Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine [December 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 December 2022.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this afternoon.

The leaders discussed the fresh wave of Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure in Ukraine, and President Zelenskyy thanked the UK for its crucial support to help restore power through the supply of generators.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the success of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in intercepting dozens of potentially devastating missiles this week, and said the UK was thinking of the Ukrainian people as they continued to defend their country through the winter.

Updating on the latest lethal aid deliveries from the UK, the Prime Minister said that more anti-air guns and further short range air defence missiles would arrive in the coming weeks.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of pre-empting Russia’s insincere calls for a ceasefire, and the Prime Minister added that the Kremlin needed to withdraw its forces before any agreement could be considered.

The leaders agreed to speak again in the coming weeks.

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Ensuring humanitarian providers can continue to help the most vulnerable [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the adoption of the Security Council Resolution on crosscutting humanitarian exceptions to UN asset freezes.

Thank you President,

The UK congratulates the USA and Ireland on the adoption of this resolution today. We have been unequivocal in our support throughout the development of the resolution.

As humanitarian week at the UN draws to a close, and humanitarian needs around the world are soaring, I am proud that this Council is working together to support vital humanitarian aid delivery around the world.

Sanctions are a core part of this Council’s toolkit. In line with the UN Charter, they are rightly used to address threats to international peace and security.

From violent gangs in Haiti to extremist groups like al Shabaab and Al Qaeda, we have used sanctions to stop weapons flows and tackle terrorism.

This Resolution will provide that certain activities necessary for humanitarian assistance or to support basic human needs, when carried out by specified organisations, do not violate UN asset freezes.

This Resolution will help save lives by providing clarity to help ensure humanitarian providers and their service providers can continue to help the most vulnerable. It will support getting aid to those in need more effectively. The UK is pleased to have voted in favour and co-sponsored this Resolution.

Thank you.

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government bolsters enforcement teams to quicken cladding repairs [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 December 2022.

More building owners will be held to account for repairs of high-rise properties thanks to a multi-million-pound expansion in council enforcement teams.

Backed by more than £8 million in government funding, local enforcement units will benefit from greater resources to pursue freeholders who are dragging their heels and refusing to begin repairs.

Councils have already begun a crackdown through their own teams, but with extra support will now be able to provide more innocent leaseholders with a safe and secure home.

The funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will be split among 59 councils in England and prioritised for those with the highest number of unsafe buildings, particularly focused in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Minister for Building Safety Lee Rowley said:

Building owners must get essential cladding repairs done as quickly as possible and we will be relentless in pursuing those who do not.

We are bolstering council enforcement operations, making them better equipped to make the most of the powers they have to hold freeholders to account and prevent them from dragging their heels.

I look forward to working with councils to ensure we keep up the pressure on freeholders so they step up to the plate.

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Southwark Council, said:

We’ve been taking enforcement action against private residential building owners who haven’t completed necessary cladding work for some years now. This is part of our thorough fire safety measures that look to keep people safe.

However, we have far more high-rise buildings than many other London boroughs, meaning that this funding will support a much needed expansion of our work.

The Building Safety Act makes clear building owners must fix their own buildings and that developers are the first in line to pay to protect leaseholders from repair bills. The additional funding will help ensure freeholders cannot escape their responsibilities.

More than 45 of the UK’s biggest house builders have pledged to do the right thing and agreed to fund work to fix life-critical, fire-safety defects on buildings 11 metres and over that they had a role in developing or refurbishing over the last 30 years – including those which have applied for or received government funding.

Where a developer cannot be identified or has not yet agreed to pay for its own buildings, the £4.5 billion Building Safety Fund is available to pay for work to address life-critical fire safety issues with buildings 18 metres plus in height with cladding.

For eligible buildings 11-18m in height in this situation, a new scheme funded by developers through the Building Safety Levy will pay to address life safety fire risk issues will be rolled out next year following a pilot launched last month.

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Canvey Island flood defence work to begin [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 9 December 2022.

The Environment Agency is set to begin a £75 million project to keep homes and businesses in Canvey Island protected from flooding.

