuleba, Russia did not even pretend to attack so-called legitimate targets; these strikes were aimed at civilian areas, seeking to pummel Ukraine’s population into submission as they celebrated the New Year. There is zero justification for this – none whatsoever.

    There is an obvious path out of this senseless invasion. Ukraine has been clear that it seeks a diplomatic end to the war. An end that begins by stopping all Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, and the withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine.

    Mr Chair, Russia portrays itself as the party of peace and Ukraine as the aggressor. This is absurd. It was Russia that illegally annexed Crimea in 2014; it was Russia that fuelled war in the Donbas for the last 8 years; and it was Russia that swept aside the principles of the UN Charter and of this organisation, when Putin launched his full-scale invasion last February. Russia’s armed forces are killing and maiming the people of Ukraine – and deliberately trying to deprive them of heat, light and water in the depths of winter. President Putin’s declaration of a ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas was a transparently cynical ploy to prop up his reputation at home. Russia’s claims of being interested in peace would be laughable if its actions were not so horrific.

    Russia’s destructive and illegal war aims in Ukraine have not changed as we move into 2023. Putin still seeks the complete subjugation of Ukraine; the erasure of Ukrainian history and culture; and the overthrow of Ukraine’s democratic government and institutions. However, the UK’s aims have not changed either. Our support for Ukraine – a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine – remains steadfast as ever. Our admiration of the incredible courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people grows daily. Our belief in the principles of the UN Charter and of the OSCE remains unshakeable. In his first call of 2023 with President Zelenskyy, my Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine – throughout this year and beyond. We will not falter in the face of tyranny and aggression. We will not abandon our friends.

    Russia is alone on the world stage, isolated and facing a bleak future as it pursues a failing war based on the irrational decisions of one man. President Putin’s New Year speech was grim and hostile. In contrast, President Zelenskyy’s message was filled with hope and unity. As the New Year was ushered in, addressing the people of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy declared, “We fight as one team – the whole country, all our regions”. The UK is proud to stand with and support that team. We are with the whole country, we are with all the regions and we will be with them when Ukraine’s victory is realised.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Clare Lombardelli appointed as OECD Chief Economist [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Clare Lombardelli appointed as OECD Chief Economist [January 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 13 January 2023.

    Chief Economic Adviser to the Treasury, Clare Lombardelli, has been appointed as the new OECD Chief Economist – the first time a British person has held this role in thirty years.

    As OECD Chief Economist, Clare will be working with OECD member countries and partners to confront difficult macroeconomic and structural challenges. She will lead the OECD’s economic work, replacing France’s Laurence Boone, who has held the post since 2018.

    Clare has worked in government since 2005, after starting her career as an economist at the Bank of England. During this time her roles have included Principal Private Secretary to the Chancellor, Private Secretary for Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister and Budget Director. She has also worked as a technical adviser for the International Monetary Fund. She will step down from the Treasury after the Spring Budget.

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:

    Clare is an exceptional civil servant – throughout her time in government she has always delivered clear and level-headed advice. Most recently she has led teams at the Treasury to promote sustainable economic growth and setting and implementing fiscal policy.

    I congratulate Clare on her well-deserved appointment. It’s great to have a Brit in the role and look forward to working with her in the future.

    Permanent Secretary to the Treasury James Bowler said:

    I’m delighted Clare is being appointed to such a key international role. With her proven economic experience and leadership over almost 20 years in government, she fits the job very well.

    Clare has been an exceptional Chief Economic Adviser and colleague at the Treasury making a huge contribution under successive Governments and I wish her all the best.

    Clare Lombardelli said:

    I look forward to taking up my new role, leading the OECD’s economic work to improve policies to benefit people around the world. I have loved my time in the civil service and the Treasury – it has been a huge privilege to work with such talented, dedicated and supportive colleagues as we’ve tackled the UK’s biggest economic challenges.

    A recruitment process for Clare’s replacement will be set out shortly by the Treasury.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary in talks with Saudi Arabia to advance commercial collaboration in UK space based solar [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Secretary in talks with Saudi Arabia to advance commercial collaboration in UK space based solar [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 13 January 2023.

