Category: 0 Archive

The move will allow veterans to maintain their emotional connection with the armed forces, allowing them to keep the card they have carried on them throughout their career. Retaining their ID card, known as the MOD Form 90, will also allow service leavers to be identified as veterans quickly and easily, aiding their transition into civilian life.

Charities, Veterans UK, which manages armed forces pensions and compensation payments, local authorities and GPs will all benefit from the change, as they will not have to conduct time-consuming checks to identify individual veterans.

The Prime Minister last year also announced plans to provide the 2.5 million former armed forces personnel cards which identify them as veterans, in recognition of their service to the nation.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said:

Our armed forces give their all to keep this country safe and leaving the military can be an emotional time.

That’s why I’m delighted that people leaving the armed forces will be able to retain that emotional connection with their service by keeping their ID card. Retaining their ID card will also make it easier for veterans to access the many public services which prioritise veterans under the Armed Forces Covenant.

So this is a small change that I know will make a big difference.

Handing back the Service ID card has regularly been identified as something that members of the armed forces would like to change.

Instead of handing back their card to be destroyed on the day of discharge, the corners will now be cut off to show the card is no longer valid. This will ensure that security is maintained at bases and other sensitive sites.

Chief of Defence People Lieutenant General Richard Nugee said:

Time and time again, I have heard from service leavers that handing back their ID card is one of the hardest things to do as they leave the forces.

Leaving the military is an emotionally charged moment and I hope that this change will ease some of those feelings by reinforcing the message to our veterans that they remain a valued member of the armed forces community.

The MOD is conducting a major cross-government review of veterans policy and provision, which will inform a new veterans strategy and will be released in the autumn.

Part of this involves ensuring greater recognition of veterans so they can efficiently access government and third sector support and allowing retention of the MOD Form 90 ID is the beginning of this. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing a range of other identification options and will make a further announcement later this year.

Service leaver Col David Madden said:

My ID card is more than just a piece of plastic with my photo on, it signifies my service and marks my time in the Armed Forces. Whilst it might seem like something small, keeping my card will make a practical difference by allowing me to verify my service to my GP surgery and local authority.

FCO spokesman said:

The Foreign Secretary today [7 June] hosted Dr Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of Afghanistan, for talks at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Foreign Secretary reiterated UK commitment to Afghanistan and support for a sustainable Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process with the Taliban. They discussed today’s announcement by President Ghani on a temporary ceasefire over Eid al-Fitr and the progress that had been made in Afghanistan since 2001, particularly in the fields of human rights and girls’ education, while acknowledging that challenges remained.

They discussed Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the importance of building trust between the two sides in support of lasting peace in Afghanistan. They also discussed the upcoming Afghan parliamentary and presidential elections. Dr Abdullah raised his concerns about the impact on Afghanistan of sanctions on Iran.

Finally, the Foreign Secretary urged Afghanistan to attend the special conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention taking place on 26-27 June as a clear signal of the global commitment to uphold the global ban on chemical weapons.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @BorisJohnson and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Minister without Portfolio Brandon Lewis met with farmers at the Royal Cornwall Show today (Thursday, 6 June) to discuss the impact and opportunities of Brexit on the farming industry.

Leaving the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) allows us to decide our own farming policy for the first time in more than forty years, including a new system of paying farmers for protecting the environment and investing in sustainable food production.

The Royal Cornwall Show is one of the biggest agricultural events in the area – showcasing the best in local produce and local business. The Minister heard firsthand from farmers in the county who are often reliant on seasonal workers due to a large number of market gardens and flower farms. The Government recognises the concerns of farmers as we prepare to leave the EU, given the current reliance on EU workers, and is working closely with industry to monitor the latest data on labour supply and demand, including both permanent and seasonal labour.

Fishermen and fishing industry representatives also spoke to the Minister on his visit to Cornwall’s second largest port, Newlyn, about how they think the fishing industry in the area may be affected by the UK leaving the EU.

Brandon Lewis, Cabinet Office Minister without Portfolio, said:

It was great to visit the Royal Cornwall Show today and see the very best of what this impressive county has to offer.

I listened to farmers and fishermen about the challenges and their hopes for the future. I assured them that this Government is working hard to make sure the labour needs of the agriculture sector are met once we leave the EU and that we will deliver a profitable and sustainable fisheries industry in the best interests of the whole of the UK.

