Category: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: New flu vaccine available this winter for those aged 65 and over

Delegates at the Public Health England (PHE) conference heard that a more effective flu vaccine for those aged 65 and over this winter has the potential to prevent deaths and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS.

The vaccine, available for the first time this year in the UK for those aged 65 and over, could reduce GP consultations by 30,000, hospitalisations by over 2,000 and prevent over 700 hospital deaths from flu in England, alleviating some of the health burden that seasonal flu places on the population, workplaces and the NHS.

The newly available ‘adjuvanted’ vaccine is expected to significantly boost effectiveness by improving the body’s immune response to the vaccine. This is important because typically, older adults’ bodies do not respond as well to the flu vaccine due to their naturally weaker immune systems. Older adults are also more likely to suffer complications from flu.

The broader flu vaccination programme will also be improved by offering all eligible adults under 65, including pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions, the ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine in injected form.

This protects against a total of four strains of flu; two strains of flu A and two strains of flu B.

Professor Paul Cosford, Medical Director at PHE, said:

Flu is potentially a very serious illness, and we know adults over 65 are more likely to catch and have complications from flu so have the most to gain from an improved vaccine. By introducing an enhanced flu vaccine for this age group they will be better protected as well as helping to reduce the spread of flu to those around them.

Further protection will be gained by offering flu vaccine to more children this year and giving a vaccine that provides protection against 4 strains of flu to all eligible people under the age of 65. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get the flu vaccine from their general practice or pharmacy before the end of November.

The vaccination programme will also be improved by extending the nasal spray vaccine to primary school children in year 5 (650,000 extra children), meaning the vaccine will be offered to children in years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The programme will eventually roll out to all primary school children.

When this happens, evidence suggests that an additional 63,000 GP consultations could be prevented each year. Due to having typically poorer hand hygiene than adults, children tend to be ‘super-spreaders’ of flu, so protecting them is crucial for protecting the rest of the population.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies said:

Getting the flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself against this potentially fatal illness, and this year the NHS is offering it to 24 million people across the country.

In addition to this – a newly available vaccine that is more effective will be offered to over-65s. This could prevent hundreds of deaths and save thousands of GP and hospital hours – I strongly encourage everyone in vulnerable groups to get the life-saving vaccine as we head into winter.

Professor Jane Cummings, Chief Nurse for England, said:

Faced with the worst flu season in a decade, NHS staff last winter did a remarkable job providing care for patients.

This year, the public will be better protected from flu than ever before, with at-risk groups being offered the most effective vaccine available and every member of NHS staff expected to get their jab.

The flu vaccine will be available from early October. PHE’s annual flu marketing campaign will launch on 8 October (to tie in with vaccine availability) and will target at-risk audiences including pregnant women, parents of children aged 2 to 3 and adults with long-term conditions.

The campaign will be one of the first to roll out under the newly launched ‘Help Us Help You’ brand. ‘Help Us Help You’ is based on the concept of reciprocity, encouraging people to take appropriate actions (be that getting the flu vaccination or accessing the appropriate service) to better enable the NHS to help them.

Eligible adults are encouraged to get their free vaccine from their local general practice or pharmacy before the end of November to protect themselves and their families before flu reaches its seasonal peak. It is the single best way to protect against a potentially very serious illness.

As well as getting the vaccine, practising good hand hygiene by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throwing it away and washing your hands after can help limit its spread – catch it, bin it, kill it.

Background

People who are eligible for the flu vaccine this year include:

  • adults aged 65 and over
  • adults aged 18 to 64 with a long term health condition
  • children aged 2 to 3 at their GP practice
  • school children in years reception, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
  • pregnant women
  • health and social care workers
  • carers
  • morbidly obese people
  1. Summary of data to support the choice of influenza vaccination for adults in primary care is available online.
  2. Adults with chronic conditions need the flu vaccine because people with respiratory diseases like COPD, emphysema or asthma are seven times more likely to die if they catch flu, and people with cardiovascular problems like chronic heart disease or angina, or have had a stroke, are 11 times more likely to die. The risk is far worse for those with chronic liver disease, who are 48 times more likely to die if they get flu. (Source: Green Book chapter 19)
  3. Flu is a viral infection that is spread through coughs and sneezes. Most people recover with rest in a week, but people with chronic conditions or who are over 65 should call NHS 111. Doctors may prescribe antivirals in some cases which can help speed up recovery but is not a cure.
  4. There is no cure for flu. Getting the vaccine if you are eligible and practising good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent yourself from getting flu.
  5. The flu vaccine typically becomes available in early October. The vaccine is offered through local GPs and pharmacies.
  6. We cannot predict with certainty which strains will circulate in the UK this winter. The WHO makes recommendations for the composition of the northern hemisphere flu vaccine every year; and this is published six months in advance to allow for vaccine production times.
  7. The adjuvanted aTIV vaccine which PHE and the NHS are recommending this year for people aged 65 and over was licenced for use in this age group in September 2017. It has previously been used in other countries.

Help Us Help You

‘Help Us Help You’ is an overarching brand which unifies a family of campaigns incorporating messages about flu, staying well in winter, NHS11, pharmacy and GP extended hours. The campaigns will consist of TV, radio and digital advertising supported by search and partnership activity and will be targeted to pregnant women, parents of children aged 2 to 3 and people with long-term conditions.

Public Health England press office

Link: Press release: New flu vaccine available this winter for those aged 65 and over
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: PM’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Summit roundtable: 11 September 2018

A Downing Street spokesman said:

The Prime Minister hosted a roundtable for a number of leading supply chain companies at the UK’s first Zero Emissions Vehicle Summit in Birmingham today.

During the discussions she set out the government’s plan for all new cars and vans to be zero emissions by 2040 and they discussed how to drive international investment in the growing sector.

On Brexit, the Prime Minister set out how the proposals in the Chequers plan would protect manufacturing jobs by ensuring frictionless trade could continue with the EU.

The International Trade Secretary Liam Fox added that we were working positively and constructively towards a deal with the EU and outlined how the Implementation Period we have already agreed will provide certainty for businesses on both sides.

The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister reaffirming her commitment to the sector and reiterating the importance of continued collaboration between government and the automotive industry.

Link: Press release: PM’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Summit roundtable: 11 September 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: UK fingerprinting kits to help in fight against illegal wildlife trade

Foreign Office Minister Mark Field visited the London office of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) today for the official handover of 100 forensic fingerprinting kits to fight the illegal wildlife trade.

The kits, specially designed to lift fingerprints from ivory, have been donated by IFAW and will be distributed to countries attending the upcoming London Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in October.

The new fingerprinting technique, developed by the Metropolitan Police and King’s College London, can reveal prints up to 28 days after poachers have touched the ivory, compared to the two or three days with current conventional powders. This will significantly increase the chances of identifying the criminals behind the illegal ivory trade.

The innovative technology will be used by law enforcement agencies around the world to test illegally traded wildlife products for fingerprints and bring criminals to justice. The Foreign Office has been working with IFAW to build links with priority countries and to share training and expertise with local law enforcement officers and rangers.

Foreign Office Minister Mark Field said:

These new fingerprinting kits are a fantastic example of British innovation and technology being used by law enforcement agencies around the world to put criminals involved in the illegal wildlife trade behind bars. The Foreign Office and IFAW have partnered up to distribute kits and boost training for rangers and police in countries in Africa and Asia already, and we hope these additional kits will be put to good use by those countries who will pledge to take action at our upcoming conference.

The illegal wildlife trade is devastating endangered species populations around the world, from the African elephant to the Asian pangolin. This is a serious organised crime, depriving local communities of sustainable livelihoods and lining the pockets of corrupt middlemen and criminal gangs. We must act now if we are to stop it in its tracks and save endangered species before it is too late.

These kits are already making a real difference in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. When the original trial kit was put into use in Kenya, it helped to secure evidence in four cases, which ultimately resulted in 15 arrests, including five police officers, and the seizure of 11 elephant tusks and 50 pieces of worked ivory.

Philip Mansbridge, UK Director at IFAW, said:

These pioneering ivory fingerprinting kits will aid wildlife crime investigators on the frontline in Africa and Asia, providing them with an additional tool in their vital work to catch elephant poachers, thus helping to safeguard elephants and other threatened wildlife from poaching for future generations.