    • Business Secretary Grant Shapps met with Chairman of Saudi Space Commission and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Abdullah Al-Swaha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
    • the Ministers discussed UK and KSA collaboration in space, including a potential joint investment in space based solar power that could help unlock significant commercial opportunities for British businesses
    • builds on a long-standing bilateral relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia based on trade, investment, defence, security and energy

    The UK and Saudi Arabian governments discussed ambitious plans yesterday (Thursday 12 January), for collaboration in space and innovation, including the potential to invest in the development of space based solar power.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps met with His Excellency (HE) Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Saudi Arabian Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission and Minister of Communications and Information Technology this week, to discuss the potential agreement that could help unlock significant commercial opportunities for British businesses.

    A collaboration between UK company Space Solar Ltd, and NEOM – a new Saudi city being built in the Tabuk Province to incorporate smart city innovations, world-class technology and data intelligence – could see each nation committing significant investment into developing space based solar power (SBSP) in the coming years.

    SBSP sees solar energy collected using a very large satellite in geo-stationary orbit with solar panels, and beaming the energy to a fixed point on earth using radio technology. Its main advantages over wind and terrestrial solar energy are the ability to deliver clean energy, day and night, throughout the year, and through all weather conditions. Interest in the technology has grown in recent years as costs fall rapidly.

    Early UK investment could leverage significant private investment, and development of SBSP in the UK could provide substantial benefit to the domestic space and technology sectors, through the creation of valuable intellectual property, jobs and industrial contracts.This collaboration on space follows extensive backing for the space sector from the Business Secretary.

    Business Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on an ambitious journey to modernise its economy and society, which opens up a host of opportunities for burgeoning British businesses, exporting UK expertise that could transform global access to renewable energy, including space based solar power.

    Collaboration on a global scale is an essential part of realising the UK’s ambitions in science and innovation, which is why I am excited to be here in the Gulf – where we are now playing an integral role in influencing energy transition plans – to develop our bilateral relationship with a state so open to business, and with aspirations so grand.

    The UK already has strong and significant links with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – with SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) and Alfanar committing to investing a combined total of £1.85 billion into decarbonisation and clean energy technology in Teesside.

    The UK and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing bilateral relationship based on trade, investment, defence, security and energy, and we intend to maintain our relationship with the country on the grounds of vital national security and economic interests.

    Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ shows encouraging signs of change – as well as social reform and improved human rights, it is full of opportunity for the UK economy, with possibilities for space based solar collaboration being just one example.

    Any future funding in collaboration with Saudi Arabia will be subject to value-for-money analysis and investment security scrutiny.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Net Zero Review – UK could do more to reap economic benefits of green growth [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Net Zero Review – UK could do more to reap economic benefits of green growth [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 13 January 2023.

    • Chris Skidmore publishes his Net Zero Review, setting out the ‘historic opportunity’ offered by net zero
    • former energy minister says the UK’s leadership on tackling climate change has led to changes at home and around the world – with more than 90% of the world’s GDP now committed to net zero
    • review makes 129 recommendations, all to seize opportunities from creating a green economy

    The UK’s leadership on tackling climate change has delivered real change at home and led to a global transformation – but more should be done to reap the economic benefits that presents, Chris Skidmore says today.

    Mission Zero, his Net Zero Review, makes 129 recommendations covering areas including the greater role that business can be supported to play, making better use of infrastructure and delivering more energy efficient homes. Every one is designed to maximise economic investment, opportunities and jobs – all while working towards achieving legally binding targets to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    He urges ministers to grasp the ‘historic opportunity’, highlighting how the government’s Net Zero Strategy offers the right direction, and the right policies to do so.

    Chair of the Net Zero Review, Chris Skidmore MP, said:

    We should be proud of the lead the UK has taken in tackling climate change, having exceeded expectations so far in our race to net zero emissions by 2050. As essential as that is environmentally, it also puts us at an economic advantage globally.

    We lead in areas including clean technologies, science, manufacturing and green finance – areas that, if managed right, can lead to new jobs and strong economic growth.