Much of Canvey Island lies below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary. The tidal defences play a critical role in reducing the risk of flooding to people, property and infrastructure on the island.

A 3 kilometre stretch of the island’s existing tidal flood defence revetment will be renewed on its southern shoreline between Thorney Bay and the Island Yacht Club. Sections of the current revetment over the project area date back to the 1930s and need replacing.

Once completed the island’s tidal defences will continue to provide protection for 6,097 properties on the island for another 50 years. The works will also take into account the effects of rising sea levels due to climate change.

As well as refurbishing the existing tidal defences, additional enhancements will be made to the Canvey Island shoreline. These will include improved public access along the seaward walkway.

New steps to the beach and foreshore as well as project information boards will be installed. The surface of the pathway along the landward side of the seawall between Thorney Bay and Chapman Sands will also be improved.

Flowering grass seed mixes will be planted. This is to improve biodiversity on the defence and rock pools will be created to boost habitat in select locations along the foreshore.

The works are part of the Thames Estuary Asset Management (TEAM) 2100 Programme. This is a 10 year capital investment programme to refurbish and improve existing tidal flood defences. As the single largest flood risk management programme in the UK, the TEAM 2100 Programme is refurbishing, repairing and replacing defences in the Thames Estuary where required.

James Mason, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

This project is essential to managing the risk of flooding for thousands of people, homes and businesses on Canvey Island.

The existing revetment along the southern shoreline is starting to reach the end of its useful life. This investment in Canvey Island’s tidal defences will ensure they continue to benefit the community on Canvey Island to 2070.

We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK. Which is why schemes such as this are needed.

Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by going to https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

Contractors working on behalf of the Environment Agency will begin setting up site from January with work beginning on the tidal defences from late March. The project is expected to take until summer 2025 to complete.

Ahead of the works starting in the new year, a public drop-in session will be held on 14 December 2022 at Jimmy Mac’s restaurant from 11am until 2pm. This session will provide an opportunity for the public and business owners to meet and talk with the project team.

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : £18.5 million flood scheme complete in Egremont [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 9 December 2022.
- An event on the 9th of December saw MP Trudy Harrison officially open the scheme
- The scheme reduces the flood risk to 220 properties
The Skirting Beck and Whangs Beck Flood Risk Management Scheme in Egremont is now complete.

The scheme was formally opened on the 9th of December by MP for Copeland, Trudy Harrison, in an official ribbon cutting event, attended by the key members of the community, councillors, schools and partners who helped to bring the scheme to completion. The Environment Agency’s new chair, Alan Lovell was also present.

The new scheme has involved constructing flood storage areas, with flood walls and flood embankments, at West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, How Bank Farm and at Whangs Beck. Culvert, which are underground watercourses improvements also happened at Croadalla Avenue on Skirting Beck. Property resistance measures having also been delivered to 36 properties across the town. Property resistance measures are undertaken inside a property to reduce damage caused by floodwaters.

As well as reducing flood risk, at least 600 trees have been planted as part of this scheme and 16.5 acres of habitat improvement works have been created in the area of Black Beck. This brings benefits to the local environment and the local community through improvements such as educational ponds for use by local school children.

Sustainable Drainage Systems will also be delivered at various locations across Egremont by Cumbria County Council with Environment Agency funding. Sustainable Drainage Systems are a natural approach to managing drainage in and around properties

Paul Robertshaw, Project Executive at the Environment Agency said:

“We are delighted that the £18.5 million flood scheme is now complete, reducing the flood risk to 220 properties, ahead of winter this year.

“The scheme not only better protects people and properties in the area from flooding but has created a better place for the community by providing, improved community amenities and an enhanced environment for wildlife to thrive.

“The help and cooperation of local residents, West Lakes Academy, the Falcon Club, schools and nurseries has helped this scheme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support over the years.”

MP Trudy Harrison said:

“This is a milestone day for the Egremont community. This area has suffered the devastating impact of repeated flooding for many years, and this significant investment will now make a real difference to families and businesses locally.

“I’d like to thank the Environment Agency and all the partners for working together for the benefit of the community.”