Alex Stevens, regional policy manager for the South West NFU (National Farmers’ Union) said:

Farmers and food producers value this opportunity to voice the challenges and opportunities that leaving the EU will present direct to the heart of government. The recent Health and Harmony consultation looking at the future of agricultural policy in the UK has highlighted the role that farming plays in producing food, maintaining and enhancing the environment and contributing to the rural economy, but a viable and profitable sector depends on much more than this.

Clarity on the future of seasonal and permanent workers within the supply chain, certainty about trade deals within the EU and beyond, and meaningful measures to support top quality, traceable and dependable domestic food production are all needed.

A new Director General for housing will be appointed to oversee important work to help deliver the homes our country needs, the Ministry of Housing confirmed today (7 June 2018).

Jeremy Pocklington, currently Director General, Energy and Security in the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has accepted a new position in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

He will take over in September and will replace Helen MacNamara who has been appointed to the role of Director General of Propriety and Ethics in the Cabinet Office.

Jeremy Pocklington said:

I am delighted to take up this exciting challenge as the government builds the homes our country needs, ensuring safe and decent homes in a market that’s fit for the future.

Jeremy Pocklington has been Director General, Energy and Security at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy – previously the Department of Energy and Climate Change – since February 2015.

Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson said:

I welcome the announcement by the National Unity Government of a ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr. This is an opportunity to reduce levels of violence and create space for talks to begin. Recent international conferences in Kabul and Tashkent have shown that the regional community and regional states are united on the need for a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan. We call on the Taliban to join the ceasefire and seize the opportunity to advance the cause of peace which the people of Afghanistan so deserve.

It is also right that the ceasefire does not apply to affiliates of the so-called Islamic State, and other terrorist groups. I am certain that the Afghan government will remain resolute in defending the Afghan state and its people. The UK stands firmly with the Afghan government against terrorism and supports its efforts to build peace.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @BorisJohnson and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice and Facebook
• Follow the Foreign Office on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns visited One Team Logic in Talbot Green today (Thursday 7 June) to recognise the safeguarding firm’s achievement in winning The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category for their ground-breaking safeguarding software, MyConcern®, a trusted and secure software solution for protecting children and vulnerable young people from harm.

Now in its 52nd year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK in fields including innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

The MyConcern software was developed to assist people responsible for the wellbeing of the young and vulnerable (such as teachers) to be able to easily report and record concerns. With over 3000 children in Wales being identified as needing protection from abuse and an increase of 25% in recorded sexual offences against children aged under sixteen in Wales these are issues that schools and colleges are often the first to be made aware of.*

The system can also cater for spotting signs of young people experiencing complex mental health issues, including self-harm. It enables schools, colleges and other organisations to record and manage safeguarding issues such as bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic, abuse and gender-based violence relating to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

One Team Logic was founded in 2014 and has since created almost 50 jobs in South Wales, as well as 14 others across Wales and England. Two of the founding directors, Martin Baker QPM and Darryl Morton, will be attending an official reception for award winners being held by HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace later this month.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

The Queen’s Awards highlight the best of innovative British business – recognising their entrepreneurial spirit and ambitions to succeed both at home and around the world.

One Team Logic should be proud of their achievements in providing a ground-breaking digital solution which meets the ever-changing nature of issues affecting our children and young people. I hope their story will inspire other Welsh businesses to strive for this prestigious award in the future.

The UK Government is doing all it can to nurture the ambitions and talent of businesses in Wales by creating the right conditions for economic growth and facilitating greater trade and investment opportunities between Wales, the United Kingdom and around the world.

Mike Glanville, Director of Safeguarding for One Team Logic said:

We are honoured that the work of our whole team has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen through the conferring of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise. For the innovation that we have brought to safeguarding and child protection to be recognised in this very public way is both humbling and extremely gratifying.

Given the challenges facing schools and colleges we believe that the use of MyConcern is not only transforming the way safeguarding is being managed but is also helping to support school leaders and other members of staff in their vital role as safeguarding practitioners. As a Welsh safeguarding company, we are proud to work alongside so many schools and colleges across Wales supporting them in keeping children safe from harm.

We are delighted that the Secretary for State for Wales was able to visit our offices in Talbot Green in recognition of the Queen’s Award and to spend some time with our dedicated and talented work-force.

ENDS

References

• NSPCC -Child Protection in Wales Statistics