Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Clean energy transition to be accelerated [January 2023]

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

Energy strategy to shape next 25 years of energy production.

There is a clear imperative to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said ahead of the publication of a new strategy for the energy sector.

The draft Energy Strategy, being published for consultation on Tuesday 10 January, will set out the Scottish Government’s policies on domestic production of energy, alongside a plan to reduce demand and build a resilient and secure future net zero energy system.

Also published will be the first Just Transition Plan to ensure that, as the energy sector grows and changes, it benefits citizens, workers and communities.

It provides a route map of actions, with a particular focus out to 2030, for the Scottish and UK Governments and is central to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets, as well as boosting jobs and improving wellbeing.

Speaking ahead of a visit to energy technology research and test site, PNDC, in Cumbernauld, the First Minister said:

“The imperative is clear. In this decade we must set Scotland on the path to an energy system that meets the challenge of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, that supplies safe, secure and affordable energy for all and that generates economic opportunity through a just transition.

“The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.

“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland. It provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas – as both generators and consumers – there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.

“Scotland is already at the forefront of the clean energy transition and our green jobs revolution is underway. By continuing to make the most of our vast renewable energy resource, we can deliver a net zero energy system that also delivers a net gain in jobs within Scotland’s energy production sector.”

January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Any breach of the UN Charter is a threat to us all – Minister Rutley statement at the UN [January 2023]

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

Minister for Americas and the Caribbean David Rutley gave a statement at the UN Security Council open debate on the Rule of Law.

Thank you, Mr President. I am grateful to our briefers for their valuable contributions today.

The UK has long been an advocate for the rules-based international order as the foundation of international peace, development and human advancement, and we remain deeply committed to it today.

At the heart of this order, is the UN Charter.

Since its inception in 1945, 193 countries have ratified that Charter, committing to work together to save future generations from the scourge of war, promote human rights, and uphold international law.

And within that Charter, Articles 1 and 2 are of particular importance to today’s Security Council discussion. These Articles provide the foundations for global peace and security. They include an express commitment by Member States not to threaten or use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. And they oblige Member States to settle disputes by exclusively peaceful means.

These are principles we have all made a commitment to. And for all the tragedies and bloodshed of the last 8 decades, the remarkable truth is that global commitment has made a difference, with the number of deaths in state conflicts as a share of global population falling by 95% between 1946 and 2020.

And yet, while many countries – indeed the vast majority – have demonstrated how seriously they take their commitments under the UN Charter, a handful continue to show their disregard for the rules-based international order, and the Rule of Law.

Mr President, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a particularly stark example. Through its unprovoked invasion, sham referenda and illegal attempted annexations, Russia has shown contempt for its obligations under the UN Charter. Russia has clearly violated the prohibition of the use of force and the principle of non-intervention in contravention of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is made more egregious by the fact Russia is a permanent member of this Council, which brings with it a particular responsibility.

Elsewhere too, we continue to see certain Member States act in a way which demonstrates a disregard for the rules-based international order.

Iran’s nuclear programme has never been more advanced than it is today. It is threatening international peace and security and undermining the global non-proliferation system.

In North Korea, the unprecedented launch of 70 ballistic missiles in 2022 violates multiple Security Council Resolutions also continues to threaten international peace and security.

And in Syria, the targeting of schools, hospitals and emergency first responders – by the Regime and Russia – are flagrant violations of international law and, indeed, basic human decency. Rape and sexual violence have been widely used as a weapon of war, notably by Regime pro-government forces.

Today’s discussion is timely. Any breach of the UN Charter and its fundamental principles, which underpin global peace and security, represents a threat to us all. And so now, more than ever, the International Community must come together to reiterate our support for the UN Charter, and the Rule of Law; commit to work together to strengthen the rules-based international order and the Rule of Law, and to send a clear signal that we will not tolerate efforts to undermine the rules-based international order. The United Kingdom looks forward to working with you all to do so.

Thank you, Mr President.

