Category: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Minister of State for Asia & the Pacific visits Southeast Asia

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister of State for Asia & the Pacific, Mark Field, begins a six-country visit to Southeast Asia today (14 August), during which he will spend time in Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

During the visit, Mr Field will deliver a keynote speech on the UK’s ‘All of Asia’ policy at Jakarta’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies and lead the UK delegation for the second biannual Laos-UK political dialogue.

He will also visit the Halo Trust Cambodia HQ to meet demining teams, who with UK funding, have released over 70 sq km of land over the last 3 years.

The Minister will hold bilateral meetings with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano of the Philippines, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and meet members of civil society and the business and economic communities.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mark Field said:

I am hugely excited by the opportunities this visit presents. I look forward to continuing the ongoing conversation around our post-Brexit relationship with ASEAN and its members, and deepening the UK’s ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and vibrant regions.

Further information

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Link: Press release: Minister of State for Asia & the Pacific visits Southeast Asia
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Two non-executive directors appointed to the Single Financial Guidance Body

They will take up post when the body comes into existence, expected to be on 1 October 2018.

The Single Financial Guidance Body will bring together the services currently delivered by the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. To ensure a smooth transition to the SFGB, the Chair has identified the need to retain valuable experience of the existing services.

With the agreement of the Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Ann Harris, Chair of the Pensions Advisory Service, and Mike Dailly, a non-executive director of the Money Advice Service, will be appointed to the SFGB for a period of 2 years. Both will remain in their current roles.

Sir Hector Sants, the Chair of the Single Financial Guidance Body, said:

The organisation intends to ensure it builds on the successes to date, and absorbs the lessons of the past. To best achieve this, a degree of continuity is vital and I am delighted that Mike Dailly and Ann Harris have agreed to join the Board and look forward to working with them.

Biographies

Mike Dailly

Mike is the Director of the Govan Law Centre in Glasgow. This is a charitable community law centre helping people at the sharp end who are having to cope with financial disputes, including credit repayments and mortgage repossessions. Mike has been a non-executive director with the Money Advice Service since April 2015.

He is a Solicitor Advocate who acts exclusively for consumers, a member of the European Banking Authority’s expert group, and a Non-Executive Director with the Scottish Housing Regulator. He was a member of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Consumer Panel from 2009 to 2015, and was the solicitor to the UK Unfair Bank Charges Campaign from 2005 to 2008.

Ann Harris OBE, CPFA

Ann is the Chair and a non-executive director of the Pensions Advisory Service. She previously worked for 40 years as a civil servant, latterly holding Senior Civil Service roles in finance and programme management. She was awarded an OBE in 2009, for her services to DWP. Ann’s roles outside DWP include the independent audit and risk committee member for the Gambling Commission, Chair of St Pauls Estate management company, Vice Chair of Dunstable and District Citizens Advice and Company Secretary for Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway.

About the Single Financial Guidance Body

Sir Hector Sants, Chair of SFGB

DWP announced Sir Hector Sants as the new Chair of SFGB in May 2018. Sir Hector spent his executive career in financial services and regulation, including as the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Authority, European CEO of Credit Suisse and a partner of stockbrokers Phillips & Drew.

Since retiring from full time work, his focus has been helping people manage their money, and promoting a fairer financial system. Sir Hector is a trustee of Just Finance, a charity which collaborates with The Church of England to promote a fairer financial system, and a member of the UK’s Financial Capability Board. He is also Chairman of StepChange Debt Charity, the UK’s biggest debt advice charity, but will step down before joining SFGB.

John Govett, CEO of SFGB

John Govett was announced as the new CEO of SFGB on 13 July 2018. Mr Govett is vastly experienced, having worked in leadership roles across the public, private and charitable sectors including as Group Chief Executive at Ixion Holdings, a not-for-profit skills and employment group of companies, Managing Director of Surrey County Council, Shaw Trust Charity Board Executive and P&O Ferries Commercial Board Director.