This ground-breaking new method of fingerprinting ivory uses a small-scale magnetic powder, meaning it is now possible to detect fingerprints on an elephant’s tusk for up to a month after it has been handled, as opposed to just 24-48 hours using traditional techniques.

Working with Kings College and the Metropolitan Police, IFAW has so far deployed around 100 ivory fingerprinting kits in 23 countries to help gather evidence to stop elephant poachers. This is just one part of IFAW’s global efforts to protect elephants and the places they call home. We are grateful to the Rt. Hon Mark Field MP and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for helping us showcase and distribute these kits to attendees of the upcoming London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade in October.

Notes to editors

  • The ivory fingerprinting kit was researched and developed by the Metropolitan Police Forensic Imaging Team and Fingerprinting Department and also with Dr Leon Barron from the Forensic Department at King’s College London, so is a London based partnership between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the Metropolitan Police and King’s College London.
  • The success of the new kit relies on the reduction in size of the powder used, which requires less sweat residue for the powder to adhere to and enhances the marks, giving better definition. It is also inert and allows DNA samples to be taken from the fingerprints and could become a vital tool in stopping the illegal wildlife trade. Further tests have shown it also works on hippo ivory, polished rhino horn, lion and tiger teeth and claws and even pangolin scales.
  • The illegal wildlife trade is a serious organised crime with revenues worth up to £17bn a year, more than the combined income of the Central African Republic, Liberia and Burundi.
  • Around 20,000 African elephants are killed by poachers each year. Savanna elephant numbers have declined by a third from 2007 to 2014 and over 1,000 rhinos were poached in South Africa last year alone. Wildlife in many parts of Africa is at crisis levels.
  • The UK will be hosting a conference on 11-12 October this year, bringing together leaders from both supply and demand countries so we can work together to stamp out the illegal wildlife trade for good. The conference will agree action to tackle IWT across three broad themes:
    • Tackling IWT as a serious organised crime, including increasing collaboration across continents to tackle IWT-associated illicit financial flows and corruption;
    • Building coalitions, particularly through increased engagement with the private sector, NGOs and academia, and;
    • Closing markets, by sharing successful approaches for reducing the demand for illegal wildlife products, including ivory.

Further information

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Link: Press release: UK fingerprinting kits to help in fight against illegal wildlife trade
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Unemployment down by over 1.1 million since 2010

Britain’s unemployment rate has not been lower since the mid-1970s, as official figures released by the Office for National Statistics show it’s fallen to 4.0%, with 1.15 million fewer unemployed people since 2010.

The UK saw a sixth continuous month of real terms pay increases, with regular wages up by 2.9% in July, or 0.5% against CPIH inflation.

Meanwhile the employment rate remains high, at 75.5%, with over 3.3 million more people in work since 2010 and youth unemployment at a record low, falling by over 45% since 2010.

1.45 million more children are living in a home with all adults in work, and the proportion of children living in a household with no working adults has fallen by 33% in the UK since 2010, reaching a record low and taking tens of thousands of children out of poverty.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, said:

Since 2010 we have delivered significant growth in jobs, and in the last 6 months we’ve seen real terms wage growth.

We haven’t had a lower unemployment rate for over 40 years and I’m especially proud that youth unemployment is at a record low, falling by over 45% since 2010 – opening up career opportunities for our next generation.

In the EU we see unemployment rates over double those of the UK. This government is transforming this country into a great working nation. Ready and prepared for the future challenges after Brexit.

Minister of State for Employment Alok Sharma said:

With unemployment rate still at its lowest level in 43 years, it is good to see that for the sixth month in a row wages have grown faster than inflation helping to put more money in people’s pockets. In the last quarter regular pay is up by 2.9%, 0.5% above inflation.

Households across the country are benefiting from the security of being in work, and with increasing wages and GDP growth of 0.6% last quarter we are delivering an economy that supports working people.

We’ve taken millions out of paying income tax altogether, and by raising the National Living Wage have helped deliver the fastest pay rise for the lowest earners in 20 years.