January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK-wide funding confirmed to 2025 for the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 12 January 2023.

The Government has today confirmed the allocation of a £230 million uplift to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for investment in football facilities across the UK.

As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the grassroots facilities every community needs and levelling up access to high quality pitches, up to a further £168 million will be invested into facilities in England by 2025 – on top of a continued £18m annual commitment. It will be delivered by the Football Foundation – a partnership between the Premier League, The FA, and DCMS – to improve and upgrade pitches and facilities across the country.

In addition, a further £18.1 million will be invested in Scotland, £12.6 million in Wales and £6.29 million in Northern Ireland respectively by 2025. The UK Government’s direct investment into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, the Football Association of Wales and the Irish Football Association.

This funding will deliver improvements to hundreds of sites, with at least half of the investment going directly to the most deprived areas. It builds on the successful delivery of over £43 million across the UK last year.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each FA will invite and select projects across a range of facility types – from the creation or upgrade of changing rooms, grass pitches and 3G football turf pitches and pavilions, to floodlights, fencing and improved disabled access.

Grassroots football clubs, local authorities and schools with a relevant project that could benefit from this investment in the next two financial years are encouraged to contact their relevant delivery partner: the Football Foundation in England; and the relevant Football Association in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Projects in all four home nations will continue to be selected for their ability to deliver improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently underrepresented groups, including women, girls and those with a disability. To ensure that as many people as possible from underrepresented groups are able to access quality sports facilities, 40 percent of the investment will fund sites that support regular use of a sport other than football.

Projects benefiting from investment in 2022/23 will be confirmed shortly.

January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UK public and employers back “dedicated” veterans in new research poll [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 January 2023.
New polling of more than 12,000 people finds that the majority of the general public and employers have positive views of veterans

Employers view veterans as having a strong work ethic, and being resilient and dedicated.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer visited Barclays today to meet ex-military staff who have transitioned successfully into civilian life

The public and employers have given their backing to veterans of the UK Armed Forces, in a new study by YouGov into perceptions of former military personnel.

The study, which will help shape future policy initiatives, showed that 71% of employers believed that veterans have a strong work ethic, whilst a vast majority of fellow employees said that veterans are resilient and would welcome working alongside them.

YouGov’s report, commissioned by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, asked more than 12,000 members of the public, as well as employers, healthcare professionals and members of the media across of the UK about their perceptions of armed forces veterans, their views on how veterans are treated after they leave service, and their opinion on veterans are portrayed in the media.

Employers also highlighted that there are significant potential benefits from using the skills that veterans have acquired in order to fulfil skill gaps across many industries.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

“Whilst the majority of veterans transition seamlessly to civilian life, some need additional help. This study will be vital to shaping our strategy to get our veterans into work after their time serving this country.

“It shows the willingness of employers across the country to take full advantage of the opportunity that these skilled individuals can provide.”

Today, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer visited Barclays, to meet with senior leaders and veterans and discuss their successful veterans employment programme. The visit was an opportunity for the minister to hear first hand from the veterans and discuss their successful transition into civilian life, and how others can be helped to find employment post-military service.

The report also makes a number of recommendations, including stepping up working with employers to provide them with more information and guidance, particularly focussing on the diverse range of skills and benefits ex-service personnel can bring to employers. The report also says that misconceptions around mental health in the veteran community should be tackled, with more communications around the challenges veterans do and do not face.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the wider government already have a number of programmes in place to boost veterans employment. These include:

Businesses and other organisations employing veterans in their first civilian receiving a one year National Insurance holiday. The tax holiday further incentivises employers to take advantage of the wide range of skills and experience that ex-military personnel offer.

Promoting opportunities for service leavers and veterans to go into careers with the uniformed and health services, as well as teaching

Launching the Going Forward Into Employment scheme, to provide a clear pathway for veterans, military partners and spouses who need extra support into employment and other opportunities in the public sector

The Great Place to Work Scheme, where more than 840 Civil Service jobs have been offered to veterans since the start of 2020.