He has a strong track record of driving transformational change, delivering outstanding services and leading successful growth. A Deputy Chairman of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he will take up his new post in October 2018. His appointment, for a four and a half year term, follows an open and competitive recruitment process overseen by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

Replacing existing providers

The SFGB will replace the 3 existing providers of government-sponsored financial guidance – the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise – bringing together the provision of debt advice, money guidance and pensions guidance for the first time. A new, single body provides an opportunity to deliver a more streamlined service to members of the public providing easier access to the information and guidance people need to help them make effective financial decisions throughout their lives.

Core functions

We expect the SFGB to be established as a legal entity in October 2018 and start preparing for its official launch in January 2019 when the body takes on its delivery functions and staff will transfer to the new organisation. It will have 5 core functions:

  • the pensions guidance function – to provide information and guidance to the public on matters relating to occupational and personal pensions
  • the money guidance function – to provide information and guidance designed to enhance people’s understanding and knowledge of financial matters and their ability to manage their own financial affairs
  • the debt advice function – to provide members of the public in England with information and advice on debt
  • the consumer protection function – enabling the SFGB to work with government and the Financial Conduct Authority in protecting consumers from detriment
  • the strategic function – to work with others in the financial services industry, the devolved authorities, and the public and voluntary sectors to develop a national strategy to improve the financial capability of members of the public, the ability of members of the public to manage debt, and the provision of financial education to children and young people

The body will also provide advice to the Secretary of State on establishment of a debt respite scheme.

Appointments

The Commissioner for Public Appointment has agreed that a limited number of non-executive directors from the existing services can be co-opted to SFGB for 2 years and without the need for an interview. Ann and Mike have been co-opted under this process.

We expect to appoint further non-executive directors following an open recruitment exercise which is running at the moment.

SFGB’s Non-Executive Board members are entitled to an annual remuneration of £15,000 a year for approximately 30 days commitment.

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5115

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Link: Press release: Two non-executive directors appointed to the Single Financial Guidance Body
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Government announces £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027

  • Thousands of rough sleepers to be helped through £100 million government strategy
  • Boost of up to £30 million for targeted mental health funding for rough sleepers
  • £50 million for homes for people ready to move on from hostels or refuges
  • Measures include providing specialist accommodation and funding ‘navigators’ to help people access support

Thousands of rough sleepers will be offered rapid specialist assessments and support, as part of a package of new measures announced in the government’s rough sleeping strategy.

Launching the strategy today (13 August 2018), the Communities Secretary will confirm government’s ambition to halve rough sleeping on England’s streets by 2022 and end it altogether by 2027.

The strategy will be backed by an additional £100 million and developed across government in conjunction with charities and experts. It lays out a 3-pronged approach to tackling rough sleeping, including:

  • preventing rough sleeping by providing timely support to those at risk
  • intervening to help people already on the streets get swift, targeted support
  • helping people recover, find a new home quickly and rebuild their lives

The key focus of the plans will be to stop people becoming homeless in the first place. Those in crisis will get swift, targeted support to help them off the streets and into long term accommodation, where they will be supported as they tackle issues that may hamper efforts to rebuild their lives.

The new plan recognises that a housing led approach – giving people their own front door – is vital to restoring dignity and a sense of security, hope and recovery.

The Prime Minister Theresa May said:

Nobody should have to sleep rough, and that’s why we must do all we can to help the most vulnerable in our society get the support they need.

But we recognise this is a complex issue – as well as ensuring people have somewhere to live, we have to deal with underlying problems and ultimately help people turn their lives around.

The strategy launched today will help us act to prevent rough sleeping before it happens and make sure targeted support is reaching those that need it.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:

It is simply unacceptable that people have to sleep on the streets and I am determined to make it a thing of the past.

Whether people are at risk of rough sleeping, already on the streets or in need of settled accommodation, we have a solid plan to help the most vulnerable in our society.