    In developing this report, we have engaged with communities, economists and climate experts from across the country through more than 50 roundtables and 1800 submissions – all of which have led to the Mission Zero findings.

    My recommendations are designed to make the most of this historic opportunity, covering the length and breadth of our economy, so that people in every part of the country can reap the benefits of this both in their communities, and in their pockets.

    Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    With a wealth of talent and expertise, and a track record to be proud of, the UK is well placed to ensure that tackling climate change also brings new jobs and investment for businesses and communities.

    I am grateful to Chris Skidmore – the man who signed our climate commitments into law – for his detailed report today, which offers a range of ideas and innovations for us to consider as we work to grasp the opportunities from green growth.

    Chris Skidmore’s proposals include:

    • backing business – these include reviewing incentives for investment in decarbonisation, including via the tax system, and launching a Help to Grow Green campaign offering information and advice to small businesses so they can plan ahead
    • backing local action – these include reforming the planning system to put net zero at its heart nationally and locally, and backing at least one Trailblazer Net Zero City, local authority and community that can work towards reaching net zero by 2030
    • delivering energy efficient homes – including legislating for the Future Homes Standard so that no new homes will be built with a gas boiler from 2025, adopting a 10-year mission to make heat pumps a widespread technology in the UK
    • using infrastructure to unlock net zero – including developing a cross-sectoral infrastructure strategy by 2025 to support the building and adaptation for new green energy sources such as hydrogen to support the green economy

    Official statistics show there are already around 400,000 jobs in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the UK, with turnover estimated at £41.2 billion in 2020. Both the British Energy Security Strategy and Net Zero Strategy aim to leverage an additional and unprecedented £100 billion of private investment, while supporting an additional 480,000 British jobs by 2030.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Response to Drug Deaths Taskforce report [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Response to Drug Deaths Taskforce report [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 12 January 2023.

    Cross-government action plan backed by £68 million.

    More than 80 actions supported by £68 million over the course of this parliament are outlined in the Scottish Government’s response to Changing Lives, the final report from the Drug Deaths Taskforce.

    Measures are being taken across a broad range of areas including employment, justice, transport, education and health and social care to improve the lives of those affected by drugs.

    The response is underpinned by two principles – that services treat problem drug use the same as any other health condition and that people with lived experience are involved in policy decisions.

    Many of the 20 recommendations and 139 action points made by the Taskforce are already being addressed but new announcements include:

    • £30 million ringfenced from the Enhanced Services Allocation to NHS territorial Boards from April 2023 to support specific drug treatment services within primary care settings
    • £18 million to develop stabilisation and crisis care services, in addition to the £100 million already available for residential rehabilitation
    • £4.3 million for a Stigma Action Plan which includes an accreditation scheme for organisations to improve awareness and challenge stigma across public life
    • £5.5 million for new programmes for children and families including the expansion of Routes, a young person’s support group run by Scottish Families Affected By Drugs
    • £3.4 million additional funding to deliver a workforce action plan and expand the Addiction Workers Training Programme run by the Scottish Drugs Forum and an additional £3.3 million to expand trauma training
    • £2.4 million to improve care for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions to build on the recommendations set out in the recent rapid review
    • £0.5 million for an initial pilot to expand the concessionary travel scheme to include people with a substance dependency

    Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said:

    “Every drug death is a tragedy and unacceptable. We continue to face a public health emergency and cannot underestimate the scale of this crisis.

    “The Drug Deaths Taskforce was formed to provide independent expert advice on our response to this emergency and this cross-government action plan includes a broad range of initiatives which will not only support the complex needs of people who use drugs but also help support prevention and early intervention.

    “This publication outlines our whole government commitment to addressing this challenge and ensuring that people with problem substance use can access all the services they need and are entitled to.

    “I thank the Taskforce members, past and present, for their important contribution. The final report, Changing Lives, has provided us with clear, evidenced recommendations and our response outlines a new, even more ambitious, phase of our mission to save and improve lives.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Winter funding for food groups in Scotland [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Winter funding for food groups in Scotland [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 12 January 2023.