Today’s (11 September 2018) figures also show:

  • older workers also continue to find work as the number of workers aged 50 and over is at a record high of 10.25 million
  • the female employment rate remains at a near record high at 71.0%
  • since 2010, the vast majority of jobs have been in full-time, permanent roles
  • since 2010, there has been an increase of 3.75 million in private sector jobs

Contact Press Office

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Link: Press release: Unemployment down by over 1.1 million since 2010
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Government export support to help NHS profit by sharing expertise

The NHS will be ready to target up to £7 billion of opportunities a year over the next decade with its world-leading healthcare expertise, thanks to a new government support service.

The Healthcare UK Export Catalyst is set to help the NHS – the world’s largest integrated health system – to access global healthcare export opportunities, with worldwide spend in the sector growing at 7% a year.

Healthcare UK has already supported NHS organisations to win export business of more than £100 million over the last 2 years.

The catalyst sets out to boost this further, and comes as the result of a pilot with NHS organisations to identify the services that would best suit them as they embark upon their export journey. The service will provide continued support, right through to finding opportunities and winning contracts.

These services include personalised support for individual NHS organisations, training courses, peer-to-peer support, online resources and contacts with the governments vast network of overseas posts.

Sir Malcolm Grant, Chairman of NHS England, said:

In my view Healthcare UK have done a great job already in raising the profile of UK healthcare services and systems overseas. Their new Export Catalyst service will further enhance the service available to NHS Trusts in developing their export capabilities, so they can reach a wide range of international markets.

In the next year, the mission will be closely focused on providing a showcase for great British healthcare services, building a strong brand across the globe and realising the amazing export potential of our world-class health system.

The announcement comes a fortnight after the Department for International Trade launched the government’s new Export Strategy, which sets an ambition to increase exports as a percentage of GDP from 30% to 35%.

NHS organisations will have tailored export support in addition to local trade advisors and DIT’s network of HM Trade Commissioners to help them boost their overseas success.

As the NHS marks it’s 70th birthday, the UK is at the forefront of research and innovation across life sciences, healthcare, medical devices and digital technologies. Our world-renowned service is rated as the number one best integrated healthcare system in the world.

In total, Healthcare UK achieved over £700 million of export wins last year, supporting more than 100 exports projects for private and public UK suppliers across 17 countries, and delivering successful outward missions to India, China and the Middle East.

Link: Press release: Government export support to help NHS profit by sharing expertise
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: July figures show UK exports remain at record high

In data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Monday 10 September, UK exports to the world rose by £30.9 billion – an increase of 5.2% compared to the same time last year. Other main points from the release include:

  • The country’s renowned service sector continues to thrive with exports up 3.9% to a record high of £283.4 billion, increasing the service surplus to £117.1 billion
  • Goods exports also rose strongly by 6.2% to £345.9 billion
  • On a rolling annual basis, annual exports continue to grow faster than imports for the twelfth consecutive month, with the overall trade deficit narrowing by £13.8 billion in the year to July 2018

The news comes after the launch of the Export Strategy last month, which sets out a new ambition to increase exports as a proportion of UK GDP to 35%, making the UK one of the G7’s most successful exporters.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

Today’s trade figures show demand for UK goods and services is continuing to grow, as overall exports rose to
£629.3billion – up 5.2% on this time last year – and the trade deficit continued to narrow by £13.8bn over the last 12 months.

As we open consultations for future trade relationships with key markets around the world, we’re seeing the UK shift towards selling more than we buy, with exports increasing faster than imports. My international economic department will continue work with companies across the country to ensure they’re making the most of global opportunities.

Separate figures released by the ONS in June showed UK exports of goods and services to non-EU countries amounted to around £344 billion in the 12 months ending March 2018, showing the worldwide demand for British goods and services remains. Exports to EU countries were around £276 billion in the same period.

Overall, exports of goods and services to non-EU countries have nearly trebled since 2000 – exports of goods and services to EU countries by comparison have nearly doubled. The UK also operates a trade surplus of more than £40 billion with non-EU countries, with this having been a deficit as recently as 2010.