And this is not just about putting a roof over their heads, but helping them find a place to call home.

These vulnerable people need our support and, through our expert-backed strategy, I am confident they will get it.

The government has also announced that it will carry out a review of legislation around homelessness and rough sleeping, including the Vagrancy Act, to ensure the best measures are in place and that rough sleepers are not discriminated against.

Plans outlined in the strategy include:

Preventing rough sleeping by providing timely support to those at risk.

For example:

  • piloting suitable accommodation and tailored for those leaving prison so they don’t end up on the streets
  • researching the nature and scale of LGBT homelessness to determine what measures need to be put in place to prevent this
  • making sure that authorities investigate rough sleeper deaths to understand and tackle the root causes
  • extending the Homelessness Reduction Act to ensure that more people get the help they need faster

Intervening to help people already on the streets to get swift, targeted support.

For example:

  • rolling out a new initiative to help up to 6,000 people who are both new to the streets and vulnerable to rough sleeping, offering support to rapidly identify issues that led them to sleeping rough
  • introducing ‘navigators’ – specialists who will act as trusted confidantes – who will help people sleeping rough access the appropriate services and accommodation
  • up to £30 million for mental health treatment, informed by the findings of a health provision audit to be carried out this year
  • providing training for frontline staff on how to best help people under the influence of Spice and those who are victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery, as well as how best to support homeless LGBT people

Helping people recover, find a new home quickly and rebuild their lives.

For example:

  • building affordable accommodation for those leaving hostels and domestic abuse refuges, and to support them in managing this accommodation.
  • investing money from dormant bank accounts into housing for those on the streets or at risk of rough sleeping
  • launching a new fund to help up to 5,000 former rough sleepers and those at risk to sustain their tenancies by working with them to boost financial independence and access training and employment opportunities
  • launching a £50 million fund for homes outside London for people ready to move on from hostels or refuges but need additional support

Stakeholder comments

Homeless Link welcomes this strategy as a positive starting point setting out a range of initiatives that could make a significant impact on reducing rough sleeping. We welcome the recognition of the role of all government departments and public services including health, care, substance misuse and criminal justice in preventing and ending rough sleeping.

The voluntary sector has a critical role to play in ending rough sleeping and we are pleased that recommendations from our members have been included in the strategy. We will continue to work with our members and government to ensure this plan is built on and progress made on tackling the structural causes of rough sleeping including action on reducing poverty, urgently addressing the chronic shortage of low cost housing and ensuring an effective welfare safety net.

Jean Templeton, Chief Executive, St Basils

Somewhere safe to stay has to be the bottom line for all; with help to find it and to ensure that you are able to secure support you need from mainstream services. For the most vulnerable with least access to resources, extra help is critical. Therefore we welcome the proposals in this rough sleeping strategy and the recognition of the urgent need for resources.

However, this is just the start and we will continue to work with government to ensure that the wider systemic issues which drive all forms of homelessness are addressed, including access to affordable housing, to mental health services and welfare support which provides true ‘social security’.

The last thing we want is people having to reach crisis before they receive the assistance they need.

Howard Sinclair, Chief Executive, St Mungo’s

Rough sleeping is harmful, dangerous and dehumanising and we share the government’s aim that no one should have to sleep rough. This strategy is a really important first step towards meeting the 2027 target and shows the government is serious about understanding the problem and getting the right support to people at the right time.

There is more work to do, especially when it comes to providing enough stable, safe and affordable housing, but I am encouraged the government has taken on board many of the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel’s recommendations.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive, Crisis

Crisis is pleased to welcome this important step towards ending rough sleeping by 2027. Short term measures, such as new funding for non-UK nationals who sleep rough and for dedicated outreach teams will provide welcome relief for those facing the hardships of life on the streets.

Once people are off the streets, a commitment to a rapid rehousing model can ensure that they never find themselves in this position again.