    Cash-first approach will help those facing hardship.

    Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison has announced an additional £2.4 million in funding to help people struggling to afford food and other essentials.

    The funds will go to four organisations to distribute mainly on a ‘cash-first’ basis to people in immediate need in the face of the cost of living crisis.

    A focus on crisis payments and shopping cards will allow people to choose for themselves what they need.

    Ms Robison announced the funding on a visit to Prospect Community Housing in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, where she heard how staff are helping residents through debt and income advice services.

    She said:

    “I know people are struggling with the cost of food and other essentials right now, and this additional funding will get more support to some of those who need it most this winter.

    “We are working with partners to prioritise urgent cash-first action when it comes to food insecurity and this will take some of the pressure off food banks.

    “This funding has the potential to directly reach 7,500 people, and many more will benefit than this, as the Corra Foundation and Fareshare will between them distribute it further to an estimated 900 organisations.

    “We want people to make sure they are getting all the support they are entitled to, so I encourage anyone who is struggling financially to get advice on what support they may qualify for – through their local authority, a local advice service, or Social Security Scotland as well as checking out our cost of living website.”

    Carolyn Sawers, Chief Executive at the Corra Foundation said:

    “This £1 million contribution to the Household Hardship Fund from the Scottish Government provides a dignified cash first approach for those most impacted by the cost of living.

    “Organisations which have received money through the fund have told us it is making a significant difference helping families with the essentials of food, fuel, and household items.

    “Corra is committed to working alongside others in tackling the long-term issues of poverty. The Household Hardship fund is an important step in responding to the crisis that people across Scotland face today.”

    Sally Thomas, Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:

    “Housing associations and co-operatives are doing everything they can to help tenants keep their heads above water, heat their homes and put food on their table this winter. However  our members are increasingly reporting that tenants are facing impossible decisions on and between household bills and food as costs soar.

    “It’s simply not right that anyone in Scotland should be going hungry this winter. As we continue to face this unprecedented crisis, this money will be critical to helping ensure social landlords can provide a response to food insecurity that is tailored to the needs of their tenants and communities, maintaining dignity and choice.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Record medical training posts filled in Scotland [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Record medical training posts filled in Scotland [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 11 January 2023.

    Highest numbers since records began.

    More medical training posts have been filled in 2022 than at any other year since records began in 2013.

    Latest recruitment figures show 1,073 posts for doctors in training were filled successfully – 93% of the 1,155 advertised.

    The majority of specialties filled at 100%, including Core Psychiatry, Clinical Radiology and Core Surgical Training. General Practice training places saw 99% also filled successfully.

    Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

    “The results of this year’s recruitment process continue to show that Scotland is a highly desirable place to live, train and work as a trainee doctor. This is testament to our first-class medical education system and flexible training opportunities.

    “Building on our high staffing levels, that have consistently grown for the last decade, is absolutely vital to the recovery of our NHS and I would like to thank each and every doctor in training who has opted to pursue their career in Scotland.  All NHS Scotland staff work tirelessly to meet the healthcare needs of our country.

    “We realise that there is always room for improvement and will therefore continue to work with NHS Education for Scotland to support our trainees as much as we possibly can to ensure the sustainability of our workforce.”

    Professor Emma Watson, Medical Director, NHS Education for Scotland, added:

    “The 2022 recruitment figures reflect the strong reputation Scottish medical education and training has among doctors beginning their careers as General Practitioners or Hospital Specialists. It is our responsibility to meet their expectations and to continue to improve and through education and training prepare and support them in their roles in the NHS.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Delivering a fair and secure zero carbon energy system [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Delivering a fair and secure zero carbon energy system [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 January 2023.

    Strategy to deliver a just transition for the energy sector published.

    A route map to secure Scotland’s fastest possible fair and just transition away from fossil fuels has been published.

    The draft ‘Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan’ sets out a plan for Scotland’s renewables revolution to be accelerated as North Sea basin resources decline.

    This would result in a net jobs gain across the energy production sector, with the potential to increase renewable energy exports and reduce exposure to future global energy market fluctuations.