In 2017, 8 of the 10 fastest growing markets for UK exports since 2010 were outside of the EU (figures include only countries with more than £1 billion in export value in 2017, and exclude Crown Dependencies and Gibraltar). Exports of services to the key non-EU markets of USA, China and Japan have all increased by more than 45% since 2010.

The UK’s current account deficit also narrowed to £79 billion in 2017, down by £24 billion from 12 months earlier. This is the narrowest deficit as a percentage of GDP since 2012.

Further information

View the latest ONS statistics on UK trade

Link: Press release: July figures show UK exports remain at record high
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: British Embassy Seoul hosts UK Track Day

On 4 September 2018 at Inje Speedium in Gangwon, the British Embassy Seoul’s Department for International Trade (DIT) team organised a UK Track Day to demonstrate the creativity, innovation and manufacturing capability of the British automotive industry. Iconic UK car brands including: Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, and McLaren joined the event to show off some of their most impressive models.

Speaking at the track day British Ambassador to South Korea, Simon Smith, said:

“The UK automotive industry has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years thanks to its rich heritage, the strength of UK design and commitment to continued innovation. The UK and South Korea already have a strong trading relationship in the automotive industry – Korea is the UK’s third largest Asian automotive export market – but there is so much more potential for growth. Far from a country that does not manufacture cars, we are one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe (1.6m cars produced in 2017) and a leader in autonomous and low-carbon vehicles. The iconic British car brands on show today emphasise everything that is great about British cars – style, performance and cutting edge technology.”

The track day is part of the British Embassy’s ambitious ‘Automotive is GREAT’ campaign launched in Seoul in October 2017. The campaign aims to promote everything that makes the UK’s automotive industry such a powerhouse, while strengthening the partnership between the UK – Korea in the sector.

100 senior representatives from leading UK automotive OEMs and the Korean Automobile Importers and Distributors Association attended the track day.

The British Embassy’s DIT team provides support to Korean partners and investors who are interested in UK trade.  If you have any enquiries about possible automotive or other opportunities, you can contact the British Embassy Seoul’s DIT team here: trade.korea@fco.gov.uk

Additional Information

The UK is one of the largest automotive manufacturing countries in Europe producing 1.67m cars in 2017 and 8 of 10 UK built cars are exported to 160 countries worldwide.

The UK government and industry are already leading innovation around the world through significant investments in future vehicles such as low-carbon vehicles, autonomous vehicles and connected cars.

Some facts about UK Automotive Industry:

  • 1.67m cars built in the UK in 2017.
  • 1.33m cars manufactured for export in 2017- 8 out of 10 cars made in the UK are exported.
  • The UK exports to over 160 markets worldwide.
  • In 2017 the UK automotive manufacturing industry…
    • Turned over £82 billion
    • Invested £4 billion net capital
    • Invested £3.65 billion in R&D
    • Added £20.2 billion in value to the UK economy
    • Exported products worth £44 billion, accounting for 12.8% of the UK’s total export goods
  • 856,000 people employed across UK Automotive
  • The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £82 billion turnover and £20.2 billion value added.
  • With some 186,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of 856,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 12.0% of total UK export of goods and invests £3.65 billion each year in automotive R&D.
  • More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers.
  • 6 of 10 Formula 1 teams have their HQ in the UK
  • The UK government invests heavily in automotive research to further expertise in low-carbon propulsion, lightweight materials, and CAVs. In 2017 £1.2 billion were given by the UK government to automotive research funds (UK Government, 2017).
  • UK now largest EU new car market for Korean car brands, with some 190,215 vehicles registered in 2017.
  • Korea is UK Auto’s third biggest Asian export market, behind only China and Japan, as demand for British-built cars quadruples since 2010.

Automotive is GREAT:

A long term, ambitious campaign started in 2017 to draw a thread from the UK’s current strengths in automotive production, design and strong UK brand presence in South Korea, to the UK as a country ahead of the curve in new automotive manufacturing and technology. We aim to show South Korea the UK’s strengths as a leader in the automobile industry to ultimately encourage stronger UK-Korea automotive links and trade.

Department for International Trade role:

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our economy. DIT is a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.