It is also important the strategy acknowledges that the policies that prevent homelessness, such as the supply of social homes and a benefits system that covers the costs of housing, must be addressed. We look forward to welcoming the practical and concrete steps needed to tackle these issues.

If we’re to end rough sleeping, a bold, housing-led approach to tackling the problem is required, alongside a robust strategy to prevent people from becoming homeless that involves departments from across government. We stand ready to work with the Government to meet its ambitions.

Bill Tidman, Chief Executive, Thames Reach

We welcome this strategy and the investment it represents, and believe it’s an encouraging start to ending rough sleeping.

We particularly welcome dedicated funding from the Department of Health, and the commitment this provides to ensuring that homeless people have access to the health services they need; as well as the recognition of the specific needs of migrant rough sleepers, who currently have few realistic options available to them.

The real work now begins on implementing this strategy, and making sure we listen and learn from all lessons along the way.

Further information

Our strategy is backed by a detailed programme to help people in the short term and long terms with the government providing £1.2 billion of funding to address homelessness as a whole.

This release details £100 million of investment over the next 2 years to tackle rough sleeping.

We have asked the NHS to spend up to £30 million on health services for people who rough sleep, over the next 5 years. This is in addition to the £100 million.

For further details on the breakdown in funding, please see the strategy for more information.

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Link: Press release: Government announces £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during July 2018

During July, there were three new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port, five vessels remained under detention from previous months. A total of five vessels remain under detention at the end of July.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.
  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.
  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.
  4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure if at all possible.
  5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

  • Full details of the ship.
    The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
  • Company.
    The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
  • Classification Society.
    The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship only.
  • Recognised Organisation.
    Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State
  • White (WL), Grey (GL) and Black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State.

SHIPS DETAINED IN JULY 2018

Vessel Name: POSEIDON

GT: 1412

IMO: 7363217

Flag: Iceland (White list)

Company: Neptune EHF

Classification Society: NA

Recognised Organisation: NA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 19th July 2018 at Hull

Summary: Ten deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01199 – Other certificates Other No
01218 – Medical Incorrect language No
02106 – Hull damage impairing seaworthiness Holed Yes
07113 – Fire Pumps Insufficient Pressure Yes
07103 – Divisions – Decks, bulkheads and penetrations Not as required No
12107 – Ballast, fuel and other tanks Not as required Yes
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions No
01101 – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment (including exemption) Missing No
01102 – Cargo Ship Safety Construction (including exemption) Missing No
01104 – Cargo Ship Safety Radio (including exemption) Missing No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

Vessel Name: ANMIRO

GT: 2461

IMO: 9434577

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda (White list)

Company: Briese Sciffahrts GMBH

Classification Society: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 16th July 2018 at Blyth

Summary: Sixteen deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18425 – Access/Structural fractures (Ships) Not as required No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
11117 – Lifebuoys including provisions and disposition Not as required No
10109 – Lights, shapes, sound signals Not as required No
16101 – Security related defects Not as required No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire Not as required No
10106 – Compass correction log Not as required Yes
10138 – Bridge navigation watch alarm Inadequate No
05118 – Operation of GMDSS Equipment Lack of familiarity No
08107 – Machinery control alarms Malfunctioning No
07120 – Means of escape Blocked No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Unsafe No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
18416 – Ropes and wires Not as Required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 20th July 2018

Vessel Name: Johanna Helena

GT: 4842

IMO: 9372212

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda (White list)

Company: Hermann Lohman

Classification Society: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 4th July 2018 at Liverpool

Summary: Eight deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
08108 – UMS – alarms Inoperative No
99101 – Other (SOLAS operational) Other No
01113 – Minimum safe manning document Not as required No
10111 – Charts Expired Yes
10111 – Charts Missing Yes
13101 – Operation of machinery Lack of familiarity No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Damaged No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: DOUWENT

GT: 1311

IMO: 8703139

Flag: Liberia (White list)