    Key policy proposals published for consultation include:

    • substantially increasing the current level of 13.4 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity generation capacity, with an additional 20 GW by 2030, which could produce the equivalent of nearly 50% of current demand
    • an ambition for 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen power by 2030, and 25 GW by 2045
    • increasing contributions of solar, hydro power and marine energy to the energy mix
    • generation of surplus electricity enabling export of electricity and renewable hydrogen to support decarbonisation across Europe
    • setting out final policy positions on fossil fuel energy, including consulting on a presumption against new exploration for North Sea oil and gas
    • accelerated decarbonisation of domestic industry, transport and heat in buildings
    • increasing access to affordable energy by urging the UK Government to take stronger, more targeted action for fair energy market reform
    • maximising household, business and community benefit from energy projects, including through shared ownership of renewables

    Published as part of the draft Energy Strategy is a Just Transition Plan for the energy sector. This details the support being provided to grow Scotland’s highly skilled energy workforce, increase jobs in energy generation and the supply chain, while enabling communities and businesses, particularly in the North East, to prosper.

    Analysis shows the number of low carbon production jobs is estimated to rise from 19,000 in 2019 to 77,000 by 2050 as the result of a just energy transition, meaning there will be more jobs in energy production in 2050 than there are now.

    The Strategy also sets out recommended actions for the UK Government to take in reserved policy areas, including powers relating to energy security, market mechanisms, network investment and market regulation.

    Scottish Ministers have invited the UK Government to join an Energy Transition delivery group to drive forward the vision set out in the Strategy.

    Net Zero & Energy Secretary Michel Matheson said:

    “Scotland is an energy rich nation, with significant renewable energy resource, a highly-skilled workforce and innovative businesses across a globally renowned supply chain.

    “The renewables revolution is global, as all countries seek to address concerns about climate change, and Scotland is at the forefront of this transition.

    “At a time of unprecedented uncertainty in our energy sector, accelerating the transition towards becoming a renewables powerhouse makes sense for a number of reasons – particularly to helping to mitigate against future global market volatility and the high energy prices which are making life so difficult for so many people across Scotland. For example, onshore wind is one of the most affordable forms of energy.

    “While we do not hold all the powers to address these issues at source, this Strategy sets out how we can achieve an energy transition that ensures we have sufficient, secure and affordable energy to meet our needs, support Scotland’s economic growth and capitalise on future sustainable export opportunities.”

    Just Transition Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    “The oil and gas industry has made a vast contribution to Scotland’s economy and its workers are some of the most highly-skilled in the world. But Scotland’s oil and gas basin is now a mature resource.

    “A just transition to a net zero energy system will secure alternative employment and economic opportunities for those already working in the industry and will provide new green jobs in Scotland for future generations. Embracing this change will ensure we avoid repeating the damage done by the deindustrialisation of central belt communities in the 1980s.

    “There is a bright future for a revitalised North Sea energy sector focussed on renewables.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Additional Winter support for NHS in Scotland [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Additional Winter support for NHS in Scotland [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 January 2023.

    Measures to help NHS deal with extreme pressure.

    Funding of at least £8 million for additional care home beds and efforts to boost NHS 24 capacity are among the measures outlined by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf to help the NHS and social care deal with ongoing extreme winter pressure.

    Health and Social Care Partnerships will share £8 million to procure around 300 additional care home beds to help alleviate pressures caused by delayed discharge. The funding will allow boards to pay 25% over and above the National Care Home rate for beds. This is in addition to around 600 interim care beds already in operation across the country.

    NHS 24 is taking forward plans to recruit around 200 new starts before the end of March. In the run up to Christmas NHS 24 had already recruited over 40 whole time equivalent call operators, call handlers and clinical supervisors.

    Guidance has been issued to all Boards making it clear they can take necessary steps to protect critical and life-saving care.

    Mr Yousaf said:

    “This is the most challenging winter the NHS in Scotland has ever faced and the immediate pressure will continue for the coming weeks. My thanks to all health and social care staff for their incredible efforts during these exceptionally challenging times.