Mark Cronshaw, Framework Director for VolkerStevin, contractors for the scheme said:

“It’s been a fantastic project to be involved with and we are delighted to have helped create a much-improved level of flood protection for the Egremont area and its residents.”
December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Change of Governor of the Cayman Islands [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

Mrs Jane Owen has been appointed Governor of the Cayman Islands in succession to Mr Martyn Roper OBE. Mrs Owen will take up her appointment during April 2023.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Jane Owen

Married to: David Donnelly (died 2017)

Children: Two

Date Role

2017 to present Bern, His Majesty’s Ambassador, and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein

2014 to 2016 UK Trade and Investment, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer

2010 to 2014 Oslo, Her Majesty’s Ambassador

2006 to 2010 New Delhi, Counsellor for Trade, Finance, Science and Climate Change

2002 to 2006 Tokyo, Commercial Counsellor

1998 to 2001 Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission

1996 to 1998 FCO, Head, Mediterranean and Asia Section, Europe Department

1993 to 1996 Department of International Trade, Head, Japan Section

1990 to 1993 Tokyo, Second Secretary, Trade

1988 to 1990 Full Time Language Training (Japanese)

1987 to 1988 FCO, Desk Officer, Central America Department

1986 to 1987 Japan English Teaching programme (JET)

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK reaches agreement on key fish stocks for 2023 [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 December 2022.

The UK has reached agreements with the EU and Norway, and wider coastal states, to secure valuable fishing opportunities for the UK fishing industry.

The UK has secured fishing catch limits worth £202 million to the UK fishing industry, a £33 million increase from last year, after reaching an agreement with Norway and the EU, Defra has announced today (Friday 9 December).

Negotiating as an independent coastal State, the UK agreed catch levels for 2023 for six important fish stocks in the North Sea including North Sea cod, haddock and herring.

This comes as the UK also concluded negotiations on catch limits with coastal States in the North East Atlantic on three more key stocks to the UK fishing fleet – blue whiting, mackerel and atlanto-Scandian herring. In total, UK quota in these stocks will be worth around £256m to the UK fishing industry next year.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the UK’s approach to these negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best science available to ensure key fish stocks are protected and to support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. All catch levels were set in line with, or lower than, the level advised by scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

I’m pleased we have reached agreements with the EU and Norway, and wider coastal states, to secure important fish stocks worth over £450 million for the UK fishing fleet in 2023.

The deals will help support a sustainable, profitable fishing industry for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds.

The catch levels agreed for North Sea stocks for 2023 (compared to 2022) are:
- Cod +63%
- Haddock +30%
- Herring -7.3%
- Plaice +5.8%
- Saithe +18.7%
- Whiting +30%
Last month, the UK reached an agreement with Norway, with the UK fleet benefiting from fishing opportunities worth £5 million. Further talks with the EU are continuing over the total allowable catches and other stock management measures

Throughout the negotiations, the UK Government worked closely with the devolved administrations to ensure that fishing communities across the UK will benefit from the agreement.

An assessment on the number of individual Total Allowable Catches set consistent with ICES advice will be published on the conclusion of the UK’s annual fisheries negotiations.
December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK summons Iranian Chargé d’Affaires after Iranian regime executes protestor [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 December 2022.

The UK summoned the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires on 8 December following the execution of a protestor.

The Foreign Secretary instructed the FCDO to summon Iran’s most senior diplomat after Iran carried out the first execution of a protestor since demonstrations began in September.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The execution of Mohsen Shekari by the Iranian regime is abhorrent. He is a tragic victim of a legal system in which disproportionate sentences, politically motivated trials and forced confessions are rife.

We have made our views clear to the Iranian authorities – Iran must immediately halt executions and end the violence against its own people.

Vijay Rangarajan, Director General for the Middle East, held the meeting with Mehdi Hosseini Matin to underline that in the UK’s view this is a grossly disproportionate action, which is designed to intimidate ordinary Iranians and stifle voices of dissent.

He stressed that the UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and urged Iran to immediately halt executions and the imposition of death sentences.

December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Readout of the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s roundtable with the oil and gas industry [December 2022]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 9 December 2022.