Company: Sky Mare Navigation Co

Classification Society: IRS

Recognised Organisation: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: IRS

Date and Place of Detention: 26th June 2018 at Avonmouth

Summary: Six deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
02109 – Permanent means of access Not as required No
01201 – Certificates of master and officers Missing No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required No
01225 – Seafarers’ employment agreement Invalid No
04109 – Fire Drills Lack of training, lack of knowledge No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 4th July 2018

Vessel Name: PALLAS GLORY

GT: 2611

IMO: 9318230

Flag: Malta (White list)

Company: Pallas Shipping AS

Classification Society: RINA

Recognised Organisation: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RINA

Date and Place of Detention: 25th June 2018 at Ipswich

Summary: Twenty deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01209 – Manning specified by the minimum safe manning doc Not as required No
04102 – Emergency fire pump and it’s pipes Inoperative Yes
10135 – Monitoring of voyage or passage plan Not as required No
10106 – Compass correction log Not as required
01310 – Signs, indications Not as required No
07108 – Ready availability of fire fighting equipment Not properly stowed No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required Yes
18315 – Provisions quality and nutritional value Not as required No
01308 – Records of seafarers’ daily hour of work or rest Incorrect entries No
11117 – Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition Not as required No
07111 – Personal equipment for fire safety Not as required No
14104 – Oil filtering equipment Not as required No
01218 – Medical certificate Not as required No
07120 – Means of escape Blocked No
04103 – Emergency, lighting, batteries and switches Not as required No
09232 – Cleanliness of engine room Insufficient NO
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Damaged No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
13105 – UMS – Ship Inoperative No

This vessel was released on 6th July 2018

Vessel Name: TECOIL POLARIS

GT: 1814

IMO No: 8883290

Flag: Russian Federation (Grey list)

Company: Tecoil Shipping Ltd

Classification Society: RMRS

Recognised Organisation: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and Place of Detention: 6th June 2018 at Immingham

Summary: Twenty-Seven deficiencies with eight grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01123 – Continuous synopsis record Entries missing No
01218 – Medical certificate Missing No
01320 – Garbage record book Incorrect No
01308 – Record of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest False No
04110 – Abandon ship drill Insufficient frequency No
10105 – Magnetic compass Inoperative Yes
10128 – Navigation bridge visibility Not as required No
10104 – Gyro compass Inoperative Yes
11122 – Radio life-saving appliances Inoperative No
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Not as required Yes
04109 – Fire drills Lack of communication No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required Yes
10123 – International code of signals – SOLAS Missing No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
05110 – Facilities for reception of marine safety inform. Not as required No
05199 – Other (radiocommunication) Other No
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained Yes
11101 – Lifeboats Not ready for use Yes
10101 – Pilot ladder and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Unsafe No
06105 – Atmosphere testing instrument Not properly maintained No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required No
01117 – International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Invalid Yes
14604 – Bunker delivery note Not as required No
01315 – Oil record book Not properly filled No
02105 – Steering gear Not properly maintained No
02108 – Electrical installations in general Not properly maintained No
11134 – Operations of life saving appliances Lack of familiarity No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification Society: Unclassed.

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 30th June 2018

Notes to Editors
• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector at www.seavision.org.uk

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
+44 (0) 2380 329 401

Link: Press release: Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during July 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Export success as global sales of UK food and drink reach record high

UK food and drink exports are continuing to smash records, with new figures revealing exports reached £10.6 billion in the first six months of 2018.

Demonstrating a clear global desire for British taste, quality and high standards, UK food and drink businesses are now selling their products to over 200 global markets.

UK seasonal favourites are also in demand abroad – in the first half of the year 64 million litres of ice cream and over 500 tonnes of strawberries were shipped to foreign shores.