    “We are ensuring all possible actions are being taken to support services, and the additional measures I have outlined today will help relieve some of the extreme pressure Health Boards are facing. We know one of the most significant issues our NHS is facing is delayed discharge, that is why I have announced further support to buy additional capacity in the care sector.

    “NHS 24 has a vital role in referring people to appropriate urgent care services outside of hospitals and plans to increase staff numbers over the course of winter,  will help the service deal with increases in demand.

    “Emergency care will always be there for those who need it, but for many people, the best advice and support might be available on the NHS Inform website or the NHS 24 App, or by calling NHS 24, so I would encourage people to make use of these services as many are already doing.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : New domestic abuse powers ‘better reflect experience of victims’ [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New domestic abuse powers ‘better reflect experience of victims’ [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 January 2023.

    Research finds extending laws to include emotional and psychological abuse has had beneficial impact.

    Scotland’s ground-breaking domestic abuse legislation better reflects victims’ experiences, according to new research.

    By recognising abuse as a pattern of behaviour, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 closer matches victims’ accounts of psychological and physical harm over time, according to three small scale research studies from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government.

    Responses from 69 domestic abuse victims and witnesses also found most women felt that engaging with the criminal justice system on domestic abuse was ‘the right decision’ to take.

    However, respondents also said improvements could be made to how such cases are handled to provide victims with a greater voice in proceedings and better support through the process. Other areas of improvement included making judicial processes quicker and more efficient and providing better training for justice professionals.

    The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 was passed by Parliament on 1 February 2018 and was brought into force in April 2019.

    The Scottish Government published, in February 2022, the Vision for Justice, which set out that urgent action is required to ensure women and children are better served by Scotland’s justice system. Measures that have already been taken include:

    • establishing a Victim-Centred Approach Fund, awarding £48m to provide practical and emotional support to victims, including £18.5m for specialist advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence
    • establishing a £53.2m Justice Recovery Fund, including £26.5m for courts, helping reduce the case backlog by 13,000 between January and November 2022
    • funding the Caledonian System, a programme which seeks to change the behaviour of domestically abusive men
    • increasing use of Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse, helping to safeguard more people who have been harmed or are at risk

    The Scottish Government also intends to introduce a Criminal Justice Reform Bill this year to bring forward recommendations from Lady Dorrian’s review on improving the management of sexual offence cases – including introducing a statutory right to anonymity for victims of sexual offences. The Bill will also abolish the ‘not proven’ verdict.

    Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I know it takes incredible courage for those who suffer domestic abuse to come forward and I am grateful to everyone who took part in this research. We are committed to putting victims at the heart of Scotland’s justice system and the purpose of this work is to use their experiences to make improvements for all.

    “I am absolutely resolute that we must treat all domestic abuse victims appropriately and with compassion – the vast majority of whom are women.

    “We are already making significant improvements and it is very encouraging that this report found our new laws have better reflected victims’ experiences.

    “Given that domestic abuse is an under-reported and often hidden crime, it is also very positive that women who suffered such crimes reported that their engagement with the justice system was the right thing to do.”

    One of the report authors, Claire Houghton from the University of Edinburgh said:  “It is reassuring that victims and witnesses welcomed the expanded scope of the domestic abuse law.

    “However, our study found that it has yet to reach its potential – adult and child victims and witnesses are still experiencing trauma and delays within the justice system and perpetrators are not adequately held to account for the harm to the whole family.

    “We look forward to working with our justice partners, alongside victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, to improve people’s experiences of the system and support the vital work of specialist agencies.”

    Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith said: “This legislation was a significant step change in how Scotland’s criminal justice system deals with the full range of abusive behaviour.

    “Every officer in our service has been trained, and new recruits are trained, to identify these behaviours and to apply Domestic Abuse Scotland Act.

    “Every instance of domestic abuse is unique and we seek to tailor our response to the needs of the victims, including children who often witness abuse.

    “We know we don’t always get it right, but we are listening and we recognise how crucial hearing the experience of victims is in helping us improve our response and deliver a service that meets their needs.”