You can read the full report here.
January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary meets Irish Tánaiste Micheál Martin [January 2003]

The press release issued by Northern Ireland Office on 12 January 2023.

Secretary of State Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris met Micheál Martin TD, Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence today in Hillsborough.

The Secretary of State and Tánaiste discussed a range of issues related to the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, the implications that the implementation of the Protocol is having on political stability, and the UK Government’s determination and ongoing work to deliver better outcomes for those impacted by the Troubles, including through proposed changes to improve the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.

The Secretary of State highlighted his keenness to continue close engagement with the Tánaiste, given the UK and Ireland’s close bilateral relationship. This meeting comes ahead of the next British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, due to take place on 19 January in Dublin.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

I was delighted to host Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Hillsborough this morning and look forward to furthering the UK and Ireland’s bilateral relationship. We agree on the need to see a strong devolved government in Northern Ireland and the restoration of an Executive as soon as possible, as the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement intends.

It was productive to talk through this and other important issues, including the opportunities for Northern Ireland’s future, and addressing the legacy of the past.

Next week, we will convene a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin, which will offer us space to discuss these matters of mutual interest in greater detail.

January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : From pensioners to teenagers, HMRC reveals who files a tax return [January 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 12 January 2023.

HMRC has today revealed that more pensioners filed a tax return for the 2020 to 2021 tax year compared to young people.

Overall, those aged 65 and over accounted for 16% of individuals who submitted a tax return, whereas 16 to 24 year olds made up 2.7% of total filers.

The new data is part of analysis by HMRC into the demographic data of the Self Assessment population. The findings also show:
- people aged 45 to 54 were the largest group of filers, accounting for 24% of all tax returns submitted
- more than 294,000 16 to 24 year olds filed a return, making up 2.7% of total filers
- 62% of those who submitted a return last year were men, compared to 38% who were women
The data also showed that almost 146,000 people submitted their tax return at the earliest opportunity between 6 and 11 April 2021.

More than 12 million people are expected to file a Self Assessment tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year. Anyone yet to submit theirs has until 31 January to complete it, pay any tax owed or set up a payment plan, or risk having to pay a penalty.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

Time is running out for anyone who has yet to start their tax return – there is a wide range of guidance and webinars available online for those who need a helping hand. Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to make a start.

Payments are also due on 31 January and customers still have time to decide which payment option is best for them. For customers who are due a refund, they should include their bank account details in their tax return so that if HMRC needs to repay them, it can be done quickly and securely.
January 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of the Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Londonderry [January 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 January 2023.

The King is pleased to appoint Mr Ian Crowe MBE DL as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry to succeed Dr Angela Garvey who retired in March 2022.

Background

Mr Crowe is a local business man, now retired. He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List for his committed service to the community of Northern Ireland, having supported numerous organisations such as Air Ambulance NI(AANI), Past President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, City of Derry Rugby Club and others in a voluntary capacity over the last forty years.

Mr Crowe has lived and worked in Northern Ireland since the beginning of his career, with his first leadership role as Captain of City of Derry Rugby 1st XV in 1978 a position he held for four years. Ian also represented Ulster between 1978 to 1985. On retirement from playing he served the club he derived so much enjoyment from in multiple roles as a Coach, Chairman, President, All Ireland league Referee and current Trustee of one of the oldest Rugby Clubs in Ireland. He has been leading CPC Office Supplies as Managing Director since 1984 and his success in business led to several non-executive roles in business and charity organisations.

He has dedicated himself to supporting organisations across Northern Ireland in sectors ranging from Sport, Peace and Reconciliation, Business and the Charity sector and cites the most notable achievement is being part of a team, including Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), who successfully delivered a fully operational Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) providing a lifesaving service for Northern Ireland.

In 2009, he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry and Vice Lord-Lieutenant in 2021.

January 12, 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.
January 12, 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.

January 12, 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.”

January 12, 2023