Traditional barbeque produce, such as sausages and cuts of beef have risen by 48% and 17% respectively. This is due in part to new meat export markets opening in recent years – and will be bolstered further in the future by the recent announcement that China will lift their BSE ban on British beef, which is estimated to generate £250 million in the first five years alone. Taiwan will also soon be importing UK pork for the first time – worth an estimated £50 million over five years to the UK’s industry.

Iconic British produce such as whisky, worth £2 billion, beer worth £235 million, and smoked salmon worth £308 million are also being snapped up from international supermarket shelves.

Food Minister George Eustice said:

Consumers across the globe know British produce is delicious. They also know it is high in quality and backed by high standards of animal welfare. This is why we are continuing to see a huge growth in the worldwide demand for the best of what British farmers and food producers have to offer.

This world-leading industry already boosts our economy by over £110 billion each year, and leaving the EU will give our food and drink producers an unparalleled opportunity to tap into more markets and take advantage of the UK’s position as a truly global nation.

A team of the Government’s leading trade experts are on hand to provide guidance to UK businesses as they enter into overseas markets for the first time or consider expanding their current global customer base.

This is complemented by the government’s Food is GREAT campaign, which highlights the success of current exporters and showcases the UK’s top quality food and drink.

One ice cream company who has benefitted from this government guidance is Somerset-based firm Granny Gothards, whose range of over 125 flavours includes British inspired tastes such as clotted cream, blackberry and apple, and whisky and marmalade. Established in 2012, the business now exports to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai and has recently branched out into China.

Founder of the firm Amanda Stansfield said:

After the success of our ice creams in Dubai it seems an ideal time to now establish our brand in China. Seeking expert advice is key for any business looking to export produce to China.

The support from government trade advisers has been vital in navigating this process.
Sheffield-based ice cream makers Yee Kwan have also been successful at branching out into exporting. Inspired by the tastes of East Asia – with current flavours including black sesame seed, matcha green tea and chocolate miso – the company exports to 10 European countries via their supply with Wagamama, as well as Kuwait. They will soon be working with a Chinese distributor, with orders expected next year.

Founder Yee Kwan said:

After we’d realised the potential to sell our products overseas, we began working with government advisers, who supported us in exhibiting at the International Food & Drink Event in London.

We’ve found that there’s loads of support to help us navigate exporting challenges – if we can do it, so can you!

Link: Press release: Export success as global sales of UK food and drink reach record high
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Sport a pillar of youth rehabilitation: Minister publishes independent review

  • leading academic highlights the power of sport in transforming lives of young offenders
  • community partnerships to support the development of sport and physical activity in custody
  • offenders engaging in structured programmes learn self-discipline, team work and leadership and communication skills – all crucial for a successful life on the outside

The review, authored by Professor Rosie Meek, was commissioned to identify best practice across the estate and highlights the vital role that sport can play in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

In addition to Professor Meek’s review, the Ministry of Justice has also published its response which highlights the steps that will be taken to boost sporting provision in prison.

Many of the sporting programmes currently delivered across the youth estate help offenders to get vocational qualifications and provide them with tangible employment prospects on release.

There are already some positive examples of community projects working with young people:

  • at Wetherby YOI, Leeds Rhinos are providing training sessions, offering life coaching and mentors to support vulnerable young people
  • Manchester United, Everton and Fulham Football Clubs also support education programmes working with young people at risk of offending in the community
  • Saracens offer coaching qualifications at Feltham YOI

The review highlights how engaging in structured programmes can help to teach offenders self-discipline, team work and leadership – crucial skills for a successful and crime-free life in the community.

Team sport was shown to improve mental and physical health, helping young people with often complex behavioural issues to change their attitudes and lifestyles.

Justice Minister Edward Argar said:

I’m grateful to Professor Rosie Meek for her important work on this review, and to my predecessor for commissioning it.

This review rightly highlights that sport can help to reduce violence, improve wellbeing and have a positive impact on rehabilitation. I want sport and physical activity to be a key part of life custody and I welcome the findings of this review.