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt heard directly from oil and gas companies in a Fiscal Forum meeting in Edinburgh this morning (9 December).
During discussions, he highlighted the importance of energy security in the aftermath of Russia’s war with Ukraine, and said that the Government continues to recognise the importance of the sector and the value of its investments.

He stressed that this was both as a key asset for supporting UK energy independence and ensuring a sustainable transition to Net Zero. He explained that is why the more investment a firm makes into the UK, the less tax they pay.

The Chancellor emphasised that the Autumn Statement was focused on securing fiscal sustainability after the two economic shocks of a global pandemic and a war in Europe. It required difficult decisions, and meant he was asking those with the broadest shoulders to contribute more.

He highlighted the sector’s contribution through the Energy Profits Levy, just over £40 billion between 2022-23 and 2027-28, which will help contribute to the funding needed to deliver the ongoing support schemes to businesses and households in light of high energy prices.
He also heard attendees’ views on the impact of the changes to the Energy Profits Levy.

The Chancellor welcomed the constructive discussions and said he looked forward to further opportunities for Treasury engagement with the sector, including through more regular Fiscal Forum meetings in future.

Further information

List of roundtable attendees: – OEUK

North Sea Transition Authority

BP

Serica Energy

Shell

Equinor

Total Energies

Ithaca Energy

TAQA

Harbour Energy

Brindex

Spirit Energy

Neptune Energy

Repsol
December 9, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : £1.97 million awarded to support women in the workplace [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 9 December 2022.

Sixteen organisations across England will receive share of £1.97 million from the government to support women experiencing reproductive health issues in the workplace.
- Funding follows successful applications to this year’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health and Wellbeing Fund
- Money will help women to remain in or return to the workplace through and following pregnancy, pregnancy loss or menopause and delivers on commitments in the first ever Women’s Health Strategy for England
Over £1.97 million has been awarded to organisations across England to bolster innovative schemes that are improving the health of women in the workplace.

Launched in April 2018, the Health and Wellbeing Fund is a joint initiative run by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England (NHSE) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A new round of the fund is launched every year and typically runs over three financial years.

The theme of the fund for 2022 to 2025 is women’s reproductive wellbeing in the workplace. Linking in with the development of the new Women’s Health Strategy, this fund aims to support organisations that can provide a holistic support offer to assist women experiencing reproductive health issues – for example menopause, fertility problems, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, menstrual health and gynaecological conditions – to remain in and return to the workplace.

Minister Helen Whately said:

We are supporting women experiencing reproductive health issues – such as pregnancy loss or menopause – to remain in or return to the workplace, through the Health and Wellbeing Fund.

We have already put women’s health at the top of the agenda by publishing the first ever Women’s Health Strategy for England, but there’s always more that can be done.

The contribution that the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector makes towards improving health and care is invaluable and improves the health of thousands of women.

The funding announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the health of women through the first-ever Women’s Health Strategy, a landmark moment in addressing entrenched inequalities and improving the health and wellbeing of women across the country.

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said:

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector makes a significant contribution towards improving health and care and these projects will help deliver some of the important commitments set out in the Women’s Health Strategy for England.

The sector brings a wealth of understanding of the impact on people’s lives, including those from disadvantaged groups, helping us provide positive support to even more women wanting to remain in and return to the workplace.

Fund awardees

Ashiana Community Project

Ashiana Community Project will be using funding to tackle gender inequalities that women experiencing menopause transition experience in the workplace. This will include capturing the lived experiences of women to inform, educate and to advocate change while providing opportunities to offer tailored interventions so the diverse needs of women from all cultures can be addressed, and by to enabling timely support across and to challenge negative stereotypes.

Best Beginnings

Best Beginnings is a national charity that works to support all parents and caregivers throughout pregnancy and until children are five years old, with a focus on reducing inequalities. Its project will engage with employers, women and birthing people to co-produce materials to help new parents manage their health and wellbeing at work.

Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC), Salus Fatigue Foundation (Salus) and Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC), Salus Fatigue Foundation (Salus) and Disability Resource Centre (DRC) partnership will use funding to develop a service that supports women’s hormonal health in the workplace and unemployed women experiencing hormonal health issues to re-join the workforce. This is part of its aim to ensure those of working age receive timely and accessible hormonal health support that is personal to them. It will support workplaces and culture being more accepting and supportive for women with hormonal health issues. By developing an Employer Pledge, the partnership will support employers in making women feel confident in applying for employment where their health and wellbeing will be prioritised.

Brook

The sexual health and wellbeing charity Brook will be using funding to deliver tailored one-to-one support, addressing the stigma and raising awareness of the impact the menopause can have within the workplace and providing practical support to local businesses to redevelop their policies and procedures so that they are inclusive of people experiencing the menopause.

Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK’s project will be to develop a national Workplace Menstrual Wellbeing scheme. Building on the achievements of the charity’s existing Endometriosis Friendly Employer (EFE) programme, the new scheme will provide small and medium enterprises with targeted resources to support employees with a broad range of menstrual health conditions, including webinars, case studies and downloadable materials.

Fertility Network UK

Fertility Network UK aims to change the work landscape for working women experiencing fertility issues and remove the taboos around infertility. The charity helps firms support staff on their fertility journey through working closely with organisations. This includes developing tailor-made fertility policies and facilitating sessions with managers and staff to enhance understanding of the impact of infertility and its treatment. The London-based national charity is focusing first on projects in the Yorkshire, Humber and North East.

Here

Here, a partnership health service for care, will be implementing a menopause programme in Brighton and Hove, it will work with small and medium size businesses to increase understanding and support for women going through the menopause in the workplace.

Maternity Action

Maternity Action, a maternity rights charity, will use the funding to support better health and employment outcomes for working women who are pregnant, recovering from giving birth, breastfeeding, or are experiencing pregnancy loss. This project will include providing information to employees and enabling access to legal support for families, as well as providing toolkits for employers.

Mind

Mind in Greater Manchester are funding a project to improve health outcomes for women and people experiencing reproductive health issues through delivering workplace training, raising awareness of the issues and an improved mindfulness offer.

Sands

Sands is a UK charity that works to save babies’ lives and supports anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Its project will train managers and colleagues support bereaved staff and colleagues by creating a compassionate workplace environment.

Suffolk Libraries

Suffolk Libraries will be using the funding to deliver a new service to support women in the county to raise awareness of the menopause and signpost advice.

The Eve Appeal

The Eve Appeal’s project – the ‘Every Woman Promise’ – looks to minimise the negative impact of gynaecological health issues in the workplace through working with businesses to remove the stigma around gynaecological health and raise awareness of the support available. The aim is to both improve the health chances for women and those with gynae organs to improve the work environment, through engagement at a management level.

The Heeley Trust

The Heeley Trust is using the funding to create a community led approach by setting up multidisciplinary clinics, pop up information sessions, places for people to come together to connect, learn and share advice on occupational health, peer support and community wellbeing activities.

Wellbeing of Women

Following the continuing success of the charity’s Menopause Workplace Pledge, which has been signed by more than 2,000 employers so far, Wellbeing of Women will launch a new project in 2023 to develop menopause support for businesses so that more women feel able to continue in their careers. The charity will work with small and medium-sized businesses in parts of Bedfordshire to provide menopause awareness and training.

The Women’s Organisation

The Women’s Organisation are a developer and deliverer of training and support aimed at women in the UK. Its proposed scheme, Workplace Wellness of Women (WWOW), aims to utilise the Government’s Women’s Health Strategy, academic research on women’s health, and small and medium business employment evidence including business productivity, health and wellbeing, and staff development, to devise and rollout a social model of health support package targeting small and medium business employers in England.

Tommy’s

National charity Tommy’s works to reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth in the UK through funding medical research to discover the causes of baby loss and helps women and people who give birth at every stage of their pregnancy journeys, supporting them and their partners with expert information and care.

This project will be helping women through their ‘Pregnancy and Parenting At Work’ training package, which will help workplaces understand and meet employees’ needs through pregnancy journeys, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and other complications. Tommy’s will be developing free resources for small and medium enterprises in both Manchester and Birmingham.
December 9, 2022