UK Industrial Strategy- Sector Deal:

As part of the Industrial Strategy, the Automotive Sector Deal was developed in 2017 and published in January 2018. The sector’s deal was among the first to be finalised, highlighting the collaborative approach industry and government are taking to ensure the UK remains a globally competitive place to design, engineer and manufacture vehicles. Key highlights from the deal are:
* £246 million Faraday Battery Challenge – development, design and manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles; this is particularly relevant to the supply chain
* £250 million Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) funding to be matched by industry
– Testing and Development of CAVs
– Deployment of infrastructure for testing
* £16 million Supplier Competitiveness Improvement programme – designed to improve the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing supply chain companies

Link: Press release: British Embassy Seoul hosts UK Track Day
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Worms in space: The Molecular Muscle Experiment

Hundreds of worms are being flown to the International Space Station later this year for scientists to understand more about spaceflight-induced muscle loss.

The team of scientists from Exeter, Nottingham and Lancaster Universities involved in this project hope to discover more about muscle loss in space, which in turn could lead to developing effective therapies and new treatments for muscular dystrophies. The research could also help boost our understanding of ageing muscle loss and even help improve treatments for diabetes.

Sam Gyimah, Science Minister, said:

It’s not every day that you hear of the potential health benefits of sending worms into space, but this crucial project which is also the first of its kind, could lead to better treatment for muscular conditions for people on Earth as well as improving the wellbeing of our astronauts.

Along with our commitment through the modern Industrial Strategy to support our space sector to go from strength to strength, our world-leading research sector is consistently pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge for the benefit of all.

Spaceflight is an extreme environment that causes many negative health changes to the body and astronauts can lose up to 40 per cent of their muscle after 6 months in space. These changes are regarded as an excellent model for the ageing process in the body, and scientists are able to use the knowledge gained from studying changes in astronauts to better understand the ageing human body.

Libby Jackson, Human Spaceflight and Microgravity Programme Manager at the UK Space Agency, said:

This is the first of many exciting experiments heading to the International Space Station from the UK, thanks to our contributions to the European Space Agency. The Molecular Muscle Experiment will provide knowledge that will benefit our understanding of muscle ageing and help to improve life on Earth.

The microscopic worms being used in the experiment, known as C. elegans, share many of the essential biological characteristics as humans and are affected by biological changes in space, including alterations to muscle and the ability to use energy.

Nate Szewczyk, Professor of Space Biology at the University of Nottingham, said:

The Molecular Muscle Experiment aims to understand the causes of neuromuscular decline in space. This research will help us establish the precise molecules that cause muscle problems during spaceflight and enable us to test the effectiveness of novel therapies for preventing the muscle decline associated with spaceflight.

Tim Etheridge, Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter, said:

Worms are, perhaps surprisingly, a very good model for human muscle maintenance. At the molecular level, both structurally and metabolically they are highly similar to that of humans and from a space flight specific perspective – they provide a lot of practical advantages. They are very small, quick to grow, cheap and easy to maintain. It makes them good to work with.

The Molecular Muscle Experiment is the first UK-led experiment to take place on the International Space Station. UK scientists are able to carry out this research thanks to the UK Space Agency’s subscriptions to the European Space Agency’s exploration programme, which contributes to the costs of the International Space Station, which the UK joined in 2012.

Tim Etheridge continued:

Spaceflight represents the accelerated human model of the ageing condition and so, hopefully, by understanding the molecular changes it may provide the opportunity to understand human ageing on earth.

The project is supported by the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, BBSRC, MRC, and Arthritis Research UK and the launch is currently scheduled to take place between November 2018 and February 2019.

Link: Press release: Worms in space: The Molecular Muscle Experiment
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Current and future state of nation’s health revealed

The Health Profile for England report covers life expectancy; major causes of death; mortality trends; child health; inequality in health; wider determinants of health; and current health protection issues. Data and evidence contained in Health Profile for England will be used to help shape the forthcoming NHS long term plan.

As a society, people are living longer – life expectancy in England has reached 79.6 years for men and 83.2 for women and we’re healthier at every age group than ever before. However, stubborn inequalities persist – in the richest areas people enjoy 19 more years in good health than those in the poorest areas.

A major theme of the Health Profile for England report is future trends in health, which will aid policymakers to prioritise efforts to prevent ill health not just deal with the consequences.