During my visits across the youth estate, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication of staff, and of the external organisations we partner with, already delivering sports programmes and helping to change the lives of young people.

We know that sport on its own does not provide all the answers, but it is a central pillar for helping young offenders to build skills which will ultimately reducing reoffending and help them to turn their backs on crime for good.

Professor Rosie Meek, Royal Holloway University of London, said:

I am delighted to have carried out this review and am pleased to have the backing of the Ministry of Justice for this important work.

I strongly believe that sport can be a powerful tool in reducing reoffending and improving the lives of people in custody, which is why I was so pleased be asked to carry out this review.

There is already evidence that sport can have a positive impact on people in custody and I hope that the recommendations outlined in the review will help to improve the lives of people in our justice system.

The sports review was carried out by leading academic Professor Meek, in partnership with the National Alliance of Sport and Clinks, who support voluntary organisations that work with offenders and their families.

Note to editors

Professor Rosie Meek is a chartered psychologist, founding Head of the Law School and Director of the Prisons Research Group at Royal Holloway University of London, UK. She is a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar and was author of the 2014 book Sport in Prison: Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Correctional Settings (Routledge).

Link: Press release: Sport a pillar of youth rehabilitation: Minister publishes independent review
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: UK exports remain at record high in the year to June 2018

In data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Friday 10 August), UK exports to the world rose by £26 billion – an increase of 4.4% compared to the same time last year.

The country’s renowned service sector continues to thrive with exports up 2.2% to a record high of £278 billion, increasing the service surplus to £112 billion.

Goods exports also rose strongly by 6.3% to £343 billion.

On an annual basis, exports continue to grow faster than imports for the 11th consecutive month with the overall trade deficit narrowing by £6 billion from £31 billion to £25 billion in the year to June 2018.

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 £621 billion – up 4.4% on this time last year – and the trade deficit continued to narrow by £6 billion over the last 12 months.

As we open consultations for future trade relationships with key global markets around the world, we’re seeing a shift in the UK where we’re moving 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 last month showed UK exports of goods and services to non-EU countries amounted to around £342 billion in 2017, showing the worldwide demand for British goods and services remains.

Exports to EU countries were around £274 billion in 2017.

The fastest growing export market for the UK since 2010 was Oman, with exports increasing by 354% to £3 billion. This was followed by Macedonia (FYROM) with UK trade growing by 318% to £1 billion and then Kazakhstan which was up by 210% to £2 billion.

Further information

Link: Press release: UK exports remain at record high in the year to June 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Commissioner for Human Rights

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

I would like to warmly congratulate Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UK strongly supports the Office of the High Commissioner in its efforts to promote and protect human rights throughout the world, and to strengthen the ability of the UN system as a whole to respond to human rights situations of concern.

Michelle Bachelet has extensive experience of the UN, and a long history of working to promote human rights, including as the founding Executive Director of UN Women. We wish her every success and look forward to working with her.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein for the invaluable contributions he has made in his role as High Commissioner, speaking up tirelessly for the victims of human rights abuses, and holding nations that commit serious and systematic violations against their citizens to account.

Further information

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Link: Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Commissioner for Human Rights
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: £51m UK Government backing for Welsh innovation

  • £51m of extra funding for high-tech hub in Wales
  • Backing for British expertise at 40-year high
  • Latest GDP figures confirm economy continues to grow

Britain’s world-leading researchers and entrepreneurs in Wales will benefit from an additional £51 million to create the technologies of tomorrow, the Chancellor announced today.

Philip Hammond will expand successful ‘catapult centres’ which are fuelling innovation across the country, including in Wales, as part of the UK’s ambitious, modern Industrial Strategy. This new funding backs Britain’s brightest talent – supporting work in high-tech labs, cutting-edge factories and advanced training centres.

So far this has helped create hundreds of new products, services and inventions, including a portable pollution sensor that parents can attach to a child’s buggy, cellular therapies to fight cancer and improve recovery of stroke victims, LED treatment for blindness, and more-efficient wings for aeroplanes.