Some of the most notable findings include:

  • the number of people aged 85 years has more than tripled since the 1970s and will include more than 2 million people by 2031
  • the death rate for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – already the leading cause of death in women – may overtake heart disease in men as early as 2020 and is likely to become the leading cause of death in men too
  • the number of people with diabetes is expected to increase by a million – from just under 4 million people in 2017 to almost 5 million in 2035
  • in the last 7 years, smoking prevalence has dropped by a quarter to 15% and as little as 10% of the population could still be smoking by 2023

The report also provides details on the nation’s current health position:

  1. UK women’s health is faring worse than their European counterparts, ranked 18th lowest out of 28 EU member states for premature death. UK men are doing better by comparison and are ranked 10th.

  2. Low back and neck pain and skin disease (dermatitis, acne and psoriasis) are the 2 leading causes of morbidity for men and women, with hearing and sight loss also ranking highly for both sexes

  3. While most causes of morbidity become more prevalent with age, mental health problems and substance use affect younger adults the most, accounting for more than a third of the disease burden in those aged 15 to 29 years.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive at Public Health England, said:

Inequalities in health undermine not only the health of the people but also our economy.

As we work to develop the NHS long term plan, we must set the ambition high. If done right, with prevention as its centrepiece, the payoff of a healthier society and more sustainable NHS will be huge.

Professor John Newton, director of health improvement at Public Health England, said:

Now in its 70th year, demands on the NHS have changed significantly.

More of us are living longer with painful or disabling conditions, including musculoskeletal problems, skin conditions and sensory loss. While these illnesses often attract less attention than causes of early death such as heart disease and cancer, they have a profound effect on the day to day lives of many people and together they place significant pressure on the NHS.

The challenge now is for the NHS to respond to this changing landscape and to focus on preventing as well as treating the conditions which are causing the greatest disease burden across our nation.

The new report also shows that good public health is not defined by health policy alone – a high-quality education, a well-designed and warm home, a good job and a community to belong to are just as important.

Health Profile for England has been created with policymakers, both national and local, in mind.
PHE wants them to use the report as a shared reference point and to think about the broader impact of their policies on health. The report also links to further PHE tools to allow local policymakers to see how their area compares with the national picture.

Background

The Health Profile for England report’s 7 chapters are:

  1. Population change and life expectancy

  2. Trends in mortality

  3. Trends in morbidity and risk factors

  4. Health of children in the early years

  5. Inequality in health

  6. Wider determinants of health

  7. Current and emerging health protection issues

PHE is leading the prevention, personal responsibility and health inequalities work stream as part of the development of the NHS 10 year plan.

Public Health England Press Office

Wellington House

5th Floor, Wellington House

133-155 Waterloo Road
London
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Link: Press release: Current and future state of nation’s health revealed
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: PM unveils plans for UK to become world leader in low emission tech

  • £106 million funding boost for research and development in green vehicles, new batteries and low carbon technology
  • PM’s ‘ambitious mission’ to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles as part of the modern Industrial Strategy
  • Industry announce over £500 million worth of investment creating over 1,000 jobs across the UK, as PM hosts roundtable on accelerating the development of the zero-emissions market and driving more foreign direct investment into the UK
  • 11 countries sign UK’s new international declaration on low emissions, kick starting a new era of global collaboration at Summit in Birmingham

A £106 million package for projects developing innovative green battery, vehicle and refuelling technology will be unveiled by the Prime Minister at the country’s first ever Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Summit.

Speaking at the event in Birmingham, Theresa May will refer to her ‘ambitious mission’ for the UK to become world leader in low emission technology as part of a drive to keep the country green. The Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, Business Secretary, Greg Clark, and Trade Secretary, Liam Fox will also be in attendance.

At the summit, the Prime Minister will also host an automotive roundtable with leading supply-chain companies from Germany, the USA, Japan, China, Spain and India, to explore what more the government and industry can do together to accelerate the development of the zero-emissions market and to highlight the UK’s strong offer.

This is the third in the government’s series of investment roundtables which promote UK industry sector opportunities to a global audience, and drive foreign direct-investment into the UK as we prepare to leave the European Union.