The Chancellor made the announcement on the day GDP figures showed the UK economy has grown by 0.4%.

The funding will go to the Compound Semiconductor Catapult in Cardiff, which will open its Innovation Centre in early 2019.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said:

We are backing innovative British companies to grow and create jobs, as we build an economy fit for the future.

Today’s £51 million investment for Wales will support innovators across the country to create the technologies of the future and the better, highly-paid jobs we all want to see.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

This investment in the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult cements Wales’ reputation as a leader in advanced electronics. Bringing together academics and businesses to develop new technologies will support areas of our daily lives from the next generation 5G mobile network to improving scanning at airport security.

Our investment in this technology will help Welsh businesses exploit a hugely lucrative global market and ensure that Wales continues to lead the world in science and innovation, creating vital new jobs along the way.

The UK has a reputation for innovation and is building on this strength with the largest investment in research and development in 40 years. This is part of our balanced approach, getting debt falling while investing to create more opportunities for the high-skilled, well-paid jobs of the future.

The catapult network supports sectors and technologies that are going to be in high demand in the years ahead. It brings together the best of UK business, science and engineering to work side by side in research and development to ‘catapult’ products from ideas to market. It helps remove barriers to growth, which often can include access to finance, inadequate facilities or skills shortages.

ENDS

Link: Press release: £51m UK Government backing for Welsh innovation
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Living on the hedge of the A64

Over the last seven months, Highways England has been carrying out a major junction improvement at Barton Hill near York to improve safety and visibility for road users. As part of this £2.8m scheme which completed on Friday, sections of the hedgerow, a number of trees and stone from an old water culvert had to be removed.

But rather than throwing these items away Highways England and its contractor A-one+ have given them a new lease of life by working closely with Jonathan and Julian Curtoys, the owners of Sloemotion.

Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said:

We saved as much of the hedgerow as possible but sections of the hedge had to be removed. The sloe berries used to produce the gin grow on hedgerows, so it seemed like the perfect solution to donate the hedge to this local sloe gin producing firm.

We were able to reduce the amount hedgerow we needed to remove by altering some of the scheme’s drainage and this work will also help to prevent flooding in the area. Some logs from the trees were also donated to Castle Howard stately home to be used as chippings in the ground.

Cabinetmaker and artist Mark Bennett, of the Woodlark in Malton, was also brought on board. He will be taking part of an Oak tree which was removed from the site and transforming it into a bar for Sloemotion. The remainder of the tree will be used to create bat and bird boxes, which will be placed near to the A64.

Mark will also be using some of the removed hedgerows to create innovative displays for the gin company’s products and hand cut stone from the culvert will be used to adorn the company’s new buildings near Barton-le-Willows.

Russell added:

Our work to improve safety at the junction will benefit over 9,000 drivers a day. We have converted the crossroads to a staggered junction by realigning Mains Lane, extended the culvert to allow the carriageway to be widened, constructed 200m of new road and realigned 600m of the A64. We have also relocated a bus stop, an emergency telephone and a pedestrian crossing.

While we were doing this we upgraded and extended an otter fence to prevent them coming onto the A64. And we have reinstalled an old milepost and will be replacing a historic road sign that has been refurbished.

Jonathan Curtoys, Managing Director of Sloemotion, said the junction improvements will benefit his employees who use the junction.

The changes will certainly have a positive benefit for drivers but then to also donating the hedgerow, the stones and timber to local businesses it feels like something is being given back to the community. I commend Highways England and A-one+ for this – it has been a pleasure working with them over the last seven months.

Mark Bennett of The Woodlark added:

It’s great that we can use what would otherwise have gone to waste and give something back to the environment such as the bird and bat boxes.

Later this year replacement hedgerows will be planted.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Link: Press release: Living on the hedge of the A64
Source: Gov Press Releases