The government will also unveil a new, international declaration that will forge the way for the worldwide deployment of green vehicles, and the introduction of smart, zero-emission infrastructure.

The first signatories to the ‘Birmingham Declaration’ include Italy, France, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Belarus and Indonesia, with more nations currently in talks to sign up. This will form the basis of increasing international engagement at climate conferences throughout the year to accelerate the global transition.

The Prime Minister is expected to say:

I want to see Britain, once again, leading from the front and working with industries and countries around the world to spearhead change.

That is why I have set this country an ambitious mission. To put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be, effectively, zero-emission by 2040.

Already, we are taking significant strides forward. Our electric UK-manufactured cars account for one-in-five sold in Europe. Our batteries are among the best in the world.

And our Road to Zero Strategy is the most comprehensive plan globally – mapping out, in detail, how we will reach our target for all new cars and vans to be, effectively, zero-emission by 2040 – and for every car and van to be zero-emission by 2050.

Today we have provided over £100 million of funding for innovators in ultra-low emission vehicles and hydrogen technology. With a further £500 million of investment from key industries in this sector.

These measures will drive the design, use, uptake and infrastructure necessary for cleaner, greener vehicles – and in doing so, it will help us drastically reduce a major contributor to our global warming emissions, as we seek to meet the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The work is all part of the government’s Future of Mobility Grand Challenge, outlined in its modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make travel safer, improve accessibility, and present enormous economic opportunities for the UK.

This is the next step in the mission to put the UK at the forefront of zero-emission technology and it sees industry stepping up to the challenge alongside the government.

Today industry has announced that it is investing over £500 million in projects relating to low emission technology, creating 1,000 jobs across the UK. These announcements include:

  • JEE is investing around £6 million in the UK to establish an assembly and testing facility in Birmingham, employing around 20 highly skilled people by 2020
  • Aston Martin are announcing a further £50 million investment at its new St Athan facility in Wales, which will become its centre for electrification and the home of the Lagonda brand. The investment will create an additional 200 jobs at the site and, in total, the new plant will bring up to 750 high skilled jobs to South Wales
  • Cummins will invest £210 million in Research and Development in the automotive (and associated) industries over the next three years in the UK
  • The EV Network, UK-based charging station development company, is developing 200 fast-charging stations throughout the UK, representing an investment of around £200 million. The company has joined forces with Leclanché who will be supplying the battery storage solutions to the stations. EVN and Leclanché are announcing an EV Charging Centre of Excellence in Warwick
  • New Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart Manufacturing Group joint-venture Hyperbat Limited will open the UK’s largest, independent, vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Coventry in early 2019. The site will create around 90 new, high-value, high-tech jobs
  • Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd. (TEC), a subsidiary of CRRC, has confirmed Birmingham as the location for its new UK R&D Innovation Centre for EVs, rail, and renewable. The centre will employ more than 150 engineers by 2022, with an overall investment of up to £50 million
  • Lloyds Banking Group, the principal partner of the ZEV Summit, is announcing a new £1 million fund for electric vehicle leases to incentivise zero-emission driving. The fund is for the first 1,000 customers who sign up for a pure electric vehicle from Lex Autolease, the vehicle leasing arm of the group, from January 2019
  • Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK are investing £7 million in melting furnace and die-casting machines, to increase production of precision transmission components
  • Lear Corporation is investing £54 million in its UK seating operations, with £19 million to go into capital and training and £35 million into engineering. The investment creates another 220 jobs and safeguards 600
  • Leading science and engineering company QinetiQ is expanding its Power Sources, Energy Storage & Distribution business, growing its team by 25% and making an initial £2 million investment in facilities in Farnborough over the next 9 months
  • Leoni will be investing £7 million in a new technical centre in South Warwickshire, creating over 100 new design & development jobs, working with major OEMs in developing technologies for the next generation of autonomous and electric vehicles

  • MINTH plans to establish a new facility in UK to service new orders from UK OEMs, and is developing new products to reflect the shift towards light-weight electrification and autonomous driving in the automotive industry

Link: Press release: PM unveils plans for UK to become world leader in low emission tech
Source: Gov Press Releases